Wayne, Neb. — Jamie Rodriguez's dream of building a successful construction business came to life in 2018 when he founded J & JR Construction, LLC in Wayne, Nebraska. Along with his wife, Nancy, Rodriguez now runs the company, drawing on over a decade of experience in both landscaping and construction. Their business is known for its commitment to quality and community, providing construction and roofing services to Wayne and the surrounding areas.

Kimberly Zuñiga, the oldest of the Rodriguez children, serves as the company’s business administrator. A student at Wayne State College, majoring in human resources management with a minor in construction management, Zuñiga plays a crucial role in the business’s day-to-day operations.

Zuñiga explained that the "J" in J & JR Construction stands for her father, Jamie. “He named the business ‘& JR’ with hopes of making it a family affair,” Zuñiga said. “For now, I guess I can be the JR.”

The company mainly focuses on residential construction, which accounts for about 90% of their work. From interior remodeling and carpentry to drywall, painting, flooring, roofing, and concrete work, J & JR handles a variety of projects. They also take on commercial work and provide subcontracting services when large contractors need assistance.

In their efforts to grow the business, the Rodriguez family began collaborating with the Nebraska Business Development Center (NBDC) in Wayne. They met Benjamin Benton, the center’s director, at a local banquet in 2022, an event organized by Wayne America, Inc., which helps foster economic development in the region.

“I asked him what the NBDC does, and he told me, ‘We help small businesses grow.’ I said, ‘You and I are going to be best friends,’” Zuñiga recalled with a smile.

Their partnership with Benton has led to valuable business advice and support. “From day one, Ben opened doors I never knew existed,” Zuñiga added. “We’ve worked on marketing, financial resources, pricing, and customer acquisition.”

Benton, who has worked closely with J & JR Construction, describes the company as one of his first clients at the Wayne NBDC office. “We meet at least once a month,” Benton said. “I’ve helped them with business plans, financial projections, and payroll solutions.”

He noted that the Rodriguez family’s dedication to quality is evident, especially in their local projects. “They own land in Wakefield for future multi-family development and are currently selling a house in Coleridge that they renovated from the ground up,” Benton said.

In addition to the support from NBDC, J & JR Construction has also participated in local educational programs, including the Small Business Administration’s “Are You Lender Ready?” series. These opportunities have enhanced their skills and provided further growth avenues.

“We’re getting a lot of word-of-mouth recommendations,” Zuñiga said. “Both NBDC and Wayne America, Inc. have been sending prospective customers our way.”

J & JR Construction continues to build its reputation in the Wayne area, with a solid foundation for future success and expansion.

More about NBDC

The Nebraska Business Development Center (NBDC) offers vital services to small businesses throughout Nebraska, helping them grow and succeed. Their support includes business consulting, marketing strategies, financial planning, and much more. Learn more about their services by visiting nbdc.unomaha.edu.

Originally reported by University of Nebraska Omaha.