RL "Bob" James

RL “Bob” James began his career in the paint industry in 1978 as a clerk in a paint store, and quickly became a store manager.

In 1981, he became an estimator and eventually Project Manager with a large waterproofing contractor, which brought him to the condominium maintenance industry.

It was clear from the onset that Customer Service and Quality Craftsmanship would become cornerstones of the RL James, Inc. philosophy. After ten years’ experience with extensive projects and a growing desire to become an entrepreneur, he formed RL James, Inc. in 1988.

Dedication to employee development, training and mentoring continues to fuel one of our greatest assets – our employees. In 2012, three top executives became “Partners” with RL and shire in the benefits of ownership. Gary Wasser (VP), Bob Branscombe (VP), and Kevin Phillips (President), complete what is now one of the most experience leadership teams and strongest infrastructure in the state of Florida!

Since day one, RL’s direction has been that each job starts and finishes with Safety, Quality and Customer Satisfaction. These guidelines have helped us gain numerous long term relationships. Due to the positive experience clients have had the first time; many projects are contracted with us a second and third time.

As of 2022, we have three offices and over twenty crews supervised by experienced Foremen and Superintendents. Bob James makes himself available to not only our key staff, but enjoys periodic on-site inspections each month throughout our entire service area. Our financial health and experience has provided us with the criteria for bonding capacity of up to $10,000,000 per single project!

If you are one of our many valued clients we thank you for your business. If you haven’t had the chance to see our superior quality work in action, we hope you give us the opportunity to share with you our year’s expertise and commitment to excellence.

Chief Executive Officer

Kevin Phillips

Kevin Phillips first started his career at RL James Inc in January 2004 as an Estimator and Project Manager.  Through the years, he has earned roles such as Director of Sales and Administration, Vice President and his current position as President.  Kevin received his General Contractor license in 2010 and shares the responsibility of GC Qualifier for the company.  In 2013, he took on a new role as Partner in the company!

Kevin graduated from East Carolina University with a Bachelors of Science degree.  He also holds a Master Certification in concrete repair, certification from the Paint Quality Institute, and certification in window installation and glazing from multiple manufacturers of hurricane impact-glass companies.

Kevin has been a resident of Fort Myers since 1983 where he lives with his wife Linda.  In his spare time Kevin enjoys riding his motorcycle, the occasional artistic endeavors and spoiling his grandchildren.

kevinp@rljames.com

President

Gary Wasser

Gary Wasser joined RL James Inc in 2003 as a regional representative in the Manatee, Sarasota and Charlotte county areas. In 2008 he was promoted to the role of sales manager and where he oversees the company’s sales and estimating staff in addition to existing responsibilities. Gary has served on the board of directors of the Florida West Coast Chapter of the International Concrete Repair Institute since 2006 and also held the role of Treasurer in 2010. In 2013, Gary also joined the rank of partner in the company.

Gary earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Trenton State College in 1984 before relocating to Florida. In 1993 he earned his license as a Community Association Manager and worked for ten years as a condominium manager on Longboat Key. Gary currently resides in Tampa with his wife and daughter.

 

wasser@rljames.com

Sales Manager

Robert “Bob” Branscombe

Robert “Bob” Branscombe joined RL James Inc in 1997 as a field employee.  His skill set soon earned him the role of Project Manager where he oversaw thousands of projects before earning the title of Vice President of Production.  Bob still maintains his project manager position in our northwest territory but he also oversees the entire production operation for the state of Florida.  Bob became a partner in the company in 2013.

Bob is our resident New Englander where he grew up on an Oakfield Maine farm before moving to Florida in 1983.  In his free time, Bob enjoys cruising the Caribbean, golfing, and spending time with his son Tyler and 2 grandchildren.

Bob_branscombe@yahoo.com

Vice President of Production

Seamus Devlin

Seamus Devlin joined the RL James, Inc. Team in 2013 as one of our regional project managers specifically for our East Coast division. Seamus has been working in the construction industry since 1989. He is a mason by trade, completing his apprenticeship in 1991. Seamus is an active member of ICRI and previously the President of the central Florida Chapter. He is a certified installer of Watson Bowman/Acme and Emseal Expansion Joints as well as Sika Carbon Fiber.

Seamus was a licensed Florida EMT/Firefighter for a number of years. He currently resides in the Ocala area with his wife Roxanne, 5 children and 6 grandkids (7th in 12/2022). In his down time he likes to be on the water/boat,  play golf, and spend time with his family and friends.

 

sdevlin@rljames.com

Regional Project Manager

Joseph Olszewski

Joseph Olszewski 1995-2004; 2016. Superintendent to Project coordinator oversaw hundreds of projects for south and east coast. Project manager for the south region along with assisting with the in-house estimators. OSHA certified and swing stage and scaffold erection certified, chemical grout injections. Blue print reading school. Certified in Sarnifil roofing/waterproofing heat welding systems.

At just 17 years old, Joe joined Iron Workers Hall in Orlando, Florida 272, and has been in construction ever since. He currently resides in Naples with wife Vivian, 3 children and grandchild. Spare time honey-do-lists, relaxing at the beach, gun range, NASCAR races, and participating in bowling leagues. A competitive model builder, he has had race cars winning a World of Wheels competition –1st Place Open Class NASCAR.

joeo@rljames.com

Project Manager

Gary Howe

Gary Howe joined RL James in 2013 as the Superintendent of our Aluminum Division where he worked for approximately two years until stepping into the role of Aluminum Manager in 2015. Gary has been an integral part of our newly established aluminum division, servicing our job sites all across the state.

ghowe@rljames.com

Aluminum Manager

Vic Dudash

Vic Dudash was previously employed with the company from 2006-2009 as Regional Representative before taking the leap and starting his own company. We welcomed Vic back in 2014 as, once again, Regional Representative for the southwest region of Florida. Victor has immersed himself in our local chapters with BMI, CAI, and ICRI.

vdudash@rljames.com

Regional Representative

Laura Bernhardt

Laura Joined R.L. James, Inc, Bradenton in February 2018. She has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Hospitality management. Having worked in the aluminum window industry for 10 years, and the last 20 years in building weatherproofing, protection and restoration, as an Administrator and Office Manager, she is well versed in the administrative functions that keep our projects running smoothly. From Project Start to finish she has the experience to provide the organization with assistance in numerous areas.

She lives in Bradenton, with her 2 dogs. She enjoys spending time with her 2 daughters and family who have recently relocated from Upstate NY to Bradenton.

Administrative Assistant

Chris Joule

Originally from upstate New York, Chris joined the Navy after high school and served for six years. After the Navy, he moved to Tampa where he started on high rise construction before moving into the restoration side a few years later. He has been doing concrete restoration and waterproofing for about 15 years and joined RL James in 2017. When not at work he enjoys spending time with his wife Laura and 3 year-old-son Axel.

Assistant Project Manager

Todd Vail

Todd Vail joined RL James Inc in 2021 as the Operations Manager.  Todd was previously an owner of Coldiron Management Inc as a CAM Licensed Property Manager.  He worked as a Property Manager for over 10 years and managed 20+ Condominium and Homeowner’s Associations throughout Lee County.

 

Todd was born and raised in Florida and earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Florida State University in 1993.  He currently resides in Fort Myers with his wife and two sons.

Operations

Tyler Simmons

Tyler joined the RL James team in 2021 as an Assistant Project Manager for our East Coast territory. Originally from Ft. Myers, he graduated from the University of Miami in 2006 with a dual Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and History. Tyler is also the current Vice President of the ICRI-Central Florida chapter.

Assistant Project Manager

Joyce Haras

Front Desk / Receptionist

Tierney James

Tierney James joined RL James, Inc in April 2022 as our Accounts Payable/Accounts Receivable Specialist, based out of the Fort Myers office. She graduated from Florida Gulf Coast University in 2021 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications and Public Relations. She has a strong attention to detail and a passion for business success.

She was born and raised in Fort Myers, Florida where she lives with her husband, 2 cats and 2 dogs.  She enjoys spending time with her family whether it be boating, kayaking, playing games, or watching movies.

 

tierney@rljames.com

Accounts Payable/Accounts Receivable

Arras Hartman

Production Assistant

Alex Arellano

Warehouse Manager

Pat Elek

Hurricane Relief & Recovery