Barry Wurzel
Barry brings 33 years of construction management experience to his work. He has a passion for bringing vision, investments, and project plans into reality.
His strategic mind and creative outlook help him lead his team to explore new possibilities. He likes to be hands-on in developing his team and in collaborating with clients through transparent communication.
While it takes a lot to put a building together, Barry has learned over the years that it’s just as important to pull together a team, to orchestrate the personalities toward reaching a common goal. He leads his team with an open communication style so that he can continue to help mentor and develop each member. “Say what you’re going to do, and do what you say you’re going to do” is his motto as he builds a culture where authentic character meets gumption. Barry offers constant employee development in an exciting work environment that encourages growth and opportunities taking the time to find the best candidates for each job so that clients are guaranteed the best quality of work.
He has a Bachelor of Arts in Management from St. Mary’s College in California and Masters of Science and Construction Management from Texas A&M University.
Leadership
Denise Blok
Chief of Staff
Denise optimizes Wurzel Builders to the next level
Denise brings a new dimension to the Wurzel team with over twenty-five years of Senior Operating experience. Her results-driven passion has helped organizations like Central Texas Food Bank, the American Red Cross of Central Texas, and others increase their efficiency to serve more people in their communities.
Her desire to see the Wurzel team moving forward in growth both personal and professional deepens the depth of a strong foundation for Wurzel Builders. She has been recognized as a leader who accomplishes her goal of transforming high-potential staff into outstanding leaders in their individual goals toward success.
Brenda Jones
Business Development Director
Brenda has a proven track record in Business Development.
She loves to maximize business success outcomes by building new possibilities in business development for Wurzel Builders and our clients. Her forward-thinking and proactive approach is the driving force behind her reputation for going beyond the expectations in each endeavor. She has built a high profile network of companies and clientele over the years due to her mutual respect and intention to build strong partnerships.
Her mission is to thrive in every aspect of business and support those around her to do the same. She’s an inspirational, visionary, and results-oriented leader through a driven spirit, and has a proven revenue history in a diversity of industries.
Jessi Oshiro
Accounting Manager
Jessi Oshiro’s leadership role has evolved beyond her title as Accounting Manager.
Jessi Oshiro has decades of experience in accounting. As a native from Peru, she packed her bags and moved to California when she was accepted to Golden Gate University on a full scholarship, majoring in accounting, and continued on to receive her MBA from San Jose University while working full time. Her career began working with several startup companies in California and many international companies where she was able to utilize her bilingual skills.
These entrepreneurial ventures allowed her to forge ahead into the construction industry, working on the side of the subcontractor, which brought a depth of knowledge to Wurzel Builders. In working with our subcontractors, Jessi’s role gives them the advantage to share and benefit from the understanding of working directly with a General Contractor. Her passion for process and procedures has made her an invaluable member to team Wurzel. Her honesty and fairness earned has earned the expansion of her role in Human Resources. She is highly respected by her peers and has an exceptional working relationship with all of our Vendors.
Rick Mertz
Senior Project Manager
Rick Mertz has spent more than 30 years in the construction industry, managing both the government and private sectors with projects ranging from $5M to $70M.
His detailed management and supervision of the project from design concept through completion is well known. He is effective in collaborating with his team to make sure each project is up to par in terms of safety management, quality control, scheduling coordination and budget oversight.
His work has led him to be a part of Cambria Hotel, Holiday Inn Express, Tru by Hilton, The 555 Condominiums at the Hilton Hotel, Texas State University, DART Rail Station, Cedar Park Police Station and Municipal Court, Best Buy, Kroger and more!
Kylle Phend
VP Fuel Division
With over twenty‐three years of experience in construction management, Kylle has consistently and decisively completed projects on time and within budget.
He has a proven track record of success in even the most demanding circumstances and situations. He has a thorough understanding of what it takes to successfully conduct business in a commanding and constantly changing industry.
He has a diverse experience of projects in markets such as Multi-Family, Retail, Restaurant, C-Stores, and Office.
Carl Jarka
Senior Project Manager
Carl Jarka brings almost twenty years of highly skilled experience to the team.
His attention to details, knowledge of city codes and the construction industry are the foundation of building successful projects.
His solid foundation has led to the success of getting projects done on time and on budget such as Best Buy, Medspring, Preston/Forest Retail Center, Endeavor Shell Building, West Marine Tilt Wall Retail Center, San Antonio and Austin Fire Station, and more.