About Williams & Rowe

Williams & Rowe Company Inc. as a full service general contractor continues to grow from a painting and renovation enterprise to a commercial construction and design-build legacy spanning three generations. In order to execute construction projects from design to completion, our in-house design build specialists include architects, designers and project managers. Complete means complete service in all phases of construction from land preparation and building foundation to a complete line of services including carpentry, electrical, framing, drywall, painting and flooring. Williams & Rowe has grown to include industrial construction, retail remodeling, and renovations in its list of services. Commercial construction experience has expanded our client base. We have executed industrial projects for the U.S. Navy, Coca Cola, Norfolk Southern, and CSX. In addition to executing a wide variety of commercial construction and industrial projects, Williams & Rowe has also completed renovation projects since its beginning. Our experienced remodeling and specialty work team execute renovation projects from site plan to finish. We offer complete service and maintenance for retail business, restaurants, supermarket chains, and heavy industry. Whether executing design build or renovations, we are committed to conscientious project management in a timely fashion with attention to detail in all phases from conception to completion.

Our Company’s History

In 1958 John R. Williams Sr., the founder of Williams & Rowe became a part of Florida’s building boom of the 1950’s and worked with most of the custom home builders that developed Northeast Florida. What started as a small painting company soon grew to include renovations of commercial businesses. John Williams Sr. even built a church for his own community and was building churches all over Florida and south Georgia. Many renovations were executed at that time for the growing Winn Dixie supermarket chain. Williams & Rowe’s tradition of long term valued relationships has continued for over forty years remodeling hundreds of Winn Dixie stores and continues doing so today. The tradition of keeping clients comes from Mr. John R. Williams Sr.’s basic philosophy of honest work, no shortcuts, and quality materials. A job that did not meet the qualifications for the budget, was not done. Our company’s integrity has encouraged the growth of long-standing relationships with loyal clients, subcontractors, and our own personnel. Our staff is a close team of professionals, some having worked at Williams & Rowe for over thirty years.

Current president James R. Williams, emphasizes Integrity, Quality, and Service as Williams & Rowe’s core values: “We held true to them through three generations of leadership. Technology has changed but our integrity never changes.” Williams & Rowe will soon mark its sixtieth year in business.

Williams & Rowe: A True Family Business with a Strong Reputation

Williams & Rowe Company, Inc. is a commercial construction company that has been in business for 65 years. The company was founded by John R Williams Sr in 1958. His son, John R Williams Jr (Johnny), started helping his dad in 1968. In 1977, he remodeled his first Winn Dixie in St. Augustine, Florida. This began a long and successful partnership with Winn Dixie (Southeastern Grocers), which remains a strong customer of Williams & Rowe today.

In 1980, Johnny passed his Florida state test and became a certified general contractor. He later obtained additional state licenses in Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, North Carolina, and South Carolina. During this time, the company expanded into these states through their association with Winn- Dixie Stores, Inc. They also began an Industrial Division to provide service for clients such as CSX transportation, which required them to receive additional licenses in many other states.

Williams & Rowe is a third generation construction company. Johnny’s son, James Williams is the President, and Jaime Russell is the Corporate Secretary. It’s a true family friendly work environment.

Johnny is a man of strong faith and is active in his church, Westside Baptist church. Johnny’s favorite thing to build to this day is a church. There is something special about the design phases and putting together the additional details in a church. Williams & Rowe has built and remodeled over 50 churches since its conception in 1958.

He is active in his community where he sits on the board of First Coast Women’s Services and TC Federal Bank. Johnny also supports many kids in FFA/4H through their livestock projects at multiple fairs in Florida.

Johnny took over the business in 2006 and still runs it as Chief Executive Officer. Under his leadership, Williams & Rowe has become a leader in the commercial construction industry. The company has employed hundreds of people over the years and has built a reputation for quality, service, & integrity.