Rehab at its Best

Charles Ray Austin Jr.

Charles received his start in construction work by working side by side with his father and grandfather in his grandfather’s construction company.  Through this work he learned a variety of skills, from masonry work to the hanging of sheetrock and painting.

When Charles was 17, he entered into the Navy were he spent the next 4 years as a sonar tech.  When he was 21, he was honorably discharged from the Navy and started his next career move by attending both Rice University (for the ROTC Unit) and U of H (where he took his core classes).  Charles had determined based on his history in construction that a degree in Construction Management would be a good route to take.  In 1991 his dream of going back into the military fell through when they cancelled the flight program he was enrolling into.  So in April of 1991 he decided to use the knowledge he had gained to this point and open his own company.

Since 1991, JR. D Construction has grown from the garage to a multi million dollar a year company.  Charles' primary function at JR. D Construction is sales, estimating, PR work, project management and the financial responsibility for the company.

Jonathan Paul Austin

Paul also received his construction experience by working with his brother Charles, father and grandfather.  Paul worked with his dad until the early 80’s when he moved to Texas and worked for general contractors in the area.  Paul held a variety of positions and looked at each one as a challenge to learn more and better himself.

After sitting down with his brother one night, they decided with Paul’s construction skills and Charles’ book knowledge of construction, they would start a company.  They would teach each other; hence JR. D Construction was born.

For the last 18 years Paul’s primary functions at JR. D Construction is the oversight of the day-to-day operations of the company.  He works closely with the crew leaders and crewmembers, materials management, equipment management and project management.

Charles and Paul Austin received their start in the construction industry by working side by side with their father and both of their grandfathers in their grandfather's construction company. Through the years they learned a variety of skills from masonry work to general construction.

"Never let them say your quality isn't good"
Papa Bill Polk (Great Grandfather)


"Over the last 25 years we have put our hearts into this company. We provide awesome service and quality to our clients. To us our clients are more than people; they end up being extended family. We have clients that we have worked with since we opened our doors in 1991."
Charles Austin 

Benjamin “Googler” Pace

Ben is truly our “Jack of all Trades”.  After leaving college and moving to Texas in 1991, he began doing sub-contract work for larger construction firms.  He came to work for JR D in 1996 as a carpenter on our crews.  He quickly progressed to become one of our crew leaders as quality and leadership traits were recognized in him. 

Ben left us for seven years in 1999 to pursue his love of Information Technology. He worked for a large firm as their IT supervisor for seven years before he returned to us for good in 2006.  Upon his return the company had grown to the point that we now needed and IT person as well as a project management and insurance claims team.  Ben’s qualifications include IT, xactimate estimating, insurance, and project management.

Lisa Austin

Lisa cames to us from a Sales and Estimating background in the Fiber Optics and Telecommunication industry.  It was with reservation that a position was made for her due to her lack of construction experience.  Therefor, a “Test” was devised for her, she was told she could have a job if she could tell us what a “Miter” was.  She adamantly replied, “I don’t have to know what a Miter is, I just have to know how to sell one.” Paul and Charles decided she could work on a commission only basis until she was “up to speed”.  She scoffed at their lack of confidence in her ability to adapt and accepted our offer (challenge accepted!!).

After only three months, she was out performing all other estimators (including the owner!).  She was put on the formal payroll as she had proven her abilities.  Lisa has been with JR D Construction since 2005.   She has also maintained her Texas State insurance adjuster’s License since 2006.  Lisa specializes in all aspects of townhome and condominium rehabs.

Michael Coffer

 With over 25 years of experience, Mike has grown up in the construction world, starting off as a teenager working for his father in Alaska, building homes, snowplowing, landscaping, and land clearing. Upon graduation of high school, Mike went and got smart in college, though you wouldn't think so sometimes. As an adult, Mike has worked in the oil fields of Alaska, hauling over the "Ice Roads", and self employed contractor (snow removal, commercial buildouts, home remodels, home and shop builds, tiny home builds, and building resorts in rural Alaska).

In early 2017, Mike and his family moved to Texas for the next great adventure. Mike has been with JR D Construction since arriving, where he focuses on client relations, remodels, and whatever challenge is placed in front of him.

Joshua Austin

Josh began working at JR D in 2011.  He has worked on many projects with our carpenter crews.  Josh was home schooled through Jr high and high school which allowed him ample time to gain valuable knowledge as a carpenter.  He went to college and took a degree in design and drafting.  His skills are now put to good use on our sales team.  He serves as a valued team member filling roles in design, estimating, and project management.  He has managed large and small projects.

 Josh’s Ponderings:

Have you ever heard the tragedy of the person who went with the bad contractor?  Ah, I thought not.  It’s not a story the commercials would tell you.  See, this person went with a bad contractor and ran into so many problems; like poor workmanship, cheap materials, and constant delays. This person thought that they could save a couple pennies and get the same quality, but his cheap contractor betrayed him while he slept.  Don't be that person.  Call JRD Construction. Call me.

 I, am groot. And as such, I will use my skills and experience in construction and drafting to ensure your finished products are everything you desire.

A. Marcos Perez

Marcos was found by accident at a wedding reception where he was dancing and singing while wearing a gorilla mask to a popular song for all the guests.  Charles decided on the spot to offer him a job because he had such a command of the room.  He accepted a position on our estimating team in 2011.  As it turned out, Marcos had a long history in construction.  He began working in the construction field at 17 years of age.  He has a background in Tile work as well as being trained for Texas Wind Storm Inspections.  Marcos is easily our most efficient estimator. 

Marcos is an integral part of the JRD Team and his qualifications include xactimate estimating, and project management.