Our History

Officers of James A. Cummings, Inc.

Standing L to R:

  • William R. Derrer, President and Chief Executive Officer
  • Pamela Kalis, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
  • Michael F. Lanciault, Executive Vice President

Sitting:

Owners Jim Cummings, Rick Derrer and Pete MacEachron started their construction company in 1981 when they submitted their first bid with a careful mix of competence and hope. The team began their operation in a four-room office building in the heart of Downtown Ft. Lauderdale. Working 18 hours a day, 7 days a week, they successfully turned in that first bid and won the project, the FAA Air Traffic Control Tower for Miami International Airport

Since the Air Traffic Control Tower, James A. Cummings, Inc. has grown from a three-person company to a commercial building business with a staff of more than 170 employees. Our Main Office is located in a 15,000 s.f. building in Ft. Lauderdale with branch offices in West Palm Beach and Orlando. Our team has completed more than $2 Billion worth of projects   throughout the State of Florida.

In January 2008, Jim Cummings retired as CEO and Chairman of the Board of James A. Cummings, Inc. “It has been a labor of love overseeing the growth of the company and witnessing our employees take on leadership roles not only in our company but throughout the community,” says Jim. “Cummings is a company with limitless potential and opportunity in front of it.” Rick Derrer, President of Cummings will remain as President and will be responsible for all operations for the firm.

Over the past 27 years, the company’s attention to detail and ability to overcome challenges have been the keys to its success. Our team has built an unparalleled reputation, and our dedication to building quality facilities on time, within budget and without litigation has made us one of the top ranked commercial construction companies in Florida.

In addition, we believe in being "good neighbors." Our principals and staff contribute and participate on Boards and committees in the neighborhoods we build in as well as the communities we live in.

All in all, our pledge to total quality in all we do has made James A. Cummings, Inc. a recognized leader among Florida general contractors.

Quality Construction

We assign a highly skilled, full-time, on-site project manager to each job to oversee quality workmanship for all phases of the project. We also pre-qualify all our sub contractors and require them to adhere to our time-tested Quality Control Program. These factors offer confidence that your building will be completed with the highest degree of overall excellence.

On Time

Ability to stay on or ahead of schedule is one of our claims to fame. Using state-of-the-art construction scheduling software, we maintain accurate, current schedules; avoid potential delays; and provide daily updates to the owner, architect and sub-contractors.Our history of early or on-time completions means you can move in as scheduled.

Within Budget

Through a meticulous process using experienced personnel and the latest techniques, we consistently estimate accurate costs and keep all our projects within budget. We provide life cycle cost analysis and value engineering to ensure a durable cost-efficient building. Your completed structure will be built at or below your guaranteed maximum price using quality materials with low long-term maintenance.

Without Litigation

Our record of no litigation stands second to none in our industry. Through continuous open dialogue with owners, architects, sub-contractors and suppliers, as well as prompt action by our staff, we are able to resolve issues as they arise. Our way of doing business allows us to be more responsive to your concerns and helps eliminate costly delays.

Satisfied Clients and Owners

In the end it all comes down to client satisfaction, both immediate and long term. We are a top-ranked construction company because of our leadership among the building team of owner, architect, engineer and subcontractors. As any true leader, we strive to deliver a product that meets or exceeds all expectations. Our high percentage of repeat customers is the truest testament to our capabilities.