dsc_0018-550?v=1

The Ginn Group Grew from a Giant Leap of Faith

Veteran-owned Company Helps Government and Businesses Run Smoothly While Providing Job Opportunities For Vets

Leaving a secure job to start a business takes more than a single step.  For The Ginn Group’s founder and chairman, James P. “Jim” Ginn, it was giant leap of faith.

Started in 2000, the Peachtree City company provides base operations and maintenance for government buildings and structures, utility systems, roads and grounds, as well as supply and storage, pest control and environmental support. The company can also provide logistics, supply chain and information technology services. Commercial maintenance services include plumbing, electrical, painting and minor construction services. 

“All work is performed to the standards of our ISO 9001:2015 Certified Quality Management System to ensure we meet our customer's requirements, care for our employees and deliver a consistent level of quality and satisfaction,” Jim said.

Jim’s identical twin brother Jerry is company vice chairman.  But the pair’s tradition of service began long before the Ginns became a group.  Born in the south Georgia town of Sasser to parents who survived the Great Depression, Jim and Jerry are not strangers to hard work.

“I never knew my father to work less than two jobs and my mother taught 1st grade for 30 years,” Jim said.  Jim and Jerry are both Vietnam veterans.

Jerry flew fixed wing aircraft as a forward observer for the 101st Airborne in Vietnam and continued a 30-year Army career in infantry, airborne, and commands at the company, battalion and brigade level as well as a chief of staff level position.

Jim graduated from North Georgia College in Dahlonega and began a 26-year military career during which he served as a medical service corps officer in the Army Medical Department.  He was a medical evacuation helicopter pilot in Vietnam, commanded a medical battalion and served as a hospital administrator. 

During his last assignment as chief, medical operations, U.S. Forces Command at Fort McPherson, Georgia, he settled in Fayette County with his family.

After retiring from the military, Jim learned about his future business during 10 years of working for defense contractors.  His Vietnam experiences made a positive impact on the business decision process—primarily taking care of people and teamwork.

 “We can have all the contracts or work we want but if we are not taking care of our people – the team—we will not be successful in taking care of our business.”

Jim admits he likes hiring veterans. “If an applicant meets the specifications of a position and also is a veteran that certainly is a plus,” he said.  

He advises other veteran entrepreneurs to learn about their potential business. “Know failure is possible and have a safety net,” he said. “Believe in yourself and go for it!”

He thinks this is a wonderful time to produce medical or other outsourced products.  “What a chance to support America and have a great product line at the same time,” he said.

The Ginn Group is about family as well as business.  Jim’s daughter, Jo Ann, his first employee, has been controller for almost 20 years.   His son James started in 2002 and was recently promoted to chief executive officer.  Most of his corporate staff has been with the company 17 years or more. “I love my business and being around my employees,” Jim said.  “We are a team and a family.”

Jim’s giant leap of faith landed him in a successful business he wants to pass down.  At 78, he’s not thinking about retiring yet, but he does want to travel.  “There is a lot of this country that I would still like to see,” he said.

Maybe this time he can begin with a single step.

  • james%20w%20ginn%20-%20ceo-300?v=1
  • dsc_0030-300?v=1
  • dsc_0018-300?v=1

Businesses Featured in this Article

Related Businesses

Coldwell Banker Gundaker Town & Country

Real Estate Agents

Coldwell Banker Gundaker Town & Country

Town And Country, MO

From Coldwell Banker Realty - Gundaker - Town & Country "Coldwell Banker is the nation's largest real estate brokerage, with...

Candelaria Design Associates

Home Builders

Candelaria Design Associates

Scottsdale, AZ

Founded in 1999 we are celebrating our 20th year of designing spectacular homes throughout Arizona and now from the coasts of...

Real Estate Agents

Heidi Seagren Fine Homes Team (Compass Realty)

Barrington, IL

See More

Related Articles