Thirty-five years in the construction field means that Ameris Superintendent Jonathan Reeter, known by “JR” to the team, has seen the many ups and downs of the construction world. Through holding virtually every position in multiple companies, including his own, he has learned how to stay ahead of the curve – and now is on the frontlines of the future of the industry: prefabrication. 

“Once developers and owners see how we can shave 3 months off a build – which directly translates to saving them millions of dollars – everyone will be wanting in,” JR said. “Right now, people are apprehensive due to the fact that it’s unknown. Metal studs are nothing new – it’s just more popular now. Ameris isn’t the only one doing it [alongside partnering company Arize Prefab], but they are taking their time to really do it right.”

Greg Goss, Vice President of Ameris, recently launched Arize Prefab – a offsite industrialized construction manufacturing firm that provides a turn-key solution to dramatically improve speed to market in the commercial construction sphere through advanced engineering and pre-fabricated cold formed steel. 

Visit the Arize Prefab website, here.

Having started his construction career as a metal-stud framer, he’s seen the industry-wide shift toward steel panelization and prefabrication coming for a long time. “Within 10 years, 80-90% of the industry will be prefabricated with steel,” JR said. “The word is getting out, that this is the way the industry is going.” 

JR’s experience ranges from commercial infrastructure, hospitals, multi-family, senior living, hospitality, to high-rise – having built projects as small as a few thousand square feet, to almost one million square feet. He’s no stranger to setbacks that superintendents often must captain their way out of on projects. 

“I don’t look at things as problems, but as challenges – and all challenges can be resolved.” 

JR’s many assets include being a great listener – which makes for a great leader. “When there’s a failure on any aspect of a job, I see it as an opportunity for someone to prove themselves.” 

Having joined Ameris from a much larger firm, JR is excited for the boom on the horizon. “This is a company that’s been around for over 20 years, putting in the work to reap the benefits of something really big. I’m excited to be a part of this growth spurt.”