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.