Building Big Projects—and a Brand New Family

Finding His Path in Construction 

Austin graduated from Texas A&M University with a degree in civil engineering. Like many graduates in 2020, he entered the workforce at an uncertain moment as COVID-19 reshaped the job market. When opportunities were limited, a family connection led him to an entry-level role at a concrete company in Texas. 

“They gave me a shot when not many people were hiring,” he says. “I’ll always be grateful for that.” 

Over the next few years, Austin gained hands-on experience across structural concrete projects before an unexpected connection set his next chapter in motion. A former coworker, Mike, struck up a conversation with a NexGen business unit leader while shopping for concrete finishing tools at Home Depot. That chance meeting led Mike to join NexGen months later. Soon after, he invited Austin to learn more about the team. What stood out immediately wasn’t just the work—it was the culture. 

“It was clear that people came first,” Austin says. “Family mattered. NexGen trusts that if you take care of your people, the results will follow.” 

Nearly two years later, that belief has proven true. 

Leading Through Collaboration 

Today, Austin serves as a project manager supporting major concrete scopes, including work in the growing data center market. His days consist of constant communication with superintendents and project engineers to solve challenges and ensure teams have what they need to succeed. 

“We don’t want to just point out problems,” Austin explains. “We want to bring solutions that benefit everyone involved.” 

Working within Gray’s fully integrated structure has been a key differentiator. 

“Having everything under one roof allows for honest, transparent conversations,” he says. “You’re working toward the same goal, even when you’re sitting on different sides of the table. That kind of alignment is rare.” 

Austin points to a recent project he worked on that serves as an example of what collaboration makes possible. Tight schedules, strong safety performance, and a high-quality final product were all driven by teams working together without silos. As a result, Austin’s project received Gray’s Customer Satisfaction Award for Small Project of the Year. 

“Safety never takes a backseat here,” Austin adds. “We meet deadlines, but we do it the right way.” 

Growing Leaders Along the Way 

As his own career has progressed, Austin has become increasingly focused on mentoring the next generation of builders. He’s intentional about training assistant project managers and project engineers by giving them responsibility, supporting them through challenges, and helping them grow into leadership roles. 

“You don’t have to know everything,” he says. “Be confident in what you do know and surround yourself with people who can fill in the gaps. That’s what strong teams are built on.” 

That mindset paid off during Austin’s recent parental leave, when the team members he had been mentoring stepped up to lead projects in his absence. 

“It was incredibly rewarding to see,” he says. “No matter where my career goes, I want to always be in a position where I’m investing in people.” 

Life Beyond the Jobsite 

Outside of work, Austin and his wife Kenna like to spend as much time as possible outdoors with their golden retriever, Luka—named after their favorite NBA player. These days, weekends look a little different. With twin sons Witten and Cassian now running the schedule, Austin and Kenna are navigating the early days of parenthood—fueled by love, learning, and even some occasional sleep. 

“It’s been amazing watching Kenna become a mom,” Austin says. “We’re figuring it out together.” 

While Austin is still figuring out how to balance the new rhythms of fatherhood with leading teams on complex projects, he brings the same mindset to each role: show up, support the people around you, and focus on what matters most. 

At Gray, that mindset fits right in.