next generation of Bjork Construction . “ Jessica handles much of our business administration and has been helping us take the company to the next level . She ’ s a great example of the abilities and effectiveness that women can demonstrate when encouraged to take leadership roles .”
During the 33 years that they ’ ve been in business , Bjork Construction has earned a reputation throughout Northern California as a superior residential and commercial builder . They initially started out in the residential arena , branching out into commercial projects 20 years ago . As a small , woman-owned business , one of the biggest challenges Bjork Construction faced was obtaining financing . “ Perseverance has been a key factor in our long-term success ,” Jean notes . She also credits the Alameda County Contractor Technical Assistance Program ( CTAP ) with helping her company gain a better understanding of the importance of maintaining good financial records and developing a marketing plan .
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit , the company temporarily shut down operations for 6 weeks last year . “ Our highest priority was keeping our employees safe ,” explains Jean , “ so we stepped back long enough to understand and implement the appropriate safety procedures .” The pandemic also resulted in an unanticipated and extreme escalation in materials costs , so adjustments had to be made to account for rising prices . Despite these challenges , 2020 ended up being Bjork Construction ’ s best year ever .
Jean ’ s company has completed many residential and commercial projects throughout the Bay Area , receiving high praise for their careful planning , expertise , attention to detail , ongoing communication with clients and prompt responsiveness . The company ’ s ideal new projects are commercial new construction jobs in the $ 2- $ 5 Million range .
Bjork Construction is signatory to the local carpenters ’
Jean Bjork , owner of Bjork Consruction , Inc
union , which Jean cites as a significant benefit . “ It makes it easier for us to obtain sufficient skilled labor and to find workers who have completed their apprenticeship training . The union has also helped us find key projects , including our recently-completed work on the Cherryland Community Center – which we are particularly proud to have played a role in constructing .” Located adjacent to the Meek Estate in Hayward , the state-of-the-art Cherryland Community Center houses multi-use and community rooms , a pre-k activity room , and an Alameda County Library annex .
Working as a subcontractor on the project , Bjork Construction completed the inside framing , as well as trellis and other finish work on the outside of the Center . As part of the company ’ s commitment to hiring and mentoring local , Bjork Construction brought on two
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