The Falcon: JGM’s 2025 Q3 Newsletter

A Message from Our Founder & CEO


I hope everyone had a great summer! Fall is officially here—fire pits are lit, sweatshirts are out, and Eagles football is back (Go Birds!). As we head into Q4 and the holiday season, I want to reflect on what we’ve accomplished and where we’re heading.
JGM Wins Two Industry Awards We’re excited to announce that JGM has won two major industry awards: ABC Eastern Pennsylvania – Excellence Award (First Place) ENR MidAtlantic – 2025 Regional Best Projects, Specialty Construction These awards were for our E-Commerce Warehouse Bar Joist Reinforcement Project, and they’re a big deal. Not just because of the recognition, but because they are a direct reflection of our team living JGM’s core values—Uncompromising Safety & Quality, We Plan. We Adapt. We Succeed., Whatever It Takes, and Create Value Through Better Solutions. From planning through execution, this project demanded every ounce of discipline, teamwork, and creativity we have. Everyone at JGM should be incredibly proud.  Exploring AI at JGM Artificial Intelligence is reshaping our industry, and we’re actively exploring how we can apply it to improve the way we work. While we haven’t deployed any AI systems yet, we see tremendous potential to enhance: 

  • Estimating – exploring faster takeoffs and more accurate bid generation 
  • Finance & Operations – analyzing project data across departments to support quicker, better decision-making 
  • Safety & Quality – evaluating tools that improve inspections and hazard identification 
  • Marketing – looking at ways to streamline outreach, content creation, and analytics 
  • HR – finding opportunities to improve recruiting, onboarding, and internal communications

AI won’t replace our people—it will amplify our ability to lead the industry in safety, speed, and execution. 

 

Major Project Wins & Equipment Investment 

 

We’ve secured several exciting new projects this quarter: 

  • Nucor Tuscaloosa Roll Mill Shop Expansion 
  • Midtown Manhattan Bus Terminal Helix Ramp, with Banker Steel 
  • Erection of Two AWS Data Centers, with SC Steel 

 

To support the Helix Ramp job, we’ve invested in a brand-new Ogden Twin-Wire Automatic Sub-Arc Gantry. This machine will help us fabricate girders faster and with greater precision—just another example of how we continue to invest in the future. 

 

Thank You: To our entire JGM family—teammates, customers, vendors, and partners—thank you. Let’s finish the year strong.

 

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

Joe Messner, Jr.

Founder & CEO

JGM SAFETY CORNER

At JGM, uncompromising safety and quality aren’t just priorities — they’re who we are.

We’re proud to recognize the following team members for their recent certifications and contributions, and to share exciting updates on recent project honors.

 

CPR/AED/First Aid Certification:

Anthony Bernardine
Ditzon Hernandez
Jeremy James
Ryan Kernan
Jaime Kevles
Cletis Kusnierz
Rob Policastro
Kadin Ruyak

 

Ken Shipman
Michelle Shipman
Pat Shirk
Jay Sinclair
Ryan Tamney
Mike Towber
Jon Wolf
Justin Zupito

1st Place – Excellence Award

JGM was awarded an Excellence Award (first place) for our recent E-Commerce Warehouse Project in Jessup, PA.  We are looking forward to attending the Gala in November and retrieving our Eagle Trophy!

ENR MidAtlantic 2025 Regional Best Project 

We also won the ENR MidAtlantic 2025 Regional Best Project for our E-Commerce Warehouse Project in Specialty Construction. Check it out here: East Construction Views | Engineering News-Record

JGM ON SITE: PROJECT UPDATES

 

Russellville Update

Our field team in Russellville, Kentucky is moving right along!  All of the fabrication has been completed, and steel erection is advancing smoothly. The main ladder erection is finished, aside from the section reserved for the stacker crane installation. Work on the façade steel and air mixing chamber is well underway and progressing successfully. Wall panel installation is scheduled to begin by the end of this month, with stacker crane assembly and installation tentatively set to follow in November. Throughout the project, safety and quality have remained our highest priorities, with zero incidents to date! Check out the video here:  Aluminum Coil Mill ASRS System

JGM: PROJECT WINS  

 

JGM Awarded Project at Nucor Steel Tuscaloosa

We’re proud to announce that JGM has been awarded a fabrication and installation project for Nucor Steel Tuscaloosa (NSTCL). This important initiative supports the modernization of NSTCL’s hot rolling mill as it transitions into a Tandem Steckel Mill, adding a second mill stand for increased capability and efficiency.

As part of this first phase, JGM will execute critical building modifications in the Roll Shop to accommodate a new 200-ton overhead crane, which will replace the existing 90-ton and 50-ton cranes. Scope of work includes:

  • Demolition of the existing roof and installation of a new roof 15 feet taller
  • Demolition of the existing crane runway and installation of a new runway 10 feet taller
  • Reinforcement of building columns to support increased loads
  • Removal of the 90T and 50T cranes
  • Removal and reinstallation of all related electrical and lighting systems
  • Ensuring weathertight protection of sensitive mill equipment throughout

This project comes with unique challenges. All construction and modifications will take place while Roll Shop operations continue below, and the shop’s tight location—sandwiched between the Rolling Mill and the Barge Yard—requires careful planning and coordination to maintain uninterrupted operations.

At JGM, we thrive on complex, mission-critical projects like this one. Our team is ready to deliver—safely, efficiently, and with the speed to market that defines us.

Q3 RECOGNITIONS

 

 

Qualified Overhead Crane Operator – The following teammates have completed classroom, hands on practical training and a written test in the knowledge OSHA 1910.184, OSHA 1910.179, ASME B30.2, ASME B30.9, B30.16, B30.17, B30.10, B30.21, B30.26 

  • Anthony Camacho
  • Jose Carabolla
  • Mike Crane
  • Justis Davis
  • Brian Fish
  • Matt Frazier
  • Miguel Garcia
  • Luke Guss
  • Jeremy James
  • Paul Linkens
  • Oswaldo Monroy
  • Tyler Ramaley
  • Deonte Ratay
  • Devon Schaefer
  • Ken Shipman
  • Juan Quiroz

 

Qualified Rigger Level 1 – The following teammates have completed classroom training consisting of OSHA 1910.184, OSHA 29 CFR 1926.1400 ASME B30.9, B30.10, B30.26 for rigging.

  • Guillermo Alvarez
  • Pat Cannon
  • Elvis Cantoran-Corona
  • Isac Castro
  • Cristopher Cisneros-Guzman
  • Zacka Cornett
  • Brian Fish
  • Salvador Garcia
  • Jason Hansell
  • Ditzon Hernandez
  • Jeremy James
  • Kyle Morgan
  • Ace Rivera
  • Ken Shipman
  • Justin Warrington
  • Jon Wolf

 

Advanced Rigger – An advanced rigger is a highly skilled professional responsible for safely lifting, moving, and positioning heavy loads in complex environments.

  • Zacka Cornett
  • Jason Hansell
  • Mike Houser
  • Pablo Monroy-Castano
  • Ken Shipman
  • Doug Smith

STS-C Certification – The Safety Trained Supervisor Construction (STS-C) certification is a professional credential offered by the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP). It recognizes supervisors and managers in construction who demonstrate knowledge and skills in safety practices, compliance, and leadership. Earning the STS-C shows a strong commitment to protecting workers, reducing risks, and promoting a culture of safety on every jobsite.

  • Josh Day
  • Coleman Hauber
  • Chris Messner
  • Joel Neff
  • Mike Palmer
  • Rob Policastro
  • Brian Sell
  • Dan White

 

PROJECT MANAGEMENT ACADEMY

 

FMI Training Summary

In August, Joel Neff, Brian Doran, and Andrew Ciliberto attended a four-day FMI training program in Raleigh, NC. This program combined classroom lectures with hands-on project work, giving the team the opportunity to apply new skills in real time.

The lectures, led by FMI instructors, focused on key project management skills such as time management, delegation, scheduling, financial oversight, and building strong relationships with both coworkers and customers. Between sessions, we worked in diverse teams with participants from other companies to complete four simulated projects. Each project required us to assign roles, plan strategies, and meet with “clients” (FMI instructors role-playing) to ensure successful final presentations by week’s end.

While the lectures provided valuable insights, the true learning came during the project work. The simulations closely mirrored real-world challenges, pushing us to put classroom concepts into practice and strengthen our leadership, planning, and communication skills. Overall, the training was an excellent opportunity to grow professionally while collaborating with industry peers.

EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT

Meet Tanika Velez, Journeyman Welder

 

1. What I enjoy most about being part of the JGM team:
What I value most is the support and encouragement from management. JGM truly invests in its employees and motivates us to achieve our career goals.


2. An accomplishment I am most proud of at JGM:

I’m especially proud of learning how to operate the robotic welder and successfully using it to weld parts. It was both a challenge and a milestone in my growth.

 

 

 


3.
One fun fact about me most people don’t know:
I’ve lived in four different states, which has given me a variety of experiences and perspectives.

 


4. One piece of advice I would give to someone just starting out in the trades:

Be persistent when looking for your first job. It can feel discouraging at first, but once you get your foot in the door, the opportunities are endless—the sky truly is the limit!

WELLNESS CENTER

 

Balance vs. Perfection for a Happier & Healthier Holiday Season

The holiday season is quickly approaching! The holidays are a wonderful time to celebrate, connect, and reflect, but they can also bring a lot of extra stress. Between family gatherings, work commitments, and the pressure to make everything just right, it’s easy to forget to take care of ourselves.

This season, give yourself permission to let go of perfection and focus instead on what really matters—spending time with the people you love and creating memories that last. Protecting your mental health is just as important as looking after your physical health. That might mean carving out quiet time to recharge, keeping up with a simple routine that helps you feel grounded, or reaching out to friends and family when you need support.

Physical health also plays a big role in how we feel during the holidays. It doesn’t have to be complicated, moving your body a little each day, enjoying seasonal treats in moderation, and making sleep a priority can all help you feel your best. When we take care of ourselves, we have more energy and patience to truly enjoy the season.

Most of all, remember that the holidays aren’t about doing it all, they’re about connection, gratitude, and joy. So, give yourself the gift of balance!  By keeping balance in mind, you can head into the new year feeling refreshed, not worn out.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!

Q3 Anniversaries

5+ Years

    • Julio Cesar-Bautista
    • Elvis Cantoran-Corona
    • Mike Houser
    • Pat Kelly
    • Justin Mastrippolito
    • Chris Messner
    • Ryan Pagels 
    • Rob Policastro
    • Jose Rivera
10+ Years

  • Josh Day
  • Don Mullen
  • Ken Simeone

 

15+ Years

  • J.P. Messner

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.