We had the good fortune of connecting with Jody James Watkins and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jody James, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I wish I could tell you I had an extensive ProForma with a 10 year plan. I didn’t. My business literally evolved organically from an opportunity that came up during an Adventure Princesses event I was attending with my daughter. Somebody I met had a 32 home custom home neighborhood project. He needed to provide all the infrastructure for the lots he intended to sell. I took this project on by myself, filling all project team roles. From there, as happens with many businesses, another opportunity presented itself. Which led to another opportunity. And so on.

As my business took shape, I knew I wanted it to be known for building landmark projects. Before I started my own business I was fortunate enough to be on the project teams for the Secret Service Headquarters, Indian Wells Tennis Garden and Petco Park. Since my business opened in 2004, we have been fortunate to build many Landmark projects throughout Southern California. Whether Churches or Stadiums, Hotels or Theaters, Multi Family or Restaurants, our projects stand out in their own community for their level of quality and attention to detail.

What should our readers know about your business?
Rarely has it been easy. We have motto in “Build to Serve” and a slogan which is “Our niche is we don’t have a niche”. We have our values: Pride, Trustworthy, Personable and Persistence. But it is really our last value that we attribute to when we have thrived and when we have just survived. Persistence is a quote by Calvin Coolidge that I have lived by since college. “Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan ‘press on’ has solved and will continue to solve the problems of the human race.” That value trumps all other slogans, mottos, values and mission statements.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Home is North County San Diego. Whether it is Carlsbad or Solana Beach, North County always feels like home. When I first moved to San Diego, I knew I wanted to live in a beach town. Some of my favorite places are several surf breaks, mountain bike and hiking trails, the historic Del Mar Race Track, Red Tractons for dinner and Petco Park to watch my Padres.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Over 18 years, there are many companies and people to thank. Like to start of thanking Dennis Dizon, the President of WLC. He has been a friend, advocate, counsel and voice of reason for me over the last decade. Watkins Landmark would not be where it is without him. I would like to thank Oscar Iniguez, Senior Superintendent and longest term Watkins Landmark employee. His friendship and support has been invaluable over the years. Definitely need to thank our first client Dassons Development. Our second client the San Diego Jewish Academy as well. And we for sure need to thank the Indian Wells Tennis Garden for putting our company on the map. Our current clients in the multi family market such as Silvergate and INI Greenfield MC. The San Diego Sockers for selecting Watkins Landmark to build their new Arena in Oceanside. Sudberry for their continued business. Lastly, I would like to thank the great team we have at Watkins Landmark. They separate our company from the competition.

Website: www.watkinslandmark.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/watkinslandmarkconstruction/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/531288/admin/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/WatkinsLandmark

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WatkinsLandmark

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutSocal is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.