Posts by Liza Adler
REX KIRBY REPRESENTS VERDEX CONSTRUCTION AT SOUTH FLORIDA BUSINESS JOURNAL REAL ESTATE POWER LEADERS ROUNDTABLE
Verdex Construction’s President, Rex Kirby, recently participated in the South Florida Business Journal Power Leaders Roundtable, an exclusive event where regional real estate leaders discussed the current opportunities and challenges in South Florida’s development landscape.
The roundtable addressed a variety of industry issues, including rising construction costs, the ongoing affordable housing shortage, and the growing importance of sustainable practices. Kirby highlighted Verdex Construction’s approach to navigating these complexities, focusing on value engineering, sustainability, and strong partnerships.
Speaking on the significance of long-term relationships in the construction and real estate sectors, Kirby emphasized the importance of trust and collaboration. “Long-term relationships have liquidity to move forward,” Kirby said. “People can’t waste time with someone who won’t be able to get a deal done.” This insight underscores Verdex’s commitment to building partnerships that enable smooth project execution, even in a fluctuating market.
Another key point discussed was how Verdex leverages technology to optimize project delivery. Kirby highlighted the company’s use of advanced project management tools to improve communication, streamline processes, and ensure project deadlines are met, even in the face of supply chain disruptions and labor shortages.
Kirby also addressed the pressing need for affordable housing in South Florida, noting Verdex’s efforts to balance cost-effective construction solutions while maintaining high-quality standards. By working closely with developers and municipalities, Verdex continues to find innovative ways to contribute to the region’s housing crisis.
Visit the South Florida Business Journal to read more.
ABOUT VERDEX CONSTRUCTION – Verdex Construction is a privately held building contractor headquartered in West Palm Beach, FL with offices in Tampa and Gainesville. Led by founder and President Rex Kirby, a 40-year veteran in the construction business, Verdex provides general contracting services to clients including preconstruction, construction management, and design-build. Verdex celebrates 10 years “Building Something Better” through exceptional service, a fundamental focus on safety and quality, and value to owners, customers, and the community. For more information, visit www.verdex.com.
APELLA ON NEWPORT STUDENT HOUSING IN TAMPA READY FOR STUDENTS
Verdex Construction proudly announces the completion of the Apella on Newport student housing project in Tampa. This state-of-the-art, 8-story development boasts 150 units and 576 beds, encompassing a total of 257,960 gross square feet (GSF). Designed to cater to the needs of students attending the University of Tampa, Apella on Newport represents a significant addition to the area’s student housing options.
The project features a two-story parking garage with 303 spaces, totaling 127,292 square feet (SF). In addition to the ample parking, Apella on Newport offers a variety of modern amenities designed to enhance student living. Residents will enjoy a rooftop clubhouse, a third-floor amenity deck with a fitness center, communal study areas and a pool with BBQ area, creating a vibrant and convenient living environment.
Developed by Commercial Street Partners and designed by the architectural firm Gensler, Apella on Newport stands as a testament to high-quality, innovative living spaces tailored for today’s student population. This partnership has resulted in a dynamic and thoughtfully designed housing complex that will serve the University of Tampa students well.
“We are proud to have built Apella on Newport, a vital project addressing the significant need for student housing adjacent to the University of Tampa. This development is more than just a building; it’s an essential addition to the community, ensuring that students have a place to call home as they pursue their education” said Toby Johnson, Vice President and Managing Director of Verdex Construction West Coast.
This project not only addresses the growing demand for student housing in Tampa but also exemplifies Verdex Construction’s commitment to excellence and innovation in Tampa/Sarasota market. By incorporating modern design elements and state-of-the-art amenities, Apella on Newport sets a new standard for student housing in the area.
Read more on the Tampa Business Journal
ABOUT VERDEX CONSTRUCTION – Verdex Construction is a privately held building contractor headquartered in West Palm Beach, FL with offices in Tampa and Gainesville. Led by founder and President Rex Kirby, a 40-year veteran in the construction business, Verdex provides general contracting services to clients including preconstruction, construction management, and design-build. Verdex celebrates 10 years “Building Something Better” through exceptional service, a fundamental focus on safety and quality, and value to owners, customers, and the community. For more information, visit www.verdex.com.
VERDEX CONSTRUCTION CELEBRATES 10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY
Verdex Construction proudly celebrates its 10-year anniversary of transformative growth. Known for its innovative construction practices, unparalleled service, and community impact over the past ten years, Verdex has built more than 10 million square feet of multifamily, industrial, commercial, senior living, hospitality, government/education, and non-profit spaces, and has won awards for Best Places to Work, safety, quality, growth, and leadership. A few years ago, the company expanded its footprint with offices in Tampa and Gainesville, marking its commitment to growth and excellence throughout Florida.
Founded in 2014 by CEO and President, Rex Kirby, Verdex Construction has quickly become noted for “Building Something Better” – from its teams to its projects. In just a decade, Verdex has evolved from a startup to annual revenues of $350 million, earning recognition as one of the Fastest Growing Companies in South Florida in 2019 and 2024. While this accolade is impressive, the company has consistently prioritized excellence over size, focusing on being the best rather than the biggest, ensuring that every project reflects its relentless pursuit of superior standards.
In addition to building approximately 7,000 garden-style to high-rise apartment units, Verdex’s success is underscored by its portfolio of award-winning projects. One of Verdex’s most well-known projects, The Canopy Hotel, located in the heart of downtown West Palm Beach, won a 2020 Excellence in Construction Gold Eagle Award from the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) Florida East Coast Chapter and the 2019 Legacy Award for North America New Build by Hilton. Another significant achievement is The Watermark at West Palm Beach, a luxury senior living community that has garnered acclaim, winning a 2023 Golden Eagle Award by ABC East Coast Chapter. Currently, Verdex’s 2 largest projects under construction include “The Adderley Apartments”, two 6-story apartment buildings with 417 units and garage totaling 591,464 sf located in Fort Lauderdale, FL and “Met West Apartments” an 8-story apartment building with 375 units and garage totaling 678,00 sf located in Tampa, FL.
As Verdex Construction celebrates its 10-year anniversary, the company remains dedicated to its core values of quality, integrity, and community. Verdex extends its gratitude to its clients, partners, and dedicated team members for being part of its story.
ABOUT VERDEX CONSTRUCTION – Verdex Construction is a privately held building contractor headquartered in West Palm Beach, FL with offices in Tampa and Gainesville. Led by founder and President Rex Kirby, a 40-year veteran in the construction business, Verdex provides general contracting services to clients including preconstruction, construction management, and design-build. Verdex celebrates 10 years “Building Something Better” through exceptional service, a fundamental focus on safety and quality, and value to owners, customers, and the community. For more information, visit www.verdex.com.
VERDEX CONSTRUCTION PRESIDENT, REX KIRBY, NAMED A 2024 POWER LEADER IN REAL ESTATE
Verdex Construction proudly announces that its President and CEO, Rex Kirby, has been recognized as a Power Leader in Real Estate by the South Florida Business Journal (SFBJ) for 2024. This esteemed recognition highlights Kirby’s outstanding contributions and leadership within the real estate industry.
Under Kirby’s visionary leadership, Verdex Construction has solidified its position as a major player in the South Florida construction landscape. In 2023, the firm soared to impressive heights, securing the sixth spot among the largest general contractors and ranking as the 35th-largest private company in South Florida. Notable projects spearheaded by Verdex Construction under Kirby’s guidance include The Adderley in Fort Lauderdale and Tuttle Royale in Royal Palm Beach, both boasting valuations exceeding $90 million.
Born in Tallahassee, Kirby’s journey to success is underscored by his academic prowess, holding a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from the University of Florida. His dedication to excellence is further evidenced by his commitment to leveraging emerging technologies within the real estate sector. Kirby believes that artificial intelligence will revolutionize the industry, emphasizing the pivotal role of data in driving efficiency and the potential of robotics in mitigating labor shortages.
Read more: SFBJ 2024 Power Leaders in Real Estate – South Florida Business Journal (bizjournals.com)
ABOUT VERDEX CONSTRUCTION – Verdex Construction is a privately held building contractor headquartered in West Palm Beach, FL with offices in Tampa and Gainesville. Led by founder and President Rex Kirby, a 40-year veteran in the construction business, Verdex provides general contracting services to clients including preconstruction, construction management, and design-build. Verdex celebrates 10 years “Building Something Better” through exceptional service, a fundamental focus on safety and quality, and value to owners, customers, and the community. For more information, visit www.verdex.com.
VERDEX CONSTRUCTION BREAKS GROUND ON TREASURE COAST FOOD BANK
Verdex Construction and Treasure Coast Food Bank (TCFB) broke ground on a new warehouse and distribution facility located at 400 Loop Road in Fort Pierce. This is a collaboration with Corrales Group Architects to design a state-of-the-art 130,000-square-foot tilt building warehouse. This facility will feature a full production kitchen, small kitchen, offices, and warehouse/storage space, optimizing TCFB ability to serve the community. With a focus on functionality and innovation, Verdex is dedicated to creating a space that not only meets the needs of the Treasure Coast region but also enhances TCFB’s capacity to provide essential services efficiently.
VERDEX CONSTRUCTION WELCOMES SCOTT SHERRY AS NEW CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
Verdex Construction is pleased to announce the appointment of Scott Sherry as its new Chief Financial Officer (CFO). With over 20 years of extensive accounting experience in both public accounting and corporate settings, Scott brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the role.
As a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and holder of an MBA, Scott has a proven track record of financial management leadership. In his previous role, Scott played a pivotal part in steering financial strategy and negotiations, contributing significantly to the company’s overall success. Before that, he served as Director of Accounting where he played a crucial role in maintaining financial controls and addressing unique financial challenges.
Throughout his career, Scott has cultivated strong relationships with project personnel, subcontractors, project owner leadership, internal team members, and company executives. His ability to connect with stakeholders at all levels has contributed to his success as a trusted business advisor. Scott’s proficiency extends to accounting, forecasting, and tax matters, where he has consistently demonstrated a high level of competence and strategic insight. His skills and experience make him a valuable addition to Verdex Construction’s executive leadership team.
“We are thrilled to welcome Scott to Verdex Construction Company as our CFO. His extensive background in financial management and his ability to foster strong relationships align perfectly with our company values and mission of “Building Something Better,” said Rex Kirby, Verdex CEO.
Scott’s proven track record in financial management aligns seamlessly with Verdex Construction Company’s commitment to excellence and innovation. We look forward to leveraging his expertise to enhance our financial management practices and drive success in our upcoming projects.
VERDEX CONSTRUCTION TEAM DONATES TOYS AND SUPPLIES TO CHILDREN AND FAMILIES IN NEED
The Verdex Construction team donated toys and supplies to children and families in need this holiday season through HomeSafe and the Children’s Network of Hillsborough, LLC. Specifically, our South Florida team bought gifts for the boys of HomeSafe to open up this Christmas, and our West Coast Team worked with the Children’s Network of Hillsborough to help a family in need who lost essentials in a house fire.
HomeSafe is a nationally accredited non-profit organization dedicated to protecting victims of child abuse and domestic violence in Palm Beach County and South Florida.
Children’s Network of Hillsborough is a relatively new organization that is in charge of administering the child welfare system in Hillsborough County, working with the community to protect children and preserve families.
VERDEX CONSTRUCTION BREAKS GROUND ON STAFFORD AT ARTISAN LAKES
Verdex Construction breaks ground on The Stafford at Artisan Lakes, a 300 unit wood framed apartment for the Collier Companies. Designed by Dynamik Design, the rental community will feature eight 3-story apartment buildings. Amenities include a 8,000 sf stand alone clubhouse with a fitness center, clubroom, coworking space, dog park and pool. Project includes 484 surface parking spots and six 6-bay garage buildings.
The project is expected to be completed by the Spring of 2025.
THE WATERMARK AT WEST PALM BEACH RECEIVES ABC EXCELLENCE IN CONSTRUCTION AWARD
The Watermark at West Palm Beach project received a 2023 ABC Florida East Coast Excellence in Construction Award for quality.
Located in downtown West Palm Beach, the Watermark at West Palm Beach is a luxury 8-story, 154-unit independent living, assisted living and memory care, totaling 269,463 gsf. Amenities include a full kitchen, dining rooms, fitness center, salon, flexible meeting space, theater, sky lounge and pool. Project has a 3-level garage with 145 parking spaces and valet.
The team overcame many challenges like complex logistics, specialized doors and ceilings, and navigating issues through COVID-19.
OUR PRESIDENT, REX KIRBY, NAMED A SFBJ ULTIMATE CEO
Our Ultimate CEO, Rex Kirby, honored as one of only one of 15 “2023 Ultimate CEOs” by the South Florida Business Journal, shares insights about the risks and rewards of starting a business from the ground up, how he defines success, and what he is most proud of in his career (thus far!).
“I’ve always felt like I’ve conducted business the right way. If I gave you my word or I shook your hand, you could take it to the bank,” Rex said.
Rex was recognized for his extraordinary contributions to Verdex Construction, the community and the overall economic fabric of South Florida.