KLS presents "Together Thursdays" with JLA Elite

"Together Thursdays" feature # 5: JLA Elite General and Flooring Contractors

Some Background on JLA Elite General and Flooring Contractors

JLA was founded in April 2021 by Christian Soto. Christian had held various roles in warehousing and distribution over the previous 15 years. The company focuses primarily on commercial and residential flooring and performs other types of renovation projects. JLA is licensed to work in 4 states (DE, MA, NJ, PA). The company operates with 8 employees and a host of sub-contractors.

Life changing decisions

Unfortunately, his wife was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2020. Christian did some reflecting and realized how much time he was spending at his job and away from his family. As a result, he chose to start his own company and provide a better life for himself and his family. True entrepreneurial spirit at its finest. "We made a decision to take full control over our lives."

This also meant starting a new business in the heart of a global pandemic. Christian said, "the first few months were incredibly difficult. Finding not just a staff, but good, quality work was a challenge." He iterated how important it was to build the company's infrastructure from the beginning. Properly training the staff was of the utmost importance.

Building rapport

Christian mentioned the initial challenges of JLA, but they put the work in. As a result, the company has grown in year two of its operations. They have been able to win projects without bidding due to their service and execution. He mentioned, "Our turnaround time, communication, and transparency lead to our overall customer service. We've seen repeat customers because they know what they are getting working with us."

When we asked about the culture, Christian beamed with pride. He stated how the characteristics of their great customer service are derived from the company's culture. Open door policy, company-wide accountability, respect, and empathy were the terms he used. And he stated it translates to results both with customers and our staff, "same staff for the entire last year, no hirings or firings." He summed up the synergy between the culture and performance with, "Take care of your employees and they will take care of your customers."

Giving back

JLA recently completed some charity work by giving back to the community. They partnered with Veterans Watchmakers Initiative out of Odessa, Delaware. VWI is an organization that provides training, support, and referral services to wounded veterans returning from duty. The goal is to return the dignity of purpose in a time-honored craft. The cost of the program is free for disabled veterans with service-connected disabilities. JLA was able to contribute by installing flooring in one of their locations.

In Conclusion

As the company enters its third year of business this upcoming April, Christian is excited about the continued growth. They are working on further expansion in other markets. Also, they are hoping to obtain storage/warehousing and a brick-and-mortar location in the future.

JLA has a great gallery through its various social accounts including its website, Facebook, and Instagram. Give each of them a glance to check out their exceptional work. In addition to promotion on these accounts, they also rely on word of mouth. If you or anyone you know is in the market for some work in the Northeast give Christian a call!

KLS wants to thank Christian Soto for giving us a glimpse into this new and successful company. It was a treat not only learning about the journey of JLA, but the pride and perseverance they have displayed. We wish JLA the absolute best in years to come!