CONTRACTOR SUCCESS STORY
SUPERConstructors, Inc.
Consistence, Persistence, Resilience
house,” explains James, “Once I got old enough, he passed me the tools and instructed me how to complete repairs myself.” James also learned by using various salvaged materials to build things and create art in his grandparent’s large backyard - a backyard which he remembers fondly as a safe haven in a high-crime neighborhood. After three years of woodshop and one year of drafting in high school, James went on to earn a B.S. in Architecture at Cal Poly, with a minor in Construction Management and Real Estate Development; this was followed by a M.A. in Architecture, with a minor in Real Estate Development at Woodbury University’s San Diego campus.
For about 10 years, James gained valuable experience working for other companies – as an administrative assistant for an architecture firm, doing drafting, CAD and cabinetry shop work, then moving into project and construction management. One of the companies for which he worked was awarded State and Federal contracts, and James was tasked with managing an 18-month construction project in the State Building, renovating restrooms to ensure handicap accessibility and water efficiency. In his free time, James took business courses. Lining up financial backing from his family, as well as networking with established contractors and developing positive relationships with potential clients, helped pave the way for going out on his own. “I’ve always wanted to be an entrepreneur,” notes James, “Design, building and development have been my focus, so in 2016, I launched my own business offering these services.”
A designer by trade, James A. Thornton, Jr. is President and CEO of SUPERConstructors, Inc., and the lead designer of D.A.R.C Studios (acronym for Development, Architectural, Real Estate and Construction). Incorporated in 2016 and based in Alameda County, SUPERConstructors holds a Class B License (General Building Contractor), Class C License (D24, D28, D29 and D34), and is working toward various certifications, including getting SLEB certified.
James’ interest in architecture and building started as a child, when he and his family lived in his grandparents’ home. “My grandfather was very handy, always fixing things around the
James A. Thornton, Jr. is President and CEO of SUPERConstructors, Inc. and lead designer of D.A.R.C Studios