Happy Work Anniversary: Ivan Segura

This week's safety shout goes to Ivan Segura over at UCI Phase 4. Ivan had a very detailed personal Pre Task Plan book, also known as "PTP Book" or "The Blue Book". The PTP book is so important to our safety program because by defining the scope of work, analyzing the hazards, and developing and implementing hazard controls, it allows our employees to eliminate any known or potential hazards so the job can be completed safely. Great job Ivan and keep being safe out there!

Safety Shout-Out: Freddy Lopez

This week's safety shoutout goes to Freddy Lopez! Freddy is working at the UCI Phase 4 project in Irvine. He is following A.J. Kirkwood & Associates, Inc. Heat Illness Prevention Program (HIPP) by keeping plenty of drinking water with him and keeping himself hydrated while working safely. With the summer heat, it's especially important to stay hydrated throughout the day to prevent a heat-related illness that can occur quickly and with little warning. Great Job Freddy!

Promotion Announcement:

Matt McConnell

Please join us in congratulating Matt McConnell on his promotion to Director of Finance and Development! In Matt's new multi-dimensional role, he will assist the CEO/CFO and will be responsible for developing and implementing AJK's business plan with a focus on accelerating the Company’s innovation and growth through long and short-term business strategies, creating or enhancing cross-functional teams along with company policy/procedures and will be responsible for the company’s financial reporting, implementation of, maintaining relationships with vendors and maintenance of fiscal records. Congratulations, Matt!

Happy Work Anniversary: Jeff Anguiano & Gus Flores

We had an amazing morning celebrating shareholders Jeff Anguiano’s 10-year and Gus Flores’ 5-year work anniversaries. A.J. Kirkwood & Associates, Inc. is honored to have these two exemplary leaders managing the Equinox project for Bayley Construction Congratulations to both of you on your many successes.

Promotion Announcement: Carlos Bello

We are excited to announce the promotion of Carlos Bello to Director of People and Culture! Carlos’ focal points will continue to be the recruiting efforts for the field, prefab, and office and creating pathways for promotability while continuing to manage all labor movements. Another key focus will be on enhancing and building his relationships with local BITA and STEM high schools, colleges, and organizations to develop a pipeline for future recruiting needs. He will continue to concentrate his efforts on solidifying AJK’s Corporate Social Responsibility image while enhancing team collaboration will also be a point of emphasis. He is currently working on levels of accountability with goals of increasing the organization's culture by way of increasing attendance, production and safety awareness. Continuing to highlight our employees on social media platforms like LinkedIn will always be a point of emphasis for Carlos and AJK as we celebrate our achievements in the field. Please join us in congratulating Carlos!

Safety Shout-Out: Andrew Reyes

This week's safety shout-out goes to Andrew Reyes! Andrew is working on a very busy job site and sometimes other trades don’t wear all their PPE when they should. Andrew understands how important safety is and even though the job is moving quickly, he always has his PPE on and pre-task plan book filled out each day. Great job, Andrew! 

Happy 20-Year Work Anniversary: Vio Ciolac

Congratulations to Vio "Buddy" Ciolac on your amazing 20 years!

Safety Shout-Out: Eddie Comparan

This week's safety shout-out goes to Eddie Comparan! Eddie has been working at Temple City for just a few weeks and it didn’t take long for C.W. Driver Companies to notice his dedication to safety. CW Driver awarded him a Home Depot gift card for his efforts during the fall protection safety stand-down meeting. Great job, Eddie!  

Promotion Announcement: Cameron Milloy

We are excited to announce the promotion of Cameron Milloy to Academic Coordinator! Cameron is a journeyman electrician and started with AJK in 2013. Not only does he still maintain his journeyman’s license, but he also has an MBA in management. Which makes him the perfect person for this position. In his new role, Cameron will be spearheading the course development and instruction of ongoing education classes for our tradespeople. Please join us in congratulating Cameron on his promotion.

Safety Shout-Out: Lorenzo Cortes

This week's safety shout goes to Lorenzo Cortes. Lorenzo is working over at Pomona College Athletic Center and is always working hard and focused on the task at hand. You might be lucky enough to get a few words out of him and a smile before he returns to the task. To top it off, Lorenzo is always wearing his PPE and doing the job safely. Great job out there Lorenzo!

Safety Shout-Out: Luis Mejia

This week's safety shout-out goes to Luis Mejia at UCI Nursing. Luis came to the safety department a few weeks ago asking for ways to get to the ceiling above a stairwell landing to install a light fixture. A simple ladder wouldn’t do. The decision was made to use a small, lightweight basket lift that can be carried by hand and small enough to fit on the stair landing. Thank you Luis for reaching out to the safety department for help to get the job done safely

Safety Shout-Out: Lee Cowan & Robert Rojsutivat

This week's safety shout-out goes to Lee Cowan and his apprentice, Robert Rojsutivat. Lee is always doing work safely and asking how he can improve safety on the job site. He doesn’t hesitate to spread the A.J. Kirkwood & Associates, Inc. safety culture and his own good work ethic to new hire, Robert Rojsutivat. Robert has only been with AJK for a week and he’s already loving it. Way to go guys! 

Safety Shout-Out: Andrew Cazares

This week's safety shout-out goes to Andrew Cazares. He was paying close attention during scissor lift training and remembered not to screw anything to the side rails of a scissor lift. Andrew had to find a way to organize small parts but keep them off the floor of his lift where he could trip over them. He built a bracket with some uni strut and 4/s boxes to organize his material so he could be more productive and work safely at the same time. Way to go Andrew!

Safety Shout-Out: Nathan Call

This safety shout-out goes to Nathan Call over at the Ganahl Lumber project. We buckle every time we drive a car and the job site is no exception. Nathan buckles up for safety always. Great job Nathan!

Safety Shout-Out: Philip Stafford

This safety shout-out goes to Philip Stafford. Philip had work to do in this room full of open trenches and piles of soil. He took a look at it and thought it seemed like an unsafe place to work. Philip did the right thing, said something to us foreman, and put danger tape across the doors. Good job putting safety first, Phillip!

Safety Shout-Out: Joseph Warren

This safety shout-out is for Joseph Warren over at CT-7 in Chinatown. Joseph is always safety conscious on the job site and looking out for his crew by spotting things that look unsafe or asking questions about safety to gain more knowledge about safety. Joseph recently completed his NFPA70E as well. Great job, Joseph!

Promotion Announcement: Eric Tissel

We are excited to announce the promotion of Eric Tissel to labor manager! Eric began his career as an apprentice in 2004. After becoming a journeyman, he worked his way up to become a lead man, then a foreman, and now a labor manager. Eric has run many successful jobs for AJK and currently working on Pomona College Athletic Center, Cal Poly CLA, Hammer Museum, and Hollywood Arts Collective. Please join us in congratulating him on this achievement!

Safety Shout-Out: William Ramirez

This shout-out goes to William Ramirez working at Hollywood Arts Collective. William has only been part of the AJK family for a few weeks and he is already using personal tools like this yellow vice plate to do the job safely. The vice plate allows William to cut conduit and uni strut while keeping both hands on the tool he is using to cut with. As a result, William is able to safely control the tool and keep his hands out of harm's way. Great job William and welcome to AJK!

Safety Shout-Out: Robert Carreon and Steve Medina

One aspect of being safety conscious is getting help when lifting and transporting heavy, awkward objects when needed. This safety shout-out goes to Robert Carreon and Steve Medina who are helping each other lift and transport this ladder. Job well done, gentlemen!

A.J. Kirkwood Headquarters Awarded 2021's Governor's Historic Preservation Award

In collaboration with the City of Fullerton, Bastien & Associates Inc., and Oltmans Construction Co., it is an honor to have A.J. Kirkwood's headquarters be awarded The Governor's Historic Preservation Award for 2021 for recognition of the Beckman Instruments Administration Building Historic Preservation project. The Governor's Historic Preservation Award was designed to recognize the accomplishments of community-based groups and individuals throughout California, each of whom has worked to preserve aspects of our heritage.

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The Governor’s Historic Preservation Awards Ceremony was held on April 27, 2022, and can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/GCpE1fXfV0U

Promotion Announcement:

Jessica Choto

Four years ago, Jessica Choto decided to make a career change into construction and landed at A.J. Kirkwood & Associates, Inc. Since day one she has pushed herself to learn the trade and processes that come along with it. Her work ethic and dedication have helped her through challenging projects and obstacles. She has taken these challenges as opportunities to learn and grow.
Jessica also volunteers in many AJK events/programs and has championed AJK’s NAWIC LA involvement for the past few years. To further pursue her career goals, she supplements learning at work by attending school after hours. Currently, Jessica is working on her Construction Estimating Certificate, as well as a Construction Management Associate in Science Degree.

Safety Shout-Out: Tony Duran

This safety shout-out goes out to Tony Duran. Tony is working on the UCI phase 4 project in Irvine and understands how important temp power is and how dangerous it can be if it is not properly maintained. Tony was seen here taking the initiative and repairing a cord end on the temp power. Great job, Tony!

Happy 20th Work Anniversary:

Sean LaCommare

Happy 20th anniversary to Sean LaCommare! Sean started his career at the age of 17 in 2002 and worked his way up from apprentice to leadman on multiple jobs to foreman running work on high rises. He’s currently the foreman for 520 Mateo, which will be his 6th high rise. He’s also working with 22-year AJK vet Brian Odell and they are preparing to build a 35-story tower in the LA Arts District (pictured above). Thank you Sean, for your continued dedication and loyalty. It’s people like you that make AJK great.

Construction Safety Week

This year's Safety Week celebrations included on-site safety demonstrations, designated toolbox talks, mental health awareness, and job site breakfast and lunch events. A.J. Kirkwood & Associates, Inc. practices safety 52 weeks of the year and this week's celebrations emphasized that safety is what keeps us connected and supported to build a stronger, safer industry and supportive environment for each other. Thank you to all our shareholders and trade partners who continue to support and cultivate safety culture with us.

Celebrating AANHPI Heritage Month

A.J. Kirkwood & Associates, Inc. celebrates Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month as observed annually in May. We use this time to reflect on and celebrate the diversity of cultures, languages, and traditions of the AANHPI community and the contributions of our AJK #AANHPI shareholders. We are committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility at AJK to ensure that everyone feels welcomed, respected, and represented.

26 Years Celebration

May 3, 2022

A.J. Kirkwood & Associates, Inc. celebrates 26 years of electrical excellence. Thank you to all of our trade partners. 

Grounding & Bonding Training

Thank you to journeyman, Cameron Milloy for all your efforts into preparing and teaching a grounding & bonding class for all our shareholders. The collaboration, bonds, and learning platforms that we create amongst ourselves are undeniably the main ingredient that will secure our viability and sustainability.

Safety Shout-Out: Brandon Mendez

​Congratulations are in order for Brandon Mendez for having his Pre-Task Planning book filled out with great detail. Brandon understands the importance of his PTP book in helping him plan out his tasks while putting a premium and focusing on safety awareness and his surroundings. His commitment to safety has earned Brandon this week’s Safety Shout-Out.

Safety Shout-Out: Raul Duran

Raul Duran has a smile that lights up a room. We A.J. Kirkwood & Associates, Inc. are all extremely proud of him as he was awarded the "challenge coin" from C.W. Driver Companies. Raul was recognized for his safe work practices and for going above and beyond standard safety protocols.

Safety Shout-Out: Andrew Espinosa & Shawn Beckham

Andrew Espinosa and Shawn Beckham have worked together for several years. They make a dynamic team. Working in a stairwell using fall protection while the other holds the ladder to keep it from moving exhibits the peer-to-peer accountability that A.J. Kirkwood & Associates, Inc. is striving for. Great teamwork and way to look after one another.

AJK Runs for Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation

We had an amazing run for Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation. It was great to see many of A.J. Kirkwood & Associates, Inc. shareholders get behind this worthwhile cause and lend their support. Special shout out to Joe Warren who ran the half marathon!

Promotion Announcement: Chris Bauer

We are excited to announce the promotion of Chris Bauer to Project Manager! Thank you for your diligence and teamwork, and congratulations on your well-deserved promotion!

March 2022 Newsletter

AJK Connection Newsletter - March 2022 Edition

Lighting Control Training

The collaboration, bonds, and learning platforms that we create amongst ourselves are undeniably the main ingredient that will secure our viability and sustainability. Thanks to Brian Odell, Jacob Traer and Manny Mota who have put many hours into developing and welcoming new ideas to create this latest lighting control class. 

WIC Week 2022 Wrap-Up

As we wrap up another incredible #wicweek A.J. Kirkwood & Associates, Inc. celebrated with a luncheon to recognize all of the incredibly talented and skilled women of AJK. We'd like to thank Michelle Kirkwood and Leah Zappia for their inspiring and motivating words. AJK is committed to fostering and cultivating a safe and inviting space for women to thrive in the construction industry through education and representation. We have the power to make the construction industry a more diverse and equitable place for all.

AJK + NAWIC LA: WIC Week

NAWIC LA Chapter #42#42 NAWIC Orange County celebrated #wicweek2022 by hosting a Groundbreaking breakfast starting with a powerhouse panel sharing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
A.J. Kirkwood & Associates, Inc. was proud and honored to be a title sponsor for the event. And our very own, Carlos Bello shared words on how our company is impacting diversity equity and inclusion here at AJK. Thank you NAWIC for allowing us to be a part of this year's WIC Week celebrations!

Bring Your Daughter to Work Day

In honor of #wicweek2022 A.J. Kirkwood & Associates, Inc. hosted our first "Bring Your Daughter to Work" event where we invited our employees to bring their daughter, granddaughter, sister, niece, or neighbor to the office. Our goal is to expose young women to the countless opportunities that the construction has to offer them. 
 
We had a panel discussion by AJK women where they described their experiences in this industry and offered insight into the endless opportunities available. There was also a hands-on project to demonstrate how to wire an electrical switch.

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Thank you to Anthony Gutierrez, Chris Murphy, Phillip Gutierrez, Walter Salcedo, Sergio Gonzales, Tony Mendoza, and Anthony A. and their families for participating in this amazing event!

Women in Construction Week

Happy #wicweek2022 and #internationalwomensday from the women of A.J. Kirkwood & Associates, Inc. !

Celebrating Black History Month

We A.J. Kirkwood & Associates, Inc. proudly celebrate Black History Month. As we pay homage to the soldiers that fought for our nation's independence, the scientists, innovators, poets, artists, and the countless unnamed heroes, it is with the highest of reverence that we look back and forward to the rich heritage of Black history which without, we have an incomplete American history. From “I Have a Dream” to “Ain’t I a Woman” we are continuously inspired by those who came before us.

AJK Visits Vista Charter School

Truly honored to be able to serve these young future leaders from Vista Charter School and to work with some amazing people Raygena Smith Jessica Magaña, CMIT Shilo Losino Chantayne Wilchewski Brandy Carmona Thank you NAWIC LA Chapter #42 for the invite. We A.J. Kirkwood & Associates, Inc. will take any opportunity we can to support our local schools and their STEM programs.

AJK Hosts an FCC GROL Training Class

We love having an amazing space for our employees to learn. The training classroom at our office has been occupied by students from AJK and local companies to earn their FCC GROL (general radiotelephone operator license) since yesterday. The class concludes tomorrow when students take their final test to receive their license. We recently hosted a training class with Honeywell FiPlex and are excited to host this GROL class as a follow-up. Thank you to David Byrd and Elkins Marine Training Int’l for coming down to SoCal to teach this class.

LA Times: AJK Management Promotion Announcements

Check out AJK's recent management promotions announcements of Brad Hanenberg, Henry Gutierrez, and Erik Peal on the January 27, 2022 edition of LA Times People on the Move. 

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Link to article: https://peopleonthemove.latimes.com/ca/people-on-the-move/search?limit=18

The Tommie Hotel - Featured in Hospitality Design's "30 Best Hotel Openings of 2022"

Link to article: https://hospitalitydesign.com/projects/hotels-resorts/best-hotel-openings-2021/

Orange County Business Journal & 
Los Angeles Business Journal: AJK Management Promotion Announcements

Check out AJK's recent management promotions announcements of Brad Hanenberg, Henry Gutierrez, and Erik Peal on the January 3, 2022 edition of the Los Angeles Business Journal and Orange County Business Journal!

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OCBJ: https://www.ocbj.com/people-on-the-move/
LABJ: https://labusinessjournal.com/people-on-the-move/

Promotion Announcement: Erik Peal

We are excited to announce the promotion of Erik Peal to Operations Manager! He has been an integral part of A.J. Kirkwood & Associates, Inc.'s growth and success. Thank you for your hard work and dedication over the past 11 years. We look forward to your leadership in your new role.