New Construction Company Calls Island Home
By Bernie Nguyen

Islander Joe Gugin has found a way to make both a life and a living on the Island with his new business, J&E Construction, which began three months ago with a contracting job Mr. Gugin received from Grand Hotel. His partner is Ben Horn.

"It's something that I've always wanted to do. The timing was right," he said, adding that the local aspect of the business will allow it to maintain promptness as well as quality.

"We're all neighbors on the Island," he said, noting that many of the contractors who service Mackinac Island are based on the mainland.

Mr. Gugin gained experience primarily from working for numerous other contractors, which gave him a good idea of the challenges of construction on the Island.

"I know the system very well," he said, emphasizing that his knowledge of the particular difficulties and solutions that the Island's environment poses helps him ensure that the job will be done correctly.

Mr. Gugin also said J&E Construction is concentrating on doing quality work on schedule in order to build up its customer base.

"We're doing what we can," he said, "and really paying attention to the way we schedule, so we show up when we say we will."

Islander Ben Horn joined Mr. Gugin and J&E Construction after serving eight years in the Army, including a tour of duty in Iraq.

"My only goal is to make this work the best I can," Mr. Horn said, echoing Mr. Gugin's focus on quality work in a local environment.

J&E Construction is available for both commercial and residential construction. The company currently is re-roofing Larry Keogh's cottage on the East Bluff.