Meet JR Johnson! Many around Gainesville know JR through his help with local youth sports or from his contracting business JOMCO, that he co-founded in 2011. JR is married to Molly and the couple have two children; Riley and EmmaClaire.
JR and Molly have lived in Hall County since 2004 and JR got into the contracting business in 2011. Prior to owning JOMCO, JR worked in the commercial real estate industry.
He says he began his company because he thought he could do a better job than a company he had hired for a project.
“I hired a contractor from Florida and they were terrible, so I knew I could do better,” he said.
Today, JOMCO’s projects can be seen throughout Georgia and the Southeast.
JOMCO is heading up Gold on the Greenway on March 17, the concert and beer festival will benefit a cause close to JR’s heart: the Rally Foundation.
The Rally Foundation is a key player in the fight against childhood cancer and its mission is to find better treatments with fewer long-term side effects and ultimately, cures for childhood cancers.
The organization has been instrumental in helping the Johnson family since their son Riley, 7, was diagnosed with cancer two years ago.
“They (the Rally Foundation) has done so much for my family and they are the only reason I still have a son,” JR said.
Since its inception, Rally has provided more than $11 million in childhood cancer research grants, supporting more than 252 projects nationwide. For every dollar given to Rally, 92 cents goes toward this mission.
The Johnson family has already raised $50,000 for the Rally Foundation through the Gold on the Greenway benefit and are hoping to reach $100,000. Gold on the Greenway, set for 3 to 10 p.m. on March 17 and will feature local musicians Ryan Casper and Allen Nivens, who will open for country music star Joe Diffie.
The beer fest organized by Tap It Gainesville Growlers will feature several beers from six breweries, most of which are breweries in Georgia. A mini Taste of Gainesville will highlight some of the best food Gainesville has to offer from Hop’s Kitchen, Longstreet Cafe, Mellow Mushroom and more.
The event will be held on the Midtown Greenway and tickets can be purchase online.
We want to thank JR for sitting and talking with us about some of the things he loves about Hall County!
Question: What inspired you or led to your current career?
Answer: “I hired a contractor from Florida and it was terrible and I wanted to do better.”
Q:What is your favorite restaurant in Hall County, and what do you love there?
A: “Longstreet Cafe. Tim is one of the best guys around.”
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in Hall County?
A: “Wendell Starke (a local real estate developer/businessman). He is a small town Alabama guy. He turned his job something huge, he is a fascinating business man.”
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be? And why?
A: “Alaska.”
Q: What is your favorite movie?
A: “‘Top Gun.’”
Q: What advice would you give a crowd of people?
A: “Don’t take a day for granted, don’t sweat the small stuff.”
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
A: “Learn to fly.”
Q: What is your favorite music/ three bands you would like to see(dead or alive)?
A: “Country-folk. I would like to see Chris Stapleton, Avett Brothers and Dave Matthews.”
Q: What is current/ former local business makes you the most nostalgic about Hall County?
A: “Green’s’ Grocery.”
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about Hall County?
A: “Gainesville is large city but it’s also a small town. You don’t go out and not see someone you know.”
Q: Where do you see yourself in five or 10 years?
A: “Working and growing the business.”
Q: What three words come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
A: “Comfort, love, sense of family.”
Interview by Abernathy Cochran intern: Tricia Cumiskey
The Faces of Hall County is a project to showcase the amazing people that live or work in our community. If you would like to nominate an interesting person to be featured please email babernathy@gonorton.com.