The SJ Janis Story

Since opening its doors in 1951, S.J. Janis Company has been helping residents of southeastern Wisconsin with their home improvement needs. The company’s original owner, Samuel Joseph Janis, ran the business as a heating company and, before the common use of central air conditioning, found summer work from his clients in the form of carpentry, siding and roofing projects.

Owner and President Gary Sannes started with the company in 1977 as a sales representative when the primary business was still miscellaneous carpentry work, and window and siding replacements.  When an opportunity presented itself in 1984; he became the owner and incorporated the company.  “The S.J. Janis name was well recognized in the community so I decided to retain it in lieu of using my name or creating another” said Sannes.  He immediately made some staff changes and proceeded to hire the company’s first full time Production Manager, Design Consultant and in-house Director of Design, in subsequent years.

Through strategic operational moves, S.J. Janis has not only survived, but thrived. The company has evolved into a consistently award winning full service design/build remodeling firm. Projects range from handyman/home services, kitchens, and baths to additions and whole house renovations. Fifty percent of the company’s work each year is from referrals. According to Guild Quality, an independent third-party survey company, the company achieves its highest scores in value, trust, construction quality, outstanding customer service through constant communication and remaining on schedule and budget.