AJK NEWS

Safety Shout-Out: Damon Forrest

Let’s give a safety shout-out to Damon Forrest at the Nimoy Theatre project. Damon was working near some noisy concrete while working hard on this conduit rack you see behind him. He knows how valuable your hearing can be so he wears earplugs when things get noisy. Great job, Damon and keep being safe out there!

Alloy Project Passed DWP Inspection

Congratulations to the crew at the Alloy project. They passed their DWP inspection. Our vaults are well on their way. The LADWP inspector exclaimed, “this is some of the cleanest exothermic welding I’ve ever seen!” Proud of all our shareholders on this project. Special recognition to “The Cop” Greg Gutzwiller for his refined welding techniques. 

Happy 5-Year Work Anniversary:
Armando Lopez

A very special shout-out to our entire Pre-Fab team. They are the backbone of our organization. We are beyond proud of your growth and commitment. Thank you, Henry, Dianne, Willy, Eva, Mauro, Sergio, Jonathan, Johnny, Mayra, Bryan, Stan, and Dan. We go as you go! 

Pre-Fab Shout-Out

A very special shout-out to our entire Pre-Fab team. They are the backbone of our organization. We are beyond proud of your growth and commitment. Thank you, Henry, Dianne, Willy, Eva, Mauro, Sergio, Jonathan, Johnny, Mayra, Bryan, Stan, and Dan. We go as you go! 

Safety Shout-Out: Hugo Gutierrez

Let's give a safety shout-out to Hugo Gutierrez at the Hollywood Arts Collective project. Hugo used a ladder bucket that was attached to his ladder along with a few other creative attachments. This not only kept his hands free ascending and descending a ladder but also he didn't have to drill any holes in the ladder which is something you never want to do. Great job staying safe out there, Hugo!

Construction Inclusion Week 2022

As we, A.J. Kirkwood & Associates, Inc. commence #constructioninclusionweek we celebrate our inclusivity and diversity and maintain our focus that we want our company to look like the world we live in. We not only celebrate our differences we embrace them. We pledge to make every effort to seek out and strategize with like-minded GC’s and suppliers who share our same values.

ABC of SoCal Graduates: Caleb Oberther, Andrew Choi, and Fernando Ayon

Congrats to our ABC of Southern California graduates Caleb Oberther, Andrew Choi, and Fernando Ayon. It’s a huge accomplishment and you should be very proud of yourselves. We are defiantly proud of you, and grateful to have you part of team.

Project Progress: UCI COHS

The new UCI College of Health Sciences building is almost complete! We value our relationship with Hathaway Dinwiddie and look forward to partnering with them on future projects. Our team installed the new building's lighting, electrical rooms, public safety and cell DAS, access control, and voice data.

Happy Hispanic Heritage Month

A.J. Kirkwood & Associates, Inc. is proud to commemorate National Hispanic Heritage Month, the annual observance honoring the cultures and contributions of Spanish and Latino Americans. 
 
We as an organization are stronger when we celebrate the diversity that makes us unique. Through diversity, we can foster innovation, creativity and collaboration to leverage the varying and rich experiences that make our workforce one of a kind. 
 
This month is an important reminder of how much strength we draw as a nation of immigrants. The Spanish and Latino community is integral to AJK’s growth and is represented throughout our entire company and at all levels. Si se Puede!

AJK Runs for Shriner's Hospital for Children 

Our shareholders, spouses, partners, children and dogs came out to support Shriner's Hospital for Children on Sunday 9/18/2022. We will always be more than an electrical contractor. We will continually seek out foundations, charities and worthwhile causes that align with our values and we will show up and represent. Very humbled and extremely proud of our men and women for sacrificing their Sunday morning.

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!

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!

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.

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!

​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.

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.

Women in Construction Week

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 Cameron Milloy for all your efforts in 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.

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!

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. 

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. !

AJK Visits Vista Charter School

We are 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.

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/

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.