Business Details
36 Years
experience
Trusted Construction & Design-Build Services in Central Texas
Workman Commercial has built a reputation as a trusted construction partner with over 33 years of experience serving Central Texas. As a family-oriented company, we prioritize safety, quality, and teamwork while delivering general contracting, design-build, and construction management services. Our clients, who often become part of our extended family, rely on our commitment to excellence across diverse projects including education facilities, healthcare centers, retail spaces, and religious institutions.Recognized by Austin Architects as one of the Best Commercial Contractors in 2021 and 2023, we combine industry-leading technology with time-tested values like honesty and integrity. Our team of seasoned professionals, including a full-time Safety Director and OSHA-certified staff, ensures every project is completed on time, on budget, and on target while fostering long-term relationships built on trust.
Services
General Contracting
Design-Build
Construction Management
Project Management
Safety Program
Details
- Year established: 1990
Highlights and features
- 33+ years of construction expertise in Central Texas
- Family-oriented approach with long-term client relationships
- Full-time Safety Director ensuring OSHA-compliant practices
- Recognized by Austin Architects as top commercial contractor
- Proven success in diverse project delivery methods
Associations and certifications
- OSHA 500 Certified
- ROCIP Certified
What people say
Exceeded expectations
Reliable and trustworthy
Best quality work
Smooth project process
Strong teamwork
Services
General Contracting
Workman Commercial provides comprehensive general contracting services for commercial, educational, and institutional projects. Our team manages every phase from planning to completion, ensuring adherence to timelines, budgets, and quality standards. Clients benefit from our 33+ years of experience and proven ability to handle complex projects across diverse sectors including healthcare, retail, and government facilities.
Design-Build
Our design-build solutions streamline construction by combining design and execution under one contract. This approach reduces costs and timelines while maintaining quality. Clients work directly with our in-house experts to create customized spaces that meet functional and aesthetic requirements, supported by our track record of successful projects like retail centers and office buildings.
Construction Management
We offer full-service construction management for large-scale developments including schools, churches, and industrial facilities. Our experienced managers coordinate all aspects of the project, ensuring compliance with regulations and client specifications. This service emphasizes transparency, risk mitigation, and budget control through advanced scheduling and tracking software.
Safety Program
Workman Commercial's nationally recognized safety program minimizes workplace hazards through OSHA-certified practices and continuous training. Our full-time Safety Director conducts field audits and collaborates with subcontractors to maintain compliance. This proactive approach reduces downtime and ensures projects meet rigorous safety standards while protecting all stakeholders.
Pre-Construction Services
Our pre-construction services include budgeting, value engineering, and scheduling to establish clear project parameters. We work closely with clients to develop cost-effective strategies and detailed plans that align with their goals. This phase leverages industry-leading software and our team's expertise to identify potential challenges and optimize project outcomes before construction begins.
People
Travis Thrift
President & CEO
With over 30 years in construction, Travis Thrift leads Workman Commercial as President & CEO. He oversees operations and estimating, leveraging industry-leading technology to deliver accurate project planning. A former Senior Estimator, he became owner in 2020 and focuses on client satisfaction and team development.
Emma Thrift
Vice President
Emma Thrift manages business development and strategic planning at Workman Commercial. With a background in business management since 2001, she ensures compliance with regulations, oversees HR and marketing, and develops growth strategies while balancing corporate governance and operational efficiency.
James Johnson
Director of Operations
James Johnson directs all project management staff and superintendents, ensuring budget-conscious execution. With 18 years of construction experience, including owning his own firm, he brings expertise in government and private sector projects ranging from $300K to $7.5M, emphasizing schedule adherence and hands-on leadership.
Vanessa Martinez
Director of Accounting
Vanessa Martinez oversees financial operations at Workman Commercial, managing accounting, budget alignment, and financial reporting. With over 10 years of experience, she ensures accuracy in project billing and documentation while leading accounting staff to maintain efficiency and compliance.
Brent Jacobson
Project Manager
Brent Jacobson applies his background in education and field operations to manage construction projects with precision. He excels in process improvement, problem-solving, and team coordination, bringing a strong work ethic and accountability to ensure projects meet quality standards and client expectations.
Questions
What types of construction services do you offer?
We provide general contracting, design-build, and construction management services for commercial, educational, healthcare, and institutional projects across Central Texas.
How do you ensure project safety?
Our OSHA-certified team and full-time Safety Director implement rigorous safety protocols, regular field audits, and compliance training to maintain a secure work environment.
What areas do you serve?
We primarily serve Central Texas, including Austin, Buda, New Braunfels, San Marcos, and surrounding communities for commercial construction projects.
How do you handle project timelines and budgets?
We use advanced scheduling software and experienced project managers to ensure timely delivery within budget, with transparent communication throughout the process.
What sets you apart from other contractors?
Our 33+ years of local experience, family-oriented approach, and recognition as a top Austin contractor by Austin Architects distinguish our commitment to quality and client trust.
