JK2 Construction was honored in to be recognized as a 2022 Golden 100 company by Orlando Business Journal late last year. The publication is currently sharing more about the winners, and they featured a Q&A with JK2 Founder Paul Holmes, who retired in 2022.
To read the full article, click here.
At JK2 Construction, we have been celebrating our 35th anniversary all year. We were very honored to cap that celebration off by telling our story in the December 2022 issue of the Associated Builders and Contractors of Central Florida’s Building Central Florida Magazine. We were featured on page 18. You can see the issue here.
In June, JK2 Construction announced the impending retirement of Founder Paul Holmes. ABC Central Florida recently share the announcement in the July/August edition of Building Central Florida. You can read the digital issue here.
Leading general contractor will continue reputation for excellence
APOPKA, Fla. (June 28, 2022) — JK2 Construction today announced that its founder, Paul Holmes, will retire at the end of the year. He will move into an advisory role by creating the position of Chairman.
Holmes started JK2 in 1987 with the goal of building a multi-generational business that worked with honesty and integrity always. In 2022, the company is celebrating its 35th year.
“I’m incredibly proud of the business I’m leaving behind,” Holmes said. “Along with my talented team, I have been blessed to build JK2 into a company that has a reputation for excellence working on some of the top projects not just in Central Florida, but in many industries. It’s a legacy I am proud to pass on to the next generation.”
Holmes graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Science with honors in business. After building his own home in Apopka, he realized he had a passion for construction and completed graduate studies at the School of Building Construction.
When he founded JK2 Holmes Constructors, Inc., Holmes was the only employee. His wife, Joan, occasionally stepped in to do the books. But with a focus on exceeding expectations and building relationships, Holmes built JK2 to a multi-million-dollar business with 20 employees.
The company spun off its custom fabrication division into an independent business, JK2 Scenic, in 2017. It has done extensive work at Orlando’s theme parks, as well as for national home builders and has been recognized with numerous awards for construction excellence and business growth.
As Holmes leaves the day-to-day, his brother, Michael Holmes, and longtime partner, Rick Amundson, will lead operations. A new generation is also working in the business; Paul Holmes’ daughter, Julie, leads JK2 Scenic, and Michael’s sons, Tucker and Garrett, help lead JK2 Construction along with Director of Pre-Construction Dan Shaffer and Senior Project Manager Brian Colville.
Paul Holmes will remain as a minor shareholder.
“JK2 is in good hands,” Paul Holmes said. “I know they will continue the work we’ve been doing and continue to raise the bar. I am excited to see how far they will take this company.”
For more information about JK2 Construction, visit jk2construction.com.
About JK2 Construction
JK2 Construction, a family-owned company founded in 1987, has become a leader in the construction industry. The company specializes in design-build, commercial, retail, entertainment, restaurant, industrial and amenity projects. Under the current leadership team, the company has experienced phenomenal growth, receiving multiple ABC Eagle Awards, being named to the Gator 100 list multiple years, making Orlando Business Journal’s Fast 50 list and being recognized as one of Orlando Business Journal’s Golden 100 as a top privately held company in Central Florida. The company is a trusted, respected and valued partner who builds with a creative project approach and has principal level involvement in every project. For more information, visit jk2construction.com.
Company named to Gator100 list for fourth time
APOPKA, Fla. (March 3,
2020) – Many JK2 Construction employees got their start at the University
of Florida. Now, the company has been honored for how far it has come by the
university itself.
JK2 Construction was named to the elite Gator100 list for the fourth time because of its incredible growth.
The Gator100 awards, in their sixth year, recognize the 100 fastest-growing businesses in the world that are owned or led by alumni of the University of Florida. The list comprises some of the most innovative and successful businesses in U.S. and beyond.
“I’m incredibly proud to be a UF alumnus,” said Paul Holmes,
founder of JK2. “I know what I learned there gave me the foundation to build my
business, and UF gave many of my staff members the tools they need to do the
work we do every day. To be recognized among other outstanding alumni
businesses is truly an honor.”
The honorees are chosen and ranked based on compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) over a three-year period. To qualify, companies must have been in business for at least five years and had revenues of $250,000 or more every year since 2016. From January 2016 to October 2019, a UF alumnus or alumna must have owned 50 percent or more of the company, or have served as chief executive, or have founded the company and served on the senior management team. Ernst & Young calculates the CAGR. Hundreds of companies apply for the honor each year.
“The Gator100 honors UF alumni from across the university
who are founding and growing amazing companies around the country,” said Matt
Hodge, Associate Vice President for Development & Alumni Relations at
University of Florida Advancement. “It’s an incredible affirmation of the
innovative and entrepreneurial spirit of the Gator Nation.”
Representatives from JK2 Construction attended the awards
ceremony in Gainesville on February 28, 2020. The company was ranked No. 61
with a CAGR of 35 percent, up from a ranking of 85 and CAGR of 29.46 percent
last year.
This growth reflects a record year in 2019 for JK2
Construction. JK2 saw its highest revenue growth since the Great Recession and
its second highest revenue mark in its 33-year history. JK2 Construction also
completed several banner projects for theme parks and national home builders in
the last year and took home three Excellence in Construction awards from ABC
Central Florida.
JK2 currently has several UF graduates in leadership roles, including:
JK2 Founder Paul Holmes; JK2 Construction leaders Rick Amundson, COO, and Dan
Shaffer, Pre-Construction Director; Office Manager Joan Holmes and JK2 Scenic
President Julie Holmes.
Paul Holmes earned a Bachelor of Science with honors in business,
followed by graduate studies at the School of Building Construction. Rick
Amundson received a Bachelor of Building Construction. Dan Shaffer received a
Bachelor of Finance. Julie Holmes was a Cum Laude graduate, earning a Bachelor
of Science in civil engineering and is a three-year letter winner of the
University of Florida women’s swimming and diving team.
For more information about JK2 Construction, visit jk2construction.com. For more
information about the Gator100, visit gator100.ufl.edu.
About JK2 Construction
JK2 Construction, a family-owned company founded in 1987, has become a leader in the construction industry. The company specializes in design-build, commercial, retail, entertainment, restaurant, industrial, amenity and time share projects. JK2 Construction has completed projects throughout the nation, including work for major theme parks, themed restaurants and national home builders. The company is a trusted, respected and valued partner who builds with a creative project approach and has principal level involvement in every project. For more information, visit jk2construction.com.
REUNION, Fla. (March 29, 2019) – At a young age, it’s not uncommon for brothers to play with building blocks together – but few get the chance to turn it into a career.
JK2 Construction, a family owned business, is passing one generation of brothers’ work to the next. Recently, siblings Garrett and Tucker Holmes came together to complete the Jack Nicklaus Clubhouse, their first major project as a professional team.
The grand clubhouse in Reunion, Florida, features two stories, and 17,000 square feet of beautifully designed space. For the project, JK2 Construction built an underground cart storage, fully-equipped fitness center, full-service restaurant and bar, golf pro shop and a member sales center.
Originally, the clubhouse was scheduled for 14 months of construction, but the client requested it be finished by the start of peak season. Under the leadership of the brothers and diligence of the team, the Jack Nicklaus Clubhouse was completed in just 11 short months!
JK2 Construction was founded in 1987 by Paul Holmes. Always a family man, Paul brought his brother Michael on staff to help establish and grow the business, along with business partner Rick Amundson. Garrett and Tucker, Michael’s sons, then joined the business, and Paul’s daughter, Julie, now leads JK2 Scenic, the other business in the JK2 family of companies.
Over 30 years after its founding, JK2 Construction has grown into a leader in the construction industry with ties to major theme parks and national home builders. The company is known for its high level of service and dedication to delivering excellence for its customers.
“JK2 was always a family company, and I know it makes both Michael and I proud to see the next generation not only taking interest in the company, but initiative,” said Paul Holmes. “We know they will continue to build on the success we’ve had as they take JK2 into the future.”
For more information about JK2 Construction, visit jk2construction.com.
About JK2 Construction
JK2 Construction, a family-owned company founded in 1987, has become a leader in the construction industry. The company specializes in design-build, commercial, retail, entertainment, restaurant, industrial, amenity and time share projects. JK2 Construction has completed projects throughout the nation, including work for major theme parks, themed restaurants and national home builders. The company is a trusted, respected and valued partner who builds with a creative project approach and has principal level involvement in every project. For more information, visit jk2construction.com.
APOPKA, Fla. (Feb. 25, 2019) – The JK2 family of companies is ready for a celebratory Gator Chomp. Both JK2 Construction and JK2 Scenic were named to the elite Gator100 list for the third time based on their impressive growth.
The award recognizes the 100 fastest-growing businesses worldwide that are owned or led by alumni of the University of Florida. The list, which is presented by the UF Alumni Association, in partnership with the UF Entrepreneurship & Innovation Center, is in its fifth year.
To qualify, companies must have been in business for at least five years and had revenues of $250,000 or more every year since 2015, or for the past three full fiscal years. From January 2015 to September 2018, a UF alumnus or group of alumni must have owned 50 percent or more of the company, or have served as chief executive, or have founded the company and served on the senior management team.
The honorees of the Gator100 list are chosen based on a company’s compounded annual growth rate, or CAGR, over a three-year period. The JK2 family of companies made the list out of hundreds of companies that applied.
“The University of Florida was an integral part in preparing several of our team members, myself included, to do the work we do in the construction industry,” said Paul Holmes, founder of JK2. “To be recognized for that work by our alma mater is an incredible honor.”
This is JK2’s third time making the prestigious list. Since JK2 Scenic was spun off into a separate company last year, this is the first year both companies made the list on their own. JK2 Construction was ranked No. 85 with a CAGR of 29.46 percent, while JK2 Scenic was ranked No. 70 with a CAGR of 34.34 percent.
As a combined company, JK2 was ranked No. 45 in 2017 and No. 72 in 2016.
Both companies have experienced an extraordinary amount of growth over the last few years. JK2 Construction has completed several notable projects at Universal Orlando Resort, the Orlando Science Center and several amenity centers for national home builders. JK2 Scenic has seen a growth in revenue by over 1,000 percent, and completed work at Universal Orlando Resort, Disney Springs and the Margaritaville Resort Orlando.
The JK2 family of companies has five UF graduates currently in leadership roles: JK2 Founder Paul Holmes; JK2 Construction leaders Rick Amundson, Vice President, David Ressler, Director of Operations, and Dan Shaffer, Pre-Construction Manager; and JK2 Scenic President Julie Holmes.
Paul Holmes earned a Bachelor of Science with honors in business, followed by graduate studies at the School of Building Construction. Rick Amundson received a Bachelor of Building Construction. David Ressler received a Bachelor of Science in agriculture. Dan Shaffer received a Bachelor of Finance. Julie Holmes was a Cum Laude graduate, earning a Bachelor of Science in civil engineering and is a three-year letter winner of the University of Florida women’s swimming and diving team.
For more information about JK2 Construction, visit jk2construction.com. For more information about JK2 Scenic, visit jk2scenic.com.
For more information about the Gator100, visit gator100.ufl.edu.
About JK2 Construction
JK2 Construction, a family-owned company founded in 1987, has become a leader in the construction industry. The company specializes in design-build, commercial, retail, entertainment, restaurant, industrial, amenity and time share projects. JK2 Construction has completed projects throughout the nation, including work for major theme parks, themed restaurants and national home builders. The company is a trusted, respected and valued partner who builds with a creative project approach and has principal level involvement in every project. For more information, visit jk2construction.com.
APOPKA, Fla. (October 22, 2018) —JK2 has been recognized once again for Excellence in Construction by the Central Florida Chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors.
JK2 Scenic won three Eagle Awards for its work on the retail store at Universal Orlando’s Loews Sapphire Falls Resort, for work on the retail store at Universal Orlando’s Fast & Furious—Supercharged, and for its work on Universal Orlando’s Volcano Bay Water Theme Park. The company brought each of these notable projects to life with custom millwork and theming to fit each unique space.
JK2 Construction also earned an Eagle Award this year for its work on Universal Orlando’s Harry Potter Christmas Show. The company worked around the clock and fabricated new towers, strategically located for show projector accuracy, for the nighttime light show, which drew major attention to the park and attracted Harry Potter fans from around the world.
“Both JK2 Scenic and JK2 Construction have built an impeccable reputation by delivering on each and every project,” said Paul Holmes, founder of JK2. “It’s always an incredible honor to be recognized for that work, and it’s even more meaningful among our peers.”
Each year, ABC Central Florida honors the best projects built by its members with the Eagle Award. The annual awards competition aims to raise the level of construction standards by recognizing top workmanship.
JK2 has an exemplary track record with the Eagle Awards. JK2 Scenic received three honors in 2017, and JK2 Construction earned an honor in 2016.
In addition to the Eagle Awards, JK2 Construction and JK2 Scenic have been recognized among the largest general contractors and largest specialty contractors by the Orlando Business Journal two years in a row. The companies have been named to the elite Gator100 list twice and were named to the 2017 Fast 50 list for their growth.
For more information about JK2 Construction, visit jk2construction.com. For more information about JK2 Scenic, visit jk2scenic.com.
About JK2 Construction
JK2 Construction, a family-owned company founded in 1987, has become a leader in the construction industry. The company specializes in design-build, commercial, retail, entertainment, restaurant, industrial, amenity and time share projects. JK2 Construction has completed projects throughout the nation, including work for major theme parks, themed restaurants and national home builders. The company is a trusted, respected and valued partner who builds with a creative project approach and has principal level involvement in every project. For more information, visit jk2construction.com.
About JK2 Scenic
JK2 Scenic focuses on building dreams and bringing unique construction visions to life in a creative way. The company specializes in themed architectural millwork, custom props and specialty items for retail, attraction, entertainment, hospitality and restaurant clients. Founded in 2008 as part of the JK2 family of companies, JK2 Scenic became its own company in 2017. Led by President Julie Holmes, the company has seen amazing growth and has been honored numerous times, receiving multiple Associated Builders and Contractors Eagle Awards and making the Orlando Business Journal’s Fast 50 list. JK2 Scenic provides creative solutions to uncommon ideas and has worked with world-class theme parks and national brands. For more information about JK2 Scenic, visit jk2scenic.com or call (407) 880-8400.
JK2 Construction’s work on Taylor Morrison’s Canyons at Highland Ranch development was featured in the ABC Central Florida Chapter’s Building Central Florida magazine. Read the article in the September/October issue on page 12 here.
Local construction leader finishes first project with Taylor Morrison
APOPKA, Fla. (June 12, 2018) — JK2 Construction, a leader in the Central Florida construction industry, recently completed work on a luxury amenity center in the booming city of Clermont.
The amenity center is part of Taylor Morrison’s Canyons at Highland Ranch development. The project features a cabana, pool, splash pad and dog parks. In addition to these amenities, JK2 Construction also created volleyball, basketball and tennis courts for residents.
The amenity center JK2 Construction built offers something for all residents, whether they want to relax and unwind with family and pets or get active on the court.
This is the first project JK2 Construction has completed with Taylor Morrison. Thanks to its success, the two companies have continued their partnership, with multiple projects already in the works.
“Taylor Morrison is known for building homes tailored to the needs of residents,” said Paul Holmes, JK2 Construction’s president and founder. “Our efficient, quality building approach allowed us to produce a luxurious amenity center quickly and affordably while they focus on constructing homes their clients will love. We look forward to growing this partnership.”
The Canyons at Highland Ranch is located in Lake County and features 14 home designs starting in the $250,000s.
Over the past 30 years, JK2 Construction has collaborated with many home builders around Florida and the U.S., including Pulte Home Corporation, Starwood Land Ventures, Winter Garden’s Orchard Hills Community, Summerlake Community in Windermere and Hickory Hammock Community. JK2 is proud to add Taylor Morrison to its list of partners.
For more information about JK2 Construction, visit jk2construction.com.
About JK2 Construction
JK2 Construction, a family-owned company founded in 1987, has become a leader in the construction industry. The company specializes in design-build, commercial, retail, entertainment, restaurant, industrial, amenity and time share projects. JK2 Construction has completed projects throughout the nation, including work for major theme parks, themed restaurants and national home builders. The company is a trusted, respected and valued partner who builds with a creative project approach and has principal level involvement in every project. For more information, visit jk2construction.com.
JK2 Construction is honored to be included in Orlando Business Journal’s list of Largest Construction Companies/General Contractors for the second year in a row.
Companies were ranked based on their 2017 Central Florida operating revenue.
JK2 Construction was ranked No. 19 among some of the best in the industry, which is five higher than last year.
The recognition is the latest in a series of honors for JK2. Over the past year, the company was named among Orlando Business Journal’s 2017 Fast 50 and made the Gator100 list for the second year in a row.
To see the full OBJ Largest Construction Companies/General Contractors list, click here.
JK2 Construction and Scenic was named as a finalist for the Association for Corporate Growth Orlando SMART Award for the second time. Below is a segment of Paul Holmes, president, and Julie Holmes, vice president of the Scenic Division, talking about the company.
The ABC Central Florida’s magazine Building Central Florida recognizes JK2 Construction & Scenic for its University of Florida Gator 100 honor. Read the article in the May/June issue on page 12 here.
JK2 Construction & Scenic receives 2017 Gator100 honor
Company recognized among innovative Gator-led businesses for second year
ORLANDO, Fla. (Feb. 14, 2017) – JK2 Construction & Scenic has been named to the elite Gator100 list for the second year in a row based on its outstanding growth.
The annual Gator100 list honors the 100 fastest-growing businesses in the world that are owned or led by alumni of the University of Florida. This is the third year for the awards, which are sponsored by UF, the Warrington College of Business and the Entrepreneurship & Innovation Center.
To qualify, companies must have been in business for five years or more and had revenues of $250,000 or more in 2013. From January 2013 to October 2016, a UF alumnus or group of alumni must have owned 50 percent or more of the company, have served as chief executive or have founded the company and served on the senior management team.
Companies are ranked by compounded annual growth rate, or CAGR, over a three-year period. JK2 Construction & Scenic made the list out of hundreds of companies that applied.
“At JK2, we’re always proud to be recognized for our outstanding work,” said JK2 Founder and President Paul Holmes. “But being part of the Gator100 is even sweeter for us as proud UF alumni. Our outstanding education truly set the foundation for the success of our family construction business.”
JK2 was ranked 45 with a CAGR of 48.22 percent, up from number 72 in 2016. Both JK2 Construction and JK2 Scenic have experienced incredible growth over the last few years. JK2 Construction has completed several major projects at Universal Studios Orlando and several amenity centers for national home builders. Meanwhile, JK2 Scenic has grown revenue by 1,000 percent since 2013 and has recently completed major projects at both Universal Studios Orlando and Disney Springs.
JK2 has three UF graduates currently in leadership roles within the company: President Paul Holmes, Construction Division Vice President Rick Amundson and Scenic Division Vice President Julie Holmes.
Paul Holmes earned a Bachelor of Science with honors in business, followed by graduate studies at the School of Building Construction. Rick Amundson received a Bachelor of Building Construction degree. Julie Holmes was a Cum Laude graduate, earning a Bachelor of Science in civil engineering and is a three-year letter winner of the University of Florida women’s swimming and diving team.
For more information about JK2, visit jk2.com. For more information about the Gator100, visit gator100.ufl.edu.
About JK2 Construction & Scenic
JK2 Construction & Scenic, a family-owned company founded in 1987, has evolved into a unique company combining two divisions of construction. The JK2 Construction Division specializes in design-build, commercial, retail, entertainment, restaurant, industrial, amenity, resort hotels and time share projects. The JK2 Scenic Division designs and builds themed architectural millwork, custom props and fabricates specialty items for the retail, major attractions, entertainment, hospitality and restaurant industries. JK2 has completed projects throughout the nation including work for major theme parks, themed restaurants and national home builders. JK2 is a trusted, respected and valued partner who builds with a creative project approach and has principal level involvement in every project. For more information, visit http://www.jk2.com.
Orlando, Fla. — (April 11, 2016) — Fans of the Japanese cartoon feline with the famous bow can soon say hello to Hello Kitty in Orlando, thanks to a major renovation at Universal Studios headed by JK2 Construction.
The company, a leader in Florida’s construction and building industry, served as general contractor for the work on the more than 5,000-square-foot space, which now houses the Hello Kitty interactive retail experience, as well as a Betty Boop store and a Universal area.
The building features about 3,000 square feet of Hello Kitty space, decorated with bright, animated characters. At the center, there is just under 1,000 square feet of Universal retail space, and further along, there is about 1,000 square feet of Betty Boop space, decorated in the animated character’s signature red and black.
The space was originally the home of an attraction centered on memorabilia from the TV show “I Love Lucy.”
Rick Amundson, the vice president of the Construction Division, said JK2 headed up the more than $1.5 million renovation of the space.
“The only thing we left were the walls and roof,” Amundson said.
JK2 also made some changes outside, updating the building’s façade.
“We’ve been doing this type of work at Universal Studios for almost 30 years,” said JK2 President Paul Holmes. “This is just another completed job in a long line of exceptional projects, and we’re proud of that.”
The company also built the famed Universal Studios Orlando archway entrance.
About JK2 Construction & Scenic
JK2 Construction & Scenic, a family-owned company founded in 1987, has evolved into a unique company combining two divisions of construction. The JK2 Construction Division specializes in design-build, commercial, retail, entertainment, restaurant, industrial, amenity, resort hotels and time share projects. The JK2 Scenic Division designs and builds themed architectural millwork, custom props and fabricates specialty items for the retail, major attractions, entertainment, hospitality and restaurant industries. JK2 has completed projects throughout the nation including work for major theme parks, themed restaurants and national home builders. JK2 is a trusted, respected and valued partner who builds with a creative project approach and has principal level involvement in every project. For more information, visit http://www.jk2.com.
JK2 Construction & Scenic Receives 2016 Gator100 Honors
Prestigious honor recognizes innovative Gator-led businesses worldwide
JK2 Construction & Scenic has been named a 2016 Gator100 honoree due to its outstanding growth over the past three years. The annual award honors University of Florida alumni-led businesses demonstrating extraordinary entrepreneurial spirit and notable growth.
The Gator100, sponsored by the University of Florida, the Warrington College of Business and the Entrepreneurship & Innovation Center, recognizes and celebrates the achievements of leading UF alumni entrepreneurs around the world. The Gator100 ranks the 100 fastest-growing, Gator-owned or Gator-led businesses each year – regardless of which school or college the alumni graduated from – recognizing the entrepreneurial spirit in all Gator alumni across the campus. More than 600 Gator-led companies around the world applied for this honor.
“As part of Gator Nation, we are extremely proud to be a Gator100 nominee, ‘’ said JK2 President and Founder Paul Holmes. “Our world-class education provided the solid foundation for our family construction business. The entire team is very blessed by the success and milestone growth in both our construction and scenic divisions.’’
JK2 was ranked 72 with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 32.35%. A few of the important projects completed in the past year by JK2’s Construction Division include the new NBC Media Lab at Universal Studios Orlando, renovation at the Dolphin Hotel, as well as several design-build community clubhouses for national home builders. JK2 Scenic, which provides themed architectural millwork, custom props and fabricates specialty items continues strengthening relationships with area attractions, resorts and restaurants. JK2 Scenic projects included Florida locations for the Cinépolis movie theater chain, various projects at Universal Studios Orlando and custom millwork and props for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter ™ at Universal Studios Hollywood. JK2 also completed a major retail assignment at Disney Springs.
JK2 has three UF graduates currently in leadership roles within the company: President Paul Holmes, LEED AP, VP/Construction Division Manager Rick Amundson and VP/Scenic Division Manager Julie Holmes, P.E., LEED AP.
Paul Holmes earned a Bachelor of Science with Honors in Business, followed by graduate studies at the School of Building Construction. Rick Amundson received a Bachelor of Building Construction degree. Julie Holmes was a Cum Laude graduate, earning a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering and is a three-year letter winner of the University of Florida women’s swimming and diving team.
About JK2 Construction & Scenic
JK2 Construction & Scenic, a family-owned company founded in 1987, has evolved into a unique company combining two divisions of construction. The JK2 Construction Division specializes in design-build, commercial, retail, entertainment, restaurant, industrial, amenity and time share projects. The JK2 Scenic Division designs and builds themed architectural millwork, custom props and fabricates specialty items for the retail, major attractions, entertainment, hospitality and restaurant industries. JK2 has completed projects throughout the nation including work for major theme parks, themed restaurants and national home builders. JK2 is a trusted, respected and valued partner who builds with a creative project approach and has principal level involvement in every project. For more information, visit http://www.jk2.com.