Jack McKernon, founder of The McKernon Group Inc., is retiring from his long time position as owner/CEO of the Brandon-based business. The McKernon Group is an environmentally responsible design/build company that specializes in a wide variety of construction. With retirement in mind for the last 10 years, he comments that that the time is right to pass the business along to his long time business partner, Kevin Birchmore. Jack will be working on some of his own projects and will no longer be affiliated directly with the company.
Kevin Birchmore, President and Jack’s partner for 25 years has acquired Jack’s ownership position of the company, and has taken on a partner, Justus Cameron who is the newly appointed Vice President.
At a company meeting held on August 4th, it was announced that the transaction had taken place. A commemorative plaque was presented to Mr. McKernon and it was a time for recognition of an owner who has built a successful company by investing skill, vision and single-minded commitment in order to build energy efficient quality homes. In turn, Jack passed on the official “McKernon hard hat” to the new owners. The meeting was followed by a company picnic.
Kevin states that “in the current economy, diversity is very important”. He plans to involve the company in small jobs as well as building the client’s “home of choice”. In addition to design/build, the company offers the services of its subsidiaries: UFO, ( urethane spray foam insulation); Gee, (renewable energy); Vermont Woodland Cabinets (kitchen/bath cabinets, millwork and furniture). Kevin says they will make good use of the company’s strengths in order to “build better for less”. It is his intent to make renovations and new-construction more affordable through efficiency and streamlining company overhead. The expansion of the energy efficient building systems will be a strong focus.
Justus Cameron has been with The McKernon Group for 4 years. He graduated from Wentworth Institute of Technology in Boston and has a degree in Construction Management. He is experienced in all aspects of the company and has excelled in project management. His commitment to becoming a shareholder stems from his own positive experiences and his observations of the skillful work force at The McKernon Group. His vision for the company is to push the limits in order to allow clients to expect the best. “With responsiveness, flexibility, and open communication, McKernon will continue to be dedicated to creating strong, lifelong relationships with our clients and partners”.
It was confirmed by the new owners that The McKernon Group will continue to maintain the high quality that is associated with the McKernon name. The outlook for the company looks strong and projects are lined up for the months ahead. Kevin also stated that The McKernon Group will be hiring in order to take on the additional work load.