Construction Executive recently featured Rick Amundson, President and CEO of JK2 Construction, in their June 2023 issue, highlighting his answers to six questions about himself, the construction industry and how he works to inspire his employees.
To read the full issue, click here.
APOPKA, Fla. (November 21, 2022) — From the days of Paul Holmes working in a barn on his property with his wife and co-founder, Joan, and brother, Michael, JK2 Construction has always been a family company. Now, the next generation is ready to continue the legacy of the multi-million-dollar business and make it their own.
JK2 Construction today announced its new leadership team, including three of the company’s senior staff members who are now principals.
Following the announcement of Paul Holmes’ retirement earlier in 2022, longtime business partners Rick D. Amundson and Michael Holmes were tapped to lead operations. Rick Amundson has taken over Paul Holmes’ role as President and CEO, and Michael Holmes remains as the company’s Director of Field Operations. Paul Holmes will remain as a minor shareholder and have an advisory role to the company.
In addition, Rick Amundson and Michael Holmes welcomed three new partners to ownership positions. Tucker Holmes will serve as Vice President and COO; Brian Colville will serve as Director of Project Management; and Dan Shaffer will serve as Director of Pre-Construction. The announcement happens to come as JK2 celebrates its 35th anniversary year.
“When you start a business, you hope you might build something worth passing down,” Paul Holmes said. “I’m incredibly proud of what JK2 Construction has become. Our reputation for excellence is because of the hard work of all of these team members, and I’m excited to watch them continue to build this into something even bigger.”
Tucker Holmes has been with JK2 Construction since 2015 as a project manager and operations manager. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Construction Management from the University of North Florida and has extensive experience in the construction field. He has experience in management as well as working in the field as a carpenter and equipment operator.
Brian Colville has been with the team since 2016 as a project manager. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Notre Dame. He has a background in business, having run his own business in the medical industry before returning to his love of construction professionally at JK2 Construction. Brian Colville was born into a construction family and is glad to get back to his roots.
Dan Shaffer joined JK2 Construction in 2018. He has a Bachelor of Science in Finance from the University of Florida and brings 15+ years’ experience in purchasing and estimating to his role. He takes a strategic approach to estimating and works with the team to ensure projects come in on time and under budget.
The new principals, along with Michael Holmes and Rick Amundson, plan to continue the reputation of excellence JK2 Construction has earned as a trusted general contractor and partner on some of the largest projects in Central Florida.
“We are going take what Paul started and continue building on his legacy,” Tucker Holmes said. “For us, this is like how Paul felt when he started this business in 1987. We see this as our ground floor, and we’re excited to take it from here.”
“We have the strongest, most cohesive team the company has ever had,” Rick Amundson said. “With the addition of the new partners I can see another 35 years of continued growth long after Mike and I are retired.”
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 that 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 project at Pulte Home Corporation’s Ruby Lake development
APOPKA, Fla. (Dec. 11, 2017) — JK2 Construction, a leader in the Central Florida construction industry, recently completed work on a luxury community clubhouse in Orlando’s growing tourism corridor.
The clubhouse is part of Pulte Home Corporation’s Ruby Lake development off Turkey Lake Road. The nearly $2 million project features a 5,241-square foot building that includes a fitness area, community room, bathrooms and an office. JK2 also constructed a large community pool with a children’s splash pad and water features, a community mail center and a tennis court.
The amenity site is situated on 1.27 acres on a lakefront, and residents are able to sit poolside and see the Disney’s nightly fireworks. A dock for residents to enjoy is planned for the future.
This is the latest in a string of projects JK2 has completed for premier home builder Pulte Home Corporation.
“Pulte Home Corporation knows what residents in Orlando’s growing communities want,” said Paul Holmes, JK2’s president and founder. “Our design-build approach allows us to produce these quality centers quickly and affordably while they focus on constructing homes for their clients. We’re thrilled to be their trusted partner.”
Ruby Lake is located in the Dr. Phillips neighborhood and features 10 home designs starting at $441,990.
JK2’s project team included Vice President Rick Amundson, Project Manager Tucker Holmes and Project Superintendent Garrett Holmes. JK2 is a second-generation family-owned company.
In the past, JK2 has partnered with Pulte Home Corporation to complete amenity and fitness centers at Lakeshore at Narcoossee in St. Cloud, Royal Estates of Orlando and Lakeview Pointe in Winter Garden. The company has also worked with Starwood Land Ventures, Winter Garden’s Orchard Hills Community, Summerlake Community in Windermere and Hickory Hammock Community.
For more information about JK2, visit jk2.com.
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 www.jk2.com/.
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.