Rings, watches, pendants, earrings that are made of silver, gold and other fine materials are what makes Jared a successful North American franchise. The known jewelry palace is only 20 years old and now one of the largest specialty retail jewelers in the world.

When Jared opened its first store in 1993, it offered a revolutionary idea in retail jewelry—a store front not located in a shopping mall. Rather than just strolling by a mall front jeweler, prospective buyers visit Jared the Galleria of Jewelry location with one purpose in mind: they want to buy their jewelry through a personal and intimate experience.

Such objectives establish a set of standards that begin with the construction of the facilities. GarCo Inc. was selected to perform the exterior and interior work for the JGJ store in Baton Rouge, La., because of the subcontractor’s reputation for quality and style of work.

GarCo Inc. is a Baton Rouge-based commercial drywall and framing business with more than 15 years of experience. President Alejandro Garcia and Vice President John Gomez believe that successful businesses are built on strong client relationships and excellent communication. This belief is core to their goal of exceeding the expectations of general contractors and building owners.

The company specializes in metal stud framing, wood framing, drywall, acoustical ceilings, painting, insulation, installation of metal trusses and EIFS. Its portfolio, across the state of Louisiana, includes construction ranging from financial buildings, stand-alone store fronts, academic facilities, institutional centers, large malls, and retail shopping centers.

With an average of 20 to 30 employees, the company has seen plenty of growth in its short history. Although 2012 was a down year for the company, the company is seeing some rebound.

“I think if we strive to be different and do a good job, we will make a difference as a construction company,” says its Vice President John Gomez. “This year, we started off better than expected so we believe it’s going to be a good year.”

HIGH ENDEAVORS

The project scope for the Jared project included metal stud framing, drywall hanging and finishing, insulation and acoustical ceilings. The project budget was for $200,000, with GCI beginning the work in November 2011. The project took the subcontractor eight months to complete.

While construction skills are consistent across building types, it takes attention to detail to ensure that the final results meet the objectives of the owner and client. Meeting tight project deadlines and focusing on a quality product is where GCI strives to excel.

Ordering the right amount of materials, at the right point in the project lowers costs, reduces material waste, and streamlines the project delivery and crew alignment. GCI leverages construction automation solutions, such as On Center Software’s On-Screen Takeoff and Quick Bid, to improve its accuracy, efficiency and project management. With principals who have hands-on experience as site-workers, estimators, and project managers, GCI concentrates on the details which ensure quality of work and informed customers.

This consultative approach delivers accurate and competitive cost estimates, with the flexibility to either cost per the job or supply labor by the hour. To consistently produce the highest quality of work requires that GCI learn and grow with the industry so that it continues to give the most value to its customers. It is for these reasons that GCI has a higher rate-of-return.  

As the company continues to establish itself as a stronghold in Louisiana construction, Gomez talks goals.

“One of our goals is that in two years time we will be at least twice as big a company that we are now,” he says.

By doubling its revenue stream and labor base, the state of Louisiana and the industry should see more good things to come from GCI. Stay tuned.