When your occupation is also your choice for leisure time activities, you have indeed chosen well.
And, John Cotner chose well.
His career as an architect has provided a livelihood, a creative outlet, a way to give back to the community and leisure time pursuits.
“Even when I’m not in the office, I enjoy being part of activities that restore existing facilities or create new ones,” Cotner said. “For individuals or for the community at large, it’s rewarding to be part of an effort that enhances the quality of life for others.”
Cotner Associates Inc. was established in 1987, and with a staff of six, the company has a broad range of capabilities: historic restorations, in-fill construction, new high- to moderate-priced residential, churches, restaurants, parks, for example. The company primarily serves an area from Ponte Vedra Beach to Charleston, S.C., with designs for coastal, river and mountain dwellings and structures.
As a board member of NEFBA’s Nassau Builders Council, Cotner is a strong believer in the value of the association and the local council.
“When the economy took a turn for the worse, some members had to make a choice based on financial concerns,” he said. “The money for membership dues frankly had to be put toward survival. And, not everyone survived. Some retired. Some had to find other work. Others simply cut to bare bones to keep going. Thankfully, we’re seeing a turn around. People are coming back and new members are joining.”
Community projects are a priority for the Nassau Builders Council.
“Our board is committed to the community, and we have at least one major project each year to demonstrate that,” he said. “Whether it’s a home repair for an individual or a park for the community, we coordinate volunteers, donations and schedules to get the job done. When the design is more complex, council members fill in the gap with skilled craftsmen.”
Cotner believes these projects also attract new members.
“When people become involved and work side by side with our members, they begin to understand that we are truly part of the community, and that we are giving back in meaningful ways to enhance the quality of life for all the residents of Nassau County,” he said. “Membership is a way to do that systematically. And, membership is also a good business decision. In large and small communities, members doing business with other members adds to the bottom line.”
The most recent major project for the Nassau Builders Council was the 8 Flags Playscapes Pirate Park. This recently dedicated community project was completed with donated labor, estimated at up to $40,000, and materials were provided at cost.
The council also rebuilt a home for a 90-year-old woman whose home was destroyed by fire. The house had to be gutted and rebuilt. The project was completed for a total out-of-pocket cost of $2,000, thanks to the generous donations of materials and labor by the Nassau Builders Council.
Cotner is optimistic about the industry and the local council in Nassau County.
“We are seeing an increase in activity now,” he said. “And, the benefits of being a member of the association are even more important today. Representation at the local and state levels has been and continues to be critical. The construction community needs a strong voice on issues affecting the industry. The collective power of the large group is a great advantage.”
Cotner came to The Plantation to work after graduating from Georgia Tech in 1980. He enjoyed the community and eventually settled in the county. He and his wife Debby have been married 40 years, and they have three children: Ian is an attorney, Grant is a chef, and Kristen is a school counselor. And their one grandchild will soon be joined by two more – twins are expected late in July.
In addition to pro bono work, Cotner serves on a number of committees, and when he can, he likes to garden, boat and fish.
“Nassau Builders Council has demonstrated the power of team work and the importance of community service,” said NEFBA Executive Director Corey Deal. “John Cotner has been a leader and a role model, and is especially skilled at bringing together the private and public sectors, contractors and volunteers, and diverse interests for the benefit of the association and the community. He also has a reputation for joining in the hands-on labor of projects he has designed. We appreciate his efforts and the Nassau Builders Council for maintaining a strong presence in the county.”