A Shared Pursuit

When it came time to look for a general contractor to renovate Our Future Home on Skyway Drive, JohnsonKreis Construction Company was at the top of the list.  Not only do they have a reputation for safe and quality work, but their faith is important to them and central to everything they do.

State-licensed since 1992, JohnsonKreis is based out of Birmingham and led at the helm by President Jess Johnson and Vice President Bill Kreis, who have over 60 years of combined construction experience. Because they are both believers, motivated by the grace and love of God, they operate their company on a commitment to stewardship and building ties based on a solid reputation and honesty.

Taylor Chapman is serving as project manager for JohnsonKreis, and has almost 9 years of construction experience. He's relatively new to JohnsonKreis and is excited to manage his first church renovation.

"I've not done a church project before, but that is why all the more this project is so exciting for me," said Chapman. "As for JohnsonKreis, about 85-90% of the work we do is either churches or other ministry-type work."
 
A native of Huntsville, Chapman played basketball for University of Alabama at Huntsville before moving down to Birmingham to start his career. He and his wife have a 3-year-old boy and a 1-year-old daughter.
 
Without knowing it, Taylor had a connection to Grace Auburn even before starting this project.

"An interesting note is that my wife graduated from Auburn in 2012 and actually lived for a few years in the house that is now Ross House Coffee. I also know a few couples that are members of Grace Auburn Church, which is furthermore why I am motivated to do the best I can in my project management role for this project."

And his favorite part of working for JohnsonKreis? The people, hands down. "President Jess Johnson and Vice President Bill Kreis exemplify what it means to be a Servant Leader and do so in ways that honor our Lord. This culture and atmosphere is portrayed all the way through every level, and it is a blessing to work among people with high integrity."  

Tony Burnett serves as Superintendent for JohnsonKreis. Originally from Clanton, he's the proud father of 6 and grandfather of 12, with one more grandchild due this summer.

Burnett maintains JohnsonKreis is the best company he's ever worked for.

"My favorite part of working for JK is definitely the people and the stand that our company as a whole takes. I’ve been doing this for a long time and I can honestly say that Mr. Johnson and Mr. Kreis are by far the best owners I have ever worked for."

When asked how Skyway differed from projects he's done in the past, he remarked on the second floor concrete slab that the project team is currently removing (in what will end up being our worship space).

"I’ve done a lot of churches over the years but this one is very unique.  I’ve never removed this much of a second floor concrete slab to create balcony seating, so it's very unique in that aspect, but otherwise basically just another day at the office."

Another unique aspect of JohnsonKreis is that every one of their project teams participates in a weekly "share time", an intentional time to share the gospel with everyone on site. This includes breakfast, reading of the Word (with spanish and english bibles to pass out), and a devotional time.

For Skyway, this time is Thursday mornings. "I love these meetings because I've been on both sides," said Burnett. "I’ve been the guy who needed someone to tell me about salvation and Gods saving power and I’ve also been the guy telling someone else and actually seeing a change take place in someone’s life on a construction site."

And lastly, a fun question for both Taylor and Tony: if you could trade places with any cartoon character, who would it be?

Taylor: "I'd say Jerry from Tom and Jerry because he is always "one step ahead."
Tony: "Definitely Bugs Bunny because I love to mess with people and I love to laugh and have a good time."

We are confident the Lord ordained this partnership with JohnsonKreis, and we are excited to see how He builds His kingdom through our home on Skyway Drive!

[Kickoff Meeting at Skyway Drive]