Robert L. James • John Dahin • Mike Ryan • Kevin Phillips • Gary Wasser

Robert L. James

Chief Executive Officer

R.L. “Bob” James began his career back in 1978 as a clerk in a paint store and soon became the youngest branch manager in the 300 store chain.  After a few years on the retail side, he went to work for a very large painting and waterproofing contractor.  His methodologies in production, without jeopardizing quality, quickly earned him the distinction as the most desired estimator and production assistant within the company.  His direct interaction with job-site clientele, project management, practical knowledge, and personality also earned him a distinctive reputation within the industry.  Bob started his own company in 1988, with the number one goal of customer service and the initial market focus of painting, waterproofing and deck coatings. 
In 1993, He expanded the focus of the company to include concrete and remedial repairs, a fledgling industry in southwest Florida at the time.  R.L. foresaw the need for contractors specializing in this niche market and worked closely with the handful of engineers who were even addressing these challenges.  Together they performed investigation and developed repair solutions for the deteriorating structures along the Gulf of Mexico.  Since these early days, R.L. has kept his company on the leading edge of restoration techniques.  The company has now become a significant player in another fast growing industry; hurricane impact-resistant glass windows and sliding doors.
R.L. prides himself on keeping himself industry-educated while employing personnel with like-minded knowledge and ideals.   He continues to support his employees with performance bonuses, profit-sharing and IRA contributions.   R.L. stakes his reputation on his company’s dedication to quality.  As a reflection of this level of commitment, R. L. James, Inc. can claim literally thousands of satisfied customers and that there has never been a judgment filed against it in all its years of operation.
R.L. James, Inc has long been a supporting member of multiple industry-related professional associations such as (LBIA) Lee Building Industry Association, (CAI) Condominium Association Institute, (BMI) Building Managers Institute, (COMA) Condominium Owners and Managers Association and (ICRI) International Concrete Repair Institute (which coincidentally began the same year R.L. started his business.) R.L. has written a number of articles, participated on panel discussions and seminars, and offered input to countless Condominium Boards and Engineering firms.  He was “drafted” for the building committee within the community he lives even before his new home was completed.   
Through the success of the company, R.L. and his wife Rita, have been able to expand their philanthropy in the community by contributing to numerous charitable causes, such as St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital and Harry Chapin Food Bank. The company has also sponsored athletic programs for a number of area sports leagues. In addition to cash donations, the company has also provided free of charge services to various local churches and citizens in desperate need.