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J Calnan & Associates

Sep 07
1

JC&A Blog | Meet Megan Kukal Sabourin

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Megan Kukal Sabourin’s continuing JC&A career is as much a story about family as it is about the projects she has worked on and managed. Since joining the firm 15 years ago, Megan has grown alongside our team in a way that extends far beyond professional relationships, making JC&A an extension of her own family in many ways.

One of my favorite traditions at JC&A has to be the day before Thanksgiving. I think back fondly to my son meeting Santa and having him join me for a day at work. “Receiving and making my first Bongi turkey was also a moment that I still hold dear to this day,” she reminisced.  Traditions like these make the JC&A team much more than a group of colleagues; they’ve become part of my family.”

While Megan originally came to JC&A with experience working at larger and start-up firms, she knew that she was still trying to find the “sweet spot.” What began as a Fall co-op position where she’d hoped to gain more experience soon evolved into where she is today – a highly respected  Senior Project Manager with 15 years of extensive and varied experience.

“When I came to JC&A, I was still trying to figure out what sized company I would enjoy working for after graduation,” she explained. “I quickly came to realize that JC&A is where I wanted to end up, and nearly 15 years later the JC&A family has grown substantially, and I still know that it was the right move.”

The road to Megan stepping into the Senior Project Manager role is one that she takes great pride in. In fact, she describes the project during which she was promoted to Project Manager–the completion of 200 Forest Street–as one of the proudest moments of her JC&A career. She places it alongside other pivotal moments such as her ten-year anniversary and her work on Bioverativ, a 100,000 square foot fit-out where the firm converted a chemistry lab into one which focused primarily on biology.

“Those projects were rewarding, but one of the most rewarding parts of being at JC&A is seeing so many PCs and APMs I’ve worked with grow in their careers,” Megan said. “It makes me so proud to witness them evolve to become more confident, capable, and responsible for managing the amazing projects that we undertake. It reminds me of my own days starting out  here and the ways in which the team has helped me grow professionally  and personally.”

That pride is something that Megan brings with her everywhere she goes. She describes pride as the true meaning behind “The JC&A Way,” saying that, to her, it refers to approaching each project and client in a way that demonstrates deep respect and care. Doing so helps build mutually beneficial and long-lasting relationships with clients and leads to sustainable, efficient construction practices.

“Pride and respect are important in letting clients know that you’re here for them,” Megan explained. “Not only does this make the construction process as painless as possible, but it also eases clients’ transitions into their new space.”

Each member of the JC&A family has a different story to tell and a unique perspective on what the firm means to them. For Megan, JC&A is as much a construction management firm as it is an organization that has helped her grow her own family and create precious memories. The pride and care she brings to her work truly exemplify the JC&A way.

Jul 21
0

JC&A Blog | Meet Luke Griffin

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Luke Griffin’s story of joining JC&A embodies the firm’s familial approach to team-building and emphasis on professional development. Griffin has been with JC&A for more than five years, not counting the two years he spent as an intern (which Jim Cahill is quick to point out).

Griffin started working as an intern while still attending Tufts University and has worked his way up to project manager. During his first year as an intern, he was mentored by Mike Wilson and took in everything he could about the industry from him, including the importance of building relationships.

As a project manager, Griffin says that he continued to be mentored by and learn from his colleagues, including the best superintendents and project executives in the business.

“I gained all of my construction knowledge by sitting in the room with my teammates and learning why they do the things they do and how they do them,” he said.

These countless hours spent walking the jobsite with superintendents provided invaluable learning opportunities. He is grateful that his mentors chose to spend time teaching him when they could have been heading home following a long day at work.

Looking back, Griffin credits his decision to join JC&A to Jay Calnan and Jim Cahill. He grew up playing hockey with Calnan’s son Chris and knew nothing about JC&A. “All I knew about Jay was that his son was one of my best friends and that he has an incredible ability to talk to anyone and truly care about what they are saying,” said Griffin.  “He told me to reach out if I was ever interested in getting into the business.”

It was while interviewing with Cahill for his internship that Griffin realized he wanted to work at JC&A.

“When I met with him in the office for my interview, he immediately cracked a joke and told me to call him Jimmy. At that moment and through the rest of the interview, it was like I was talking to a friend I had known for years. That is the type of guy he is. He will always make everyone around him feel comfortable and be themselves. After my meeting with Jimmy, I knew this was the place I wanted to work.”

Luke’s proudest moment at JC&A was completing the Kronos headquarters project in Lowell, Massachusetts. Though there were many moving parts and multiple teams, the project proceeded smoothly, a testament to the JC&A Way, which Griffin likens to “hard work and dedication.” For this major project, he worked alongside an expert JC&A team led by Jeff Cameron, Mike Keaney, Larry Thibodeau and David Perry, as well as the external design team, led by Perkins Eastman and WB Engineers, and the Kronos internal team.

Jul 02
0

J. Calnan & Associates Wins Boston Business Journal’s Best Places to Work Award for 2021, Achieving this Distinction in Workplace Excellence Five Years in a Row

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For the fifth consecutive year, the Boston Business Journal has named J. Calnan & Associates (JC&A) to its 2021 Best Places to Work, an exclusive ranking of the Massachusetts companies that have built outstanding work environments for their people. The 80 companies honored in 2021 range in size and industry, with winners from the technology sector, retail industry, health care space, commercial real estate and more.

“We are proud to be recognized for the 5th consecutive year as one of Boston Business Journal’s “Best Places to Work,” said CEO Jay Calnan.  “At JC&A, it is all about our team.  I am extraordinarily proud of how our company has remained a strong, cohesive unit during these unprecedented times. This award reflects the passion and commitment each one of our teammates brings to work every day to support each other, our families, our clients, and our communities.”

 

President of JC&A, Jim Cahill said, “Our people are the lifeblood of our company and at the forefront of our success.  Since our inception in 1996, we have built an incredibly hardworking and exceptional team who enjoy coming to work and care for one another and the success of each of our partners, whether it be a client, industry associate or subcontractor.  We take pride in having created a working environment that fosters an entrepreneurial spirit, recognizes achievement and is supportive of our families and our communities.  We strive to create a family atmosphere in all we do at JC&A, rather than just be another office environment.”

 

When the pandemic hit, JC&A made the commitment to their employees to keep 100% of their teams in their New York and Massachusetts offices.

 

One JC&A employee said, “I want to thank you (JC&A Partners) for the truly remarkable sacrifices that you are making during this pandemic. You have explicitly shown your appreciation to every employee. It felt like lots of companies went through rounds and rounds of layoffs and furloughs. Myself and my family thank you for making this decision.  As always, I am unbelievably grateful and proud to work here and to be part of the JC&A family.”

 

Of JC&A’s approach to office culture and operations, Cahill notes: “Many of our people knew each other or were friends before they worked at JC&A, which is unique and not something you’ll often find within a company.  When we do find that ‘right’ person, we do whatever it takes to motivate, challenge and ultimately keep them.”

 

“In a year that has brought incredible challenges for everyone both personally and in business, it is a true testament to great organizations to be named a Best Place to Work,” said BBJ’s Market President and Publisher Carolyn Jones. “We congratulate all of our honorees and look forward to learning from them on how to create and sustain outstanding workplaces.”

 

May 28
0

JC&A Blog | Meet Mike Keaney

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Mike Keaney joined J. Calnan & Associates in the late 1990s as a Construction Superintendent and in 22 years has built a high-growth career that has led him to being named Director of Field Operations.

One of Keaney’s favorite JC&A traditions is the regular hosting of company-wide get-togethers that help employees build and maintain relationships with colleagues at all levels of the company. These get-togethers also help new employees experience the firm’s culture and help them put a face to a name when meeting other groups within the organization. These events are part of the JC&A Way, which differentiates it from firms in the wider construction industry.

The JC&A Way embodies integrity and teamwork, according to Keaney. Working together as a team to achieve project goals is a guiding principle that has created a family-like atmosphere of inclusion and respect. The emphasis on integrity and teamwork strengthens the team and builds trust in idea-sharing, so that clients will benefit from a holistic approach. This is how JC&A is able to partner seamlessly with owners, clients, owner OPMs, engineers, architects, subcontractors and vendors to share the right information to be fully informed and make recommendations in a timely fashion.

One of Keaney’s proudest moments at JC&A was experiencing how the firm rose to the occasion and worked through the Covid pandemic with grace and integrity. During an unprecedented time when companies around the world were making tough personnel decisions, JC&A’s partners decided to keep moving forward and retain all employees. The pandemic did not bring JC&A to a stop but allowed the firm to define itself as a company and problem-solve the best ways to keep employees healthy and safe during their workdays. Crucial decisions were made head-on regarding procedures, PPE, equipment and materials needed on-site and in the office so that JC&A staff felt healthy and confident. Sanitizing and wash stations were built and written programs were created to reopen sites. All of these steps were taken proactively so that construction projects could resume as soon as local and state authorities permitted.

This approach reflected JC&A’s culture of responsiveness and accountability, and how its teams see it as second-nature to pitch in as needed for its work and surrounding community.

“You get to stand very tall when a group and community you are associated with, like this one, does not give up but looks for ways to resolve problems and make things work. This is the group you want to go through the thick of things and tough times with,” Keaney said. “I’m lucky to have them all around me.”

Keaney is also proud to work with JC&A for its open-door policy that encourages employees to reach out to higher-level managers and means management is always willing to hear employee ideas.

In 22 years, Keaney has participated in more than 100 construction projects for JC&A. One of his favorite projects was 200 Forest Street in Marlboro. The scope of work involved taking a vacant, older multi-story building and repurposing its 800,000 square feet for office space. Keaney and his team updated the MEPs, added new windows, cafeteria and fitness center, in addition to cleaning and abating the building of all hazardous materials. Exterior improvements included new parking lots, covered delivery areas for vehicles and the updating of underground utilities. The building now houses health care offices, biological testing labs and several other offices that created about 4500 new jobs in the area. And in an example of how things come full circle, one of the site’s tenants became the first in the state to step up and take on testing for the Covid-19 outbreak, showing other facilities the proper testing procedures needed to help get the deadly virus under control.

Mar 29
1

JC&A and Bergmeyer Complete Boston Dynamics New Corporate Headquarters and Lab Facilities

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Construction Management Firm JC&A and Design Collaborative Bergmeyer Partner to Create Innovation in the Workplace

J. Calnan & Associates (JC&A), a leading construction management and pre-construction services firm and  Bergmeyer, the award-winning Design Collaborative based in Boston and Los Angeles, and announced the completion of the corporate headquarters and lab facilities for world-renowned robotics firm Boston Dynamics in Waltham, MA. The 180,000-square-foot state-of-the-art office space and lab facility serves as an innovation hub for the Boston Dynamics’ team, supporting the brand’s rapidly growing engineering, research and development, and marketing teams while not losing sight of what is at the core of its culture – family and connectivity.

 

The new workplace spans three levels and was built within an existing space to accommodate Boston Dynamics’ rapid expansion. It was intentionally designed to achieve several goals. First, to connect Boston Dynamics’ team to the work throughout the building, which is achieved via workstations, offices and conference rooms that overlook open plan robot labs and provide an on-going connection to the company’s mission. Second, it reflects the company’s value of craftsmanship and intentional design with the use of natural materials throughout. Lastly, the space centers on natural light, with views to the outdoors and daylighting throughout the entire workplace.

 

“One of Bergmeyer’s main concepts was to create a ‘building within a building’,” says TJ DiFeo, Senior Associate and Design Practice Leader at Bergmeyer. “We needed to apply the goals that Boston Dynamics had for the new program while maintaining the best parts of the existing space their team was drawn to initially. Bergmeyer created an improved organization within the space, with a mix of visually and physically open areas consisting of flexible lab and workspaces that encourage collaboration, promote teamwork, and help inspire ideas and innovation.”

 

The new headquarters and test lab facilities were created within an existing building located at The Post in Waltham, MA, and is anticipated to achieve LEED certification. Ninety-six percent of the interior structure was retained during the fit-out, contributing to reduced demolition and construction waste, energy use, and greenhouse gas emissions while also minimizing the negative environmental impact associated with the use of new construction materials. Bergmeyer’s design team leveraged the existing space’s sectional qualities, extending the mezzanine to create dramatic “cantilevered” meeting rooms overlooking the robotics labs. Physical and visual connectivity throughout the space facilitates and promotes cross-pollination, further strengthening Boston Dynamic’s team-driven culture.

 

“Our team is passionate about construction and technology, and partnering with Boston Dynamics was the perfect opportunity to combine both those passions,” says Daniel Charest, Project Executive from JC&A.  “In fact, we worked with Boston Dynamics to beta test their Spot robot on our construction sites and now have used them to enhance employee productivity in documenting and managing site progress.”  The firm’s President Jim Cahill adds, “We always look for opportunities to align ourselves with outstanding clients like Boston Dynamics, and we are proud to deliver this new facility that is commensurate with their status in the robotics world.”

 

With an innovative mix of fabrication, engineering, test labs, demonstration areas, office and meeting spaces, kitchens, a fitness room, mother’s and quiet rooms, and a multifunctional Town Hall at its center, the new headquarters remains true to the company’s values of inter-connectivity and transparency.

 

JC&A and Bergmeyer successfully collaborated with former building owner, Anchorline, brokerage and project management group CBRE, and NV5 engineering to make this vision a reality.  The result serves as a home uniquely designed to meet the needs of the Boston Dynamics workplace family; robots included.

Mar 15
1

J. CALNAN & ASSOCIATES ANNOUNCES 25 YEAR ANNIVERSARY

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JC&A Looks Back at 25 Years of Service as Leading Contractor for Academic, Corporate, Healthcare, Life Sciences, Robotics and Technology Markets in the Northeast

J. Calnan & Associates (JC&A) is proud to celebrate its 25th year of delivering comprehensive construction management services throughout the Northeast. Starting with a small team of leaders, including founder Jay Calnan, JC&A has grown to include a portfolio of prestigious work in the academic, corporate, healthcare, life sciences and technology markets, and has had the privilege to work for best-in-class clients such as Amazon, Boston Properties, Biogen, Atlantic Management, Takeda, Boston Dynamics, Salesforce, Children’s Hospital, Schneider Electric, PTC Inc, Reebok, MassBio, The Park School, Philips, Constant Contact and The MathWorks, among many others. JC&A has also been fortunate to collaborate with some of the best design and engineering firms on these projects, along with leading property management, project management and brokerage firms.

“None of our continued growth would have been possible without our clients, partners, friends, family and colleagues,” said Jay Calnan, Chief Executive Officer, JC&A. “The journey so far has been incredible and our entire leadership team extends heartfelt thanks to everyone who made it possible for us to become one of the best construction management firms in the Northeast.”

JC&A has always believed in “doing well by doing good.” The firm is proud of its accomplishments and even more proud of how it has achieved that success. The JC&A team has never wavered in its commitment to its people, its clients, or its community. The firm continues to be forward-thinking and customer-centric, while remaining true to its roots by always demonstrating Grit, Curiosity and Character.

JC&A has consistently been honored as a Best Place to Work by the Boston Business Journal and as a Top Corporate Philanthropist. In 2011, JC&A helped launch Team IMPACT, a non-profit with the mission of improving the quality of life for children facing life-threatening and chronic illnesses through the power of team. Since its inception, Team IMPACT has facilitated more than 2,000 matches at more than 700 colleges and universities across the country. These awards reflect the essence of JC&A’s corporate culture and are a testament to what it means to be a member of the JC&A team.

JC&A is known for our trademark ‘We Build…®’ philosophy, referring to the building of great teams, award-winning projects, lasting relationships and community.

“In reflecting on 25 years of successful growth and how we achieved it, we are incredibly proud of what it means to say, ‘We Build…® The JC&A Way,’” said Maureen Rystrom, Vice President of Marketing and Partner, JC&A. “We look forward to continuing to work ‘The JC&A Way’ with all of our valued clients, partners and community members for years to come.”

Sep 04
0

WE BUILD…® BREAKTHROUGHS | JC&A COMPLETES INNOVATIVE MASSBIOHUB TO SUPPORT LIFE SCIENCES COMMUNITY

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J. Calnan & Associates, Inc. (JC&A), one of the leading construction management firms in the Northeast specializing in world-class pre-construction services and challenging construction projects, recently completed MassBioHub, MassBio’s new conference & business center.

 

Located at 700 Technology Square in Cambridge, the MassBioHub is a unique and flexible space to accommodate groups of 2-200 for all your business needs, from informal staff huddles to full-scale conferences and corporate events.  From 1:1 interviews to large scale conferences, the MassBioHub is equipped with state-of-the-art audio-visual technology to help you produce a seamless and successful virtual event, or hold a COVID-19 compliant meeting safely and without added stress.

 

JC&A collaborated with TRIA, Inc., Alexandria Real Estate Equities, RW Sullivan and Fort Point Management on this exciting project that will allow scientists to focus on what they do best – improving patient lives.

 

The team integrated new AV, Security, Tel Data, and lighting control for the space and also installed a sound masking system to eliminate existing building noise.   Designed to support networking opportunities, the space features multiple communal areas and an interconnecting black steel staircase with hand crafted Corian and pressure treated wood.

 

As companies are currently reconfiguring office and lab space to support social distancing, hosting a small meeting or event becomes near impossible due to space constraints. MassBioHub has the space and all the technology to ensure virtual events and meetings are engaging, professional and supports the evolving business needs of our Life Sciences community. 

 

“It was an absolute pleasure to work with JC&A for the construction of MassBio’s new conference and business center. The team impressed us every step of the way with their responsiveness, attention to detail, and ability to stay focused on the client and project even through the COVID-19 pandemic. We could not be happier with the new space and look forward to a long partnership with JC&A,” said President and CEO of Mass Bio, Bob Coughlin.

 

 

“We are proud to be part of this important project for Mass Bio,” said Greg Lewis, project executive, Life Sciences at J. Calnan & Associates. “In the end, it’s all about improving patients’ lives, and this new headquarters will allow them to further advance their therapies.”

 

 

JC&A builds for the world’s top Life Sciences companies. Our specialized Life Sciences team has extensive experience working in challenging cGMP environments including occupied spaces, clean rooms, operational vivariums and labs. We also have worked for various user groups with strict security requirements and aggressive schedules. Some of these groups include Sanofi Genzyme, Biogen, Parexel International, Takeda, Acceleron and MassBio. 

Aug 07
0

JC&A Named a 2020 Best Places To Work Company

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The Boston Business Journal has named JC&A to its 2020 Best Places to Work — the BBJ’s exclusive ranking of the Massachusetts companies that have built outstanding work environments for their people.

The 79 companies honored in 2020 range in size and industry, with winners from the technology sector, retail industry, health care space, commercial real estate and more.

We are proud to be recognized for the 4th consecutive year as one of Boston Business Journal’s “Best Places to Work,” said CEO, Jay Calnan.  “At JC&A, it is all about our team.  I am extraordinarily proud of how our company has remained a strong, cohesive unit during these unprecedented times and this accomplishment reflects the passion and commitment each one of our teammates brings to work every day to support each other, our families, our clients, and our communities. In reflecting on this award and 25 years of success, ‘We Build with gratitude’ is the JC&A way of giving thanks to our team and all those who continue to be part of this journey.”

The 165 businesses that met criteria for office location and size participated in employee engagement surveys distributed by the Business Journal partner Quantum Workplace.  Employees were asked to rate their work environment, work-life balance, job satisfaction, advancement opportunities, management, compensation, and benefits.

President of JC&A, Jim Cahill said, “Our people are the lifeblood of our company and at the forefront of our firm’s success.  Since our inception in 1996, we have built an incredibly hardworking and exceptional team who enjoy coming to work and care for one another and the success of each of our partners, whether it be a client, industry associate or subcontractor.  We take pride in having created a working environment that fosters an entrepreneurial spirit, recognizes achievement and is supportive of our families and our communities.  We strive to create a family atmosphere in all we do at JC&A rather than just another office environment.”

When the pandemic hit, JC&A made the commitment to their employees to keep 100% of their team in both their NY and MA offices.  Cahill continues: “Many of our people knew each other or were friends before they worked at JC&A which is unique and not something you’ll often find within a company.  When we do find that “right” person, we do whatever it takes to motivate, challenge and ultimately keep them.”

One JC&A employee said, “I want to thank you (JC&A Partners) for the truly remarkable sacrifices that you are making during this pandemic. You have explicitly shown your appreciation to every employee. It seems like every company out there is going through rounds and rounds of layoffs and furloughs. Myself and my family thank you for making this decision.  As always, I am unbelievably grateful and proud to work here with all of you and the rest of the JC&A family.”

“These are challenging days for businesses and their employees,” said Carolyn Jones, Boston Business Journal market president and publisher, “and the companies that appear on this year’s Best Places to Work lists — our 18th year of honoring such companies — are leading the way as the region’s top workplaces.”

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May 06
0

Life Science Construction Experts with Covid-19 Protocols in Place

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JC&A is the construction management leader in the Life Science industry helping clients in the Cambridge and Suburban markets with all their construction needs.  Now more than ever before, it is critical to work with partners who understand the intricacies of this very specialized work, as well as how to build safely under the new Covid-19 guidelines. 

 

JC&A is paving the way for Life Science companies to advance their construction projects in a safe environment.  Through our work with State and local officials (as well as many building owners), we have developed and implemented comprehensive Covid-19 Protocols across all of our essential jobsites.  We are well positioned to help other Life Science companies with their construction needs as well. 

                                                                                

Advancement in science and research cannot stop.  As founding members of Team IMPACT, a non-profit that connects children facing serious or chronic illnesses with college athletic teams, we know first-hand the criticality of your work. We believe we share a singular mission: to improve the lives of the children and families we champion.