Our Clients Speak

Charles E. Smith Jr., Development Manager, Barnes & Noble Booksellers
"Since we started working together in 1993, your firm has completed over 50 (fifty) stores with me personally. This letter is to pass on congratulations in "surviving" the changing prototypical growth of this company. Barnes and Noble Real Estate & Construction, as represented by myself as Development Manager, wish to express appreciation for the consistent quality and responsiveness of your company. I attribute a good part of my own success and survival (!!!) to your excellent team members. I have a great deal of confidence in your superintendents and Project Management Staff. We have met some "unreal" scheduling challenges and some "tough" budget constraints on some of these projects, but your company has always managed to meet the goals. I am looking forward to continuing our relationship in the coming years as we expand into new markets."

Wayne W. McAteer, Chairman & CEO, Wesley Hospitality Hotels & Resorts
"Now that we are underway with construction, I wanted to express my appreciation for the job that Kellogg & Kimsey, Inc. did during the pre-construction period. In this time of unprecedented rising costs and a very busy subcontractor market, we were concerned about the potential cost of this project. Your team led a true collaborative process as the project was being designed to deliver great value. This project presented unique challenges with it being the first ground up Hotel Indigo (a new Intercontinental Hotel Group concept) in the U.S. Kellogg & Kimsey, Inc. was very proactive in assisting the local project architect to get answers needed from Intercontinental's design group to complete the design in a timely manner. The joint meetings with the architect, engineers, and key subcontractors were invaluable. Every effort was made to reduce the cost of our project while maintaining the level of quality desired. I'm aware that the subcontractors in your local builders exchange named Kellogg & Kimsey "Contractor of the Year" for the excellent way you conduct your business with them on the jobsites. You get our vote for "Pre-construction Services Provider of the Year". We look forward to completing this successful project with you to give Sarasota a fresh new hotel concept.

Robert Newell, AIA Senior Project Manager Nelsen Architects
"As you know, we design all of the locations for Roy's Hawaiian Fusion and Fleming's Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar, so I have the opportunity to work with many general contractors around the U.S. Having just completed the Roy's in Sarasota with our firm, and now working on the Fleming's expansion in Tampa and Sarasota, I can say that Kellogg & Kimsey is one of the most professional and outstanding contractors I have worked with. The Roy's was an extremely difficult project converting multiple existing office areas on the first floor of a four story building to the new restaurant. With renovation projects in older buildings such as this, you often find field conditions different than what was expected once areas are deemolished. That was the case with this project, but your team was extremely responsive in helping us create an innovative, cost effective solution each time, and implemented them without extending the schedule. The excellent relationship your Project Manager and Superintendent had with the subcontractors made a tremendous difference in their effort and flexibility. I would recommend your firm to anyone who is looking for a responsive, client driven contractor who will meet their opening date responsibilities. Your ability to travel successfully is a great asset as well for those who are developing in multiple regions. I look forward to a continued relationship will Kellogg & Kimsey."

Brad Sanders, Vice-President, 3rd Works, LLC, (retail development services):
"I would like to take this opportunity to thank the staff at Kellogg & Kimsey for their outstanding performance to complete this project (Barnes & Noble Ohio State College Bookstore) on time. It was a difficult job with multiple challenges, but Les and Mike and their team of subs worked with 3rd Works to overcome each one.

The challenges included:
"The location of the site in a congested downtown area did not allow for available parking of the construction workers so arrangements had to be made to transport them in. Your team also did a great job coordinating all construction and merchandise deliveries with our on site team due to the lack of available staging area.

"Your team allowed the Owner's core and shell GC to work side by side with you in your space. I know that doing so creates additional challenges but that cooperation on your part benefited all parties since it allowed the store to open on schedule in a project that had many scheduling challenges.

With the beginning of the fall semester as an opportunity to capture large retail sales, the grand opening date was critical. I know that your team put in an unusually large number of hours, working many weekends, to make this happen. We appreciate the dedication and outstanding effort.

Acting as Tenant Coordinators, 3rd Works (as well as our clients) experience less risk during the grand opening of a new shopping center when retailers select team players like Kellogg & Kimsey to deliver the tenant build out. We enjoyed working with Kellogg & Kimsey on this project and would not hesitate to recommend your firm to others looking for an excellent retail contractor."

Brian Trotier, Vice President of Acquisitions & Development, Kelly Capital LLC regarding Sunrise Pointe Condominiums
"Now that construction is well underway, we wanted to thank you and your staff for the great job you have done to make our entry into the Florida market much easier. From the first call we had, Kellogg & Kimsey has been exceptionally responsive to any requests that we made. As you know we purchased the property with construction plans and permits already in place. A critical part of making the project viable was your ability to help us utilize the existing plans and still bring the project in at an attractive cost. Your team did an excellent job of evaluating the existing plans with our staff and of generating a sizable list of potential cost saving ideas, many of which we accepted. We have also been impressed with your interaction with the architect and engineers to get their support for the ideas and changes. It's nice to work with a contractor that is as good on the people side as on the technical side. When we considered entering this market, we did quite a bit of homework on general contractors. As we made our phones calls and visits, we found that your organization has a great reputation for delivering quality work in a timely and cost effective manner. The fact that the subcontractors in the local builders exchange voted Kellogg & Kimsey as the Contractor of the Year speaks volumes. We hope this is just the beginning of a long and mutually profitable relationship."

John Schupp, Sr. Vice-President of Retail, Jones Lang LaSalle
"Our threshold is very simple from our various owners  cost and schedule. Our early negotiations with your firm were intended to find the correct value of the project. Not only were you competitive with the market, but when these projects evolve into more complex developments, and also a very compact, matrix of events, it has been very fortunate that your firm performed both the shell and tenant work. I intend to use this format in our next ventures as well as recommend your firm to any Owner and Tenant that wants to improve their ability to modify and expedite the construction process."

Kelly R. Luksovsky, Project Manager, Nelsen Architects, Inc.
"Fleming's Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar is one of Nelsen Architect's most valued repeat clients. Each of the more than twenty restaurants that we have taken from design through opening for them has presented its own challenges. Perhaps the most challenging so far has been the Sarasota, Florida location. As a tenant improvement to a former bank space in a forty plus year old building, it offered a shopping list of potential problems. With our offices half a country away in Austin, Texas, the excellent lines of communication provided by Kellogg & Kimsey to their offices and the site were vital in keeping the project moving and meeting the opening date. As problem after problem arose with building inside of a forty-year-old shell, the team at Kellogg & Kimsey proved up to the task working out efficient solutions quickly to meet the aggressive opening schedule. Kellogg & Kimsey, made a challenging construction process seem easy with the reward in the end of an outstanding product. We look forward to working with Kellogg & Kimsey again both on a professional level as they came through with a superior end product and on a personal level as they were a great team to work with."

Gregory Y Harris, Vice President, Properties Department, AmSouth Bank
"I am writing to express how pleased we are with the performance of Kellogg & Kimsey, Inc. in delivering a first class project for us in Downtown Sarasota. Overall communication and integration with the architect and our construction representatives, CB Richard Ellis, throughout the project was excellent. Your professional staff overcame all the challenges of this aggressive schedule which included owner scope changes, the delay of permanent power to the building by FPL cue to the hurricane repairs, and completion during the holidays. An example of their "can-do" attitude was in the integration of portable A/C units when FPL was delayed so the necessary conditions for the installation of the finishes could be maintained to keep things moving. From management to the field, everyone at Kellogg & Kimsey, Inc. was easy to work with and all requests were handled with urgency.

With the importance of the branch and office, as well as matching the developer's high standard for the entire building, we upgraded the amount/design of the millwork and other details/finishes. The work of your quality subcontractors exceeded our expectations and delivered a space that I was proud to hand over to our operations, who is my ultimate customer. I was also happy to see a very small punch list at the end of the project. The headache this prevents is invaluable. I would gladly refer, Kellogg & Kimsey, Inc. to others that would like to work with a fair, competent, and professional company."

Rob Houts, Special Projects Manager, Best Buy
"Just thought I should let you know about the outstanding performance I've experience by your company this year. The Splash and Dash remodeling projects, of which I organize, went very well. On several occasions I've received praise from members of my team about the efficiency and professionalism displayed by Kellogg & Kimsey."

Ken D'Agostino, President, D'Agostino and Associates, Inc.
"Having worked with Kellogg & Kimsey on multiple projects, I have had a chance to see how you operate from estimating to the field to the office, and all areas have consistently exceeded my expectations. As you know I am very cost conscious. I have appreciated the manner in which you have secured the best possible pricing in the sub market and then maintained the budget through construction. Another critical issue is schedule and all projects were brought in on time. The excellent relationship with your subs really helps in that regard. The efforts made by all of the people at Kellogg & Kimsey prove that the company truly believes in the team effort. Any issue was approached with a meaningful search for a workable solution. There was never a we-they attitude. It is not always easy to recommend a contractor, but I have no reservations in recommending K&K to others."

Stephen A. Palmer, Owner's Representative for Sarasota Baptist Church
"As we began this latest expansion over a year ago, we started the process by interviewing local contractors to determine which might be the best company for our project. We were also becoming aware of the volatility in the market place with regards to escalating material costs due to unprecedented growth and demands from foreign sources.

It became clear to us that it was going to be necessary to work with a general contractor who would be willing to "step up" and work hard to help us achieve our budgetary goals. We have found that to be the case with Kellogg & Kimsey. They have continually shown a willingness to go the distance, to do the value engineering and extra effort required for this project."

Stanley E. Chow, R.A., Senior Project Manager, Bed Bath & Beyond
"I have been engaged in big-box retail design and construction for several years and have had the good fortune of working with Kellogg & Kimsey on several projects with different retail companies – most recently on a new Bed Bath & Beyond store located at the Gulf Gate Shopping Center in Sarasota, Florida. I found Kellogg & Kimsey to be highly experienced and very adaptable in the fast-paced and unpredictable world of retail construction. Kellogg & Kimsey entire organization from the senior management to project managers, field superintendents, and support staff all worked together as integral members of my development team to deliver the best possible project on time and on budget. Our goals became their goals. It would be my pleasure to highly recommend this fine organization to any retail construction projects you may have."

Michael P. Connor, President, The Paradise Group
"I would like to take this opportunity to personally thank you and your staff for the outstanding job Kellogg & Kimsey, Inc. did in renovating the Paradise Plaza for us in Sarasota. This type of work is an entirely different animal from ground up construction and your company understands the key factors for a successful project. When you have construction occurring around businesses that are continuing to operate, it is a true challenge to keep disruptions to a minimum but you passed with flying colors. The jobsite was kept very clean, which was enjoyed by the existing tenants, but appreciated by our company as well since it reflected a good image for us since the location is a prominent corner in the city. As with other projects we have teamed on, the challenging schedule was met, even with the effects of the hurricane season we experienced. Last, but not least, communication with Kellogg & Kimsey, Inc. was excellent, from the organized job site meetings to quick responses to special requests we made. We look forward to working together again soon and highly recommend you to others seeking a long term relationship with a first class general contracting firm."

Sergio Lopez, Sr. Construction Manager, Old Navy (Gap Inc.)
"I would like to take this opportunity to express my appreciation to Kellogg & Kimsey, Inc. for their excellent work on the Sarasota Pavilion Old Navy store. I found Kellogg & Kimsey, Inc. to be very knowledgeable of the unique challenges involved in retail construction. The team of professionals assigned to our project was extremely organized and conscientious of both scheduling and budget. It is my pleasure to recommend Kellogg & Kimsey, Inc. for any upcoming retail projects."

Colette Rosenkranz, Supv. Const. Services, Michaels
"We want to take this opportunity to thank you and your staff for a job well done at our Michaels location in Sarasota, FL. The punchlist at the end of the schedule was minimal and cosmetic in nature and was completed in a timely manner. Your company's professional attitude and concern for the customer was portrayed to Construction Manager Mark Davis, and to our construction staff, exemplifying the work ethic of your company."

Carl L. Weinrich, President/CEO of Sarasota Family YMCA, Inc.
"I am pleased to write this letter of reference and testimonial of our business contacts with Kellogg & Kimsey, Inc. Our first contract was in 1990 for the renovation of our property on 41 N. School Avenue and when completed resulted in the YMCA's first runaway shelter for youth. In 1994 we contracted with Kellogg & Kimsey for building a 50,000 square foot YMCA fitness center. In 1998 they renovated our residential property on Verna Road, which included a barn for horses. This ranch is a shelter for severely emotionally and physically abused females, and Kellogg & Kimsey's employees "adopted" the project as charitable cause. In 1999 a contract was successfully negotiated and completed for a 50-meter pool, diving well, water park and an administrative building. Currently, Kellogg & Kimsey is constructing and renovating a 67,000 square foot YMCA fitness center. Based on all business experiences we find Kellogg & Kimsey to be highly reputable and their communications are exceptional. Additionally, they are caring corporate citizens. The YMCA and our country's citizens are fortunate they are based in our community."

Shayne Damian, Sr. Project Manager, Best Buy
"I wanted to take a moment to thank you for our last two Best Buy projects. The new ground up construction in Florence, AL and the take over building in Fayetteville, AK enabled me to witness your strengths in coordination and communication skills. Your attentions to details produced two trouble free projects for me. Not only did these projects complete on time but under budget. Now that the stores are open, I want to express my gratitude for your continual follow through and response to warranty issues. The constant professional attitude and efforts are greatly appreciated by our Retail Facilities group and myself."

Charles E. Githler, III, Manager General Partner, Hotel Associates of Sarasota, Ltd.
"It was a pleasure working with your firm on the renovation and ballroom addition at The Hyatt Sarasota. It is certainly a challenge remodeling a building of this complexity while our facilities remain in operation. Your team was superb in maintaining the construction schedule, coordinating the subcontractors, and interacting with our staff in such a way that caused minimum disruption to our guests."

Butch Dunlap, Vice President of Development, C&S Commercial Properties
"Kellogg & Kimsey has proven over the last three projects that we have done that they can meet budgets, deliver on time and most importantly deliver a quality project. The firm and all the associates that I have had contact with have not only shown considerable knowledge of the construction industry but have shown considerable character in their dealings with people. Your company has enabled me to spend less time worrying about construction and spend more time focusing on getting deals put together. I value the relationship and look forward to the next project with Kellogg & Kimsey."

Brad Thorkelson, Senior Construction Manager, Ross Stores, Inc.
"I am writing to you in appreciation of a job well done. Your assistance and attention to detail during the construction of our new Ross Dress for Less in Destin, FL was first class. I had just finished several projects in the eastern region with nothing but problems with the Landlords and Contractors and was not looking forward to another difficult site. Your professional staff made the project successful. With minimal construction punchlist items and timely final occupancy approvals the project was well run. I would be very supportive in offering my professional recommendations regarding your construction services."

John M. Sullivan, Sam Snead's
"This is just a brief letter to thank-you for all the great work in the build out of our restaurant Sam Snead's Tavern in Sarasota, Florida. Restaurants are somewhat a "different animal" when it comes to construction and from beginning to end Kellogg & Kimsey exceeded our expectations. The final test came when the management team arrived and stated how everything was complete and business friendly."

T.C. Beardlee, V.P. of Construction, Trademark Real Estate
"My personal business relationship with Kellogg & Kimsey, Inc. spans over 6 years. I have found Kellogg & Kimsey, Inc. approach to customer service to be refreshing. They provide a very professional project management team with excellent onsite supervision and experienced project managers, both led by highly ethical and motivated company ownership. Kellogg & Kimsey, Inc. has always, without fail, met every contractual obligation they have faced on any of the projects the have performed for me. "

T.J. Flynn, Development Manager, T.J. Flynn
"The dust has cleared on the construction and the paperwork at the referenced project and I want you to know what a good job your people have done. As an outsourced development manager, the intensity of my work is in direct proportion to the competence of consultants and contractors. With the exception of responding to prudent calls from Dave Pfeil or Chris Hick about uncovered hidden conditions, I could have slept through the construction on this project. Chris and Dave's attention to detail, willingness to offer suggestions, flexibility and owner-friendly attitudes saved our client's project money, and reduced their exposure on several future maintenance items. And, they did this in our project timeframe."

Elva Farrell, Ph.D., Executive Director, G.WIZ
"Now that G.WIZ is officially open and we are welcoming thousands of visitors weekly, I want to thank Kellogg & Kimsey for the tremendous job you did in making this happen. In one voice, the public's response to the building is "G.WIZ, this is phenomenal!" From the initial interviews to select a general contractor to the securing of our Certificate of Occupancy, I have been impressed with the level of commitment made by everyone from Kellogg & Kimsey who was involved in the project. The Project Manager, David Reed, kept the project on schedule and frequently responded to our requests for additional help when we needed to use the unfinished facility for events or tours for potential donors. Mike Fox, the on site supervisor, could not have been better! He was on top of the project every minute, was able to keep the sub contractors on task and was responsive to our every request. The folks in your office, too, had answers to all our questions and were always prompt in getting information to us. Kellogg & Kimsey has exceeded our expectations on every aspect of the G.WIZ project."

John Davidson, Jr., Sunrise LLC
"It is with great pleasure and satisfaction that I write this letter of reference and recommendation regarding our experience with your organization and the efforts of your employees at Kellogg & Kimsey. As you certainly know, the development and construction process can by a very complex and frustrating path. Our experience with Kellogg & Kimsey on the recently finished Sunrise Office Center project was, to the contrary, very pleasant and moving along as smoothly as could be hoped for. Your construction managers and superintendents continually handled themselves with complete professionalism and time and time again went beyond the call of duty to ensure that the project was finished with great precision and that our tenant's needs did not go unanswered. Based upon this experience, I look forward to working with Kellogg & Kimsey again on our future projects and would not hesitate to recommend your company to others."

Pat Thetford, Senior Project Manager, Bayer Properties
"Bayer Properties has had the good fortune of working with Kellogg & Kimsey twice- once in Louisville, KY and once in Birmingham, AL. Both times they have provided excellent results, completing the work on time and on budget. In the case of Barnes & Noble in Louisville, they were able to turn around a project that was behind schedule and complete it on time, much to our satisfaction. I would gladly recommend them to anyone."

Scott M. Boggio, Gregory Greenfield & Associates, Ltd.
"I am writing to you to express how pleased we are with the performance of Kellogg & Kimsey in delivering the Barnes & Noble store at Victor Valley Mall. Throughout the project your team demonstrated an ability to do whatever it takes to meet one of our primary objectives, namely opening several months ahead of schedule in time for the Holiday Shopping Season. You also successfully managed to coordinate contracting separately with both the owner and Barnes and Noble for the delivery of the building shell and fit-out, respectively. The project was a win-win for everyone and I will without hesitation use you for any one of our future projects."

Juan F. Romero, AIA, President of Architecture Plus International (API)
"I have worked with Kellogg & Kimsey on a number of other projects, as well, including several Barnes & Noble projects, another name you probably know well. The executives at Kellogg & Kimsey have formed a team that is second-to-none in the industry. They are responsible construction experts with a good reputation for professionalism and consistency. The bottom line: I highly recommend Kellogg & Kimsey."

Shane Harvey, Longtime Development Manager, Barnes & Noble, Inc.
"Over the many years, while working as the leading General Contractor for Barnes & Noble, Kellogg & Kimsey, Inc. has developed quite a wonderful reputation. The single biggest reason I enjoy working with Kellogg & Kimsey, Inc. is that your company goes above and beyond the call of duty in taking care of its clients. The efforts your project managers and your superintendents put forth on difficult issues ranging from coordinating with Landlords and their shell construction, to difficult permit and inspector issues in tough states are surpassed by no other contractor. You guys do a super job at evaluating the situation and offering ideas which assist in keeping us within our budget and on schedule. I truly appreciate all the work you guys have done for me and Barnes and Noble, Inc."

Julie Conklin, Implementation Project Manager, Best Buy
"I have to say I'm impressed, I've never had a GC super do anything like this!" (Commenting on our superintendent going the extra mile to make preparations for the out of town fixture contractor coming in behind us)

Darrell C. Bovee, Vice President Design & Construction, Bayer Properties
"Thanks for a job well one on the Barnes & Noble store at The Summit in Louisville. It took extraordinary effort to complete both the landlord's scope of work concurrently with the tenant's work all while maintaining a tight schedule. We appreciate the professionalism of your team while they overcame the challenges of this project."

Dick Stoke, Property Development Manager, Best Buy
"Brad wanted me to pass on his comment that he found Chris Hick to be the most cooperative super that he has worked with in several years. He went on to say that Chris took immediate action on any request that he made throughout the merchandising process. "

Carl L. Weinrich, President/CEO of Sarasota Family YMCA, Inc.
"You worked with us from conception through completion, and we never could have afforded such a first class building without your dedication to value engineering. Your team has built two great projects for the YMCA, and on both projects, you helped us prepare and meet the budgets with a great spirit of cooperation and concern for our organization."

Todd Washowich, Construction Project Manager/Southeast, Bed Bath & Beyond
"I would like to take a moment to thank your team for a job well done. I would especially like you to express my sincere appreciation to Charlie Firth and David Pfeil for all of their efforts in maintaining the team's goals. Retail construction is an ever changing animal. It continues to evolve as long as the store remains unopened, and the planning and operations departments can think of different ways to display merchandise. This constant evolution can wreak havoc on a construction schedule and not to mention the budget. Charlie and David were tenacious in pursuit of the goals we set for them, even though the rules of the game were repeatedly changed. I will whole-heartedly recommend your firm to any future clientele."

Frank Kriz, Director of Construction, The Paradise Group
"We would like to take this opportunity to personally thank you, and the entire organization at Kellogg & Kimsey, for the great job your company did in completing the Bed Bath & Beyond store on time, given the short deadline we had to work with. The Superintendent Charlie Firth was exceptional in his professionalism, and ability to keep this project on schedule and under budget. We especially appreciate your assistance in the value engineering of this project, which enabled us to greatly benefit from your suggestions and construction methods. In this day and age where it is becoming evermore difficult for Developers and Contractors to deal with new codes, varying municipality requirements, etc., it is truly a pleasure to work with an organization that is knowledgeable and takes personnel pride and caring for each and every project they work on. We most certainly would recommend your company to anyone else, seeking to establish a long-term relationship with one of the premier Contractors in the State of Florida."