ABOUT US

45+

YEARS OF INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE

Our Expertise

Established in 1979, James Barb Construction has been a driving force in the construction industry for over 45 years. We have built a legacy of excellence and innovation. Our nationwide experience and steadfast commitment to exceeding customer expectations have been the cornerstone of our success. As you become part of our story, we look forward to achieving even greater heights together.

Coast-to-Coast Retail Constuctuction

JBC is headquaterd in Albuquerque, New Mexico but we’re proud to be a nationally licensed retail construction leader, bringing expertise and excellence to projects across the country.

Our team handles everything from design and planning to execution and finishing, ensuring your retail space meets the highest standards of functionality and aesthetics.

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Our Core Values

Supportive Teamwork

The collective efforts of a unified team can achieve extraordinary results, and overcome any obstacles.

Customer Satisfaction

We understand that our clients’ success is our success, and we never compromise on delivering exceptional service by surpassing expectations.

Continued Partnerships

We foster long-lasting relationships with our clients, suppliers, and subcontractors. Mutual success is built on trust.

Dedication to Excellence

Our goal is to be consistently on-time and on-budget, ensuring that we meet and exceed our customers’ needs.

Honesty & Integrity

We hold ourselves to the highest standards of honesty & integrity by our foundation of transparency, ethical conduct, and doing what is right even when it’s challenging.

Our Leadership

At James Barb Construction, leadership isn’t confined to titles — it’s a shared commitment that runs through every level of the company. Founded in 1979 as a family-owned business, JBC has grown into a nationally recognized general contractor by valuing the long-term dedication, craftsmanship, and integrity of its people.

Our leadership philosophy is grounded in respect, accountability, and collaboration. While a core group of senior leaders guides strategy and operations, the strength of JBC lies in the collective experience of our superintendents, project managers, coordinators, estimators, and office staff — many of whom have been with the company for decades.

We believe that trust is built not just with clients, but within teams. That’s why we invest in the growth of our people, treat every project as a reflection of our name, and foster a culture where responsibility is shared and success is celebrated together. JBC is built on relationships — and led by people who care deeply about doing things the right way.

James Barb

Founder & President

James Barb is the Founder and President of James Barb Construction, a multi-generational firm that has built its name on craftsmanship, accountability, and enduring client relationships. Since establishing the company in 1979, James has guided its growth from a regional general contractor to a trusted national leader in high-end retail construction.

With over 40 years of industry experience, James remains actively involved in leadership decisions, strategic direction, and maintaining the values that define JBC. He is known for his high standards, field-driven intuition, and deep respect for the details that make or break a job.

James’s legacy is not only in the projects JBC delivers—but in the culture of precision, pride, and professionalism that he has instilled in every team member. His influence continues to shape JBC’s identity as a relationship-first builder for some of the world’s most discerning retail clients.

Phil Plake

Head of Construction & Estimating

Phil Plake serves as Head of Construction and Estimating at James Barb Construction, where he leads the company’s preconstruction strategy, estimating efforts, and construction execution planning. With more than two decades at JBC, Phil is a cornerstone of the company’s operational leadership.

Having worked in roles ranging from Assistant Estimator to Project Manager and now Department Head, Phil brings a deep understanding of the full project lifecycle from bid to closeout. He is known for his field-savvy estimating, calm under pressure, and ability to see the big picture without losing sight of the details.

Phil plays a central role in helping JBC deliver projects that are not only buildable, but profitable and aligned with the company’s high standards. His leadership ensures the estimating and construction teams are tightly integrated, client-focused, and always ready to adapt to the demands of high-end retail construction.

Peter Tomlinson

Head of Contracts & Project Systems

Peter Tomlinson serves as Head of Contracts and Project Systems at James Barb Construction, where he leads the integration of technology platforms and the administration of subcontractor contract execution. His dual focus ensures that both the systems and the legal documentation behind every project are aligned, enforceable, and
consistently managed.

Peter is the architect behind JBC’s rollout of Autodesk Build and related operational tools, bringing structure and accountability to how projects are initiated, tracked, and closed out. Equally important, he oversees the preparation, issuance, and compliance tracking of all subcontractor agreements—ensuring every scope is clearly defined and legally protected.

Known for his analytical mindset and steady leadership, Peter works across departments to ensure that project systems and contract execution work hand in hand. His oversight strengthens both JBC’s internal consistency and its legal and financial risk management in the field.

Luc Miakos

Head of Operations

Luc Miakos serves as Head of Operations at James Barb Construction, overseeing the internal functions that support the firm’s long-term stability and client-facing performance.
His leadership spans human resources, legal coordination, insurance and risk management, and the company’s financial interfaces—including banking relationships and client billing
systems.

With nearly two decades at JBC, Luc plays a pivotal role in making sure the business runs smoothly behind the scenes. He is responsible for aligning operational policies with strategic goals, managing compliance across key functions, and ensuring that the company’s contractual and financial commitments are executed reliably.

Luc is known for his direct communication style, high standards, and deep institutional knowledge. His work supports not only project teams but also the broader business infrastructure that allows JBC to grow, adapt, and maintain trust with clients, vendors, and
financial partners alike.