JOGO Corporation has quickly positioned itself as a leading multifamily framing company, specializing in four-story and five-story new construction projects as well as the restoration of historic mills converted into residential spaces. With a commitment to excellence, the company delivers high-quality framing solutions, integrating innovative materials such as cross-laminated timber, structural insulated panels, and custom timber mills. “We do one thing and we try to do that one thing better than anyone,” says Kenneth Joensson, President of JOGO Corporation, encapsulating the company’s ethos of precision and dedication.
Kenneth Joensson and Eric Goding Co-founded JOGO Corporation in 2021. The initial ambition was to enter the development side of the construction industry. However, the disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic altered those plans, leading instead to the establishment of a new company focused on framing. At the early stages, Kenneth sought to join his neighbor’s general contracting and development firm. But when the pandemic shuttered local municipalities, the firm lost its government contracting work overnight. The unexpected shift led Kenneth and Eric to form a business together, bringing a renewed focus on construction framing. “I was ready to abandon this particular industry,” Kenneth admits. “When my plan fell apart, I really had no other choice but to go back to where I was. When I started sharing that idea, I was humbled by the number of people who wanted to be a part of it.”
Unlike many in the industry who struggle with workforce shortages, JOGO Corporation has benefited from an influx of motivated employees. “In an era where everyone complains about the difficulty of finding people, we haven’t had to do much recruiting,” Kenneth explains. “We built on people who came here because they wanted to do something better, looking for an opportunity. It’s almost like the American story—people joining something new and better.”
JOGO prioritizes a positive workplace culture, emphasizing safety, inclusion, and a balanced work environment. “Can we say today that we are better than everybody else? That might be a stretch. But we are trying harder than anybody else to be better to our employees, to improve safety, to create a workplace where people feel welcome. We work hard, we play hard, and we share the same goals.” The company fosters harmony among employees by avoiding generational conflicts and political debates, instead uniting around a shared commitment to craftsmanship and integrity.
The company’s rapid rise has not been without hurdles, however. One of JOGO’s first projects—a 100,000-square-foot job near downtown Boston—coincided with ongoing pandemic-related supply chain disruptions. Material shortages and delays threatened to derail the project. “We started the company in 2021, and although many had declared COVID over, the reality was different,” Kenneth recalls. “That Thanksgiving and winter were incredibly difficult for the construction industry. Suppliers were shutting down. I remember calling in orders and being told they wouldn’t take any more until after the new year.”
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Despite these challenges, JOGO successfully completed the project, setting a precedent for its resilience and reliability. “Most companies wouldn’t be able to do something like that in their first ten years. We did it under one of the most difficult business environments ever.” The success of this project led to new opportunities. Within a year, JOGO was awarded a 400,000-square-foot project, an almost unprecedented achievement for a company so young. “We didn’t make any money on our first big job, but we worked through it and proved that we could handle the adversity.” Kenneth says. “A year later, we were awarded a massive contract because developers recognized our commitment.
“We didn’t make any money on our first big job, but we worked through it and proved that we could handle the adversity.”
For Kenneth and all at JOGO, safety is something that is given the highest priority. In an industry that can present many dangers and challenges, JOGO is proactive in this regard, building its own safety training program for employees. As Kenneth explains, it is a vital component of the employee experience and has led to lasting changes. “It is something that I feel we do really well. Our profession is known to be dangerous but with good planning and strategies it can be mitigated. We have a lot of micro-learning safety training sessions that we developed ourselves and that we regularly distribute in-person and through a phone app. This constantly reinforces the most critical training.”
JOGO’s growth has been driven by one fundamental principle: trust. “We wouldn’t be where we are today without the trust of our employees and customers,” Kenneth states. “We have enjoyed a tremendous amount of trust, and that has made all the difference.”
Notable projects include a large mill restoration in Springfield and various affordable housing developments across Massachusetts and Rhode Island. One particularly meaningful project was a partnership with Trac Builders and Crossroads in Providence, an organization dedicated to moving homeless individuals into traditional housing and employment opportunities.
JOGO Corporation is committed to sustainable growth while maintaining the quality and integrity of its work. Kenneth acknowledges the challenges of scaling up without compromising service. “We always want to be able to service our clients,” he explains. “But we prioritize quality over quantity. One reason we’ve built trust is that we put in the required effort, and I never want to risk that by overextending ourselves.”
As demand for housing continues to grow, Kenneth is mindful of industry challenges. “The construction industry is burdened by zoning laws and regulations that slow down development,” he observes. “There’s significant opposition to multifamily housing. Some people refer to apartment buildings as ‘monsters’ in single-family neighborhoods, but the reality is that we need more housing, especially for younger generations.”
Housing shortages are exacerbating economic pressures, particularly in New England, where multi-generational households have reached unprecedented levels. “Around 40% of households in our region are now multi-generational,” Kenneth notes. “That concerns me. If young people can’t find places to live, they’ll leave—and that will have a profound impact on our workforce and economy.”
While the outlook for 2025 remains uncertain due to regulatory challenges, JOGO Corporation remains steadfast in its mission. “Right now, our focus is on being even better and servicing our clients to the best of our ability,” Kenneth affirms. “For continued growth, we need to encourage our people, provide opportunities, and stay committed to our values.”
Ultimately, JOGO’s success stems from its ability to listen, adapt, and deliver exceptional results. As the company looks ahead, its foundation of trust, resilience, and quality craftsmanship will continue to shape its trajectory in the industry.
