We’re pleased to announce that we were named to the Orlando Business Journal’s 2022 Specialty Contractors list, coming in at No. 22. The list features specialty contractors located in Orange, Lake, Osceola and Seminole counties and is is based on 2021 revenue. It’s an honor to be included in the same list with some of the area’s best contractors. To see the full list read here.
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JK2 Scenic is excited to announce that we were named to Orlando Business Journal’s list of Central Florida Specialty Contractors. The list features companies in Orange, Seminole, Osceola and Lake counties ranked by 2020 specialty contracting revenue. We were ranked No.25 and are proud to serve the Central Florida area.
To see the full rankings, click here.
JK2 Scenic was proud to be ranked No. 5 on Orlando Business Journal’s list of the largest manufacturing companies in Central Florida. This list is based off 2019 manufacturing revenue in Lake, Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties. To check out the full list, click here.
JK2 Scenic has made the Orlando Business Journal’s 2020 Central Florida Specialty Contractors list, coming in at the number 22 slot. This list is ranked based off 2019 contracting revenue in Lake, Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties. To check out the full list, click here.
JK2 Scenic is proud to announce that a project we worked on, The Brownwood Hotel & Spa in The Villages, was featured on the cover of ABC Central Florida Chapter’s Building Central Florida magazine. We were honored to work alongside our peers in the industry to make this project possible.
We are so excited to be attending the Excellence in Construction award ceremony next month for our hard work on this project. You can view the feature below or in the Sept/Oct edition of Building Central Florida on page 20-21 here.
Newly opened property takes inspiration from the Florida cowboy era
THE VILLAGES, Fla. (August 18, 2020) – When guests walk into the newly opened Brownwood Hotel & Spa in The Villages, they might not even believe they’re in Florida anymore.
The hotel transports guests on arrival with rich woodwork, pops of luxe color and pattern and rustic touches, all inspired by the Florida cowboy era. JK2 Scenic, a specialty contractor with deep experience at Florida’s theme parks, added the “wow” detailed features throughout the hotel that helped bring this unique vision to life.
“What makes this project so special are the details,” said Julie Holmes, president and principal of JK2 Scenic. “That’s what we specialize in at JK2 Scenic. From decorative paneling with herringbone features to soaring chandelier crowns, we love adding all the intricate details that make a project stand out. We are proud that visitors of all ages will get to experience this property, while making memories with their friends and family.”
JK2 Scenic’s “wow” work started where guests themselves start—at the lobby entrance. The company built out the space with expansive wood paneling, trim and gorgeous ceiling details, as well as added the custom millwork check-in desks and cabinets.
In the lobby bar, JK2 Scenic fabricated the luxe walnut bar with cowhide inserts, the intricate bar back with cabinet doors featuring the Brownwood Hotel’s metal insignia, and the wooden accents, including the ceiling, trim and paneling.
JK2 Scenic was also responsible for the wood detailing in all common area hallways, meeting spaces, the gym, spa, treatment rooms and more. This includes all the detailed columns throughout the hotel that are trimmed and inset with a variety of materials; imposing, 20-foot Eastern White Pine doors to the ballroom; striking blue and white test kitchen cabinetry; and gorgeous decorative ceiling details throughout.
DPR Construction served as the general contractor for the project, which opened in March. The Brownwood Hotel & Spa project builds on JK2 Scenic’s expertise. The company has completed extensive work at large resorts in the Orlando tourism district, including the common area spaces of the Margaritaville Resort Orlando and the Loews Royal Pacific Resort.
JK2 Scenic focuses on building dreams. To learn more about JK2 Scenic, visit jk2scenic.com. To learn more about the Brownwood Hotel & Spa, visit www.brownwoodhotelandspa.com.
If you are outgoing, authentic and passionate about what you do, and if you want to grow and be part of an amazing company, then keep reading! JK2 Scenic is a creative-minded, solution-driven company focused on delivering quality and serving as respected partners for our clients. We are looking to fill a number of skilled trade positions. If you’re a team player and you’re interested in being part of a growing company with a fun environment, check out our job openings below. To apply, send your resume to careers@jk2.com.
Project Manager
Are you certified? Do you love the theme park, hospitality and millwork industry in general? This is an awesome opportunity for a project manager with 5-10 years’ experience in the architectural millwork field. Show us what you can bring to the JK2 Scenic team. Learn more here.
Custom Millwork Fabricator
Are you a skilled craftsman who takes pride in your work? Are you detail-oriented with an eye for perfection? Is quality built into all you create? See what you can do with our team! Learn more here.
Cabinet Maker
We are looking for a cabinet maker with 4 years’ experience working with laminate, veneer, wood and plastics in the medium- to high-end cabinet industry. Your work could be seen by millions of people every year! If you have a passion for architectural millwork, don’t miss this opportunity. Click here to learn more.
Millwork Superintendent
Are you a player coach in construction management, wood technology or a related field? If you have 10+ years’ experience in leading teams as a carpenter in the commercial, industrial or facility operations fields, JK2 Scenic wants you on OUR team. To view our full list of requirements, click here.
Shop Coordinator
Do you run a tight ship? We are looking for a detailed, organized shop coordinator with experience in inventory control. With these skills and 2 years of experience as a carpenter apprentice in a commercial setting, you can hit the ground running with JK2 Scenic. For a complete job description and to see if you meet the requirements, click here.
Shop Helper
This is the perfect opportunity to get in on the ground floor in the architectural millwork industry. If you’re a team player looking to acquire new skills, come build your dreams along with ours at JK2 Scenic. View the full job description here.
If you think you’d make a great addition to our team, don’t hesitate to apply! We welcome those interested to submit their resumes to careers@jk2.com.
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.
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.
JK2 Scenic’s President Julie Holmes was featured in Building Central Florida as an influential woman in the construction industry. Our team is proud to have such an inspiring, fearless leader!
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
NCCER interviewed Julie Holmes about bringing magic to theme parks, restaurants, retail stores and more. Read the article here or continue reading below.
Do you ever wonder who brings theme parks to life? As a Florida native, theme parks are a favorite pastime and I had the opportunity to speak with Julie Holmes, owner and president of JK2 Scenic, a company that adds a touch of magic to parks such as Universal Orlando. From creating faux cocoa beans and butterbeer to moving gears and pipework, Julie and her team show a magical side of construction.
Join us as Julie shares how she got started in the industry, different projects she’s been part of and more.
RB: Tell us a little a bit about how you got started in the construction industry.
JH: Since I can remember, I’ve always been around construction. My father has been in the industry my entire life. One of his first projects was building his first home, a two-story house that my parents still live in today. He decided he loved construction, got his master’s in building construction and got experience working for a few larger general contractors. In 1987, he started his own company.
There’s so many career paths that anyone could choose to do in life and I was lucky enough to be exposed to construction. Even so, I admit that I was one of those academics that thought I wanted to be a doctor. I was going to University of Florida and actually through my third year and decided I no longer wanted to be a doctor.
My dad and I were brain storming and he suggested civil engineering since I was always good at math. I honestly had no idea what that even meant but was willing to give it a try. It was part of the process of construction, if not exactly building but rather one of the drawings that people build off of. I got my civil engineering degree and worked for a large civil engineering firm right out school for about eight years. In 2010, I went to work for my second engineering firm, and it included a bit of architecture as well which was interesting, to learn more about floor plan and building planning.
After I had been there about three years, my father, in his effort to do a bit of exit strategy planning, approached me about coming to work for the family business.
RB: And that was JK2?
JH: Yes, the company is JK2. He was trying to figure out who was going to take over the company and I never in a million years thought I’d be back home working in the business. In 2013, we had business meetings and talked about what it would look like if I came to work in the company.
Although I didn’t want to move home as I was in Atlanta at the time, I knew if I didn’t take the job, I’d regret it. I’d regret not working with my father and trying something new and outside the box. So I moved back to my hometown of Apopka, Florida and started working in the family business.
RB: How did Scenic figure into what you wanted to do at JK2?
JH: When I joined the company in 2013, I was part of JK2 on the construction side and ended up running one job. I was on time, on budget and I had a successful project and team but realized I’d rather work on the creative side, which is Scenic.
The Scenic division was started in 2008, and although we had been working with the theme parks, the parts that are visible to the guests are always themed. Before starting Scenic, we would hire out the finishing touches, the wow factor that makes that space come to life, to finishing craftsmen, the carpenters, artists and theme painters. Our project manager had experience with theming and said why don’t we try doing it ourselves?
We got our first job, a small ticket booth for Halloween Horror Nights. Right after that, we were awarded work in the Wizarding World of Harry PotterTM, such as Dumbledore’s desk and chair and the Mirror of Erised, which we’ve actually built four times — Orlando, Hollywood, Japan and now China.
I started working with Tim Bartell, who was the project manager that convinced my father to invest in the Scenic division. We’re great partners; he has the creative brain to problem solve these crazy ideas we’re presented with and I bring the business aspect.
When I became the vice president of the Scenic division, we slowly began growing clients and staff, investing in equipment, and getting processes and procedures down. I think in the first year, from 2013 to 2014, we quadrupled our business. We then doubled it again, so in a four-year span, we’ve had almost 1000 percent growth. I look back and it’s been crazy! In 2013, we had eight employees and today, we have 28. A little rollercoaster of a ride but definitely fun!
It was always a strategy that if I was truly working in the business, running it and doing the day-to-day, we would make it a woman-owned business. That remained true to our initial thoughts and we’re finally making it a reality now with Scenic being a stand-alone company.
RB: Those are fantastic numbers! Do you have any best practices you’d like to share surrounding those metrics?
JH: It’s really finding out who you are. We realized we want to do the wow factor. We want cool projects that are more difficult, that are challenging, that require us to use our resources, creative brain and talents. Once you have a focus and know where you want to take the business, it makes it easier to pick and choose, and we try to be very specific with the jobs we take on.
RB: Do you have a favorite project that you’ve worked on so far?
JH: There’s so many! One of the cooler ones we just did was Universal’s Volcano BayTM water park, which recently opened. We worked on every single piece of wood that was interior to a building; I think there were 25 plus buildings on the project. That was pretty cool to see that come together because it was one of our largest projects to date revenue-wise.
Probably second to that was the Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen at Universal CityWalk. We did all the interior theming and pipework so when you walk in, you see flashing casework and moving gears and a bean spinner. We actually had to fabricate faux cocoa beans that spin above the ice cream stand. It was a really cool project too because it’s one of their most popular restaurants and we get to say that we did all the interior work on the first floor.
We also sometimes get to do theming work that you might not expect, such as in retail stores. Theme parks and attractions want to keep the magic going even when guests are shopping, and we’ve worked with Universal Orlando and at Disney Springs to do that, even in one of the largest retail stores in the world. Another fun and unique retail challenge was at Marcus Jordan’s Trophy Room at Disney Springs. We created a custom shoe display that allowed the shoes to levitate and spin.
RB: I found it very interesting to see theming under the construction umbrella, and it’s something that I don’t think a lot of people may think about.
JH: Yes, and that’s the thing. You don’t know unless you’re exposed to it. Do you wonder who makes those wands or butterbeer? We have worked on so many different fun and creative projects within the theme parks.
But you’d never know what company built it or what skills they may be hiring for. That’s something that’s very unique about our growth, we don’t discriminate by any means. We’ve had father/daughter, father/son teams, very tenured employees and very young with no experience. Some of our best hires have been people who just have the drive and willingness to learn. Some of them have a hobby and they like painting but they’ve never learned how to spray in a spray booth or painting techniques to get the different kind of finishes. That’s one of the things that sets us apart. We’re willing to invest in people who fit our core values and have the willingness to learn.
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.
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.
Central Florida Specialty Contractors
Ranked by 2015 C. Fla.* specialty contracting revenue
Central Florida denotes Lake, Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties
