A Multi-Talented Team, up for any Challenge!

Dayne Barton

Project Manager

Dayne is a project manager with a wide range of experience ranging from the nuclear industry to multifamily and commercial construction. He has a proven ability to produce high quality work and ensure it is completed correctly. As a Project Manager Dayne is responsible for managing multifamily projects (both HUD and conventional), work with subcontractors to ensure scope of work is completed to specification, create, manage and track change orders, and manage and maintain construction documents in ProCore.

Andrew Clay

Estimator

As a licensed horticulturist Andrew’s background began in landscaping; however, after deciding construction is the path he wanted to pursue, he graduated from the University of Louisiana at Monroe as an "Outstanding Graduate in Construction Management" of the ULM School of Business in fall of 2018 with a bachelor’s degree in Construction Management. While attending school, he interned for Block learning the ropes. Andrew was later hired as a Field Project Administrator, moving up to his role as an Estimator. Currently, He resides in Houston, Texas.

Laura Fernandez

Project Coordinator

Laura Fernandez is a project coordinator. She has 6+ years of construction experience, ranging from office admin to project coordination roles. She assists the project management team with setting up budgets, issuing subcontracts, entering monthly pay applications, setting up utilities, and making sure all checks go out with lien waivers. She enjoys her role because it allows her to foster teamwork, share successes and create a supportive work environment. She believes that everyone should have the opportunity for safe, affordable housing.

Bill Firesheets

Project Executive

Bill Firesheets has over 45 years of invaluable experience in the construction industry. Bill brings a wealth of expertise to our team, bolstering our commitment to excellence in construction, both on large-scale projects and smaller endeavors. He has been involved in all types of projects from Multifamily, Mixed Use, Schools, Office, Healthcare, and Warehousing, just to name a few.

Bill embarked on his illustrious career in 1974 with Baton Rouge-based Buquet & LeBlanc, Inc. Over the years, he honed his skills in project management, estimating, and business development, eventually ascending to the positions of Co-Owner, President, and CEO in 1995. Under his visionary leadership, Buquet & LeBlanc, Inc. thrived for two decades, successfully executing projects not only across Louisiana but also spanning an impressive 18 additional states.

A native of Baton Rouge, Bill proudly holds an alma mater status at Louisiana State University, where he earned his degree in construction technology in 1973. His distinguished contributions to the field led to his induction into the LSU School of Construction Hall of Fame in 1996, a testament to his enduring impact. Bill is also recognized as a Distinguished Patron of the LSU School of Construction.

Natasha Gray

Senior Project Coordinator

Natasha Gray is a Senior Project Coordinator. She is an attribute to BLOCK Operations as a collaborative member of the Project Coordination team. With her dedication and quick turnaround, she has contributed to building BLOCK success in multi-family. One of her key responsibilities with BLOCK is the adherence to Davis Bacon Prevailing Wage certified payroll regulations. She enjoys her role because of the sense of pride and accomplishment she experiences as a member of the BLOCK team. She also appreciates her personal and professional growth.

Natasha and her husband, Clint have five children and three pets. Natasha loves horseback riding and maybe circling a barrel or two.

Raven Guillory

Accounts Payable Administrator

Coming Soon!

Ashleigh Hairston

Compliance Administrator

Coming Soon!

Rocky Jett

Senior Project Manager

Rocky Jett has served as a Project Manager and Senior Project Manager for Block Companies, possessing more than 15 years of experience in the industry. He has directly contributed to the new development of over 2,000 units, or a total aggregate value of over $300 million in his career. Rocky brings a wealth of experience to multifamily construction. From pre-development designs all the way to successful property sales. Rocky has continued to help Block build client retention by developing and maintaining relationships with Owners, Consultants, field teams all the way to subcontractors that help bringing our projects to life.

As a Senior Project Manager Rocky focuses on making sure the teams are moving forward by offering total support to his projects to ensure goals are met. Rocky stives to be a strong leader for his teams to ensure success by navigating daily requirements, as he is here to assist his teams to success.

In his free time Rocky enjoys most outdoor activities, hunting, fishing, flying, traveling, nature and most of all FAMILY.

Jason Keller

Managing Partner

Jason Keller is the Managing Partner for BLOCK Companies. Over the past 31 years, he has built a reputation of outstanding client service and an unwavering commitment to delivering beyond client expectations. As an award-winning construction industry veteran, he has valuable experience in every facet of multi-family, affordable housing and commercial construction. BLOCK clients benefit from his attentiveness, tenacity and his desire to get the job right every time. Jason builds success by treating people the way he wants to be treated.

Whether it’s affordable housing for Katrina evacuees or revitalizing a senior living landmark in Houston, his dedication to a broad range of projects is unparalleled. As a General Contractor, Jason believes it is rare to be given an opportunity to provide economic empowerment and revitalize communities; by building affordable housing and advancing sustainable living. He feels privileged to be given a unique opportunity to build affordable housing.

Jason has worked in construction since he was 15 years old. After graduating from college, he began his career in estimating, overseeing apartments, retail, office buildings, schools, rehabilitation, public works plants, prisons, hospitals, airport terminals, historical projects, demolition, warehouses, and athletic field projects, ranging in size from $50,000 to $100 million. Jason has held additional construction roles, including, Superintendent, Project Manager, Safety Director and Vice-President.

Jason and his wife, Joan have five adult children and two dogs. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management, at the University of Louisiana at Monroe.

Hunting and Fishing is where he finds his peace. Leading with a BLOCK adventurous spirit, Jason just recently jumped off the side of a mountain and glided downward to the base.

Stephen Keller

Senior Partner

Stephen Keller brings more than 39 years experience, including HUD, Section 8, tax credit, and conventional housing projects in the construction and management industries. He leads the Block Builders’ team in the multi-family building sector and in navigating the complexities of both conventional financing and affordable housing projects.

In 1982, Stephen moved to Houston to manage N&J Constructors’ Houston office. The company focused on commercial and multi-family construction. It was there that Stephen first worked with Everett Jackson. In 1988, Stephen and Everett created Creekstone Companies, a fully integrated real estate investment group, offering real estate acquisition, development, construction and property management services. Creekstone has constructed more than $1.7 billion in commercial and residential properties in more than 15 states. In addition, Creekstone currently manages 1,795 multi-family units, one lifestyle center, and one power center.

In 2008, he joined Block Builders with his brother, Jason, in order to leverage their project professionals and extensive relationships with subcontractors and vendors. With Block Builders, Stephen handles everything from development, estimating, management and client service. Stephen’s reputation of high-quality construction – be it a high-end luxury development or housing that provides a suitable living environment and expanded economic opportunities for low and moderate incomes – ensures his clients they will receive only the best for their project from start to finish.

Stephen is a member of the Young Presidents Organization, the National Apartment Association, the International Conference of Shopping Centers and the Houston Association of Building Contractors. He is a member of the Louisiana State University Laboratory School Foundation and a past member of Southwest Bank of Texas’ advisory board.

Stephen has a degree in building construction from the University of Louisiana at Monroe, a nationally recognized building construction program.

Will Keller

Project Manager

Will Keller is an Assistant Project Manager. Will builds BLOCK success by providing support to the Project Manager and Superintendent, by reviewing design and bidding documentation, overseeing progress, and evaluating project submittals. He also writes subcontractor contracts to facilitate efficient work throughout project duration.

Will enjoys being able to converse with superiors and subcontractors on a day-to-day basis and draw from the knowledge they have gained through years of work. He is also excited to have the chance to be on the jobsite, watching the building from ground up.

While a Mechanical Engineering student at LSU, Will worked for BLOCK as a Field Engineer. He was also a mechanical engineering intern at Sasol Chemical Complex, R&D and CF Industries. Will has also been a football coach at a local middle school.

Will believes that everyone should have an opportunity to live in a place where they can feel safe and comfortable. He also says that newer developments in areas with a higher median income can allow people to have greater opportunities to better themselves, as well as their family.

Will is the middle child of Managing Partner, Jason Keller. Will credits his father as an unbelievable mentor, both professionally and personally. His “nearly human” pet is Izzy, a Blue Heeler/Australian Shepard mix. Leading with a focus on the BLOCK family spirit, Will is celebrating his recent engagement to Hannah Gale.

Lydia Knoerr

Office Manager | Project Coordinator

Lydia Knoerr is the Houston Office Manager and Project Coordinator. Lydia has the primary responsibility of ensuring that the Houston office is running efficiently. She also is a dedicated contributor to building BLOCK success . She supports the field operational team by providing weekly budget updates. She is also responsible for contractual execution.

Lydia and her husband, Billy have two adult children.

Kenneth Lail

Construction Executive

Kenneth Lail is a Construction Executive. Kenneth builds BLOCK success by being a leader on the jobsite, assisting the field team to complete jobs on time and within budget. He works with Supers and Project Managers to make sure projects run as smoothly as possible.

Kenneth enjoys being a valuable team member of many projects. Being a part of many projects at one time. Each time he is thrilled to watch the transformation of an idea.

Kenneth believes affordable housing is very important as everyone deserves to live in a nice place. He says it is heartwarming to see the reaction on the faces of residents.

Kenneth and his wife, Heather have six children. Two of their children work for BLOCK.

Andrew Leslie

Senior Project Manager

Andrew Leslie is a Senior Project Manager. Andrew builds BLOCK success by managing a team of project managers, engineers, superintendents, forty plus subcontractors, material and manpower. He is responsible for delivering apartment units over a phased, predetermined project schedule, while ensuring project communication flows to and from the owner/developer.

Andrew started his construction career in 2008. His experience includes commercial, multifamily, market rate, affordable and schools. He has had responsibility for 22 projects and nearly 3000 units of affordable housing.

Andrew enjoys seeing the result of years of construction and planning leading to the once empty space, now being a home. He loves driving by decades later, and saying, “I helped build that”.

Andrew believes affordable housing is the cornerstone for millions of Americans. He says the new community construction breathes new life into a neighborhood and beyond.

Andrew and his wife, Jessica have two young children.

John Lehmberg

Estimator

John Lehmberg, originally from Houston, Texas, is a graduate of the University of Kansas. John has over 7 years of experience in the construction industry, beginning his career in industrial construction and then transitioning into commercial construction.

John has experience reviewing RFIs and contracts per plans and specifications. He is well versed in Procore and Bluebeam. During his career, he has assisted with budgeting, bidding, scheduling, and all other aspects related to project management.

Prior to joining Block, John was involved in Office & Interior Buildouts, Healthcare, Government, and Education projects.

Outside of work, John enjoys exploring Houston’s diverse restaurant options, spending time with his family, and walks along the bayou with his dog, Addy.

Claudia Londono

Director of Human Resources

Claudia is a seasoned professional with 28+ years of operations administration and human resources management experience in diverse sectors. Recognized for demonstrating a natural aptitude for employee relations, as well as client support and strategic planning. Professional focal points include HR operations, financial management, global team leadership, mobility and logistics, performance improvement, stakeholder management, procedure optimization, and critical thinking. Delivering superior administration on the latter areas of expertise requires utilization of effective communication and prioritization skills, as well as issue resolution, program management, decision making, and resource management to support efficiency and maximum returns.

Richard Malinowski

Project Manager

Richard Malinowski has over a decade of construction experience. He is adept at project follow through, having extensive experience from pre-construction and permitting, through project closeout. He has a keen ability to work with subcontractors, ensuring that schedules are met, and project logistics are streamlined.

Richard excels when working with the project team and builds strong relationships with subcontractors, architects and engineers so that any issue found on the jobsite can be addressed quickly and seamlessly. He places a high emphasis on project safety, quality, and execution. Throughout his decade of construction experience, he has worked on both commercial and multifamily projects.

Rhonda Matherne

Senior Project Coordinator

Rhonda Matherne is the Senior Project Coordinator. Rhonda provides the highest level of service to BLOCK. She builds success with her execution of full project management coordination for the construction team to ensure the smooth running of the construction administration, including contracts, subcontracts, purchase orders, change orders and payment applications. Her work ethic, uncompromising perfectionism and can-do attitude are winning attributes.

Rhonda believes that affordable housing offers all the basic amenities and facilities with quality, lasting construction, but at a price point that is affordable by aspiring customers.

Rhonda has one son, a daughter-in-law and one grandchild.

Leading with the BLOCK focus on family, Rhonda enjoys working in the yard and spending time with her family.

Esmeralda Munoz

Compliance Administrator

Esmerelda Munoz is a Compliance Administrator at Block Companies. Her responsibilities include ensuring that compliance requirements are met for all federal, state, and local labor laws. She also assists with training materials for subcontractors on all aspects of labor compliance. She has a deep understanding of Davis Bacon Related Acts and in Minority Women and Small Business Enterprises. In total, Esmerelda brings over three decades of construction knowledge and experience into her role.

Hien Ngo

Estimator

Hien Ngo is an Assistant Estimator. He builds BLOCK success by reviewing architectural plans and writing the specific scope of work by trade. Hien is also responsible for establishing and maintaining relationships, including getting quotes from suppliers and contractors; and determining the total cost of a specific scope of work for the BLOCK project. He enjoys problem solving and encouraging subcontractors to become solution focused.

While he was in college, he renovated a house and interned for a construction company.

Hien earned his Bachelor of Science in Construction Management from University of Louisiana Monroe and Civil Engineer degree from Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology, Viet Nam. Hien and his wife, Mia Pham have one dog, Churro. They enjoy taking him to walk at the park after work. Leading with a BLOCK, “life-long learning” spirit, Hien is currently studying in the Master of Construction Management program at the University of Houston.

Keely Paola

Assistant Controller

Keely, Block's Assistant Controller, brings over three decades of invaluable expertise in Accounting, Human Resources, and Office Management to the company. A seasoned professional, Keely is a problem solver at heart, consistently delivering progressive solutions with a keen focus on accuracy and efficiency. Known for thriving in challenges, Keely excels in both project creation and improvement, demonstrating a commitment to elevating operational standards. In collaboration with the Controller, Keely ensures the precise recording and reporting of financial data and overseeing critical tasks such as payroll processing. As the architect behind the creation and implementation of new joint check protocols, Keely contributes to the company's increasing operational excellence. Dedicated to continuous improvement, Keely actively pursues new skills and knowledge to enhance the company's overall performance.

Beyond the office, Keely finds fulfillment in being a mother of four children—three boys and a girl. Embracing the joys of family life, Keely spends a significant amount of time in baseball and softball parks, actively supporting her children's interests. In those rare moments of downtime, she indulges in the love of reading, exemplifying a well-rounded professional with a passion for both work and life outside the office.

Hillary Percle

Project Manager

Hillary Percle is a Project Manager at Block. She is responsible for scheduling, budgeting, and coordinating projects with subcontractors. Hillary chose construction as a career because it is an essential industry, and she loves that no two days are alike. Her team members are more than just employees, at Block, she feels like she works with family. Hillary encourages other women to seek out opportunities in construction, offering that construction is more than being on a jobsite with boots on the ground (but that is a lot of fun!) – there are other nontraditional construction roles available. When she is not on a jobsite, Hillary enjoys spending time with her family and friends, and being outdoors as much as possible.

Lori Powell

Assistant Project Manager

Lori Powell builds Block Success as a highly adaptable project management professional who provides expertise in cost, change and document management, both in major retrofits and new construction projects. Her multi-sector experience and ‘never quit in the face of a challenge’ attitude ensures she finds a way to create a win. When Lori is not working, she enjoys her family, friends, and traveling to jobsites and around Texas in her red Nisson Versa named Marleen.

Robert Puig

Assistant Project Manager

Robert Puig has close to a decade worth of construction experience. Robert builds BLOCK success by being focused, determined, and having the will to get the job done. He has a keen ability to connect with his fellow team members and subcontractors to ensure schedules and budgets are met. He places the utmost emphasis on project quality while never sacrificing safety. He attended the University of Houston and majored in Construction Management. He is an avid traveler and speaks Spanish as well as he speaks English. He is hoping to add French to that list in the near future.

PJ Simpson

Partner/ Vice President of Operations

P.J. Simpson is a Partner and Vice President of Operations for BLOCK Companies. PJ has the distinction of being the first employee of BLOCK. He has been a key contributor to the BLOCK success. He oversees all aspects field operations, safety, project budgets, and quality control. He enjoys leading and inspiring the construction team in their career development. With a solid expertise in multi-family construction, PJ has the detailed perspective needed to manage complex projects, while maintaining quality controls and budgets.

PJ builds success daily with how he communicates with all stakeholders, employees, peers, owner reps, architects and subcontractors. As Vice-President of Operations, he expertly navigates situations and relationships that result in a positive BLOCK operational culture. PJ has served as Lead Estimator, Project Manager, Safety Director, and Operations Manager. His keen attention to detail, tenacity and client relations are unsurpassed. His experience in construction includes, multi-family, commercial, municipal, highway, bridge and industrial.

PJ and his wife, Jenn have two young children. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Construction Management from Louisiana State University.

Leading with a BLOCK family spirit, PJ and his wife enjoy watching their children grow and experience new things in their young lives, including first smiles, learning to ride a bike, learning to bowl and how to catch a fish. These wonders of parenting have been his best experiences.

Mark Stafford

Controller

Mark Stafford is the Controller. His primary responsibility is to maintain the financial information of BLOCK as well as assist management with determining the direction of the company. Mark also works closely with BLOCK financial partners including, the banks, bonding company, and CPA firm to ensure critical needs are met. He also enjoys strategic planning for the future and the close working relationships with fantastic co-workers. He is a loyal team member, with a willingness to learn and he has extraordinary spreadsheet skills.

Mark appreciates the charm of older neighborhoods, that provide a great history. He believes in the importance of revitalizing neighborhoods and ensuring affordability.

Building BLOCK success through internal relationships, especially with the partners, has been critical to his role. Planning and developing BLOCK financial reporting process has been a team effort. He has been integral to establishing and building BLOCK financial infrastructure success. Mark is proud to have been involved with the first and subsequent CPA audits of BLOCK financial records. He has improved the process of one-year and three-year job volume projections.

Mark earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Louisiana State University. Mark has been married to his wife, Sheila for nearly 39 and they have two adult children and one Labrador.

Leading with a BLOCK ‘life-long learning” spirit, Mark has discovered a wealth of podcasts, that he listens to, that cover various topics that are really encouraging and informative.

Adam Town

Director of Pre-Construction Services

Adam Town is the Director of Pre-Construction Services. He coordinates every aspect of estimating, including budgeting and proposal development for all multi-family projects.

Adam enjoys working with the dedicated estimators and building BLOCK success. He identifies his key professional strengths as team development, organizational and communication skills. Adam acknowledges that it is widely known that the country has a shortage of affordable housing. He says it is a great feeling to try and help fill a void for people in need. Adam was most proud to manage the preconstruction process with the construction team at McCormack Baron Salazar, recently, on the largest project to date for BLOCK Companies.

Adam grew up in construction working with his grandfather, the renowned Louisiana architect A. Hays Town, and his father A. Hayes Town, Jr. He owned and operated his own high-end custom residential home building business before joining Block. In previous roles with Block, Adam was a Senior Estimator, developing subcontractor and vendor relationships, as he identifies as one of the keys to success.

Adam earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Louisiana State University. He and his wife, Molly have three adult children and one black Labrador, Lily. Leading with the BLOCK tradition of “letting the good times roll”, Adam recently attempted to make Boudin. He said it wasn’t great, but he will try again soon.

Amy Trepagnier

Project Administrator

Amy possesses over fifteen years of experience in the construction industry and has managed multiple construction projects, ensuring quality, budget, and schedule adherence. As Project Administrator, Amy ensures that project deliverables are completed on time and within budget, and works alongside project managers to provide support, and monitor the progress of projects. She leverages her Procore Certifications in Project Management, Core Tools, and Construction Financials to optimize project performance and stakeholder satisfaction. She is passionate about delivering excellence and innovation in every project she undertakes.

Mercy Ufot

Senior Compliance Administrator

Mercy Ufot is a dedicated and detail-oriented Senior Compliance Administrator, who brings 13 years of experience in ensuring regulatory adherence and operational integrity. She specializes in developing and maintaining a robust compliance framework that upholds industry standards while facilitating efficient business processes.

With a proven track record in compliance, Mercy excels in internal auditing, training and education, risk management, and documentation and reporting.

Mercy leads a team in successfully achieving project goals resulting in improved operational efficiency and elevated industry standing. Her adherence to compliance goes beyond mere checkbox activities, as she builds a culture of integrity, transparency, and ethical conduct. She is committed to driving compliance excellence while fostering a collaborative environment that values compliance as a shared responsibility.

As a Senior Compliance Administrator, Mercy is dedicated to upholding the highest standards of compliance and contributing to the long-term success of organizations by ensuring ethical practices and regulatory alignment.

Paul Webb

Project Executive

Paul Webb is our Project Executive who oversees Block projects by supervising construction project managers and providing guidance on strategic matters related to the Block Companies’ portfolio of projects. Paul possesses over three decades of experience in the multi-family construction market, and four decades overall in the construction industry - starting out at an early age as a laborer. Paul progressively worked his way up through a variety of construction management positions to his current role as Project Executive.

As Project Executive, Paul is responsible for ensuring the success of his teams by guiding them to reach their goals and tasks, while removing any obstacles that may impede their progress. Paul also reviews project performance metrics and provides guidance to the team to ensure that projects meet anticipated deadlines, budgets, and quality standards. His depth of construction experience and project knowledge makes him a valuable Block team member.

In his free time, Paul enjoys photography, skiing, and spending as much time as possible with his family, who include his wife of 50 years, three children, 10 grandchildren, and soon to be 5 great grandchildren!