13
Nov
2014
US Builder’s Review Article
2014
J.D. Goodrum Company: Providing key commercial construction services in North Carolina
By Jeanee Dudley
In 1986, David Goodrum founded J.D. Goodrum Company (JDG) as a small, private-owned construction firm in Charlotte, N.C. He completed his first project shortly after, working on the local Presbyterian Hospital. From its inception, JDG established strong client relationships and built quality projects within the commercial construction market.
“We found a strong niche in retail up-fit construction, working in major region malls,” David explains. After more than 25 years, the business has grown significantly in both size and diversity. Today, JDG offers private select bid and negotiated work for public and private clients small and large.
In 2008 David partnered with Jamie Yoxtheimer. Now half-owner, Jamie has helped drive the company’s portfolio diversification and client development, growing the company in both size and revenue in recent years. He brings an array of construction management knowledge from past experience with a large firm. This has boosted JDG’s capabilities to take on larger work and manage projects more efficiently.
Like many mid-sized construction companies, JDG is ready to tackle major projects in the region. However, what distinguishes JDG from its competitors is the company’s small-business approach to relationships and emphasis on a team mentality. Clear communication, teamwork and attention to detail are the foundation of JDG’s business philosophy. JDG prioritizes quality and value in every endeavor, constructing high-quality, successful projects that are on-time and on-budget.
Building relationships
JDG offers a full-service approach to construction projects. Clients rely on the team to perform accurate preconstruction and development services, as well as general construction and design-build work. Working with clients and partners, the team puts together a comprehensive project, outlining timelines and budgets while exploring risks and mediating potential obstacles. The team has worked for a diverse set of clients. Recent market sectors include office, industrial, health care, recreation, schools, places of worship and more.
Over more than 25 years in the industry, JDG has established a reputation in the local market for quality, reliable projects. Recent work includes construction of Bank of North Carolina’s Southern Region Headquarters, a 13,000-square-foot office structure located in the heart of SouthPark, a prominent Charlotte neighborhood. The bank features a two-story steel structure wrapped in a glass curtain wall system and EIFS wall finish with a granite base. The interior features a state-of-the-art banking lobby, drive through teller option, financial lounge with fireplace, as well as a monumental stair leading to the second floor offices.
With a diverse skill-set in both new construction and interiors projects, the JDG team has performed several unique projects in the region. The interior build-out of the VUE Sky Lounge, a 3,000 square foot space on the 50th floor of the VUE building in downtown Charlotte, was one such unique project. With a hibachi kitchen, lounge areas and granite, marble and tiger wood finishes, the project provided JDG an opportunity to work closely with the design team to provide a high-quality finished space. The eye-catching interiors earned an IIDA Carolinas Chapter DesignWorks 2014 Award.
One of the less traditional sectors the team works in is sports and recreation. Coordinating a strong team, JDG recently constructed Romare Bearden Park in downtown Charlotte. The city’s first true urban park consists of two gathering lawns, Big Moon Green and The Formal Oval; Childhood Muse Plaza – featuring an interactive fountain and public art; and multiple gathering spaces.
The Evocative Spine ties all elements of the park together creating a thoroughfare for the park bringing elements of water, art and gathering space together. At one end of the Spine sits the Baseball Plaza, directly across from the recently completed Charlotte Knights Stadium, connecting the two urban gathering spaces. There are also new vertical elements such as the Arbor, Trellis, Art Wall and a restroom facility located in the park equipped with green roof and sustainable design components. This project was a team effort for JDG, creating in a unique urban space for the city of Charlotte.
Maintaining growth
JDG has been on a path of steady growth the last few years, although the recent recession presented challenges to the business. David cites the company’s diversity as a main factor in the team’s ability to stay afloat through the downturn. “Private work was down, but we were able to pick up some public work,” he elaborates. “We struck a balance between renovation and new construction.”
According to David, private customers are starting to invest again. Many projects had been left on the backburner for several years while the market faced uncertainty. Now, those projects are getting underway and JDG looks ahead to these new opportunities.
The company has several large projects coming up the pipeline for the coming years. JDG is getting ready to begin several projects in the public and private sectors. The team recently broke ground on a Goddard School, slated to open in 2015, and is currently constructing an Aquesta Bank branch. These repeat client relationships are the cornerstone of the company’s success and proof of the team’s ability to foster long-term relationships.
Clients have come to rely on JDG for quality, honesty and ethical performance. Every project is an important project to their team. JDG places high value on the company’s rate of customer satisfaction, a value that connects the company’s present with its origins. In the coming years, J.D. Goodrum Company will continue to stand on a strong foundation of integrity, dedication and experience.