Gulf States Real Estate, Development and Construction Services announced that KIA of Covington is back underway at the intersection of I-12 and Hwy 190. KIA Franchise owner Kevin Szura paused the project last year after running into ever-increasing interest rates and rising construction costs. While Szura worked on alternate financing sources, Gulf States Construction team, led by VP Jason Reibert and President Mike Saucier, directed their team of sub-contractors, project architect (Greenleaf Architects), and site engineers (High Tide Consultants) to “value engineer” over a half a million dollars of costs out of the project. This coordinated work effort also required KIA corporate design teams’ approval, and a formal authorization to proceed with the project.

Following that approval, Szura said, “Although we will be entering the market six months later than we had hoped, the value engineering and financing efforts were well worth it given today’s tough business climate for new construction. This project would not have been possible had we not commissioned the right team led by Gulf States to identify critical cost savings, so that I could concentrate my efforts on financing the venture.”

Szura continued, “Gulf States helped us find the perfect site and with their true team approach helped ‘Turn This Idea into a Reality’ for my family, KIA, and our future Northshore customers. Looking forward to the ribbon-cutting, and being a good corporate citizen for St Tammany, Tangipahoa, and Washington Parishes in late 2024.”

KIA of Covington’s consultant, Mark Holcomb with Mark Holcomb Consulting, LLC said, “Unlike other new dealers coming to town to either take over a dealership or to build one, Kevin Szura and family have moved lock, stock, and barrel to Covington, enrolled in the schools, participating in local activities, getting out and about, and Covington is getting acquainted with them. I appreciate all that so many people at Gulf States have done to help in numerous ways and getting us settled in the community, including the purchase of homes.”

For more information on the Gulf States Companies, please contact Stacy Davis at sdavis@gsres.com or (985) 570-0988.