About

Earl W. Pitchford

Chairman

Earl began his career at Drymalla Construction in 1965 as a draftsman. He was soon promoted to Estimator / Project Manager, then moved up to become Vice-President. Under Mr. Pitchford’s leadership, the company has today grown to become one of Texas’ leading builders. He is always readily available to clients at all times to lend assistance if his problem solving skills are needed.

Rusty Klaus

Chief Executive Officer

Rusty began his experience at Drymalla Construction as a part-time employee while in high school, gaining practical hands-on experience working as a form setter, concrete finisher, carpenter and iron worker. After graduation from Texas A&M University in 1979, he served 14 years as a Project Superintendent. In 1993, he became an Estimator/Project Manager. In 2002, Rusty was promoted to Chief Estimator and in 2006 was named Vice President in charge of Estimating and Project Management. Today he is heavily involved in preconstruction work, assists in initial project sequencing, constructability issues, reviewing budgets and GMP development. He serves as a resource to all personnel, available to them for consultation to determine the most effective means to address project challenges. He also builds exceptional project teams by evaluating projects and selecting the Project Manager and Superintendent that is the best fit for each project.

Seth Smith

Vice President

Seth began his experience in commercial construction as a part-time employee working as a laborer, carpenter, and operator. While attending Texas A&M University, he worked as a draftsman. After graduation, he worked as a Project Superintendent overseeing a variety of projects. In 2012, he became a Project Manager/Estimator and in 2018 became Vice President of Drymalla Construction. Today, he assists in overseeing RFQ and RFP development, including team selection and contract review/development. He also supports estimating in preparation of CSP projects and supports the preconstruction teams throughout the CMAR preconstruction process including cost estimates, constructability, sequencing, scheduling, phasing, and project marketing.

Justin Labay

Director of Operations

Justin’s work at Drymalla over the last twenty-six years has been critical to the success of more than one hundred projects. Justin has experience in all aspects of construction - working directly with Owners, Architects & Engineers, and has built an excellent reputation with all those he’s worked with. His lifelong experience in educational construction gives him firsthand knowledge of every aspect of a project. This, along with his work ethic and high standard of quality help ensure each project delivered is one the end user is proud of. Currently, Justin serves as Vice President of Construction Services - charged with overseeing field operations and ensuring projects are managed and properly staffed.

Daniel Keto

Project Executive

Daniel began his career at Drymalla while attending Texas A&M University, serving an internship one semester, and working part-time his final semester. He served first as an Assistant Superintendent and then as Superintendent. Because of his desire to excel and strong work ethic, Daniel advanced quickly. He supervised larger and larger projects, ultimately assuming responsibility for some of the largest most complex projects in Drymalla’s portfolio.  He successfully delivered project after project, with the Owners and Design Teams of each project expressing their appreciation for his professionalism. Currently, Daniel serves as Project Executive.

Nate Hutchinson

Project Executive

Nate began his career in Central Texas working on a variety of projects including healthcare, government, retail, semi-conductor/industrial, multifamily, and heavy civil before he found his way into the Houston Metro area school market in 2004. Nate has experience in all aspects of construction including preconstruction, estimating, superintendent, and project management. He has extensive knowledge in Design Build, CSP, and CMAR project delivery methods. Nate’s reputation is built on trust earned through peers, subcontractors, design teams, and clients. His ability to collaborate and communicate effectively with all stakeholders from the top down is a key attribute most recognized in him. This, along with his work ethic and high standards of quality, ensures each project is delivered on time and in budget.

Currently, Nate serves as Project Executive, charged with overseeing field operations and ensuring projects are managed efficiently and properly staffed. He supports both Project Managers and Superintendents in developing plans that ensure quality control, schedule execution, sequencing, and document control throughout the construction and warranty phases of the project. He is also heavily involved in overseeing company safety expectations and environmentally conscious projects.

Jason Geisler

Secretary-Treasurer

Jason’s work at Drymalla over the last twenty years has been an integral part of maintaining Drymalla’s reputation with Owners and subcontractors alike. Drymalla prides itself on prompt payment to subcontractors, helping build solid relationships with trust. That principle, coupled with Drymalla being 100% debt free, are cornerstones of Drymalla’s capability and Jason is an instrumental part of that process. Currently Jason serves as Drymalla’s Controller, responsible for the financial management of the company.