Action Masonry Construction LLC

Action Masonry Construction LLC (AMC) was founded to breathe new life into the masonry craft by bringing together the region’s most skilled and passionate professionals. The family-owned and -operated enterprise prides itself on continually assembling a team that is not only capable of rising to any challenge, but is also one that thrives on surpassing customer expectations at every turn. The full-service contracting company also prides itself on creating a teamwork environment, where every employee contributes to the greater success of the company and in turn, the client.

“We try to surround ourselves with great employees who have been doing this kind of work their whole lives,” says J.R. Newsom, partner of AMC. “And we stick to our word, because we’re here for the long haul.”

J.R.’s parents Jerry and Linda Newsom started AMC in 1992, and the second generation of managers – J.R., Jason and Chad Smith – has since taken the reins. AMC is based out of Cumming, Ga., and regularly works across the Southeast, though the team has traveled as far north as Maryland and as far west as Tulsa, Okla., to satisfy client needs.

Rather than specializing in just one masonry product, the AMC team focuses on projects in a variety of sectors, including healthcare, higher education and multifamily residential markets, ensuring tight turnarounds and highly technical designs that showcase and celebrate craftsmanship.

AMC’s employees bring decades of experience to the jobsite every day, handling all kinds of masonry materials, including bricks, concrete blocks, architectural block and a variety of specialty cast stone products. AMC looks long term to find innovative design solution, ensuring each project stands out, regardless of the client’s budgetary constraints.

Thinking Ahead

The company has always looked to the long term for growth, setting more immediate opportunities aside that might require sacrificing quality craftsmanship or safety to deliver. “We try to keep customers happy so they become happy repeat customers,” says J.R. AMC supports its staff with a regimented safety program, and drug and alcohol screenings to maintain a low EMR rating. AMC’s safety record has also helped the company establish itself in the student-housing market.

AMC completed work in early 2012 on a new student-housing development for Savannah State University that added 601 beds to the campus. The $24 million project involved the construction of a new housing complex as well as the renovation of two historical campus buildings totaling over 170,000 square feet. Hardin Construction Company served as the project’s general contractor with HADP Architecture Inc. based out of Atlanta providing architectural design services. The three brick buildings are linked aesthetically through brick façades and connected with hardscaping and pedestrian walkways totaling over $1.8 million in masonry work alone.

AMC has been busy despite fierce competition in its core markets. According to J.R., the company had 11 active projects in mid-2012, including a second partnership with Hardin Construction Company and HADP Architecture Inc. building new student housing at the University of West Georgia. The campus’ Center Pointe Suites will add 610 beds to the campus housing system along with a convenience store, ample study areas, a large meeting area and laundry facilities on every floor.

The $18.9 million project involved the construction of a four-story building connected to a five-story building totaling over 158,000 square feet of space sprawling across 1.74 acres. The units are situated along one of the campus’ main pedestrian routes, adding additional hardscaping, green spaces and pedestrian areas to create a gateway feel that will open for first-time students fall 2012.

Leaving a Lasting Impression

The company’s momentum has enabled it to make a bold statement on the multifamily residential market. “The Gables Metropolitan development is definitely our gem,” admits J.R. The Gables Metropolitan apartment complex is situated in Dunwoody, Ga., just north of Atlanta, and was completed in 2003.

The apartment complex offers residents a variety of upscale amenities, including a tennis club, outdoor swimming pool, a state-of-the-art fitness center and sprawling formal gardens. The building’s exterior façade combines a mix of stone, stucco and three colors of brick that AMC used to create a geometric pattern, which is echoed in the pattern of the swimming pool deck.

The next few years look bright for AMC as the company expects to stay focused on meeting the needs of repeat clients in multifamily and student-housing markets. “We have a great core group and we will continue to look for players to add to our team, without pursuing anything too fast-paced,” expands J.R.

AMC celebrates its 20-year anniversary in 2012, and no matter where the team finds its next challenge the company will ensure its success by empowering its employees with ongoing safety training programs. Building on these strong foundations, Action Masonry Construction LLC’s passion for pursuing complex projects with ambitious deadlines will continue to set the company at the forefront of the industry and turn customers in to lifelong clients.