JCP Construction

James has more than 21 years of industry experience – including both field and office experience.  James leads the company’s construction and business development team, and provides senior oversight for the project team to ensure that cost, schedule and quality commitments are met. He also oversees preconstruction, project cost management and contract negotiations.

A graduate of Marquette University’s ACRE (Commercial Real Estate 2005) program, James worked his way through various field, engineering and project management roles. James’ project experience includes residential and complex commercial structures, ranging from $100K to $350M.  Examples include Bader Philanthropies Headquarters, Northwestern Mutual Tower & Commons, MSOE Soccer & Parking Facility and the Milwaukee Bucks Arena.

James began his career as a painter apprentice for the Facilities and Maintenance Department at Milwaukee Public Schools, and left as a supervisor.  He then transitioned into a project management role while working at KBS Construction (now part of CD Smith).  Seeing a market need within the construction industry, amid The Great Recession, James started JCP Construction in 2008 with his two brothers – Jalin and Clifton Phelps.

James serves on the board of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. Bid #8, Bradley Tech Foundation Board, MMAC’s COSBE board, MMAC’s The Business Council and The Rep Spotlight Advisory Board. James is a graduate of UW-Milwaukee (BBA Finance ’08), and a LEED Accredited Professional.

As a partner and Vice President of Field Operations, Jalin is a critical component of JCP Construction, positively impacting the company’s bottom line through planning, directing, and coordinating operations in support of JCP’s growth. His wide range as an experienced carpenter has equipped him with valuable knowledge and skill in nearly every aspect of construction, including residential, multi-family, and commercial projects.

Jalin is responsible for ensuring every project is expedited and completed with the utmost quality and to the satisfaction of clients. He is directly involved in all facets of JCP’s projects including estimating, preparing submittals, reviewing shop drawings, scheduling subcontractors, assessing and evaluating field crews, compliance and projected needs to maintain quality. Jalin establishes, communicates and evaluates progress towards field goals and deadlines, while managing budgets and coordinating materials to ensure ongoing operations.

Jalin serves as a member of the SE Wisconsin Carpentry Apprenticeship Advisory Board; is a graduate of the Associates in Commercial Real Estate (ACRE) Program and the SBA Emerging Leaders Program.

As Vice President of Business Development for JCP Construction, Clifton focuses on project forecasting, preparing bid packages for design and construction phases, and negotiating subcontract work. His career includes more than 20 years of experience in commercial real?estate, property management and nonprofit management for the Running Rebels Community Organization.

Clifton is currently the co?chair of the Running Rebels Capital Campaign, in addition to a six?year board member for the organization. He has served as chair for the African American Chamber of Commerce of Wisconsin, Executive Committee of MLK Economic Development Corporation and MBEIC Committee for the North Central Supplier Diversity Council. He also had the honor of being a 2018 Milwaukee Business Journal 40 Under 40 Award Winner.

Clifton has a Master of Arts in Public Administration from UW-Milwaukee and received his Bachelor of Arts in English and Political Science from Tuskegee University. Additionally, he is a graduate of Marquette University’s ACRE (Commercial Real Estate 2007) program.