KJW Associates
Marc Wiliamson and Gankie
KJW Associates LLC (KJW) is a New York State Minority owned Business Enterprise (MBE). Founded in 2001 as a small real estate holding company, KJW has steadily grown into a regional contracting firm across Upstate New York. KJW works closely with an affiliated entity – MIG Building Systems (MIG) specializing in installed building products for the construction industry since 1975.
Two brothers who grew up in the contracting business and have over 60 years of combined experience; Randy and Marc Williamson own KJW. Randy provides the strategic oversight and Marc concentrates on the sales, operations, marketing and finances of the business.
The name KJW is a dedication to their mother and brother who both shared the initials of KJW.
Their grandfather, Edward Nicholas (Gankie) was a Maliseet Indian and World War II hero. Edward served 4 years as an Army Scout (a job with a life expectancy of 8 days) behind enemy lines as an elite soldier and patriot. Gankie made a mark on the two boys at a very early age. He taught the boys the value of honesty, loyalty, commitment and hard work. These principles are the core values of KJW.
Our hope is to keep these values alive for generations to come as we provide industry leading products and services to the contracting community across New York state. Please consider KJW on your next construction project.
Links
KJW New York State registration
Maliseet Indian Quick Facts
How do you pronounce “Maliseet?” What does it mean?
Maliseet is pronounced MAL-uh-seet. It means “talks imperfectly” in Mi’kmaq, the language of a neighboring tribe. Maliseet people call themselves Wolastoqiyik in their own language, which refers to a river that runs through the Maliseet homeland.
What is the right way to spell “Maliseet”? What is the best way to refer to Maliseet people?
Most Maliseet people spell this word Maliseet, but some Maliseets, especially in Quebec, spell it Malecite instead (or Malécite if they are writing in French). Some Maliseets are starting to use their own tribal name, Wolastoqiyik, to refer to themselves again. However, they usually use the word “Maliseet” with outsiders, and it’s fine for you to call them that.
Where do the Maliseet Indians live?
The Maliseet nation was part of the Wabanaki Confederacy that controlled northern New England and the Canadian Maritimes. The Maliseets are original natives of the area between Maine and New Brunswick. They lived on both sides of the border, because they were there before Canada and the United States became countries. Today, most Maliseets live on the Canadian side of the border, in New Brunswick and Quebec. There is one Maliseet band that lives in Maine.
How is the Maliseet tribe organized?
Each Maliseet Indian community lives on its own reserve or reservation. Reserves are land that belongs to the tribe and is legally under their control. The Maliseet Indians in the United States call their community a tribe. In Canada, they call themselves First Nations. Each Maliseet tribe or First Nation has its own government, laws, police, and services, just like a small country. The leader of a tribe is called Sakom in the Maliseet language, which is translated “governor” in Maine and “chief” in Canada. The Sakom used to be chosen by tribal council members, but today he or she is elected by all the Maliseet tribal members.