Resilience and Innovation: The Gulf Western Group Journey

1975

A New Beginning in Florida

At just 8 years old, Joseph K. Lamb Jr. (JKL) moved to Davie, Florida, marking the beginning of a lifelong journey in the construction industry.

1980

First Steps in Roofing

At 13, JKL took his first roofing job with his father’s and uncle’s business, R&J Roofing, starting his hands-on education in the craft.

GulfWestern-history

1992

Weathering the Storm

Hurricane Andrew, a Category Five hurricane, made landfall in Southwest Florida, deeply impacting the region and the construction industry which JKL would soon lead.

1997

Emergence and Inception

The Lamb family relocated to Bonita Springs, where JKL founded Lamb Construction Group. After 17 years, JKL left the R&J Roofing family business to carve his own path.

1998

Establishing Roots

The Lamb family moved to Naples, and JKL earned his Florida Building Contractor License, laying the foundation for future success.

1999

Gulf Western Roofing
& Sheet Metal is Born

Gulf Western Roofing & Sheet Metal (GWR&SM) was founded, with the company’s first two computers networked—a small yet significant step in embracing technology early on.

2002

Building Stronger Foundations

The establishment of the Florida Building Code set new industry standards, which GWR&SM adopted as part of its commitment to excellence.

2004

Facing Hurricane Charley

Category Four Hurricane Charley’s landfall tested the resilience of communities GWR&SM would help rebuild.

2005

A Headquarters for Growth

Ground was broken for the GWR&SM headquarters on Racetrack Road in Bonita Springs, marking the start of a new chapter.

2005

Hurricane Wilma

Another test of strength came as Hurricane Wilma, a Category Four storm, struck Southwest Florida.

2015

Defining Our Core Values

Gulf Western Roofing introduced its Core Values during an all-employee event at Westgate River Ranch Resort, setting the tone for its culture and vision.

2016

Gulf Western Group Evolution

GWR&SM restructured and emerged as Gulf Western Group (GWG), reflecting its broader scope and ambitious goals.

2017

Hurricane Irma

Hurricane Irma, a Category Four hurricane, hit Southwest Florida, again underscoring the need for robust, resilient construction practices.

2017

Surpassing Milestones

GWR reached $25 million in sales, a significant achievement marking continued growth.

2021

Continuing the Momentum

By year-end, GWR surpassed $45 million in sales, doubling its revenue in only four years.

2022

New Leadership

Nick Stefanis and Keith Reece became partners, strengthening GWR’s leadership team.

2022

Hurricane Ian

Catastrophic damage occurred as Category 4+ Hurricane Ian pushed a 10-15 ft. storm surge into Fort Myers Beach, Sanibel Island and Bonita Springs.

2023

Expansion

A new chapter unfolded as the company obtained licenses in 45 of Florida’s 67 counties and launched operations in Sarasota and Tampa.