Trades are the backbone of construction. Whether as part of a large concern or a free-standing company, the electrical, plumbing, HVAC (heating ventilation and air conditioning), foundation, plasterers, and other trades are those that put the building up and provide its core ability to serve its occupants.
Usually starting small, the trade contractor can be a single individual or a few hundred skilled professionals working together. Over the years, these services can rack up an enviable record of successes. In Boston, for example, JM Electrical Co., completed its first job, at the Boston Marriott in Copley Square, 36 years ago. Recently, it finished its 20,000th project, for Sarepta Therapeutics at the global biotechnology company’s gene therapy lab in Andover, Mass.
The Lynnfield, Mass. electrical contractor has grown from a small firm with two employees to a staff of 180 that contribute to some of the most high-profile construction developments in the region, from Millennium Tower to projects at Cambridge Crossing, the Seaport District, Kendall Square, and Assembly Row.
Paul Guarracino, who began his career in 1972 as a general foreman at Lord Electric, transformed the company which now takes on thousands of jobs each year at colleges and universities, corporate headquarters in and around the Innovation Districts in the Seaport and Kendell Square, hotels and retail outlets, and hospitals, health care, and Life Science centers.
Despite its tremendous growth, JME remains a family affair with Paul’s three sons rising through the ranks. Today, Matthew, principal and CEO and John, principal & COO help lead the firm while younger brother, Andrew, serves as an assistant project manager. They have also developed and retained a strong team, many of whom have been associated with the company for over a decade.
In addition to a dramatic increase in the number of projects that JME undertakes annually— with 10,000 jobs completed during the company’s first quarter century in business and another 10,000 completed in the last nine years alone—the projects have become more complex.
As a result of new technologies and an emphasis on sustainability, 80% revolve around the installation of HVAC controls that manage heating cooling, lighting, and air quality, reducing a building’s environmental impact, and increasing energy efficiency. Many of the projects earn LEED certification, a designation that has grown in importance here and across the country.
Original Article: https://constructech.com/making-a-mark/
