JK2 Scenic has often made its mark on Orlando’s famed theme parks, from creating pieces that bring movies to life to crafting unique but functional details for hotels and retail spaces. The specialty subcontractor was recently recognized for doing just that once again at some of Universal Orlando Resort’s newest properties.

JK2 Scenic took home two awards for excellence in construction from the Central Florida Chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors for its work on Epic Universe’s Celestial Park and Universal’s Stella Nova Resort. The company was honored with an Award of Merit for its work on Universal’s Terra Luna Resort.

This is the ninth year in a row that JK2 Scenic has been honored, with 20 total Eagles. The awards are given for the top construction projects by the industry organization. JK2 Scenic won in the commercial wood and millwork categories at the $5-$10 million and $1-5 million levels.

“We’ve made our mark on some of Central Florida’s biggest theme park projects, and we’re incredibly proud to have had the opportunity to do that with Epic Universe,” said Julie Holmes, president of JK2 Scenic. “It’s gratifying to have my team’s creative expertise recognized in the industry. We’re thankful to our partners on these projects and look forward to seeing these spaces enjoyed for many years to come.”

Stella Nova and Terra Luna are key hotel properties for Epic Universe. For these projects, JK2 Scenic completed several themed millwork projects, adding unique elements that bring the cosmic theme to life for guests. Celestial Park is the center of Epic Universe where guests can explore between adventuring to other worlds. For their part, JK2 provided an extensive millwork package for a variety of destinations, including four retail spaces, a Starbucks, a VIP event room and more.

The awards were presented Oct. 18 at the Hilton Orlando.

For more information about JK2 Scenic, visit jk2scenic.com. For more information about ABC Central Florida, visit https://abccentralflorida.com/.

Specialty contractor honored for industry excellence for sixth year in a row  

APOPKA, Fla. (Oct. 31, 2022) — JK2 Scenic has built a reputation for delivering excellence, even on some of Central Florida’s biggest, most challenging and most notable construction projects. The company did it again in a big way in 2022. 

JK2 Scenic was recently honored with the Eagle Award for Excellence in Construction for its work on the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser intergalactic-themed hotel located at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.  

The award is given by the Associated Builders and Contractors of Central Florida for top projects in the industry. This marks the sixth year in a row JK2 Scenic has been honored.  

“We pride ourselves on delivering excellence and building our clients’ dreams,” JK2 Scenic President Julie Holmes said. “That’s exactly what we were able to do on this project. We are honored to be recognized in our industry, and I’m proud of our team members and partners for all of their hard work in making this possible.”  

The Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser is a revolutionary experience for guests. The spaceship-themed hotel provides guests the opportunity to go on a simulated two-night space cruise that includes interacting with Star Wars characters and participating in missions throughout the length of stay.  

For their part, JK2 Scenic fabricated and installed the decorative interior millwork package throughout the common areas and within the guest rooms and suites of the themed hotel. This included working with kydex, a specialty plastic material, to wrap intricate millwork pieces and create unique design features. Specialty work in the common areas included the valet desk, concierge desk, custom sofas and benches within the atrium, the Sublight Lounge main build-out, the Crown of Corellia Dining Room build-out, and the boutique retail station POS, back bar, and display casework. Work within the guest room cabins included the vanity tops, custom wardrobe cabinets and trim, shower and entry door thresholds, and custom sofa furniture pieces within the suites. 

The Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser project was also among the projects considered for “Project of the Year” at the awards. 

The Eagle Awards are presented yearly by ABC Central Florida in recognition of exceptional construction projects. JK2 Scenic has a strong history at the awards, with 15 awards in the last six years. 

The awards were held Saturday, Oct. 22 at the Hilton Orlando.  

For more information about ABC Central Florida, visit www.abccentralflorida.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, JK2 Construction honored by ABC Central Florida

APOPKA, Fla. (November 1, 2021) —The JK2 family of companies has a reputation for excellence in the construction industry—and that reputation is growing. Both JK2 Scenic and JK2 Construction were honored with Eagle Awards for Excellence in Construction by the Associated Builders and Contractors of Central Florida for the fourth year in a row.

Both companies were honored for their work on the Loews Royal Pacific Resort Lobby, which they worked on together. Additionally, JK2 Scenic was honored for its work on the Bourne Stuntacular store.

“When I started JK2, I wanted this company to be built on relationships,” said JK2 Founder Paul Holmes. “While we’ve grown and expanded over these 30 years, I’m very proud that the reputation for excellence and integrity remains a core of every project we work on, and that is reflected in this recognition from our industry.”

Both JK2 Construction and JK2 Scenic were honored for work on the Loews Royal Pacific Resort Lobby, which included a complete renovation of the Orchid Lounge and the creation of a new grab-and-go food area, Tuk Tuk Market. JK2 Construction completely demolished and reconstructed the spaces, including interior finishes, HVAC and electrical distribution, framing, drywall and more. JK2 Scenic added finishing touches, including fabricating stone-cladded reception desks and the impressive main bar and center bar island.

JK2 Scenic also took home an Eagle Award for its work on the Bourne Stuntacular store, which replaced the former Five & Dime at Universal Studios Florida. JK2 Scenic completed the retail wallbays, which include LED lighting, as well as shelving, nesting tables, floor fixtures and the POS station.

The Eagle Awards are presented yearly by ABC Central Florida in recognition of truly excellent projects.

This is the fourth year in which both companies have received honors and the sixth year in which JK2 has been recognized. The companies have received 22 awards during that time.

The ABC EIC award ceremony took place Saturday, October 30, at the Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate.

For a high-res photo, click here.

For more information about ABC Central Florida, visit www.abccentralflorida.com. For more information about the JK2 companies, visit www.jk2.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.

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.

Both divisions honored by Associated Builders and Contractors

APOPKA, Fla. (October 30, 2019) – JK2 has once again been recognized for its outstanding work in the construction industry in Central Florida—this time with an incredible eight Eagle Awards from a top trade organization.

JK2 Scenic received five awards for Excellence in Construction with two merit awards. Three of the four projects considered for the “Project of the Year” award belonged to JK2 Scenic. JK2 Construction received three awards for Excellence in Construction.

The awards, known as Eagle Awards, are given by the Central Florida Chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors.  They are presented annually to members of ABC Central Florida, recognizing top workmanship that raises the level of construction standards.

The company’s two divisions worked together on two of the projects—Universal CityWalk’s Voodoo Doughnut and the Orlando Science Center’s collaborative workspace, The Hive: A Makerspace.

On the Voodoo Doughnut project, JK2 Construction handled the demolition and interior build-out, including a fully operational kitchen. JK2 Scenic then added finishing touches, from the decorative props to the famous rotating doughnut cabinet.

On the Orlando Science Center project, the two again worked together to transform a space. JK2 Construction managed the entire design and renovation of the project, completing the demolition and interior build-out. JK2 Scenic manufactured custom millwork, including storage cabinets, work spaces countertops, bins and wall art.

JK2 Scenic also won Eagle Awards for its work on SeaWorld Orlando’s Sesame Street Neighborhood, Novel Lucerne apartments, and a Lake Nona office project. The company received merit awards for work on Margaritaville Resort Orlando and for the retail space at Universal’s Aventura Hotel.

JK2 Construction received another Eagle Award for its work on the Jack Nicklaus Clubhouse in Reunion. For this 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. It was completed after just 11 months, three months ahead of the already tight deadline.

The awards ceremony took place on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019, at the Hyatt Regency Orlando.

This year’s awards add to an exemplary track record for JK2, which received four awards in 2018, three in 2017 and another in 2016.

For more information about both divisions of JK2, please visit www.jk2.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 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.

JK2 awarded 4 Eagle Awards for Excellence in Construction

Both teams honored by Associated Builders and Contractors

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.

Largest Central Florida Specialty Contractors

Ranked by 2016 C. Fla.* specialty contracting revenue

Central Florida denotes Lake, Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties

JK2 Scenic awarded three Eagle Awards  by Associated Builders and Contractors

Honor recognizes best work in Central Florida’s construction industry

APOPKA, Fla. (Oct. 9, 2017) — JK2 Scenic has been recognized for Excellence in Construction by the Central Florida Chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors for its work on three major projects — Universal Orlando’s Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon, three venues at Disney Springs, and Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen at Universal CityWalk.

Each year, ABC Central Florida recognizes outstanding projects by its members with the Eagle Award.

“We are incredibly honored to be recognized among our peers for our work on three amazing projects in Central Florida,” said Julie Holmes, vice president of JK2’s Scenic Division. “As our company continues to grow and achieve phenomenal things, we are excited to see what the future holds.”

JK2 Scenic helped bring striking theming to life with its work on Universal CityWalk’s Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen, completing a custom build-out of interior fixtures and millwork. The company also completed custom millwork features and finishes at Universal Orlando’s recently opened ride, Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon, and at Disney Springs, working on three different venues within the expansion.

The Eagle Award wins for JK2 come among a spate of other honors for the company. JK2 was recently named to the Orlando Business Journal’s Fast 50 list for its growth. It was also named to the elite Gator100, which recognizes growth in businesses led by graduates of the University of Florida, for the second year, and it was named to the 2016 GrowFL Florida Companies to Watch list.

For more information, visit jk2.com.

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.

JK2 Construction & Scenic named among Orlando Business Journal’s 2017 Fast 50

Family-owned business honored for incredible growth

APOPKA, Fla. (June 12, 2017) – JK2 Construction & Scenic has been honored for its outstanding growth, ranking among Orlando’s top 50 fastest growing companies.

The Fast 50 list is compiled by the Orlando Business Journal. The list includes private business in Orange, Seminole, Lake and Osceola counties, ranked based on the percentage of revenue growth from 2014-2016.

JK2 has seen revenues grow by over 40 percent from 2014 to 2016.

The company combines the capabilities of a general contractor with a dynamic scenic division, allowing it to offer architectural millwork, custom props and specialty items in-house. JK2 Construction has completed projects at area theme parks, as well as for several national home builders. JK2 Scenic has also completed projects at area theme parks, including the new water park in town.

“I started JK2 in order to have a family business that operated with high standards. To see that dream grow into one of the fastest growing companies in Central Florida is outstanding,” said Paul Holmes, president and founder of JK2. “I’m incredibly proud, and I look forward to seeing this company develop and grow strategically in the future.”

JK2 was founded in 1987 and has since developed into a company combining two divisions of construction. JK2 Construction specializes in design-build, commercial, retail, entertainment, restaurant, industrial, amenity and time share projects. JK2 Scenic designs and builds themed architectural millwork, custom props and fabricates specialty items for the retail, major attractions, entertainment, hospitality and restaurant industries.

The company was also recently named to the Gator100, which recognizes the fastest-growing business led by alumni of the University of Florida, for the second year in a row. In addition, JK2 was a 2017 SMART Award Finalist through the Association for Corporate Growth of Orlando for the second year in a row and was named to the 2016 GrowFL Florida Companies to Watch list.

The rankings of the 50 companies were revealed and the honorees were recognized at an event on June 9.

For more information on JK2 Construction & Scenic, visit 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.

Central Florida Specialty Contractors

Ranked by 2015 C. Fla.* specialty contracting revenue

Central Florida denotes Lake, Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties

JK2 Construction & Scenic receives 2016 GrowFL award

Family-owned business named to Florida Companies to Watch list

Apopka, Fla. (Aug. 22, 2016) – JK2 Construction & Scenic has been named to the 2016 Florida Companies to Watch list by GrowFL because of its outstanding growth.

GrowFL is an economic development program aimed at helping second-stage growth companies prosper in the Sunshine State. It works in association with the Edward Lowe Foundation to compile the Florida Companies to Watch list, which celebrates those companies that demonstrate high performance by using innovative strategies and processes.

JK2 was one of 50 companies statewide that made the list. It was selected out of more than 500 nominees.

JK2 Construction & Scenic’s growth was spurred by the fact that the company combines the capabilities of a general contractor with a dynamic scenic division that is able to create architectural millwork, custom props and specialty items. President and Founder Paul Holmes said they are extremely proud of the recognition.

“As a family-owned business, we have worked hard to grow this company into a second-stage business,” he said. “We’re in good company among the other honorees, and we look forward to continuing to develop innovative strategies that allow our growth to flourish at JK2.”

JK2 was founded in 1987 and has since developed into a 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.

Since 2013, the Scenic Division has grown revenue by more than 300 percent. It doubled its size in 2014, and plans are underway to build a new shop facility in 2016. Likewise, the Construction Division grew revenue by more than 55 percent in 2015 and recently completed work for Universal Studios Orlando and several amenity centers for national home builders.

Second-stage companies are defined as those with six to 150 full-time employees and between $750,000 and $100 million in annual revenue. The companies on the list generated more than $1.1 billion in revenue and added nearly 1,200 employees between 2012 and 2015. They also project a 30 percent increase in revenue and a 33 percent increase in job growth in 2016.

JK2 will be honored at a celebration Nov. 3 at the Hard Rock Live.

For more information on GrowFL, visit www.growfl.com. For more information on JK2 Construction & Scenic, visit 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.