[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 139 (Wednesday, August 5, 2020)]
[Senate]
[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.

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