Leading specialty construction company named woman-owned business

03/14/2019 |

Leading specialty construction company named woman-owned business

JK2 Scenic earns Women’s Business Enterprise National Council certification

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.

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JK2 awarded 4 Eagle Awards for Excellence in Construction

10/23/2018 |

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.

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OBJ features Julie Holmes

10/03/2018 |

Orlando Business Journal interviewed Julie Holmes about bringing spaces to life. Read the article here or continue reading below.

Bringing spaces to life is a core mission for JK2 President Julie Holmes

“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.

JK2 Scenic

  • Description: JK2 Scenic designs and builds architectural millwork, custom props and fabricates specialty themed items for the retail, attraction, entertainment, hospitality and restaurant industries.
  • Top executive:Julie Holmes, president
  • Founded: 2008; legally separated into a standalone company in 2017
  • Headquarters: 541 Live Pine Circle, Apopka 32703
  • Contact: (407) 880-8400; www.jk2scenic.com
  • 2017 revenue: $4.29 million
  • Employees: 32

Fast facts

A closer look at specialty contracting

  • Specialty contractors perform residential and commercial construction, and related work in a multitude of trades, including heating and air conditioning, plumbing, roofing, electrical, landscape architecture, tenant improvements and plumbing, to name a few.
  • Geographically, more than 50.3 percent of specialty contracting work is concentrated in the United States, followed by Germany (27.8 percent), Brazil (11.4 percent) and other non-disclosed countries (10.5 percent), according to D&B Hoovers.
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InPark Magazine announces work on Orlando Science Center exhibit

08/07/2018 |

InPark Magazine shared the news about JK2 Scenic and JK2 Construction’s work on The Hive: A Makerspace, Orlando Science Center’s new exhibit. Read the article here or continue reading below.

InPark Magazine logo

JK2 Construction and JK2 Scenic complete work on Orlando Science Center’s Makerspace

JK2 Construction and JK2 Scenic came together to complete a new exhibit at the Orlando Science Center.

The Hive: A Makerspace is over 3,000 square feet of collaborative work space in which children can use high-tech tools and real materials to design and build their own projects.

JK2 Construction was brought on to manage the complete design and renovation of the construction project. The company worked closely with the architect and Science Center team to come up with a vision for the space and make it blend seamlessly with the existing design of the building. JK2 Construction completed the demolition of the existing space and managed the build-out of new framing, drywall, carpet, and painting of the newly created Makerspace. In addition, the company worked to safely and effectively relocate mechanical, electrical, plumbing and fire safety elements while working around guests and operational constraints of the facility.

After JK2 Construction completed the interior build-out, JK2 Scenic turned the project into a functional, inviting space for children to create in. JK2 Scenic manufactured all the custom millwork for the project, including the cabinets used for storing building materials, supplies and tools. The unique hexagonal shelves, storage bins and wall art JK2 Scenic constructed for the project not only bring The Hive to life, but will also serve as inspiration to those who use the space for years to come.

The Hive, presented by the Isaacs Family, allows children 8 and up to turn their creative ideas into reality. The exhibit is now open on Level 3 of the Orlando Science Center.

“It’s appropriate that a space dedicated to creation and collaboration was completed through the cooperation of JK2 Construction and JK2 Scenic,” said Paul Holmes, JK2 Construction president and founder.

“This project was a perfect fit for us at JK2 Scenic,” said Julie Holmes, JK2 Scenic president. “The Hive is all about helping kids turn their dreams into a reality through creativity and construction, something we strive to do every day.”

JK2 Scenic builds dreams through custom theming, architectural millwork and specialty themed items. The company has worked with national brands in the retail, attraction, entertainment, hospitality and restaurant industries.

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JK2 Scenic completes work on Orlando Science Center exhibit

07/31/2018 |

JK2 Construction, JK2 Scenic complete work on new Orlando Science Center exhibit

Collaborative work space for children now open

ORLANDO, Fla. (July 31, 2018) — JK2 Construction and JK2 Scenic, leaders in the Central Florida construction industry, came together to complete a new exhibit at the Orlando Science Center.

The Hive: A Makerspace is over 3,000 square feet of collaborative work space in which children can use high-tech tools and real materials to design and build their own projects.

JK2 Construction was brought on to manage the complete design and renovation of the construction project. The company worked closely with the architect and Science Center team to come up with a vision for the space and make it blend seamlessly with the existing design of the building. JK2 Construction completed the demolition of the existing space and managed the build-out of new framing, drywall, carpet, and painting of the newly created Makerspace.  In addition, the company worked to safely and effectively relocate mechanical, electrical, plumbing and fire safety elements while working around guests and operational constraints of the facility.

After JK2 Construction completed the interior build-out, JK2 Scenic turned the project into a functional, inviting space for children to create in. JK2 Scenic manufactured all the custom millwork for the project, including the cabinets used for storing building materials, supplies and tools. The unique hexagonal shelves, storage bins and wall art JK2 Scenic constructed for the project not only bring The Hive to life, but will also serve as inspiration to those who use the space for years to come.

The Hive, presented by the Isaacs Family, allows children 8 and up to turn their creative ideas into reality. The exhibit is now open on Level 3 of the Orlando Science Center.

“It’s appropriate that a space dedicated to creation and collaboration was completed through the cooperation of JK2 Construction and JK2 Scenic,” said Paul Holmes, JK2 Construction president and founder.

“This project was a perfect fit for us at JK2 Scenic,” said Julie Holmes, JK2 Scenic president. “The Hive is all about helping kids turn their dreams into a reality through creativity and construction, something we strive to do every day.”

JK2 Construction has spent the past 30 years working to build perfection in every project it completes. The company specializes in design-build, commercial, retail, entertainment, restaurant, industrial, amenity and time share projects.

JK2 Scenic builds dreams through custom theming, architectural millwork and specialty themed items. The company has worked with national brands in the retail, attraction, entertainment, hospitality and restaurant industries.

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

Started in 2008 as part of the family-owned JK2, JK2 Scenic has grown and developed a niche in the construction industry. The company designs and builds themed architectural millwork and custom props and fabricates specialty items for the retail, attraction, entertainment, hospitality and restaurant industries. The company’s mission is to build dreams. JK2 Scenic serves as a trusted, respected and valued partner that builds with a creative approach and has principal-level involvement on every project. This mission has led to a roster of client partners, including major theme parks, themed restaurants and national brands. For more information, visit jk2scenic.com.

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