Founder & CEO

Joe founded JGM in 2001 after serving as a welder for a local steel fabricator in high school. Joe specializes in getting things done quickly, solving the thorniest challenges for clients and developing young talent. As the fifth generation Messner who started a construction and fabrication company, the entrepreneurial spirit has always been in Joe’s blood. Plus, he’s an avid supporter of various nonprofits and believes in giving back to the community that has given him so much. During his down time, Joe enjoys spending time with his wife and three daughters on the ski slopes or at the beach.  

Fun Fact: Joe Jr. has jumped out of a perfectly operational airplane – twice – and lived to tell about it.   

Career Highlight(s): Gaining a national reputation with fast track projects for Amazon, North American Coal, US Silica, Hudson Yards, Exelon and Kimberly Clark. 

Notable:  Named to Central Penn Business Journal’s 40 under 40 in 2013. Invited to membership in Young Presidents Organization in 2017, member Philadelphia Union League, member American Welding Society, member AISC. 

Executive VP

With over four decades of construction, manufacturing and finance-related experience, Joe Sr. ensures JGM develops, upgrades and expands the financial systems and controls as the company grows and keeps JGM on the cutting edge of technology. Formerly president and co-founder of a mid-sized regional mechanical contracting and process vessel fabrication company for 14 years that provided services to a variety of Fortune 500 customers, Joe Sr. was instrumental in growing the sales of the company in excess of $12 million that landed the company on the INC 500 list of The Fastest Growing Companies in America in 1988. Joe Sr. holds a BS in Accounting from Villanova University and is the patriarch of three children. He and his wife Donna own a fitness club in West Chester, PA and enjoy exercising their Chocolate Lab “Maximus” as well as waterskiing and boating with their eight grandchildren.  

Fun Fact: Joe owned and farmed a 160 acre Black Angus Cow/Calf operation for ten years when he was nineteen years old. 

Career Highlight: Working alongside his sons, Joe Jr. and JP, each day. 

President and COO

Kevin Traynor is responsible for strategically managing JGM’s business operations, recruitment, and training and apprenticeship programs. A previous member of JGM’s leadership team, Kevin served as a board member and advisor prior to returning to the company in 2021. He brings over 22 years’ experience in executive positions in a variety of industries, including real estate development, construction, steel fabrication, mining, and oil and gas.

A graduate of Drexel University with a Bachelor of Science degree in civil/structural engineering, Kevin began his career as a project manager for a Philadelphia-based construction management company before moving on to serve as Principal and Partner of a Philadelphia-based real estate investment company with 12 million square feet of commercial and industrial real estate holdings valued at $1.5 billion. The same team went on to start Preferred Sands, one of North America’s largest manufacturers and distributors of fracturing sand. Kevin also ran a successful real estate and construction consulting business before starting Military Veteran Partners, assisting veterans transitioning back into the workforce.

Kevin currently serves as a Vice Chair of the Board at The Malvern Preparatory School in Malvern PA, President of the Penn State Lacrosse Parents Association, and President of the Kevin Traynor, Sr. Foundation, named after his father.

Fun Fact: Kevin and his wife, Beth, were born in the same army hospital in For Bragg, NC, only to meet 22 years later and marry.

Career Highlight(s): Being a founding partner of a mining and manufacturing company that grew from 10 employees to 750 employees and $150M in revenue.

VP of Estimating

JP started working at JGM in 2008 and has learned that  the greatest challenges can be solved through collaboration. After cutting his teeth as an iron worker and foreman, today JP’s responsibilities include reviewing bid packages, developing client and partner relationships and managing subcontractor relationships and agreements. JP holds a BS in Marketing from West Chester University, and never misses an Eagles game along with his wife and two young children. 

Fun Fact: Met and hung out with the band The Whalers (as in Bob Marley and The Whalers) while working as a bartender right out of school.  

Career Highlight(s): Turnkey Installation of a Frac Sand Plant in Sanders, AZ. The 12 months the team invested to make it happen through a challenging schedule and logistical standpoint provided no greater sense of accomplishment when we got to see the product run through the whole system upon completion and knowing we got the job done right together. 

Controller

Years in Industry: 20 Years
Started at JGM: 2022
Specialty:  Financials

Jay joined the JGM team January of 2022 with over 20 years in construction, manufacturing, and operational accounting experience.  Jay is responsible for overseeing the financial close process and preparing accurate and timely financial statements, job-cost accounting reporting and maintaining the accounting system.  Jay’s experiences, skills and knowledge ensures the financial goals at JGM stay on track!  Jay currently resides in Chester County with his wife, three children and their dog “Guinness.”

Education: Beaver College, now known as Arcadia University

Fun Facts: Jay has 52 first cousins and too many second cousins to count

VP of Construction

Ryan joined JGM in 2020 after 11 years with a heavy rigging and engineering firm. As a United States Army Veteran, Ryan has the qualities needed to conquer any complex industrial construction project. As a leader ready to make sound decisions, Ryan provides strategic leadership to superintendents and project managers; develops strategic strategies for construction projects; directs, measures and reports project goals; manages project finances; and much more. He relies on his broad experiences across diverse industries to ensure industrial construction projects are completed on-time and on-budget all while uncompromising safety. Ryan holds a BS in Systems Engineering from the United Stated Military Academy.

Fun Fact: Ryan once cooked a gourmet tilapia dinner in Bill Murray’s kitchen.  

Career Highlight(s): Serving in the United States Army as well as being selected to serve as Hake Rigging’s branch manager with just over 2 years’ experience in the rigging industry. 

Notable: Honorable discharge from the US Army with rank of Captain.

VP of Business Development

Darryl joined JGM in 2020 and leads our sales, business development, and marketing efforts. His 30+ years of industry experience covers a broad range of markets and disciplines including marketing, lean manufacturing, heavy construction, engineering, and finance. Prior to JGM, Darryl was the founder and president of a powered light material handling equipment manufacturer which he grew and then was acquired by a larger company based in Michigan. Darryl holds a BSBA with concentrations in Marketing and Finance from the University of Richmond Robins School of Business. Darryl enjoys every kind of water sport along with his wife and two children including surfing, water skiing, boating, and scuba diving. 

Fun Fact: Achieved a top speed of 171.5 MPH in an Indy car at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.  

Career Highlight(s): The successful sale of the company he founded.  

Notable: Awarded two patents for a novel swappable attachment design.  

Estimator & Project Manager

Joe joined JGM in 2005 as an entry level fabricator and due to his outgoing personality and ability to learn quickly, he was promoted to estimator and project manager in 2016. Since that time, he has continued to build his skillset by earning his certification as a certified welding inspector (CWI) and become an integral part of the team. Joe shares his depth of knowledge to ensure JGM delivers on promises in the areas of fabrication and quality. Plus, Joe fits right in because he loves to take on new projects and challenges. Joe, along with his wife and son are avid Philly sports fans.  

Fun Fact: Joe’s family has been in the automotive industry for over 50 years and he has built several custom cars and motorcycles.

Career Highlight(s): Helping grow JGM’s shop team from a few employees to 65 team members. 

Notable: Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) 

Field Operations Manager

Dominic thrives on solving complicated logistics issues involving time constraints, staffing and materials. Joining JGM in 2005, he coordinates all construction schedules, equipment, and man power for JGM’s Industrial Construction clients. Dominic draws  on his 24+ years as an iron worker, and connector to deftly manage multiple priorities and skillfully lead large teams. JGM has the capability to serve clients who need it  done yesterday because of the skill and perseverance of Dominic and his team. When not hustling for clients, Dominic loves hiking, mountain biking and training.  

Fun Fact: Dom is a triathlete and has completed several triathlons including one half Ironman triathlon.  

Career Highlight(s): Conveyer Replacement Project which was a fast track project with extremely complicated logistics and rigging. The planning and coordination it took with a tight schedule and subzero wind-chill and its success is something that will be hard to top. 

Purchasing Manager

Chip has amassed 31+ years in the construction industry including such diverse positions as a crane operator and industrial installer as well as experience in purchasing and estimating. Joining JGM in 2007, he has developed a natural instinct to know what a project needs before it’s even requested, and his ability to see the whole job from a 360-degree viewpoint. Chip helps JGM meet tight deadlines and bring clients’ visions to life. Chip’s taps his experience to make contributions to production, scheduling and estimating which ensures workflows through the shop efficiently, securing JGM’s reputation for excellence. 

Fun Fact: Restored a classic ’69 Cougar convertible – runs great! 

Health & Safety Manager

Rob joined JGM in 2018. With more than 30 years’ experience in mechanical and industrial construction, Rob has the perfect credentials for the safety leadership role at JGM. He’s worked as a boilermaker, as a superintendent on large projects, is a certified scaffold inspector and is even licensed as an EMT. His favorite projects include erecting 600 tons of steel and installing 900 feet of conveyor as well as building a dance floor silo 250ft up in the air. Rob is credited with helping to establish JGM’s untouchable safety record and nationally-recognized safety programs. Rob stays busy outside of JGM keeping up with his wife and three children who are actively involved in horseback riding and lacrosse.

Fun Fact: Met the woman of my dreams while salsa dancing and ended up marrying her.

Career Highlight(s): Reaching one million man-hours without a lost time accident.

Notable: OSHA, MSHA, STS and EMT Certification

Quality Control Manager

Sasa brings vast technical skills and global experience to JGM. Having worked throughout Pennsylvania as well as in the power industry in Serbia, Sasa approaches projects with unique vision and experience that allows him to anticipate issues that might compromise quality far in advance. His colleagues say he can see around corners and he thrives on finding and resolving issues before they take root. Sasa ensures all codes and standards are not only met but exceeded on every project, working diligently every day to preserve and enhance JGM’s reputation for excellence. Sasa holds a welding degree from Technical Institute Nikola Tesla, Serbia. When not managing JGM’s quality standards, Sasa and his wife prioritize the education of their two young children.  

Fun Fact: Sasa played semi-professional soccer as a young man, but decided to pursue a “real job” rather than the fame and glory of a professional player.  

Notable: Certifications include American Welding Society CWI & CWE, ASNT NDT UT, MT & PT Level II, Member of AWS ASME.