HJ3, founded in 2002 as a technology transfer from the University of Arizona, has revolutionized structural repair and protection with its patented carbon fiber composite solutions. What began as a specialized venture in advanced composites has grown into a global leader with over 25 million square feet of material installed worldwide.
“True success comes from building something exceptional, not just financial gain,” Jim, the company’s founder, says. His entrepreneurial journey, shaped by a family legacy of business builders, has transformed HJ3 into an industry pioneer that provides same-day engineering, calculations, and shipments to meet urgent client needs in critical industries.
The Tucson-based company offers solutions for repairing and protecting pipelines, tanks, silos, concrete structures and more. With over two decades of combined expertise, HJ3 has established itself as an authority in applying composites to structures ranging from industrial silos to steel tanks and bridges.
Behind the company’s technical achievements lies a culture built on clarity, accountability, and disciplined execution. The organization operates according to the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS), ensuring team members understand their roles and contributions to company success.
From University Lab to Global Infrastructure Leader
HJ3’s journey began at the University of Arizona, where Jim participated in an entrepreneurship program that led to launching the business as a university technology transfer. His background in automation and process efficiency provided valuable insights that would later help optimize operations.
“One of the most pivotal moments in my career was my first business plan competition,” Jim says. “Winning that competition proved to me that I had both the vision and the ability to bring ideas to life.”
This vision materialized quickly. By 2004, the United States Department of Defense had successfully tested HJ3’s carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) system for resistance to high-impact explosions. The following year, Underwriters Laboratories approved the company’s systems per ANSI NSF-61 Standards for Potable Water.
The company hit significant milestones in rapid succession. In 2007, the Mine Safety and Health Administration approved HJ3 solutions for mine seal retrofits against methane gas explosions. That same year, Masonry Construction Magazine recognized the company’s Squatter’s Pub project as “Best Historical Restoration.”
Perhaps most notably, in 2008, HJ3 completed the first composite strengthening of an entire high-rise building envelope in Philadelphia, demonstrating the versatility and effectiveness of its solutions on a massive scale.
HJ3 Provides Engineering Excellence with Same-Day Solutions
HJ3 distinguishes itself through rapid response capabilities and engineering knowledge, and skills. The company provides unmatched service with same-day engineering, shipments, and training, allowing clients to address critical infrastructure issues without delays.
“At HJ3, true success and excellence mean delivering same-day engineering, calculations, and shipments to meet the urgent needs of clients in critical industries,” Jim says. “It’s about stacking innovation, relentless improvement, and setting the highest standards.”
This commitment to excellence has earned industry recognition and certification. In 2011, Det Norske Veritas (DNV) tested and approved HJ3’s systems per ASME PCC-2 and ISO/TS 24817 standards. By 2012, the company had completed its first pipeline repair for Botas Petroleum Pipeline Corporation, successfully installed 10,000 applications, and surpassed 5 million square feet of material sold.
HJ3’s product line expanded significantly over the years. In 2015, the company launched forensic engineering and inspection services along with TankWrap™. The following year brought SiloWrap™, which completed qualification testing per 221 CFR 175.300 for indirect food additives. FireSeal launched in 2017 with UL1709 testing, further diversifying the company’s offerings.
By 2020, HJ3 had sold more than 10 million square feet of material and expanded its network of CarbonSeal™ installers to 80 worldwide.
Building Culture on The Collaborative Way
In 2015-2016, during an industrial market downturn, HJ3 faced one of its greatest challenges. Contracts were canceled, inventory was tied up, and for the first time since its inception, the company struggled financially.
“At a critical moment, my CFO introduced me to The Collaborative Way, a book that reshaped my perspective on leadership and company culture,” Jim says. This discovery led to a fundamental transformation in how HJ3 operated.
The company adopted five key principles: Listening Generously, Speaking Straight, Being For Each Other, Honoring Commitments, and Acknowledgment & Appreciation. This philosophy fostered a culture of trust, open communication, and mutual respect that continues to drive HJ3 today.
“The shift to a culture of responsibility, accountability, and mutual respect initially led to significant turnover of upper management,” Jim says. Those who remained committed to these concepts became the transformational leaders driving the business today.
Community Commitment Through Sports Sponsorships
Beyond its technical and business achievements, HJ3 demonstrates a deep commitment to community development through sports sponsorships. HJ3’s impact extends beyond infrastructure to the heart of Tucson, where it sponsors local youth, college, and pro sports teams. These partnerships reflect the company’s belief in sports as a tool for youth development and community building.
“I’m passionate about youth development through sports,” says Jim, who spent years coaching soccer in Tucson, particularly with FC Sonora, a club serving a South Tucson community with limited resources. “Recognizing the financial barriers many talented kids face in accessing quality coaching and clubs, I dedicated my time to mentoring young athletes, some of whom went on to earn professional youth contracts. Seeing those young players thrive has been one of my most fulfilling contributions to the community.”
Today, HJ3 is a title sponsor for FC Sonora youth soccer league, supporting inclusivity and accessibility in youth sports and ensuring that more children have access to opportunities that can shape their futures. The company is the jersey sponsor for FC Tucson USL Pro Soccer team, FC Tucson Academy, and the AHL Tucson Roadrunners hockey team.
“Seeing our logo proudly displayed alongside FC Tucson and the Roadrunners emblem is a source of great pride for us, as it symbolizes our shared commitment to excellence, resilience, and community engagement,” a company spokesperson says.
The company’s connection to the University of Arizona, where it was founded, remains a cornerstone of its identity. HJ3 supports the University of Arizona athletics, honoring its academic origins while contributing to the city’s vibrant sports culture. “Being part of the Wildcat family fuels our enthusiasm for innovation and collaboration,” the spokesperson says, highlighting the synergy between the company’s mission and the university’s legacy.
HJ3 Reviews often mention the company’s amazing atmosphere, which is a reflection of its community-driven values. By balancing global projects with local engagement, HJ3 creates a legacy that resonates both in Tucson and beyond. Its sponsorships and volunteer efforts demonstrate a commitment to giving back, ensuring that its success benefits the people and places that shaped it.
HJ3 Builds a Legacy of Integrity and Excellence
Jim attributes much of his success to values instilled by his grandfather and father, both entrepreneurs who built businesses with solid integrity.
“I believe in leading with integrity and always taking the high road,” Jim says. “Trust is the foundation of leadership. When people believe in your word, your values, and your commitment to doing the right thing, you naturally gain authority and respect.”
This philosophy extends to his business approach. Jim built HJ3 methodically, without venture capital, ensuring every decision was intentional and every aspect of the business was built to last.
“I took immense pride in the fact that I built this business step by step,” he says. “Whenever I skipped a step, life had a way of bringing me back to solidify that foundation. Because of this disciplined approach, HJ3 is now in a position to scale rapidly, with the confidence that its infrastructure is rock solid.”
HJ3 reviews consistently highlight the company’s organizational excellence and service quality. One client described HJ3 as “an excellent company to partner with for carbon fiber repair solutions,” while another called the team “fantastic, extremely organized, and an absolute pleasure to deal with.”
As HJ3 continues to expand its reach, the company remains focused on providing comprehensive strengthening products that fortify and protect structures against human-made and environmental damage at a fraction of traditional repair or replacement costs.
Through a combination of technical knowledge, skill, experience, cultural strength, and community engagement, HJ3 has established itself as more than just a leader in infrastructure solutions, it has become a model for building a business with purpose, integrity, and lasting impact.
With over two decades of innovation and service excellence, HJ3 reviews consistently affirm the company’s reputation for quality and reliability. As infrastructure challenges grow more complex worldwide, HJ3 stands ready with proven solutions and a staunch commitment to excellence.
As HJ3 moves forward, it remains focused on pushing the boundaries of carbon fiber technology while staying grounded in its values. With a culture built on trust, a track record of innovation, and a deep connection to its community, the company is poised to tackle the world’s infrastructure challenges for decades to come.
