The Falcon: JGM’s 2025 Q2 Newsletter

A Message from Our Founder & CEO

Summer is officially here—and you can feel it! The sun’s out, the days are longer, and our teams are staying focused, safe, and productive on the job. Our crews continue to impress me with how they adapt to the elements and push forward with grit and professionalism. Whether it’s in the field or the fab shop, they take it all in stride. 

The past six months have been interesting and dynamic, to say the least. We’ve experienced the impacts of tariffs, global conflicts, and general uncertainty in the market. But as I’ve said before—with chaos comes opportunity. And this is where JGM shines. One of our critical core values says it best: We Plan. We Adapt. We Succeed. 

When the market gets tough, our team gets tougher. We solve problems quickly, pivot when needed, and always execute with discipline. That’s the JGM way—and it’s why we continue to deliver exceptional results for our clients, no matter the circumstances. 

Looking ahead, we’re seeing tremendous opportunity across several high-growth markets: 

  • Data Centers 
  • Heavy Manufacturing 
  • Power & Energy 
  • Highway & Bridge Infrastructure 

The rise of artificial intelligence, reshoring of American manufacturing, and ongoing federal infrastructure investments are creating significant demand. JGM is well-positioned to meet that demand, with our ability to self-perform complex steel fabrication and erection, equipment setting & alignment, mechanical installations, process piping & heavy rigging & hauling. 

Here are just a few highlights from this past quarter: 

  • We surpassed 2.2 million man-hours without a lost-time incident—a major milestone that reflects the strength of our safety culture. 
  • Our Kentucky ASRS project continues to progress on schedule, thanks to the tight coordination between our steel, mechanical, and wall panel crews. 
  • In Coatesville, our fabrication team is underway with 5,000 tons of steel for two new AWS Data Center buildings. We’re excited to be part of the AI boom! 
  • At our Sinking Spring facility, the team continues fabrication of the Livingston Lift Bridge Towers—a major engineering feat. It’s always wild to see how small something looks on paper before it becomes 50 feet tall in real life! 

We’re also doubling down on leadership development: 

  • Joel Neff, Brian Doran, and Andrew Ciliberto recently completed FMI’s 4-day Project Manager Academy in North Carolina—part of our continued investment in building world-class leaders. 
  • Congratulations and thank you to Chris Messner, Joel Neff, Rob Policastro, Mike Palmer, and Dan White for earning their STSC certification from the Board of Certified Safety Professionals. This nationally recognized credential equips our leaders to proactively identify and mitigate jobsite hazards—further strengthening our safety-first mindset. 

To every teammate at JGM—thank you. Your hard work, resilience, and commitment to excellence are what set us apart in the industry. 

Enjoy the summer. Recharge with your families. Reflect on the wins. And then let’s get ready—because the second half of 2025 is going to be big. 

We Plan. We Adapt. We Succeed. Let’s keep building. 

Joe Messner, Jr.

Founder & CEO

JGM SAFETY CORNER

 

President’s Award

At JGM, uncompromising safety and quality are at the core of everything we do. We’re proud to share that we’ve been awarded the President’s Award by our Property & Casualty Insurance Captive Group for the 2023 policy year (May 2023–May 2024).

This prestigious recognition honors companies that demonstrate exceptional safety performance and culture — and with an EMR of 0.529, our team proved exactly that.  Huge congratulations to the entire JGM team for making this achievement possible!

AWARDS & RECOGNITION

 

Lalo and Javier Camacho Celebrate 18 Years with JGM

April 2025 marked Lalo and Javier Camacho’s 18th year with JGM. We are grateful for their loyalty and commitment, and join them in celebrating this momentous milestone.

JGM ON SITE: PROJECT UPDATES

 

 

Russellville

What seemed like a slow start is now picking up the pace. We have the main coil storage racks and roof framing 50% installed, the team has been challenged with weather delays and now high heat. Overall, the project is going well and the crew in Pittsburgh assembling coil supports to ladder frames are all on schedule. Our transportation center is keeping the flow of material steady and preventing delays on site.

Navigating Tariffs: What it Means for JGM and Our Customers  

 

How JGM is Managing the Impact

Recent changes in federal tariffs—particularly those impacting imported steel and aluminum—are reshaping the construction and fabrication landscape across the U.S. At JGM, we’re staying ahead of the curve to minimize disruption and maintain the speed, quality, and reliability our clients expect.

Material Sourcing

Tariffs have increased costs on certain imported metals. In response, JGM has strengthened relationships with domestic suppliers and strategically sourced materials to maintain competitive pricing and steady inventory.

Project Planning & Budgeting

We’re working closely with clients and partners to anticipate potential cost fluctuations and adjust project timelines or scopes as needed. Our estimating and procurement teams are actively monitoring market shifts to provide accurate, up-to-date forecasts.

Value Engineering

To offset rising material costs, our team is offering innovative alternatives—such as re-engineered designs or hybrid material use—without compromising safety or performance.

While the tariffs present challenges, they also reinforce the value of working with a nimble, U.S.-based fabricator like JGM. We’re committed to transparent communication and smart solutions that keep projects moving forward—on time and on budget.

Steel Mill Schedules

Steel mill rolling schedules have become increasingly unpredictable due to a combination of supply chain disruptions, fluctuating demand, and constrained capacity at domestic mills. Many mills are prioritizing high-margin or contractual orders, making spot availability scarce and lead times more volatile. This lack of schedule consistency is creating challenges for project planning, fabrication timelines, and downstream coordination. As a result, we are encouraging our customer to commit as early as possible to material purchases, even it that means the steel is ready well before the project kick off date.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

 

Bring Your Child to Work Day

We hosted our 4th Annual Bring Your Child to Work Day on April 25th. 30+ kids attended – Joe Consiglio from Silly Joe Sings provided the entertainment, Chick-Fil-A, pizza and Petrucci’s Ice Cream!  The kids had a blast and ended with a shop tour.  Channel 6 and Fox 29 stopped by to showcase the day!

GO BEHIND THE SCENES

 


JGM Exhibits at AIST!

JGM exhibited at AIST 2025 in Nashville in May. It was a rewarding experience to join other organizations in the industry at the largest iron and steel conference and expo.

WELLNESS CENTER

 

Staying Ahead of Your Health This Summer: A Simple Check-Up Can Make a Big Difference 

Summer is here—long days, hot weather, and peak project activity. Just like we prep our equipment to handle the heat, it’s important to take care of ourselves, too. Preventative health checks can catch issues early and keep you running strong all season long.

Here are three easy but important ways to take charge of your health this summer:

Get Your Flu Shot

Flu season can sneak up early, especially with summer travel and large gatherings. A quick flu shot helps protect you, your team, and your family from unnecessary downtime.

Check Your Tetanus Vaccine

Cuts, scrapes, and rusty materials are common on active job sites—especially outdoors. If it’s been 10 years (or 5 for certain injuries), it’s time to get a booster.

Schedule Your Annual Physical

The heat can stress your heart and body—especially in physically demanding jobs. An annual check-up helps catch hidden health concerns before they become serious.

You take pride in your work—take pride in your health, too. Make the call. Check your records. Book your appointment. A little prevention now keeps you safe for the summer and beyond.

Q2 RECOGNITIONS

JGM Is Committed to Self-Improvement

We are proud to announce the following employees have advanced their skill sets in the shop and have received certifications in the following areas.

Full Time

  • Deonte Ratay-FCAW 1G
  • Francis Donohue-FCAW 1G
  • Ryan Tamney-FCAW 1G
  • Colbi Vanderpool-FCAW 1G
  • Cesar Zuniga-FCAW 3G
  • Matthew Frazier- 3G FCAW D1.1 
  • Paul Linkens – 1G FCAW D1.5 FCM 
Intern

  • Max Stevenson-FCAW 3G
  • Ashlee Neuin- 3G FCAW D1.1 
  • Owen Drake – 3G FCAW D1.5 FCM 

 


We would like to thank Tara and Chip Ashenfelter for going above and beyond for our team! It’s the little things like organizing every other Friday luncheons; especially a team favorite – sausage and peppers! Tara always makes sure we are in the holiday spirit with decorating the office inside and out. They have also been a part of the JGM family for over 32 years combined! Thank you both for your dedication over the years!  

 

EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT


Meet Jason Pulsipher – Director of Estimating

 

1. Please describe your role as Director of Estimating at JGM?

My role will be to help oversee the costs for all estimates, as well as reviewing proposals and contracts for projects.  Evaluate each project and help come up with our best win strategy and ensure that our construction teams are set up for success in safety, quality, production and cost.  

2. What drew you to JGM and this role?

The culture that JGM has is fantastic, all the people I met and spoke with during interview processes made this place feel like home.  People, safety, and quality core values as top priorities were a huge part in attracting me to JGM.  The growth and potential for JGM are amazing and I wanted to be a part of that.

3. What is the most rewarding part of your job?

The most rewarding part of my job is training and teaching others, whether it be on the estimating side or the construction side. I love building work, and I also love data and numbers, estimating gives you the best of both worlds.

 

4. What advice would you give someone entering the estimating field?

One of the big things that makes a person a good estimator is getting some field experience.  Any kind of experience from putting your hands on the work will make you a better estimator.  Being very detail oriented and being able to adapt

5. What do you enjoy doing outside of work? 

My favorite thing to do outside of work is spend time with my wife (Jeanie), my son Brody (11), and my daughter Blakely (8). We make multiple Disney trips each year and that has become one of the things we love to do together. I also love sports, and all outdoor activities. If there is a fish to be caught, or anything that involves hunting it is on my radar.

WELCOME TO THE TEAM!

Q2 New Hires

We are proud to add safe, knowledgeable, and driven individuals to our growing team. Join us in welcoming the following new employees!

  • Tanika Velez: Welder 1
  • Joel Aguilar: Material Handler
  • Paul Wunderlich: Shop Helper
  • Alejandro Quilarque: Journeyman Welder
  • Nicky Gutierrez: Journeyman Ironworker
  • Gama Guitierrez: Ironworker Welder
  • Junior Gutierrez Jr.: Ironworker Welder
  • Omar Ace Rodriguez: Welder
  • Paul McDowell: Welder 1
  • Marcial Alvarez: Journeyman Ironworker
  • Ricardo Montiel: Journeyman Ironworker
  • Angel Rodriguez: Ironworker Foreman

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!

Q2 Anniversaries

1 YEAR

  • Sean Donovan
  • JR Causton
  • Karri Taggart
  • Aaron Skutch
  • Beth Ruth
  • Joel Neff
  • Katie Miller

2-5 YEARS

  • Justin Warrington
  • Kevin Traynor
  • Debi Weed
  • Giovanni Rivera
  • CJ Kusnierz
  • Pat Cannon
  • Anthony Bernardine
  • Andrew Webster
  • Justin Zupito
  • Ditzon Hernandez
  • Edward Perez
  • Jamie Hillmann
  • Stephanie Krommes
  • Ken Shipman
  • Ben Amaral
6-10 YEARS

  • Dominic Bonura
  • Mike Towber
  • Marco Escoto-Renteria
  • Rafael Bermudez

11-15 YEARS: 

  • Fabian Cantoran

18-20 YEARS:

  • Javier Camacho
  • Lalo Camacho

 

 

JGM BONUS REFERRAL PROGRAM

 

Refer a New Hire & Earn Up to $3,500

JGM is always looking for good people, and you can help. Research has shown, and our own  experience supports, that new hires who come into a company through employee referrals are  excellent contributors and stay with the company longer! That’s where you come in! If you know  someone who would be a good addition to the JGM Team, you may be awarded a referral bonus of up to $3,500 (less taxes) if you refer a candidate and he or she is hired. 

Employees must refer candidates to Human Resources through the Employee Referral Program by using the Candidate Referral Form to be eligible. 

PROGRAM RULES 

  • All JGM employees, except those at vice president level and above, direct managers on a project and managers with hiring authority over the referred candidates, are eligible for the Employee Referral Program. 
  • The referral date cannot be earlier than the date the job opening is posted. 
  • The referral must represent the candidate’s first contact with JGM. Temp, summer, contract and former employees of JGM are not eligible candidates for referral awards. 
  • To be eligible for an award, an employee must submit a completed referral form to Human Resources. When available please include a copy of their resume. 
  • The referring employee must agree to have his or her name used when the company  contacts the candidate. 
  • The first employee to refer a candidate will be the only referring employee eligible for payment.
  • Only candidates who meet the essential qualifications for the position will be considered. 
  • All candidates will be evaluated for employment consistent with company policies and procedures.
  • All information regarding the hiring decision will remain strictly confidential. 
  • Both the referring employee and the hired candidate must be employed by JGM for the referring employee to receive bonus payouts.

All referral bonus payments will be paid according to the following schedule: 

$1,000 after 90 Days – $1,000 after 9 month – $1,500 after 1 year 

Please use this link: https://forms.office.com/r/4SFQz36vGr

 

If you have a job that you needed yesterday, contact JGM today.