About Our Company
Our History & Our Team
A Tradition of Quality and Dependability
J. J. Morris & Sons was started by John J. Morris in 1916. “J. J.” was a plasterer by trade. During the 1920’s the business thrived. Then the depression hit, and business was difficult until the start of the 2nd World War.
John P. Morris, Sr. returned from the war in 1946. Along with William C. Morris they became the sons in J. J. Morris & Sons. During this period business picked up. The company did numerous high profile jobs including the Pittsburgh Athletic Association, Amberson Gardens Apartments, Union National Bank, Park Plaza Apartments, and Rockwell Hall at Duquesne University.
The company was incorporated in 1958. John P. Morris, Jr. started as a plasterer apprentice in 1964. In the year 1965 Fiore Benevento, a plasterer, came into the office as an estimator. During this time the company did a lot of work in downtown Pittsburgh. Some of the company’s best customers were H.J. Heinz and Union National Bank.
In 1970 the shop was moved from Lawrenceville to our present location in Plum Borough, PA. This is when we changed from being exclusively a lathing & plastering contractor to include gypsum drywall and acoustical ceilings.
John P. Morris, Jr. moved into the office as an estimator in 1973. The company began doing work further from the city limits and even Allegheny County. At this time, we completed the Hoyt Science Building at Westminster College and numerous other projects in Butler, Beaver, Mercer, & Clarion Counties.
Tom Smith came into the office in 1987 after working ten years in the field as a carpenter.
Ray Dohn, also a carpenter soon followed in 1990. With these additions, we began doing a great deal of work on public education projects. He recently retired in 2020.
Upon graduation from Grove City College in 1992, John P. Morris, III joined the company. His accounting degree and field experience, along with the tutelage of his grandfather, allowed him to move into an important role with the company.
Dave Balmert started with the company in 2004 as an estimator. He’s now a project manager with over 40 years of experience with interior contractors in the Pittsburgh Market. Dave recently retired in 2020.
Rod Shrader, a long-time foreman moved into the office as project manager/estimator.
Our Team
John P. Morris Jr.
President
Email: jmorrisjr1916@gmail.com
John graduated from Central Catholic of Pittsburgh. He’s been working with the company for 50 years. He’s a Trustee for Carpenters Health & Welfare and on the Board of Directors for the Pittsburgh Builders Exchange. When he’s not at work you’ll probably find him on the golf course or spending time with his grandchildren.
John P. Morris III
Vice President
Email: jmorrisiii@jjm1916.com
John graduated from Hampton High School and Grove City College. He’s been working with the company for 25 years. He’s on the Board of Directors of the Pittsburgh Builders Exchange (2012-2014). When he isn’t at work, you’ll probably find him at his kids’ sporting events and activities.
Rod Shrader
Senior Estimator/Project Manager
Email: rshrader@jjm1916.com
Tim Smida
Project Manager/Director of Field Personnel
Email: tsmida@jjm1916.com