Subcontractor of the Year

J.F. Cook finds a view to success

By Nathan J. Comp

J.F. Cook Co. Inc., Oak Creek

J.F. Cook Co. Inc. always seems to come to mind when people talk about windows or overhead doors.

Check out a high-profile job, and there’s at least a solid chance the Oak Creek company will be somewhere on the project. Some of its latest work can be spotted in the windows at the Milwaukee County Historical Society and the windows at Milwaukee’s City Hall.

Last year, J.F. Cook took on the difficult task of refurbishing the Milwaukee County Historical Society’s 27, two-story, cast-iron windows. The $1.3 million job was a technically demanding, if not unusual, project.

J.F. Cook sandblasted the building, which was built in 1913, to get at the iron frames. The frames were then repainted and the glass reglazed.

Bob Teske, museum director at the Milwaukee County Historical Society, applauded the company for its focus and flexibility throughout the 12-month project. Because full containment was required due to the lead-based paint and asbestos particulates, keeping the museum and its research library open was an added kink in an already tricky project. But in the end, both remained open during the restoration.

“They showed a good deal of consideration,” Teske said. “We were very pleased with the job they did.”

And with the Historical Society job under its belt, the company turned its attention to Milwaukee’s City Hall, where J.F. Cook is in the midst of replacing about 2,000 windows.

The company’s leadership is also heavily involved in the American Subcontractors Association, marking a commitment to the industry that goes beyond the day-to-day operations and projects. J.F. Cook’s president, Cheryl Honeck, positioned the company as an industry liaison on national and local issues affecting construction.

It’s rare for a company to be so fully engaged, said Jeff Beiriger, executive director of the ASA of Wisconsin.

“The thing I like about them is that they consistently participate in something much bigger than just the next bid,” he said. “They’re involved in helping solve problems. I live or die by people stepping up to help the industry.”

Since arriving in Wisconsin in 1991, Beiriger has heard the J.F. Cook name spoken in high regard, he said. The feedback he’s gotten on the company is that it cares.

It is precisely that sort of commitment that sets it apart from other contractors, he said.

“It’s not just about coming to a meeting; it’s about coming prepared,” Beiriger said.

Founded in 1947, J.F. Cook became a leader in the window and overhead door markets and is also known for its electrical engineering capabilities and ability to solve problematic installations. It recently saw its historic-window restoration work double from 30 percent to 60 percent.

J.F. Cook’s approach to industry issues isn’t necessarily unusual in construction. There are a lot of companies willing to give time and resources, but J.F. Cook couples that commitment with a hands-on approach and willingness to find answers that catches the eye of people like Beiriger.

“They see the bigger picture,” he said. “Quality dialogue and solutions are much nearer at hand because of companies like J.F. Cook.”