Resilience and Innovation: The Gulf Western Group Journey
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.
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.
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.
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.
Establishing Roots
The Lamb family moved to Naples, and JKL earned his Florida Building Contractor License, laying the foundation for future success.
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.
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.
Facing Hurricane Charley
Category Four Hurricane Charley’s landfall tested the resilience of communities GWR&SM would help rebuild.
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.
Hurricane Wilma
Another test of strength came as Hurricane Wilma, a Category Four storm, struck Southwest Florida.
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.
Gulf Western Group Evolution
GWR&SM restructured and emerged as Gulf Western Group (GWG), reflecting its broader scope and ambitious goals.
Hurricane Irma
Hurricane Irma, a Category Four hurricane, hit Southwest Florida, again underscoring the need for robust, resilient construction practices.
Surpassing Milestones
GWR reached $25 million in sales, a significant achievement marking continued growth.
Continuing the Momentum
By year-end, GWR surpassed $45 million in sales, doubling its revenue in only four years.
New Leadership
Nick Stefanis and Keith Reece became partners, strengthening GWR’s leadership team.
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.
Expansion
A new chapter unfolded as the company obtained licenses in 45 of Florida’s 67 counties and launched operations in Sarasota and Tampa.