The expansion of Baton Rouge, La.-based,
national roofing contractor Jasper Contractors Inc. to Phoenix will bring more
than 300 new jobs to the area.
The expansion of Baton Rouge, La.-based, national roofing
contractor Jasper Contractors Inc. to Phoenix will bring more than 300 new jobs
to the area. Jasper executives hope the new jobs will offer some relief to Arizona’s economy –
especially since the state unemployment rate reached 9.4 percent in November,
which continued a 20-month streak of 9 percent or higher dating back to April
2009, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Having already interviewed more than 80 candidates, Jasper
representatives will continue to conduct interviews and host job fairs until
its hiring goal has been met. Jasper currently has two job fairs scheduled for
Phoenix in early 2011 - Jan. 20 and Feb. 24 - after recently hosting two
successful fairs in November 2010.
New positions range from office staff, construction and
installation personnel to sales representatives. Pay varies by position and
ranges from hourly rates to salaries that can exceed $150,000 annually.
“These will be employees - not subcontractors; not
independent sales people; and not 1099 positions - so the city and state will
see immediate benefits through payroll taxes,” said Brian Wedding, CEO of
Jasper. “Skilled, entry-level construction workers will be the main focus of
our hiring. We want to attract all the skilled construction workers we can
during the housing industry downturn to be ready for an inevitable upturn in
new housing markets. We are looking forward to 2011.”
Jasper’s expansion comes at a time when Phoenix-area
residents may need help from roof repair experts more than ever before. In
early October, an extremely violent hail storm that ripped through Phoenix and surrounding
communities caused considerable damage to roofs – and a sudden swell in
insurance claims.
“Jasper works with
both insurance adjustment firms and property owners,” Wedding said. “We guide
property owners through the claims process to ensure accuracy and efficiency.”
Along with more than 300 new jobs, Jasper helps stimulate
local economies by utilizing small businesses for services including
advertising and the purchasing of construction materials.
“Our Phoenix
truck fleet will consist of more than 100 vehicles - all of which require fuel,
maintenance and drivers,” Wedding says. “The construction industry helps a
variety of other local businesses, and we look forward to help putting
Phoenix-area residents to work.”
For more information call 800-610-9403 or visit www.JasperRoof.com.