Recently, JK2 Scenic’s VP Andrew Gagel was featured in the September issue of Construction Executive. In the VIEWPOINTS section, Gagel weighed in on the pros and cons of working from home. To view the feature, see below or click here.
Recently, JK2 president, Julie Holmes, was featured in the October issue of Construction Executive. In the VIEWPOINTS segment, Holmes shared an early career mistake she has learned from. To view the article see below, or click here.
JK2 Scenic has made the Orlando Business Journal’s 2019 Central Florida Specialty Contractors list, coming in the number 28 slot. This list is ranked based off 2018 contracting revenue in Lake, orange, Osceola and Seminole counties. To view the full list, click here.
APOPKA, Fla. (May 1, 2019) — Julie Holmes, president and principal of leading specialty construction firm JK2 Scenic, was recently recognized among the top women business owners in Orlando.
Holmes was honored by the Orlando Business Journal as one of the 2019 Women Who Mean Business. The award highlights prominent women leaders throughout the Central Florida community in three categories: Women to Watch, Women Business Owners and Business Executives of the Year. Holmes received the recognition at a luncheon on Friday, April 26, at the Hilton Orlando.
“Running a woman-owned business was one of my goals when I came back to the family business in 2013,” Holmes said. “It’s incredibly gratifying to not only see that dream come true, but to be recognized among a field of inspiring peers.”
Under Holmes’ leadership, JK2 Scenic has experienced tremendous growth as a company. Previously a division of JK2 Construction, JK2 Scenic spun off into its own, separate company in 2017 to take advantage of new growth opportunities. Since joining the Scenic team, Holmes has seen revenues grow over 1,000 percent and plans to continue this trend by diversifying services as well as growing through responsible and strategic initiatives.
Holmes’ recognition by the Orlando Business Journal is yet another accolade to add to JK2 Scenic’s long list. The company has won several Eagle Awards from the Associated Builders and Contractors and has been named to both Orlando Business Journal’s Fast 50 and the University of Florida’s Gator100 lists. Last year, JK2 Scenic was certified as a woman-owned business by the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council.
For more information about JK2 Scenic, visit jk2scenic.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.
APOPKA, Fla. (March 5, 2019) — One top Central Florida specialty construction firm is paving the way for more women leaders in the industry.
JK2 Scenic, part of the JK2 family of companies, was recently certified as a woman-owned and operated business by the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council.
The company is led by President Julie Holmes.
“This has been a long-term goal since moving home and joining the family business,” Holmes said. “Women-owned businesses are growing rapidly nationwide, and especially in Florida—but there is still a lack of women in construction. I’m proud to show that there is room for women to be successful leaders in the industry.”
Under Holmes’ leadership, the company has seen tremendous growth. JK2 Scenic started as a division of JK2 Construction. It spun off into its own, separate company, and Holmes, who returned to be part of the family business in 2013, was named president earlier this year.
The University of Florida graduate, equipped with a background in civil engineering and a solid understanding of corporate management, has seen revenues grow by more than 1,000 percent in her time with JK2 Scenic. The company’s growth and success in the construction industry has already led to a handful of accolades, including three Eagle Awards from the Associated Builders and Contractors this past year.
Holmes plans to continue this trend of prosperity by expanding JK2 Scenic’s client base outside of Central Florida, diversifying services and growing through responsible and strategic initiatives.
The Women’s Business Enterprise National Council is the largest certifier of women-owned businesses in the U.S. and serves as an advocate for women business owners. To earn the certification, businesses must be at least 51 percent owned, controlled, operated and managed by a woman or women. The organization works with regional partners around the U.S.
For more information about the WBENC, visit www.wbenc.org.
For more information about JK2 Scenic, visit jk2scenic.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.
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 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.
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 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 Scenic made the Orlando Business Journal’s Largest Specialty Contractors list at No. 31, which is based on our 2017 specialty contracting revenue. The list included companies from Lake, Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties.
To see the full list, click here.
Congratulations to SeaWorld Orlando on opening Infinity Falls. The attraction features roaring rapids, soaking fountains and a record-setting 40-food waterfall drop. Local construction and theming companies did a great job making this new attraction spectacular. To learn more, read InPark Magazine’s article here.
Orlando Business Journal interviewed Julie Holmes about bringing spaces to life. Read the article here or continue reading below.
“Details, details, details” may seem like a catch phrase to some, but for a company that focuses on bringing themed spaces to life, it is most important.
That’s an area where Julie Holmes and her team at JK2 Scenic excel.
The firm is a custom fabricator of specialty themes in the retail, attractions, entertainment, hospitality and restaurant industries. Holmes earlier this year was named president of JK2 Scenic after it spun off from Apopka-based parent company, JK2 Construction.
JK2 Scenic is known for bringing life to some interesting Central Florida projects, including the highly anticipated Margaritaville Resort Orlando now being built and set to debut next year, as well as Orlando Science Center’s The Hive: A Makerspace.
Here, OBJ talks with Holmes about the secret to her success, what’s most rewarding about her job, who she goes to for advice and more:
What does JK2 Scenic do? We design and build architectural millwork and custom props, and fabricate specialty themed items. When you walk into a room and see a lot of visually appealing casework, props and theme painted items that bring the space to life, that is the type of work we do. We bring the wow factor to any job through our finishing touches.
How did you get your first break in the industry? I’ve been around construction my entire life, and in 2013, my father [Paul Holmes] convinced me to quit my job as a civil engineer, move back to my hometown of Apopka and join the family construction business. After running one construction job, I decided I’d rather work on the creative side of our business, which is JK2 Scenic. I’ve always enjoyed the construction process and being creative, so learning about different wood species, the fabrication processes and theming techniques has been an exciting and educational experience.
What’s been your greatest accomplishment? Watching the growth and expansion of JK2 Scenic. Our leadership team has been focused on strategic planning initiatives to move the company forward. It is very rewarding to see your hard work and company visions become reality.
What is the most rewarding part of your job? Investing in people and watching young talent grow. With a tough labor market, you have to become creative in finding good hires. I love that we are willing to invest in people who fit our core values and have the willingness and eagerness to learn.
When you need advice, who’s your go-to person? I am very lucky to have my father as the best sounding board. His business acumen, survival through the Great Recession and 31 years of business ownership is an unbelievable resource.
What’s the most challenging part of your job? Growing a business is fun and exciting, but managing that growth can be quite painful. I have learned during this process the value of documenting your core standard operating procedures, and taking breaks to work on the business.
What’s the most interesting project you currently are working on? If you like piña coladas, make sure you visit the Margaritaville Resort Orlando opening in early 2019. We are responsible for delivering the common area millwork within this one-of-a-kind resort.
What’s the riskiest thing you’ve done in your career? Quitting my job, moving home and joining the family business in the construction industry was a risk and leap outside my comfort zone. When I made the decision, I wasn’t 100 percent sure, but knew I would regret not exploring the opportunity. It has all been wildly worth it.
A closer look at specialty contracting
ABC Central Florida Chapter’s Building Central Florida magazine shared the news about JK2 Scenic and President Julie Holmes’ new title. Read the article in the July/August issue on page 11 here.
Universal’s Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen was featured in the ABC Central Florida Chapter’s Building Central Florida magazine. Read the article in the March/April issue on page 12 here.
JK2 Scenic to more than double workshop, office space in Apopka
APOPKA, Fla. (Sept. 28, 2016) — JK2 Scenic, a full-service theming contractor, is more than doubling its workshop and office space in Apopka.
As part of the $1.5 million project, the division will add 13,150 square feet of manufacturing/fabrication space and 3,765 square feet of office space to its existing workshop facility at the Apopka Expressway Commerce Center. JK2 Scenic currently occupies 10,000 square feet of space.
“Since 2013, the Scenic Division has grown revenue by more than 900 percent,” said Paul Holmes, JK2’s founder and president. “It only makes sense that we expand our facility to match that phenomenal growth.”
JK2 Scenic is one of the divisions of the family owned company. The Scenic Division designs and builds themed architectural millwork, custom props and specialty items for major attractions and the entertainment, hospitality and restaurant industries.
The expansion will allow the division to streamline production work flow and increase production capacity, and it will position JK2 to capitalize and increase market share in the architectural millwork and theming industry.
The pre-engineered metal building will include a two-floor office area with an employee breakroom, training center, conference room, private offices and an elevator.
The building will have three-phrase power to run the specialty fabrication machinery JK2 uses to complete its projects. A new CNC machine will also be housed in the expanded facility, giving the division further capabilities to create specialty items for its clients.
The project is expected to be complete later this year. JK2 Construction, the other division of the company, will serve as general contractor for the project.
AH2 Group, which includes several JK2 principals, is the developer. The Apopka Expressway Commerce Center is located in northwest Apopka. The center has nine build lots remaining, ranging in size from 4,000 to 14,500 square feet.