Dedication to quality sets JCP apart

After working several years in the construction industry for others, James and Jalin Phelps decided in the middle of the recent economic downturn to go into the business for themselves.

They teamed up with another brother, Clifton, who had a background in commercial real estate and property management, to start JCP Construction.

“I saw there was a niche out there for minority-owned businesses on construction jobs and figured we could meet the need of companies looking to hire a certified minority-owned business,” said James Phelps, company president. “That certification got our foot in the door on some projects and then our high quality of work gets us noticed and we were then able to secure more work. Our promise is that every project comes in on time and on budget.”

That reputation for providing high-quality work has helped the company expand in recent years. Its annual revenue expectations now top $5 million.

JCP Construction specializes in carpentry, concrete and selective demolition. Depending on the size of a project, the company can either be a direct contractor or, more often, a subcontractor.

For example, JCP Construction currently works as a subcontractor on the Northwestern Mutual project in downtown Milwaukee, helping to waterproof the building’s footings. Elsewhere, the company has contracts to provide interior carpentry and kitchen equipment.

Among its other notable projects it has had a part in are the baggage-claim area at General Mitchell International Airport, The Moderne, the floating pier at University of Wisconsin’s Memorial Union and various projects at Marquette University.

The three brothers divide up their business duties according to their individual strengths. Clifton manages day-to-day operations while James oversees project management and business development. Jalin, who had worked previously as a foreman at other construction firms, leads work out in the field and serves as a liaison between employees and the project manager.

James Phelps acknowledges that it was a big risk to start a business during an economic downturn. Still, he said, the brothers reasoned that having their own business would put them more in control of their destinies.

“I expect we’ll continue to grow in the next five years and double where we are today,” Phelps said. “When people see the quality of work that you do, your name gets around.”