Founded in 1958, by the late J.B. “Block” Smith, Ajax has steadily built a reputation as a construction leader in the Southeastern US. With over 200 employees in locations across Florida, Georgia and South Carolina, the firm is one of the fastest-growing construction firms, covering a mix of both ground-up and renovation construction projects across diverse sectors including K-12 and higher education; city, county and state government; and life sciences, healthcare, public safety, justice and historic restoration.
Ajax boasts over three generations of experience with Block’s grandson, John B. Smith II, serving as Vice President. In 2003, after 11 years of outstanding leadership within the company, the Smith Family invited Bill Byrne to become an owner of the company. In 2004, Bill was appointed president of Ajax.
In 2018, Ajax joined the STO Building Group, formerly the Structure Tone Organization family, expanding STO Building Group into the US Southeast and further strengthening its capabilities in both interior and new construction for private and public institutions. STO Building Group’s ownership model was restructured in 2017 to extend company ownership to all employees and a small group of outside investors. This private ownership model extends to Ajax employees as well. While Ajax has grown over the years, the integrity of that first handshake from Block resonates in each of Ajax’s projects. Whether it is a new building or renovations, our owners can expect the same unwavering commitment to ensure their goals are met with an honest and open book approach.
Over 90 percent of Ajax’s experience is providing construction management at risk and design/build services to public sector clients. We understand the need to stay in budget and complete projects on time. Our job is to work hand-in-hand with our owners to understand their goals and objectives, then to develop a plan, work as a team and deliver each one.
