Timeline
2021
2021 (Present)
Current Portfolio/Activity: Own and manage 100 units of senior living, over 580 apartment units, with more to be added in 2021-2022. Currently own and manage over 100,000 sq. ft. of office and retail space. JBJ Custom Homes builds 3-5 custom homes/models yearly. JBJ Development continuing to build and sell condominium units.
2021
Completion of Saxony Village Apartments in downtown Germantown, with 172 apartment units along with a clubhouse, fitness center, and patio/recreation area.
2020
2020
Completion of Woodberry Village Condominiums in the City of Brookfield, with 12 condominium units consisting of single family, duplex, and triplex homes.
2019
2019
Expanded into the Self-Storage Market with the addition of Saxony Storage located in the Village of Germantown.
2018
2018: Completed Preserve Heights
Completed the condominium project, Preserve Heights, in the Village of Germantown with 17 unique single family condominium homes.
2018: New JBJ Logo
2009
2009-2018
Expanded into Senior Care Market, building first senior care facility, owning and managing the property. To date, over 100 units of senior living space (including apartments) have been developed.
2001
2001: Hosted Parade
Hosted Parade of Homes at Windemere in Richfield. Began expansion into condominium development. Converted former office of JBJ Construction, Inc. (Appleton Ave. and Hwy Q) into first retail commercial space.
2000
2000: Name change
Name change/ re-branding: JBJ Companies, Inc.; 4 divisions created – JBJ Construction, JBJ Custom Homes, JBJ Development, and JBJ Properties; re-located to the current location at Fountain Square.
1999
1999 – 2005
Residential Development boom: 10 subdivisions developed in 5 separate communities within Dodge, Waukesha and Washington Counties.
1992
1992-1998
Commercial development expands and grows, with 5 office buildings completed, multi-tenant building, along with general contracting with municipalities and local banks. Residential subdivision development grows with the development of over 600 residential lots.
1992: The next generation
The next generation takes over: Brian Bence, Theresa Weitermann and Scott Bence become full owners.
1992
After Desert Storm, did general contracting for army renovation work at Camp Douglas and Camp McCoy.
1987
1987 – Diversifying
Driven by recession, J.B.J. Construction started diversifying beyond home building, shifting focus to residential subdivision development and increased apartment building activity. The completion of their first large subdivision, Hunter’s Ridge in Menomonee Falls, signaled the shift from “just a builder” to developer.
1982
1982: Newspaper Photo & Caption
1978
1978-86: Recession
Recession and high interest rates forced a new shift in business focus.
1976
1976
Jerome “Chip” Bence, Jr. co-chairman of Parade of Homes.
1976
Sold Chip’s Topsoil and Grading
1976: Commercial Leasing
The beginning of Commercial Leasing. Purchased the former Robert Hall Clothing Store (Appleton Ave & Hwy Q) remodeled into office and retailing including a new office for JBJ Construction, Inc.. Building underwent 3 expansions over the next 10 years, which involved acquiring adjacent property to expand the footprint of the building.
1972
1972: Expansion
Expanded apartment building portfolio; started building apartments, retaining ownership, managing and leasing.
1971
1971: Started
Started steady yearly increase in home building activity under JBJ Construction, Inc. for a solid decade. Built 60-120 custom homes per year.
1970
1970: Expanded into building
Expanded into building and development operations; started with home building and general contracting for Industrial building, purchased vacant land and apartment buildings to expand this portfolio.
1966
1966
First rental property purchased
1963
1963: Sold Falls Lawn
Sold Falls Lawn & Garden Center; expanded Chip’s Topsoil & Grading Inc. to become one the largest residential grading businesses in 4 county area.
1960
1960: Diversified business
Diversified business beyond grading: built first spec home; started building and owning post office buildings and leased to the government; started Falls Lawn & Garden Center.
1959
1959: Chip’s Topsoil & Grading
Chip’s Topsoil & Grading business established.