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[Page S4939]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
RECOGNIZING JWR CONSTRUCTION SERVICES, INC.
Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, as chairman of the Senate Committee
on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week I recognize a small
business that exemplifies the American entrepreneurial spirit at the
heart of our country. It is my privilege to recognize a family-owned
small business that builds high-quality projects and is actively
involved in several community organizations. This week, it is my
pleasure to honor JWR Construction Services, Inc., of Deerfield Beach,
FL, as the Senate Small Business of the Week.
In 1985, Jerry DuBois and William Gallo founded JWR Construction
Services in Deerfield Beach, FL. Recognizing a need for well-built
commercial buildings, they combined Jerry's project management
expertise and William's architectural skill to start their general
contracting and construction management firm. From the beginning, Jerry
and William established passion, respect, ownership, service, and
safety as the core values of their company. They prioritized customer
service and community involvement.
Over the next 35 years, JWR Construction finished construction
projects throughout Florida. They have built affordable multi-family
housing, healthcare facilities, and senior living centers, along with
commercial and industrial facilities. Notably, JWR Construction has
completed projects for the University of Miami, Johnson & Wales
University, Nova Southeastern University, and Florida Atlantic
University.
JWR Construction creates dignified work for their employees and
contractors, ensuring social mobility and supporting the skilled
trades. They emphasize hiring veterans including Jerry's son, Dustin,
who is a U.S. Navy veteran. Dustin served for 5 years as a machinist
mate and special warfare combatant-craft crewman. He joined the family
business in 2009 and currently serves as its chief operating officer.
Through their leadership and service, JWR Construction has advocated
for the contracting industry and south Florida community. In addition
to earning several local industry awards, JWR Construction is active in
the Associated Builders and Contractors Florida East Coast chapter,
with two members serving on the local 2020 board of directors. JWR
Construction has partnered with dozens of community organizations,
including the Boys and Girls Club, the Deerfield Beach Little League
team, and the Broward Navy Days. Jerry serves on the board of
Rebuilding Together Broward, which revitalizes homes for low-income
individuals, especially veterans.
Like many Floridian small businesses, JWR Construction Services
stepped up to support its community during the coronavirus pandemic.
When the Deerfield Beach Housing Authority hosted its seventh Annual
Destination Graduation for local low-income high school seniors, JWR
Construction helped organize a drive-through graduation celebration.
They provided a laptop for each graduating student, donating a total of
$14,000 in graduation gifts.
When the U.S. Small Business Administration launched the Paycheck
Protection Program, Jerry and William applied immediately. The PPP
provides forgivable loans to impacted small businesses and nonprofits
who maintain their payroll during the COVID-19 pandemic. In April 2019,
JWR Construction received a PPP loan, which enabled them to keep 37
employees paid and allowed them to safely continue their essential work
in south Florida.
JWR Construction Services is an incredible example of how hard work
and strong values can create a business that is both successful and
beneficial to the community that it serves. I commend their important
work. Congratulations to Jerry, William, Dustin, and the entire team at
JWR Construction Services. I look forward to watching your continued
growth and investment in the south Florida community.
____________________
