The Austin Co.

Barry is responsible for all phases of a project, from preliminary sales contact through completion. As Project Executive, Barry ensures that project teams are organized and properly directed to deliver the services Austin has committed to the client. Working closely with the Project Manager, Barry maintains high-level oversight to ensure scope, budget and schedule remain on track. He is responsible for the overall quality and coordination of all planning, design engineering, purchasing and construction activities for conformance to good design and construction practices. Barry joined Austin in 1978.

Barry is actively engaged in numerous food and beverage projects for Austin. Past projects included the conversion of an existing beverage plant to a salad processing plant with modifications to the ammonia system and installation of new cooler rooms; development of a concept-standardized bakery incorporating operational features unique to the food and beverage industry; and a retrofit of a dairy facility into a bread plant.

Brandon Davis oversees operations for The Austin Company’s Eastern and Mexico Operations, including oversight of the successful completion of projects from inception, through design, engineering, construction and maintenance. He leads a dynamic team to deliver Austin’s solutions to project owners, helping to develop facility projects in a predictable, effective manner while meeting the owner’s goals and objectives related to budget, schedule, quality, safety and stakeholder satisfaction.

Brandon joined Austin in 2016, bringing with him a comprehensive background in construction, project management, project planning, plant maintenance and business strategy. Prior to joining the Company, Brandon was Senior Vice President, Industrial Group with AECOM. His career in the industry began in the field and he has worked across functions, including superintendent, process controls, construction and project management, business development, finance, strategic planning and management.

He has earned degrees from Cleveland State University and the University of Findlay. Brandon is active in the community, holding several leadership or board positions within the non-profit sector and is active in multiple professional organizations.

As Managing Director, Brandon will lead Austin Consulting, developing new strategies to increase Austin’s leadership in food and beverage, manufacturing, nutraceuticals, and other industries. Brandon will continue to support clients with site location across a diverse range of industries, with a concentration on the manufacturing sector.

Before joining Austin Consulting in 2012, Brandon led business attraction programs for economic development organizations in Indiana and his home state of Tennessee. This launched Brandon’s interest in site selection, and the perspectives gained through that experience have enabled Brandon to maximize government support for client projects and navigate through complexities associated with securing project commitments and approvals.

In 2015, Brandon was recognized as one of North America’s Top 50 Site Consultants by Consultant Connect. Brandon received Bachelor of Science degrees in Business Administration and Computer Information Systems from Milligan College in Tennessee.

In addition to being passionate about his work, Brandon is an avid distance runner, global traveler, food critic, and aspiring sommelier.

Duane is responsible for projects based out of the Atlanta office, ensuring that adequate financial, operational and human resources are maintained throughout each project and that the client's objectives are consistently achieved by the project team. Duane also ensures that all personnel and deliverables meet Austin's strict quality and safety standards. 

Duane’s career with The Austin Company began in Cleveland’s General Department (Corporate) in 1989 as the Director of Design for newspaper facilities, where he assisted all offices in the U.S., Canada, U.K. and South America with the planning and design of newspaper facilities. After holding various roles, from 2013 to 2016, Duane served as the Project Principal for Austin’s three large projects for Northrop Grumman in Florida: Buildings 228 and 229 in Melbourne and Building 100 in St. Augustine. Since 2015, Duane has been serving as the Senior Project Manager for the Melbourne Airport Authority/Embraer project in Melbourne, Florida.

Duane graduated from the Denver Institute of Technology in Denver, Colorado, with a degree in Architecture. He is a Registered Architect and a member of the American Institute of Architects. 

Frank is responsible for leading the Consulting division, developing new strategies to increase Austin’s leadership in food and beverage, manufacturing, nutraceuticals and other industries. Frank serves as a senior project manager, directing site location studies and conducting detailed field investigation analyses. Since joining Austin in 1985, Frank has worked as a Site Location Consultant, Senior Consultant, Associate Director and Director, becoming Managing Director of Austin Consulting in 2013.

Frank works on behalf of clients, conducting incentive negotiations with state and local governments and completing comprehensive property due diligence services for greenfield sites and existing buildings. Frank represents clients throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico and Europe. He frequently contributes to a variety of publications and presents at industry tradeshows and conferences.  

Ken is a principal representative of Austin for clients and projects, responsible for overseeing project development and resource requirements, and providing overall coordination of the management and implementation of projects. As Project Executive, Ken ensures that project teams are organized and properly directed to deliver the services Austin has committed to the client. Working closely with the Project Manager, Ken maintains high-level oversight to ensure scope, budget and schedule remain on track. Since joining Austin in 1980, Ken has served in several roles, including Project Architect, Project Manager, Manager of CADD and Data Processing, Manager of Business Development, Manager of Operations and Vice President and General Manager.

Ken’s experience includes planning, design and project management for a wide variety of projects for Austin clients worldwide, including aerospace and aviation, manufacturing, newspaper publishing, data processing, high-tech research, corporate and general office facilities, motion picture production, television broadcasting, theme parks and entertainment centers.

As President, Mike Pierce’s focus is ensuring the successful delivery of projects to The Austin Company’s clients that meet the Company’s high standards. Mike believes that legacy can empower success, and his adherence to the standards set forth by Samuel Austin continue to foster Company growth. His leadership emphasizes safety, teamwork and a continuous pursuit of excellence.

Mike became President of The Austin Company in 2011.  Prior to that, he oversaw projects and served as Senior Vice President of Sales & Marketing and General Manager of Austin’s Cleveland Design and Construction Operations. Mike began his professional career as a mechanical engineer with The Austin Company in 1980. In 1984, he began his sales career with Austin, with major clients including: Sigma Chemical, McDonnell Douglas, The Boeing Company, Royal Saudi Air Force, Thai Airlines, Monsanto, Continental Airlines and Denver International Airport.

Mike was promoted to market leader of Aviation & Aerospace in 1994, and subsequently to Vice President Emerging Markets in 1995. During this time, he chaired the International Airport Planning, Design and Construction Symposium for the Airports Consultants Council. Since then, he has expanded his technical expertise and success in sales and marketing by mastering a broad range of regional and corporate roles.

Mike is active with the American Society of Baking (ASB), American Bakers Association (ABA) and serves on the Board of Bakery Equipment Manufacturers & Allieds (BEMA). He frequently speaks at industry events on the topics of engineering, food and beverage, aviation, and sales and marketing.

Steve Van Wormer is responsible for projects based out of The Austin Company’s Kalamazoo, Michigan, office, ensuring that adequate financial, operational and human resources are maintained throughout each project and that the client’s objectives are consistently achieved by the project team. Steve also ensures that all personnel and deliverables meet Austin’s strict quality and safety standards.

Steve’s career with The Austin Company began in 1989, working as a construction laborer, then as Unit Superintendent with Austin’s construction and maintenance team in Kalamazoo. During this assignment, which ran through 1994, he supervised a multitude of projects and maintenance work at one of the nation’s largest pharmaceutical manufacturing campuses. Subsequent roles with Austin included Owner’s Representative, Project Superintendent and Manager of Construction. Here, Steve was responsible for the supervision of construction operations, including preconstruction planning, coordination and scheduling of company trade personnel and subcontractors, obtaining competitive pricing, and monitoring compliance with technical specifications, as well as government regulations.

Steve has over 25 years of experience in managing construction activities, including project management, construction management, safety director, superintendent for environmental projects and as a maintenance superintendent. Steve is experienced in managing design-build and construction activities within pharmaceutical and other production environments, including Upjohn Company, Pharmacia & Upjohn Company, Muskegon Chronicle, and Rohm and Haas.

William (Bill) Lee, DBIA, oversees the procurement, development and delivery of design, engineering and construction projects for The Austin Company’s Western Operations. He joined Austin in 2017.

In his role, Bill ensures that adequate financial, operational and human resources are maintained throughout each project and that the client’s objectives are consistently achieved by the project team. Bill also ensures that all personnel and deliverables meet Austin’s strict quality and safety standards.

Bill, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, has over 30 years of construction industry experience. His background includes project management and project executive positions with Turner Construction, RQ Construction and as project director with WEBCOR Builders. Bill’s project experience includes work on academic, healthcare, government, hospitality and residential facilities.

Jeff Deel joined The Austin Company in 2006 and was promoted to Director of Human Resources in 2011. At a recognition dinner in 2017, Mike Pierce stated, “Within his first year, we knew that Jeff would be a very valuable contributor at Austin.”

In his role, Jeff is responsible for all human resource functions nationwide, including talent acquisition, organizational development, performance management, coaching, succession planning, policy and procedure, compliance, benefits, employee relations and compensation. As a member of the Senior Austin Leadership Team, Jeff works alongside Austin executives to help drive the company vision and identify and prioritize initiatives to improve the operations of the organization.

Jeff states, “I have spent a number of years in the HR realm and have been given the opportunity to work with some amazing people, from line workers to C-suite executives. What I have found, is that, for the most part, people have the desire to do well, but usually have barriers that stop them from accomplishing their goals and being their best. It is most satisfying when I can help individuals identify the barriers that hold them back from being the best they can be. I have been fortunate enough to be able to work in a field where I can do what I love — help people and companies succeed.”

Matt is responsible for Austin’s operations, including the overall success of Austin’s operating units and the Company’s performance on projects. Previously, as Sr. Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Matt oversaw Austin's sales and marketing activities, including the development and implementation of the Company’s sales and marketing strategy. In addition, in his prior role as Vice President and General Manager, Matt ensured that adequate financial, operational and human resources were maintained throughout each project, and that the client's objectives were consistently achieved by the project team. Matt also ensured that all personnel and deliverables met Austin’s strict quality and safety standards.

Since joining Austin in 1988, Matt has served as Estimator, Scheduler, Purchasing Agent, Purchasing Manager, Project Manager and Manager of Construction Management on many projects for a variety of industries. Matt has also served as Manager of Business Development, securing projects with clients such as Northrop Grumman, Interbake, Coca Cola Enterprises, Media General and others.

Matt is responsible for Austin’s operations, including the overall success of Austin’s operating units and the Company’s performance on projects. Previously, as Sr. Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Matt oversaw Austin's sales and marketing activities, including the development and implementation of the Company’s sales and marketing strategy. In addition, in his prior role as Vice President and General Manager, Matt ensured that adequate financial, operational and human resources were maintained throughout each project, and that the client's objectives were consistently achieved by the project team. Matt also ensured that all personnel and deliverables met Austin’s strict quality and safety standards.

Since joining Austin in 1988, Matt has served as Estimator, Scheduler, Purchasing Agent, Purchasing Manager, Project Manager and Manager of Construction Management on many projects for a variety of industries. Matt has also served as Manager of Business Development, securing projects with clients such as Northrop Grumman, Interbake, Coca Cola Enterprises, Media General and others. 

Tony is a principal representative of Austin, responsible for overseeing project development and resource requirements, and providing overall coordination of the management and implementation of projects. As Project Executive, Tony ensures that project teams are organized and properly directed to deliver the services Austin has committed to the client. Working closely with the design and construction teams, Tony maintains oversight to ensure scope, budget and schedule remain on track. Tony is responsible for the overall quality and coordination of all planning, design engineering, purchasing and construction activities for conformance to good design and construction practices. Since joining Austin in 1999, Tony has served in other roles, including Chief Structural Engineer and Project Manager.

Tony’s background includes more than 28 years’ experience in structural engineering and project management for a wide variety of projects, including Aerospace, Entertainment, Manufacturing and Distribution, Mission Critical, Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology, and seismic retrofits of existing facilities. 

Tony holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering from Tsing-Hua University in Beijing China, and a Master’s Degree in Structural Engineering from California State University, Long Beach. He is a licensed Civil and Structural Engineer in the State of California, and is a registered Professional Engineer in 14 other states.

Mark became Senior Vice President and Controller for The Austin Company in 2005. In this role, he oversees and directs accounting and controller functions primarily for Austin domestic operations. Mark leads a centralized accounting team based in Cleveland.

Mark joined Austin in 1973 as a Field Clerk and subsequently served as Project Accountant for many Austin clients, including General Cable, Exxon, Amstar and Alcon Laboratories. Mark has served as a Supervisory Accountant, Regional Controller – Corporate, General Auditor, Assistant Corporate Controller, and then Vice President and Controller of The Austin Company prior to his current position.