Jon Cummins is using his experience in construction, marketing and management to begin a new venture focused on what he considers the most important room in any home – the kitchen.
Cummins is the new Northeast Florida franchise owner and operator for Kitchen Solvers, a nearly 40-year-old company headquartered in La Crosse, Wisconsin. It has 58 franchises nationwide; Cummins has the 15th in Florida, he said.
“I’m entrepreneurial, I want to get back to my roots and I miss being a businessman in Jacksonville,” Cummins said.
Cummins was born and grew up in Jacksonville Beach. After graduating from Duncan U. Fletcher High School, he went into construction, then went to work at Paramount Printing because the company reimbursed employees for college tuition.
That led Cummins to a degree in business with a minor in finance from Jacksonville University and he rose through the ranks at Paramount to eventually become CEO and managing partner.
When the printing company was sold to a competitor, he joined the automotive marketing technology business. When that company was sold to a global software developer, Cummins said he missed the local touch and decided to start a new business.
Kitchen Solvers checked all the boxes on his wish list.
“I was looking around and thinking about a franchise. My grandfather taught me about woodworking. I have a background in construction. The kitchen is the most important room in the house and I like projects – get one done and move on to the next,” Cummins said.
Kitchen Solvers has performed nearly 50,000 kitchen and bath remodels since it was established in 1984.
The company’s franchisees consult with homeowners to help them design what best fits their needs, whether that is new cabinet faces and countertops or a complete tear-out and remodel, Cummins said components are manufactured in Wisconsin and installed by local workers.
After two weeks of training at the company’s headquarters, Cummins plans to formally launch the business in mid-November.
The franchise territory comprises Southeast Duval County including the Beaches and St. Johns County from Vilano Beach north.
Cummins said he is in the business for the long haul, but does have an exit plan in mind.
“I’m 60 years old – not in any way ready to retire. I want to work for about 10 years and then sell it.”