JBI Electrical Systems – Wired for Growth

Jack Martin founded JBI Electrical Systems in Fort Worth, Texas, three decades ago. As he eases toward retirement, he’s doing what veteran athletes sometimes do: training the people who will take his place. Over the last five years, he’s built a leadership team to carry the company forward.

The twist? The new team has taught the old pro a few things, too, uncovering opportunities in markets Martin hadn’t explored.

“We expect to grow 20 percent this year and 25 percent the year after that. I think I found the right people, but they’re the ones who keep finding the new customers.”

The Leadership Team

Martin is handing responsibility to a group of directors who now drive the company’s direction:

• J. Paul Tolbert – Director of Estimating and Administration
• Josh Snowden – Director of Field Operations
• Danny Grimes – Director of Strategic Accounts
• Bill Smiley – Director of Business Development
• Rusty Carver – Director of Service

From Big Box to New Markets

The Old Model

For the first 25 years, JBI focused on large retail projects — big-box stores across the country. The company’s motto was “have wiring, will travel,” and they meant it, working coast-to-coast for the right client.

The Shift

Then online shopping changed everything. Big-box retail began shrinking, and with it a major source of JBI’s revenue.

“It was a little scary in the beginning.”

But the company adapted.

Cold storage warehouses — JBI now handles electrical contracting for massive cold storage facilities, some reaching 300,000 square feet. Several ongoing projects in Georgia and Florida. The work is similar to supermarket electrical systems but larger, faster-paced, and with stricter safety requirements.

Buc-ee’s expansion — The Texas-based convenience store chain is growing across the South, and JBI is there wiring drink coolers and gas pumps. A typical Buc-ee’s runs around 60,000 square feet with up to 100 gas pumps, far from a simple corner store.

Design-Build: A Strategic Pivot

Five years ago, JBI launched its own design-build department. Bringing design in-house shortened project timelines and cut costs by eliminating the need to outsource to engineers or other contractors.

“When you’re the one designing it and you’re on it from the very beginning, you can design it the way it needs to work.”

Martin had wanted to move into design-build for years but needed the right person to lead it. The new team made it happen.

Solar and Renewable Energy

Design-build is also opening the door to renewable energy work. JBI is now branching into designing and installing solar farms.

Martin’s Role: Shifting to Advisory

Martin plans to stay involved until 2024, but his role is becoming more advisory. He credits a construction manager who kept pushing him to start his own business.

“I could not have told you in the beginning if we would be around 3 years or 30. I figured if he kept saying it, there’s got to be something to it, and that if it doesn’t work out, I’ll put my tool belt back on and keep doing what I’m doing.”

He attributes his perseverance to playing high school football, where he learned leadership and hard work as team captain. Older cousins pointed him toward an electrical career, and he joined an apprenticeship right after high school.

Two Favorite Projects

At the tail end of his career, Martin points to two current projects that stand out:

Denton County Courthouse — A three-story, $41 million courthouse in Denton, Texas. Martin particularly likes the adjacent amphitheater and outdoor lighting design.

Dallas Cowboys warehouse — JBI is the electrical contractor for the new warehouse storing merchandise for Martin’s favorite team. He’s been a fan since the days of Tom Landry, Roger Staubach, and Bob Lilly.

Lessons from the Recession

When the 2009 recession hit Texas, JBI was forced to cut staff from 180 to 45 in a matter of months. Martin vowed never to let that happen again.

“We made it through, but when we sat down, we said when we rebuild, we need to do this the right way.”

Rebuilding that team involved construction staffing in Texas to help find the experienced people who fit the company’s culture. The leadership team has since doubled the company’s size and revenue.

“Our whole core team is strong about their faith and by running our business that way we really seem to be blessed, things are going well.”

The Takeaway

JBI Electrical Systems survived the decline of big-box retail, pivoted into cold storage and design-build, and is now moving into solar. With a new leadership team in place and a 30-year foundation of reliability, the company is wired for continued growth.