The new location for the popular Cosmo’s Deli in Port Orchard is one example of the engineering, design, permitting and construction capabilities of the BJC Group.

Celebrating its 10-year anniversary at the end of the year, the BJC Group Inc. in Port Orchard has an array of services that include pre-design, design, construction, bid management, and permitting representation, for commercial and residential buildings. Company owner Robert Baglio is also a licensed engineer and part-owner of engineering and surveying firm NL Olson & Associates.

BJC Group offers design-build services, which have become more sought-after in the last five years because they offer better cost control and the convenience of using only one company throughout the entire building process.

“I think it’s a service that’s a little bit unique, and convenient to the owner,” Baglio said. “Design-build will evolve and become more popular” because it saves money and moves the process faster.

After receiving his construction management degree, Baglio went back to school a few years later for his engineering license. He says knowing both aspects helps with a better understanding of how things work together in a complete project.

Baglio worked as a county project manager for many years before deciding to venture on his own, and started doing similar work representing private owners’ interests. His work expanded from there, as he got into construction projects and enjoyed it.

The company’s portfolio includes the Kitsap Social Security Administration building, the Naumann Johnson Orthodontic Clinic, Kitsap Mental Health Services and renovations of the Silverdale Community Center and Givens Community Center. The Givens Community Center had a special connection to Baglio, who has lived in Kitsap since he was 3 years old. He attended Givens when it was a school, and working on its remodeling brought back many memories.

Among it’s current projects is a new, 3,600 sq. ft. building that will become home to the popular Cosmo’s Deli in Port Orchard.

One of BJC’s specialties is representation through the permitting process, which is often expedited as a result. Often times they are hired solely for that stage. Baglio keeps abreast of the ever-changing regulations, and does note that the red tape has been greatly increased since he first started. “The time it takes to get a permit through …the reviewing agency is a challenge. That and the rising cost of insurance,” he said. “It seems the regulations are always changing. You can’t work with your head in the sand and not know what’s going on around you.”

Baglio’s goal is to see the company continue to grow. In some ways, that’s easier once the company has a steady showcase of quality work. “Once you’re out in the community and you establish a reputation, you have more opportunities,” he said.

As one expansion opportunity, Baglio hopes to tap into the public sector, while eventually break off the residential construction side into its own division. He is not new to public projects, after working for a company in Kent that did public works, and where he “got to do a little bit of everything.” At BJC Group, one of his most favorite accomplishments is the Kitsap Social Security Administration building. Although the project was by a private property owner, his company had to work with the federal government, community groups and other players in the process.

Through all the changes in both industry and his company’s evolution, Baglio sees one thing unchanged: Every project is unique, with its own set of challenges. Make that two things — the other unchanged aspect is the fulfillment of seeing the results. “When everything is said and done, it’s satisfying to see it all come together, and people are utilizing (the building), and it’s functional,” he said.