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Burt-Watts Becomes The Burt Group


Burt-Watts Industries transitioned to The Burt Group in 2014. The leading Austin-based general contractor has expanded its executive team and named four key leaders as vice presidents in a reorganization to support long-term growth.

The rebranding and reorganization also reflects the departure of Shane Watts, formerly vice president and co-founder of Burt-Watts Industries. The company was founded in Austin in 2002 and has grown to be one of the region’s leading independent general contracting firms.

“I am very proud of what Shane and I accomplished and I wish him all the best,” said Tommy Burt, CEO, The Burt Group.

“While our name has changed, our values remain the same.”

We have established new leadership within the company to take us forward. These changes will allow us to continue our long-term vision for growth and innovation in the industry.

The Burt Group’s leadership team is now comprised of four executives:

Heather Merz, CFO, has led the financial strategies and human resource departments of The Burt Group since 2005. Her extensive understanding of construction finance has made her an industry leader and strategic executive within the organization.

Joe O’Jibway, vice president of construction, will serve as the executive manager of all ground-up construction. With The Burt Group since 2008, he most recently served as executive project manager and led the completion of more than 6 million square feet of space.

Billy Lashbrook, vice president of construction services, was The Burt Group’s first employee in 2002. Formally the director of construction, Lashbrook has completed more than five million square feet of space and will provide executive management for all field operations.

“With such significant growth and many prospects for the future, it was important to reorganize our company with experienced professionals who understand our industry and the unique way we approach construction,” said Merz.

Delivering complex, cutting-edge and transformative interiors and buildings, The Burt Group has grown over 2,700 percent in less than a decade. Employing nearly 100 professionals in its north Austin headquarters, The Burt Group’s clients include companies such as General Motors, Emerson, Cirrus Logic, Seton Family of Hospitals, St. David’s HealthCare, The University of Texas and Goodwill Industries of Central Texas.

About The Burt Group

The Burt Group is a leading general contracting firm delivering complex, cutting-edge and transformative interiors and buildings. The company has built a reputation as an award-winning leader in construction with its resolute focus on integrity, safety and agile project completion.

The Burt Group specializes in interior finish-out, adaptive reuse construction and ground-up construction in health care, restaurant, hospitality, corporate, manufacturing, industrial and technology environments.