Our Team

Mr. Bounds grew up in the retail carpet business. He came in contact with the masonry world at the age of 16 while working as a laborer.  Since that time, he has always worked in some phase of construction.  Upon graduating, he pursued a career in landscaping, became a landscape designer and at the age of 21 owned and operated a successful wholesale greenhouse and plant leasing business.  Mr. Bounds moved to Texas in 1980 and worked in Waco for Barsh Construction and Kent Mill & Supply (architectural design and woodworking manufacturer) as an estimator.  Throughout this time he remained fascinated with the masonry industry and continued to take advantage of opportunities in masonry. In 1982, Mr. Bounds became Vice-President of Al Brown Masonry (a commercial masonry contractor) and helped the company grow into one of the leading masonry contractors in the southwest United States.  In 1989, Al Brown moved to Colorado and Mr. Bounds decided that the time was right to pursue his dream. After careful planning and crafting of a business plan (along with a policy and procedure manual) to operate a commercial masonry contracting firm, on March 21, 1989, Brazos Masonry, Inc. (BMI) was born.  Shortly thereafter, James Clay and Walter Dossett joined as partners in the business and BMI quickly became recognized by their competitors as a leader in the industry.

Mr. Bounds also had a strong conviction for giving back to his industry.  He became the first subcontractor to be elected to the Board of Directors of the Central Texas AGC and subsequently was elected to the National AGC Board of Directors. In 1995, he was elected as the first President of the Central Texas Mason Contractors Association and was subsequently appointed to the Board of Directors of the Texas Masonry Council. Mr. Bounds has remained on the Board of the Texas Masonry Council and has served on many different committees.  Since 1997, Mr. Bounds has served on the Board of Directors of the Mason Contractors Association of America and is currently serving as President.  As President of MCAA, he is leading the industry back to where it once stood (and that is the priority of every construction project that he is associated with). Mr. Bounds, along with other leaders from supplier associations, has implemented a marketing program that he designed, called “Vision 20/20”. The industry knows that masonry is the best product of choice for every building in America but all of America will know it by year 2020 which is what “Vision 20/20” is supporting across the nation. Mr. Bounds also serves on the Board of the Association. Mr. Bounds energy, excitement and excellent leadership skills has taken Brazos Masonry, Inc. to the top of the masonry industry.

Mr. Bounds also enjoys family, church and friends and will always have time for each.  He takes great delight in going home to his ranch where he and his wife, Norma Jean, run and continue to improve a herd of genetically outstanding registered Beefmaster cattle.  He also enjoys helping the youth of the community by serving as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Heart O’ Texas Fair and Rodeo in Waco. Mr. Bounds and his wife Norma Jean have two children, Kent (and his wife, Valerie) and Crystal (and her husband, Jeff). They also have three granddaughters, Autumn, Lyla, and Oaklyn. And one grandson, Mason. They call Mr. Bounds, “Pappy”.

Mr. Groetzinger joined Brazos Masonry Inc. as a partner and CFO in January 2002. Following completion of an Engineering degree from Vanderbilt University and an MBA in Finance from the University of Texas at Austin, he forged a successful and distinguished career in the oil and gas industry. Having worked as an energy trader in London, Manhattan, and Houston, Mr. Groetzinger’s final position before moving to Waco to join BMI was Vice President of Valero Marketing & Supply Corporation in San Antonio. Mr. Groetzinger also serves on the Board of the Masonry Foundation.

Mr. Bounds has essentially worked his entire life at Brazos Masonry. Mr. Bounds started at a young age counting anchors and banding boards during the hot days of summer in Texas. After graduating high school in 2000, he started the transition from shop hand to field hand and then to project management. During his time in college, he shifted into the position of onsite Assistant Project Manager on several successful projects. After he graduated from Hill County Junior College with his Associate Degree in Business Administration, in 2002, he transitioned into a full-time Project Manager. Since 2002, Mr. Bounds has managed over $150 million dollars’ worth of masonry work. From his first project, Christian House of Prayer with Drymalla Construction, to the Market Square Tower- the largest and tallest burnished block project ever, at 42 levels, with D.E. Harvey Builders. Mr. Bounds has always striven to not only make the project successful for Brazos Masonry, but also for his customers and suppliers. In 2017, Mr. Bounds moved from VP of Project Management to his current role as President of Brazos Masonry. Outside of Brazos Masonry, he has served on the Marketing Committee for the Texas Masonry Council, is a member of the South of 40 Committee and is Chairman of the Membership Committee on the national level. In addition, Mr. Bounds has served on the Board for the Central Texas Masonry Council Association for 8 years, including as President from 2013-2105. He looks forward to his continued involvement within the masonry industry on all levels to assist with continued expansion of our market share and furthering general education of masonry constructability with includes workforce development. He is also currently serving on the Associate Member Advisory Board for AGC Centex as a voice for local subcontractors. Mr. Bounds enjoys golf, hunting, fishing, being with the family and being involved with his local church, Church of Christ in Lorena, TX. Mr. Bounds resides in Lorena with his beautiful wife Valerie, his most adorable daughter Lyla, two cool cats and some chickens.

Kelsie came to work for Brazos Masonry in April of 2002.  His background in construction began as a child working for his father in the floor covering industry in his home town of Bloomington, IN. As much as he loves Texas, he’ll always be a Hoosier too!).  After graduating from Indiana University in 2001 with a Bachelors in Computer Information Systems, Kelsie moved to Texas and began work at Brazos Masonry as a Project Manager.  His computer skills enabled him to automate and streamline many company processes.  The result was a boost in efficiency for the project management department as a whole.  In his time as a project manager, he successfully completed over 200 masonry projects, including several multi-million dollar projects.  His notable projects include:  The Texas Association of Counties Building in Austin, TX; The Globe-News Performing Arts Center in Amarillo, TX; Alliance Hospital in Odessa, TX; The Scott & White Hospital in Round Rock, TX; Audie Murphy Middle School in Killeen, TX; The City of San Antonio Public Safety Headquarters in San Antonio, TX and The Ashton, located at 101 Colorado in downtown Austin.  At the time of the Ashton’s completion, it was thought to be the tallest brick building in the state of Texas.  Additionally, The Ashton project marked the beginning of BMI’s entrance into the high-rise market.  A number of Kelsie’s projects, including the Ashton, have received accolades in the masonry industry on a state-wide and national level.  Kelsie left a lasting mark on the project management department, and many of the processes he helped implement are still used on BMI’s current projects.  In 2008, Kelsie began transitioning out of project management, and into the estimating department.  He developed an aptitude for estimating, and quickly established himself as Brazos’ go-to person for estimating complex projects.  In 2013, he was promoted to Vice President of Estimating.  The timing of this promotion coincided well with the reviving US economy, and BMI experienced an unprecedented level of managed growth during his tenure in this position.  In 2017, he was promoted to Executive Vice President.  While still overseeing the estimating department, and occasionally dabbling in estimating a few bids himself, he now also manages all contract negotiations, as well as the company’s insurance needs.  Kelsie currently lives in Eddy, Texas with his wife Marilyn and two sons, Kaden and Eli.

Brad started his masonry career at the young age of 12 helping his dad and grandpa build houses. At the age of 17 he started working as a laborer in Houston before going to work for Paul Yeats Enterprise as an Operator. It was here that Brad began to run his own jobsite crew. Brad was fortunate to learn it all: fireplaces, flemish bond, diamond cross bond and has an abundance of experience in building arches. In the early 1990’s Brad and a friend worked in the Houston, TX area building arches for numerous companies. Brad takes great pride in being able to build anything that anyone can draw. In November of 1996 Brad came to work for Brazos Masonry as a Bricklayer and was promoted to Job Superintendent before being promoted to General Superintendent. He has completed many projects but the most notable to date is the Texas A&M Bonfire Memorial.

More info about Brad Bailey, Jr. coming soon.

Mr. Baker began working for Brazos Masonry, Inc. in February of 2000. As Assistant Shop Superintendent, his main duties include equipment repairs and scheduling the pickup and delivery times for BMI’s drivers. His dedication to safe, secure, and properly scheduled deliveries is a tremendous asset for BMI. Gary moved to Waco in 1999 and has been involved in the masonry industry since 1998. Gary enjoys spending time with supportive wife Clover, beautiful daughters Kirra and Addilyn and handsome son Kenyan. In his spare time, he enjoys woodworking, sports, and hiking.

Shawn started his masonry career in 1987 at the age of 21. He began working for P&S Masonry as a Laborer and went through his Apprentice Program then became a Mason, Superintendent and General Superintendent. In 2015, Shawn joined Brazos Masonry as a Superintendent. After moving to Brazos Masonry, he had the distinguished opportunity to build the largest project in his Masonry Career, the University of Texas Engineering Education & Research Center. When that projected was completed, Shawn was moved up to General Superintendent for Brazos Masonry. Shawn is most thankful and blessed that both masonry companies that he has worked for are God and family based companies.

Andrew Blackstone joined Brazos Masonry in June of 2023. He graduated from Texas A&M University in the spring of 2023, earning a Bachelor of Science in Construction Science. He has experience both within and outside the construction industry. Andrew worked as an estimating intern at J.T. Vaughn Construction, involved in take-offs, bid assembly, and coordinating with subcontractors. Andrew is skilled in multiple software tools relevant to construction and design, including Excel, Bluebeam, and Procore. He also has hands-on experience, having worked as a laborer for Blackstone Plumbing. Additionally, he has held various part-time positions, including as a DoorDash delivery driver and a Kennel Technician at Loop 363 Animal Hospital. Outside work, he loves practicing his bass guitar and explores various hobbies, including illustration, music, sewing, and leatherworking. On weekends, he enjoys quality time with his family in Temple and often drives to College Station to hang out with his younger brother and church friends. Andrew is eager to apply his knowledge and skills to oversee successful projects. He looks forward to growing as an individual and developing as a team member here at Brazos Masonry.

Randy moved from Palisade, Colorado to Bryan, Texas in 1985 and found a job working as a laborer with a Masonry Contractor. Luckily, he grew up working on a farm with a dad that put hard work above all else. He went to work as an apprentice with Boenigk Masonry and went on to become a Journeyman Mason. Randy spent the next few years working for several companies around Texas but stayed mainly in the College Station area. In 1997, Randy went to work for P&S Masonry on a library and parking garage at Texas A&M as a lead man and was promoted to job Superintendent and eventually General Superintendent. He was with P&S Masonry for the next 17 years and built numerous projects on college campuses, schools, and many other commercial projects. The project he is most proud of is the Blanton Museum on the University of Texas Austin Campus. Randy joined the Brazos Masonry team when Legacy Masonry was formed. After meeting Mackie and Pete he was sure that it was the right move for him. He enthusiastically accepted running the first Legacy Masonry job in Lorena, TX on the High School. The job started on October 2, 2014. He was asked to move into a General Superintendents role after the completion of that job which he accepted is extremely proud to be a member of Brazos Masonry Team. Randy feels blessed to work for a company that cares for their employees and consider Brazos Masonry to be a part of his family as well as the Best Masonry contractor in Texas. He plans to do his part in continuing to make Brazos Masonry better and maintain leadership status in the Masonry Field.

Mr. Calhoun joined Brazos Masonry, Inc. in 1992. He has more than 40 years of experience in the field of masonry, beginning as a journeyman mason. He started as a jobsite Superintendent with Brazos Masonry. Mr. Calhoun demonstrated great leadership and communication skills which led to him becoming a General Superintendent. He uses his leadership and communication skills to consistently overcome any and every challenge he meets. Truthfulness, reliability, and strength of mind have positioned John as one of the top masonry General Superintendents in the state of Texas.

Joseph Cottrell is a Project Manager at Brazos Masonry. He has lived in the Waco area his entire life and right after high school Joseph joined Brazos Masonry in September of 2017 as a laborer for the company. After about two years, he worked his way up the ladder to an apprentice and eventually was laying brick daily as a mason. Joseph always looked for opportunities for advancement within the company so in July of 2022 when a position for an estimator opened up, he jumped at it. Joseph was an estimator for about three months when the owners of the company felt like his skills coming from the field could be utilized better as a project manager. On his free time Joseph enjoys playing basketball, hanging out with close friends, and traveling.

I’ve lived in Central Texas my whole life and love everything about Texas. I’ve been in a customer facing position for over 25 years including as a hairstylist to now Human Resources and Payroll for 8 years. I’ve been with Brazos Masonry since 2023 and I enjoy interacting with people and helping them initiate their start with the company. I have 3 boys Casen, Laykes and Trace who drive me crazy but also keep me sane at the same time! I also have a cat named Lucky, and enjoy spending time with my family and friends, love the water, working out and traveling.

Shawndra joined Brazos Masonry in February 2022 as the Office Safety Coordinator. While safety wasn’t a career path she initially envisioned, it has become a part of her life. She is passionate about learning and growing in her role every day. Shawndra feels incredibly blessed to be part of such an amazing team and expresses gratitude to God daily for the wonderful people she works with and for. She is a proud mother to two children, Hunter and Lauryn, and her son-in-law, Micah. Shawndra also is Nonna to two beautiful grandsons, Takoda and Elias. Committed to the Brazos Masonry family, she looks forward to many more years with the company, where she hopes to eventually retire.

Debbie joined Brazos Masonry in March of 2013. Debbie comes to us with over 20 years experience in Accounts Payable duties. She and her husband Jimmy reside in Bosqueville. They have 2 Sons and Daughter-In-Laws, 1 Daughter and 5 Grandchildren. When not at work Debbie enjoys camping, bicycling, motorcycling and any activities that include her Grandkids. She also enjoys watching baseball and car racing.

Justus Everett is the Corporate Safety Manager for Brazos Masonry. Justus started with Brazos in August of 2015 and is currently the youngest employee in the office. He is currently enrolled at the University of Texas Arlington studying Occupational Health and Safety and taking as many OSHA classes as he can to learn as much as possible. Justus is the third child of five children and the only boy. He enjoys traveling and meeting new people.

Mr. Everett joined Brazos Masonry in December of 2001. He is striving to continuously improve Brazos Masonry in the area of safety. Mr. Everett has developed and executed safety training manuals and seminars related to scaffold erection, scaffold competent personnel, forklift operation, aerial lift operation, CPR/First Aid Instructor, OSHA 500, Fleet Safety, Accident Investigation, and more. Mr. Everett’s dedication to safety extends outside of BMI, as he volunteers with the Mason Contractors Association of America and holds the position of Chairman of the MCAA Safety Committee. He strives to uphold BMI to the highest safety practices by committing BMI to be an industry leader and model citizen. While not working on safety programs with Brazos Masonry, Zach spends much of his time devoted to his family and ministry.

Matt Farley joined Brazos Masonry, Inc. in May of 2017 on an internship program. After noticing his hard work, and dedication, Matt was offered a full-time position with Brazos Masonry as a project manager. Matt worked for Brazos Masonry out of high school in 2010 as a laborer, and from there moved on to pursue a college degree. Matt graduated from Sam Houston State University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management, with a minor in Business. At SHSU, he earned academic honors, placing him on the Dean’s List, and the President’s Honor Role multiple semesters. He plans to continue to work hard and grow with Brazos Masonry.

Mr. Heflin joined the Brazos Masonry team in April 2003. Since then, Curtis has set many goals in which he has achieved. He works diligently to assure accurate bids, but also works hard to provide a long-lasting feeling of trust with customers, suppliers, and fellow co-workers. Throughout the years of estimating he has acquired the skills and knowledge necessary to provide an estimate for any project available to him and enjoys the chance to estimate new products and ideas. Curtis is the proud parent of four beautiful children and enjoys spending time with his wife, Esther, and their children. Curtis enjoys riding motorcycles, whether it’s commuting to work or just riding around for pleasure, nothing beats the freedom from the old steel cage and the therapy of the ride. Curtis also enjoys drinking coffee, or the occasional energy drink, a necessity for every Estimator. “It’s not denial. I’m just selective about the reality I accept.”- Bill Watterson, Calvin and Hobbes.

Cortney’s career in the construction industry began with Brazos Masonry in 2005 where she started as a receptionist. She now has 16 years of construction experience in multiple divisions of construction. Cortney moved to Waco from her hometown of Dallas, TX in 1996. She has 3 sons and 1 daughter and enjoys being outdoors, the beach and spending time with her children.

Zeb came to Brazos Masonry in August of 2014. He is a fourth generation Waco resident with a great love for Central Texas. He is a graduate from Baylor University with a Bachelor of Science degree. He has a great passion for the outdoors whether it’s wakeboarding on the Brazos River, mountain biking in Cameron Park, or working cattle with his family. Zeb’s roots are deep here in the heart of Texas.

Anna joined the Brazos Masonry team in July 2021. She brings 14 years of office related experience with the last 3 years being in the accounts receivable department. Customer service and teamwork are a top priority for her, and she is willing to help where needed. In her spare time, Anna enjoys crafting, baking, traveling, and spending time with her family and friends.

Jacob joined the Brazos Masonry team in 2016 working as a laborer in the shop. Shortly after he obtained his CDL license and soon became the main driver for the company, as well as the assistant shop superintendent. In May of 2020 Jacob transitioned from the shop into the office and is currently our newest project manager. Jacob and his wife Hannah have been married just over a year and are currently expecting their first child in September 2021.

She is originally from Texas, growing up in the Kyle/Buda area. In 1997 she moved to Colorado where she spent the next 25 years working the majority of that time as an Executive Assistant in the Oil and Gas industry and raising her son and two daughters. Now that her kiddos are all grown up she figured it was time to move back to Texas and work on her own dreams of having a place that she could have horses once again. So, in 2021 she and her fiancé bought a house on some land and made that dream a reality. She came to work at Brazos Masonry as Mr. Bounds Executive Assistant in March of 2022. When she is not at the office, you can find her camping, fishing, or simply playing with her dogs and her four horses.

I joined Brazos in the summer of 2018, as a laborer for two years. Within two years, I was given the potential to grow and learn from operating any construction machinery to being a Rigger at the 1801 Congress high-rise. Wherever I was needed I would be there from laying material to mixing mortar and grout at times or putting on wall-ties. In October 2022, I was given the opportunity to come into the office and be an estimator. Since then I have learned more of the process of construction and how much there is to it. I’ve gone from estimating small buildings in the early start to estimating bigger project jobs that are in the million-dollar range. I am very grateful to have come this far along and never imagined to be in this position ever. On my time off I love to travel, go for a jog at Lady Bird Lake in Austin, TX, grab some coffee wherever the closest coffee shop is and spending time with family on the weekends.

Lance started working at Brazos Masonry during the summers starting at age 16. He worked in the shop, and then over the years moved his way into the office helping the estimators and project managers. Lance even completed his college internship with Brazos Masonry. In 2024, Lance graduated Summa Cum Laude from Texas A&M University with a degree in Construction Science. Lance is now a project manager and excited to be at a company he grew up in. In his free time, Lance enjoys playing pickleball and watching Texas A&M sporting events.

Roger Lopez began working for Brazos Masonry in 2001 and quickly became one of the company’s lead superintendents. He works with skillful efficiency to complete the job in a safe and timely manner. Roger has experience in the following:

• Reading blue prints
• Able to layout main walls per plans
• Laying CMU, Brick, Granite, Limestone and Cast Stone
• Lay masonry on a 36-story structure
• Make cuts to masonry, to fit openings, per details
• Build walls, Level up and Plum
• Install rebar per details
• Build leads, Cut stone and granite per detail joint and clean masonry walls per specs

Roger is quite accomplished in the masonry industry and has also completed several safety courses. Completed safety training courses are: Competent Person Scaffold, All Terrain Forklift Certification, OSHA 30-hour Outreach Training and Ariel Lift Certification. In September 2013 Roger was promoted to General Superintendent.

Stella joined the Brazos Masonry team in 2024. She works in our Accounting Department in the Accounts Payable office. She has over 30 years of office and customer service experience. During her spare time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, cooking, and shopping! She is a Christian wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. She loves meeting people and making new friendships.

Melissa began her career in the construction industry at Brazos Masonry as the receptionist in 2005. She has since moved to the accounting department and been able to learn different roles. After a few years as the payroll and human resources administrator, she moved into the role of Accounts Receivable. While her main duties are AR, she is able to assist other departments and helps out where she is needed. In her spare time, Melissa loves to travel, enjoys working in her yard, cooking, (but especially baking desserts), and loves to spend time with her family.

Mike is a Christian man with a beautiful wife and family. He is the very proud father of two beautiful girls and two excellent boys. He has been in the construction field for the last 20 years, doing everything from building swimming pools to framing houses, and from painting to being a team leader at Clayton Manufactured homes for 4 years. For the last 6 years, he has been learning and honing his skills as a masonry estimator. Mike joined the Brazos team in August of 2021, bringing with him tremendous experience with large and complex masonry projects. Upon being hired, he immediately began making a positive impact and has helped to streamline bid processes for the whole department. One of his favorite quotes is “the best of men are still men at best”. This helps him stay grounded, knowing that no one is perfect, and everyone makes mistakes. With mistakes comes the opportunity to grow and forgive. Mike feels very blessed that God has given him this opportunity to learn and grow as a man and an estimator.

Taylor has been involved in construction in some form or fashion most of his life starting when he was very young helping his father run equipment either at the farm, clearing land, or when an operator didn’t show up for work. Taylor attended Texas State University where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management with a Concentration in Entrepreneurship. Fresh out of college he went to work for a while on the General Contracting side. It was there, getting to see a holistic picture of commercial construction, Taylor decided he wanted to focus on a single trade. He joined the Brazos Masonry Team in October of 2024. Eager to learn at every opportunity, he applies everything he knows to each project and appreciates getting to know each one as he prepares bids.

Kent came to work at Brazos Masonry July 2016. He graduated from Baylor University in 1975 with a BBA in accounting. Prior to his employment date he spent 32 years working in the tax and accounting profession and ten years in banking. He and his wife, PK, have one daughter, one son and one grandson.

More info about Charlie Spitler coming soon.

More info about Brad Watts coming soon.