< PreviousThe ability to find solutions for its clients from the initial concept right through to completion is one that sets Jones Sign apart from its competitors. Its longevity and success are evidenced by the huge portfolio of high-profile work it has completed across the United States. In 2022 for example, the company partnered with the Los Angeles Football Club and Gensler in a design and build process to assist with the naming rights to the BMO Stadium for Major League Soccer’s Los Angeles FC and the National Women’s Soccer League’s Angel City FC. In order to complete this project on time, the team was required to expedite its fabrication process, completing work within a six-week timeline. Installation included the simultaneous work of five on-site crews which enhanced efficiency and allowed for parallel work across various locations. The team was able to reduce overall completion time to two weeks, leveraging large cranes from inside the stadium to avoid traffic manage- ment and lane closures outside the stadium. While unique light installations and large-scale naming opportunities provide boasting points and brand awareness, the company has thrived and survived through its reliable and professional service. Jones Sign has a roster of clients nationwide with the company often creating signage and strategy across multiple locations. With over a century of knowledge and an ever-growing in-house skillset, clients receive creative and innovative solutions, no matter how complex their requirements. Recently, the company developed a custom, 180-mile-per- hour wind resistant steel frame and digital mesh in The Gateway project, at Wynwood in Miami. The $1.5M project was a prime example of the skill and collaborative strength of the company. “This project is truly one of a kind. Jones “Jones Sign has a roster of clients nationwide.”Architectural Creations designed and custom fabricated a rolling retention trolley and combined that with a specialized, remote-controlled crane to accommodate the unique condi- tions of this project. Through collaboration with the general contractor and architect of record Kobi Karp, Jones worked within the limitations to meet weight load requirements and crane capacity.” In addition to that, the company successfully completed work on the Lower.com Field, Columbus, OH. The state-of-the-art façade comprised 51,858 square feet of per- forated aluminum panels. The $319.9 million stadium venue boasting 460,000 square feet, 20,000 seating capacity, and a 12-acre public plaza.” | 41 APEIRON CONSTRUCTIONWhile the company can assist a client at any stage, its ability to manage a project from conception to completion is a vital element in its ongoing success. For Myers, collaboration and communication is of huge importance. “We always want to be part of that strategic conversation to understand how to bring the potential client’s product to life.” This ability has recently been bolstered by the integration of National Mallfront and Design (NMD), transitioning the brand to Jones Storefronts. This development will now give clients the benefit of an even broader product and service range, backed by the combined strengths of two industry leaders. For Todd Patrickus, Execu- tive Vice President of Jones Sign, this development is a bold step forward. “Jones Storefronts brings alignment with our company’s vision towards the future. We are excited about the possibilities that lie ahead and the value we can bring to our clients.” With experience across every element of a project, and an increasing service range, the company can now offer a uniquely comprehensive approach. Key stakeholders such as estimators and engineers are involved right from the start, collaborating with architects to finalize drawings, establish budgets, and determine the necessary materials and equip- ment. Proposals are then submitted, emphasizing the impor- tance of knowledge gained during the initial stages to build | 42 APRIL 2024strong client relationships. This early involvement ensures a solid foundation for successful project execution. “We may not be the low bidder on a project,” Myers acknowledges, “but generally speaking, a company prefers to select someone, like us, who has been part of the project planning team since the beginning.” From there, a dedicated project manager is assigned to collaborate with the client throughout. Project managers play a crucial role in solving various challenges and ensur- ing on-time and within-budget delivery, especially critical for projects with tight timelines, such as sports venues. Jones Sign’s ability to handle multiple simultaneous projects, even under tight deadlines, showcases its resourcefulness and capacity to meet client needs efficiently. Acting as a central point of contact, the project manager can address issues, facilitate communication, and manage scope changes. This streamlined communication ensures clarity and efficiency throughout the project’s lifecycle. Sales teams contribute significantly by fostering and maintaining client relationships from project initiation to completion. The manufacturing phase, meanwhile, places quality and safety as top priority. Jones Sign employs a structured manufacturing process, using cell-based manufacturing in Green Bay. This involves different stages of manufacturing in specific plant areas, ensuring precision in fabrication, paint- ing, and detailing. Custom crates are then built to protect signs and architectural components during shipping. Jones’ team of employee installers are strategically located across the country and play a pivotal role in ensuring the safe and accurate installation of the components on-site. Continuous reporting and approval processes guarantee adherence to specifications and quality standards. Post-installation, the client is guaranteed peace of mind through a robust after-care service. Jones Sign remain available to address any issues and provide ongoing main- tenance and cleaning. This full-spectrum approach, from early involvement to installation and beyond, highlights the company’s ability to deliver high-quality solutions while build- ing enduring client relationships. For the entire team, safety and exceptional service are always top priorities. It is these values that have built the company’s impressive, century-old reputation. A legacy it hopes to continue building on for many more years. When asked about the future of Jones Sign, Myers calls back to the past. “Obviously, the company’s been very successful to-date. In the next 3, 5, 10 years we hope to continue the path of innovation and growth so we can keep solving new challenges for our valued clients.” She adds, “We want to retain our diverse and incredibly talented team within the Jones family of businesses. We value our employees and what they what they bring to the table with industry leading experience. Our people play an important role in being able to deliver on our innovation goals and continuing to nurture those relationships with our existing customers. Want to learn more about Jones Sign’s diverse service offer- ings and how they may be able to support your next project? Visit their website. | 43 APEIRON CONSTRUCTION| 44 APRIL 2024WRITTEN BY MEGHAN BARTON W isconsin is a state known for harsh winters and some extreme weather conditions, but also for its friendly people and strong sense of community. This may be the perfect location for a roofing and siding company with a heart of gold to find success. Established in 2006 by Jesse Chase as a residential roofing company, ARC specialized in helping homeowners navigate insurance claims for damage from hailstorms and other calamities. Over time, the company has diversified its offerings, now providing exterior contracting solutions for both residential and commercial clients. While roofing remains its cornerstone, they have ventured into siding, windows, gutters, and are now offering solar and insulation as its client base begins to explore options for clean energy. This diversification not only positions ARC as a comprehensive exterior con- tracting hub but also fortifies its stance in the market, making them more resilient to industry fluctuations. The ARC Contracting team today is 25 members strong with two distinct divisions (residential and commercial) and office support. ARC also works with a roster of trusted subcontractors who ensure each project is executed with ARC’s standard of care and quality. Servicing all of Wisconsin from its Neenah base, most of ARC’s projects are within a two-hour radius of the office. They have also undertaken projects in other states and on several military bases, showcasing the team’s adaptability and willingness to travel for the right project. As the team has adapted to meet residential client’s evolving expectations, ARC has shifted to a service model that matches a single point of contact for each project ensuring that customers have a dedicated professional overseeing their needs from beginning to end, enhancing communication and accountability. One of the key initia- tives is providing upfront pricing, eliminating the need for uncomfortable negotiations and ensuring transparency from the start. | 45 APEIRON CONSTRUCTIONThis customer-centric approach is embedded in ARC's com- pany culture, where employees are empowered to go above and beyond to meet customer needs. Another more recent development in the customer service model is a reaction to the tougher economic climate of the day. ARC has partnered with several organizations to help clients get financing to get desperately needed repairs or new roofing done when they need it. With a commitment to excellence and a passion for serving its clients, ARC Contracting continues to set the standard for exceptional residential customer service in the construction industry. The evolution on the commercial side of the business is focused on service and value. ARC Contracting has devel- oped a maintenance program that helps clients leverage their investment with twice-yearly inspections and servicing. This mitigates seasonal damage and wear and tear, extending the lifespan of their roofs and safeguarding their investment so that their roofing system can last beyond the warranty, sav- ing time and money. “We look for any kind of drainage issues making sure there's no debris on the roof and inspecting all the sealants that are used over termination bars and any other metal work that's been done on that roof by inspecting it before and after winter. If there is a storm in the area, we'll go in and inspect for damage to make sure that the roof is still in good shape and can last. If there needs to be any work done, we can let them know right away so that they don't wait to deal with expensive interior damage,” says Adam Reichen- berger, Director of Commercial Division. “This also makes it easier for companies to budget for and manage regular annual maintenance costs.” Taking care of the businesses in its service areas is not the only way ARC Contracting interacts with its neighbors. ARC is deeply committed to giving back to the community, and this dedication is a core value of its identity. Jesse Chase, the owner, emphasizes the importance of building relationships in Neenah, WI and beyond, "If people knew how much they could trust us, they'd never go with anyone else." This com- mitment is not just lip service but a fundamental principle that guides ARC's operations. One of the ways the company supports the community is through its "ARC Gives Back” initiative. They purchased the rights to the Oshkosh Gus Macker 3-on-3 basketball tourna- ment, which raised over $65,000 for various community proj- ects. This event, while it ran, exemplifies ARC's commitment to supporting local causes and organizations. ARC is involved in several other community initiatives, such as sponsoring local sports teams and volunteering at spon- sored events. They partner with the Oshkosh School District to support students in need, providing funding for the free and reduced lunch program for area students. ARC's involvement goes beyond financial support; they actively foster a workplace culture of giving back to the communities that have helped them achieve success in the exterior contracting industry. One of the most impactful projects is the Tiny House Village in Oshkosh, which provides safe, stable housing for home- less families. “Oshkosh Kids built 32 tiny homes for families in need in our community. There are other tiny villages in the US, but this is the first tiny house village in Wisconsin to “ARC Contracting continues to set the standard for exceptional residential customer service in the construction industry.”offer stable housing to kids in the Oshkosh school district and their families,” says Devon Hudak, Executive Assistant at ARC. “I am proud to sit on the Oshkosh Kids board as a representative of ARC because this initiative also offers families education on life, financial, employability, and home management skills in a community development so they are positioned to move successfully into the future after their time in the village. This is exactly within ARC’s mandate to build strong and resilient communities.” ARC donated the labor for the roof of the Community Center, demonstrating its commitment to making a tangible difference in the community. Through partnerships with organizations like the Oshkosh Kids Foundation, ARC helps families in need access essential services like clothing and haircuts and sup- port initiatives to raise awareness and fight against bullying. ARC's community involvement extends beyond financial support; it is ingrained in the company culture. Employees are encouraged to bring forward causes they are passionate about (from sponsorship of a little league team to serving 400 hotdogs to the Boys and Girls Club), and ARC supports them in their efforts. This emphasis on giving back not only benefits the community but also strengthens morale and nurtures a sense of pride among employees. ARC Contracting's commitment to the community is a testament to its values and ethos as a company. “Our team members don’t need to be incentivized to participate in these activities. It is just natural for us to want to give back to the communities that give us so much,” says Sam Jeffers, Residential Sales and Project Manager. “These types of initiatives build morale,” says Andrew Luedtke, Commercial Sales and Project Management. “It makes everyone feel like they are part of something bigger than just taking a paycheck home at the end of the day.” By giving back in meaningful ways, they are not only making a positive impact on the lives of those in need but also building a stronger, more resilient community for the future. The strong community partnerships can also be seen in some notable industry acknowledgements. ARC Contracting was recently awarded the 2 Star President’s Club Certifica- tion from GAF. “The GAF President’s Club recognizes roofing contractors who are dedicated to delivering their customers premier service and reliability,” says Jim Schnepper, President of GAF. “These awards shine a spotlight on the best of the best in the industry and we could not be prouder of this year's winners.” This recognition bolsters ARC’s standing as one of the industry’s top performers. “There are between 80,000 and about 10,000 roofing compa- nies in the country and less than 200 of them are 2 Star Pres- ident's Club award winners. So, we are honored to receive recognition of this caliber. It is pretty significant for us, as a company, to be able to have earned that award as a team. We qualified by installing over 10,000 squares of shingled roofing last year alone”, says Eddie Holzem, Vice President of Sales and Marketing. ARC Contracting is poised for remarkable growth as it navi- gates the evolving exterior contracting landscape. An unwav- ering commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction while remaining focused on its home territory in Wisconsin sets them apart. While they see their service area remaining stable, they are primed to venture into new territories such as solar installations. They continue to evolve their client offer- ings with emerging product advances and adaptive service models that continue to go beyond client expectations. This showcases ARC's forward-thinking approach and readiness to embrace sustainable solutions. By staying ahead of evolv- ing customer needs and industry trends, ARC Contracting strives to remain a trusted partner for homeowners, industry partners, and community stakeholders. As ARC continues to explore new horizons and refine its customer-centric prac- tices, the future holds endless possibilities for this dynamic and forward-looking company. | 47 APEIRON CONSTRUCTIONWRITTEN BY DAVID O’NEILL O ver the past hundred years or so, the landscapes that we inhabit have changed irrevocably. The scale and volume of structures have developed and grown enor- mously and urbanized living is now very much in the majority. Urban areas are the most human populated on the planet and, while cities only make up around 2% of the earth’s surface, around two-thirds of the human population will live in cities by 2050. This density has resulted in significant changes to the make-up of these locations and their surroundings with concrete replacing soil, brick taking the place of trees. The changes are not purely geographical, however. Figures show that cities consume around two-thirds of the world’s energy while producing 70% of global carbon emissions. When laid out, what is clear is that it is us —humans, who are the primary cause of climate damage. Our relationship with the natural world is something that needs to adapt and change. Prior to industrialization, the relationship that humans had with the natural world was built on reciprocation. We were a member of a carefully balanced eco-system, and our place was within the hierarchy of the animal world. However, since our population had grown and technologies have developed to accommodate our greater influence on the planet, things have gotten skewed somewhat. Forests are razed, streams | 48 APRIL 2024travel underground, animals and planets are pushed into parks, suburbs, and remote locations. Unsurprisingly, this shift has resulted in freak weather events such as flooding, heatwaves, and wildfires. Rather than feel a sense of hopelessness, the future is actually looking brighter. According to author Ben Wilson, cities are now becoming fertile grounds for the resurgence of the natural world. In his book, ‘Urban Jungle: The History and Future of Nature in the City,’ Wilson explains how cities and urban areas are ecosystems themselves which need to be conserved. “For a long time we have been used to the idea that hard engineering can solve our problems. The lesson of climate change is that our urban way of life is tied up with nature.” The proof of this link could be seen clearly during the COVID 19 pandemic. Throughout an unprecedented period of hiberna- tion, nature quickly reclaimed many urban areas. Numerous cultures and strains of biodiversity thrived during this period, without having to rely on humans for food. In Nara, Japan, for example, deer who have co-existed with humans for years saw a huge boost in numbers when the expectation was that they would struggle without humans as a source of food | 49 APEIRON CONSTRUCTIONNext >