2020 Ones to Watch: JD Summa, Kings Capital Construction Group Inc.

Name: JD Summa

Company: Kings Capital Construction Group Inc. 

Title: CEO

Which project, deal, or transaction was the “game-changer” in the advancement of your career? 
In 2013, we were awarded our two largest projects at that time, simultaneously, by the same owner. Both were new construction of several buildings in active shopping centers, façade renovations, parking lot reconstruction and relocation of multiple retail tenants. All with a very tight timeline to get national retailers in before their blackout dates! It was a hectic time, but we got it done! Those projects transformed our organization and put us on the map. 2013 was a very big year. 

How do you contribute to your community or your profession? 
I am an active board member of three non-profits in Westchester; Promise to Aid, 100 Donors, and Friends of White Plains Youth Bureau. Collectively, we support many charities through Kings, but specifically we try to do a lot for children in underserved communities. We do an annual backpack drive, giving hundreds of kids backpacks and school supplies to start the new school year. We participate in a local turkey drive, last year giving 16,000 turkeys and sides to families who were able to have a healthy Thanksgiving dinner. We also contribute to an annual Holiday party, giving 100 children wrapped gifts, usually winter boots and coats. Many families can’t afford these items and we’ve been told so often by the kids that these are the only presents they get for Christmas. Prior to COVID-19, we would feed the homeless every Wednesday night on 34^th St. in Manhattan. Along with 30-40 other volunteers every single Wednesday, rain or shine 250-300 people in need would come to get a hot meal, clothes, sneakers, toiletries and dignity without fail. Sometimes the meals were truly fantastic and catered by the Tao group, Rao’s, or other excellent NYC restaurants.

What led you to your current profession?
I was always in real estate, but when the market crashed in 2008, I took a year off before starting Kings Capital Construction Group with my business partner. Not an ideal time to start a construction company–starting slow allowed us to build a solid foundation to handle the rapid growth that followed. 

What do you like most about your job?
Building something to last…Not just the buildings we construct, but the legacy of changing the world in our own small way. 

Who or what inspires you?
My kids inspire me…they inspire me to be better.

If your life were made into a movie, what actor would you want to portray you?
Mark Wahlberg

What social media platform do you use the most professionally?
None. I’m old school, I like to hear someone’s voice and look them in the eyes.