Marine Bob Jenkins and his brother DJ started VETSBuilt Contracting in November 2014 in Carefree, AZ. Their goal was to grow VETSBuilt into a solid, trusted, reliable and reputable builder/ contractor in the Phoenix area. They believe in serving both our country and those who have served it, with a rich family history of military service spanning multiple generations.
When did you conceive of/start doing VETSBuilt, and what inspired you?
Well, one evening 10 years ago, my brother and I were having a beer on my patio. Bob suggested that given his experience in doing fix and flips in the Boston area (that’s where we lived before moving to AZ) and my experience working with Wells Fargo Bank in Arizona on repairing and listing the bank’s foreclosed properties, we would be in a good position to start a General Contracting business. After another beer or two, the creative juices started to flow and I suggested VETSBuilt Contracting LLC as a potential name. It stuck and here we are today.
How did your military experiences influence the work you’re doing?
Our great uncle Charlie was a Welsh coal miner who immigrated to the U.S. and fought as a Marine in WWI. Our father, Llewellyn, was a Capt. in the Army and fought at “The Bulge” under Gen. George Patton in WWII. Our older brother Tom is a Former Marine.
Bob’s son Will served as a Navy Seabee. Bob was an MOS “1371” Combat Engineer in the Marine Corps. [Because of this] we are committed to helping and hiring veterans and putting them to work. Presently, we have approximately 40 subcontractors we work with, and almost half are veteran-owned or have vets working for them!
What’s your favorite project to date?
We were asked to remodel a guesthouse. After completing approximately 25% of the project the owners of the property asked us to move forward with a remodel of the Casita, Barn Apartment, Pool House and RV Garage. In addition, we were hired to pour new concrete to expand the driveway and incorporate a helicopter pad.
Why do you believe this is an essential contribution to the community?
We put forth a significant effort to hire veterans and/or work with veteran-owned companies. We also contribute a percentage of our revenue to various foundations that are veteran and First Responder focused. One such Foundation is the Marine Corp Law Enforcement Foundation, where Bob serves on the Board, and VETSBuilt contributes a substantial amount of money. Thanks to generous donors, MC-LEF currently establishes a $35,000 educational account for every child who loses a parent serving on active duty in the United States Marine Corps, Navy Corpsman, or as a Federal Law Enforcement Agent.
What inspires you to continue?
There is a great level of satisfaction when you complete a project, and the finished product is above and beyond your client’s expectations. This, coupled with the fact that we put Veterans to work and support First Responders, gets us out of bed bright and early every morning.
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