Growing Forward: W.E. O’Neil Brings Legacy and Leadership to Austin’s Future

Kevin Foltermann Senior Vice President (Texas)

As Central Texas continues its rapid transformation, local leaders gathered for a roundtable hosted by the Austin Business Journal to explore how businesses can grow while honoring the character that defines the region — especially Austin’s unique culture.

Topics included housing affordability, infrastructure, ethical standards, workforce shifts, and how to preserve Austin’s identity amid development. Among the voices in the room was our Texas’ Senior Vice President Kevin Foltermann. Kevin stood out with a perspective grounded in experience, responsibility, and a deep respect for the community’s evolving identity.

Partnerships are very important to W.E. O’Neil. We don’t just want to be the lowest bidder on the list, and neither do other reputable contractors. We want to partner with the owner, the project team, and the city to make sure the project comes together and meets everyone’s expectations.

_{Kevin Foltermann
Senior Vice President, Texas}

Highlights from Kevin’s Roundtable Insights

901 E. 6th Street (Austin, Texas)

Building With Purpose: Kevin underscored a reality many small businesses face: as Austin develops high-end towers and luxury residences, rising rents are pushing out the very shops and restaurants that gave the city its quirky, creative soul.

Local businesses are being displaced to the outskirts, replaced by national chains. Yet Kevin believes construction companies can do more than just build — they can help protect what makes Austin special. From preserving heritage oak trees to respecting Capitol views, he emphasized the care and collaboration required in every step of modern development.

A Century of Excellence, A Commitment to Community: W.E. O’Neil is new to Austin — but not to building with integrity. Kevin shared how the company’s “Century of Buiding Excellence” has only strengthened the team formerly known as DCA.

“When we transitioned from DCA to W.E. O’Neil, our top priority was retaining our entire team — and we did,” he said. Kevin added, “Joining a company with a national presence and a century-long legacy gave us access to a wealth of resources, proven processes, and deep industry expertise. It’s been an opportunity to build on what made us strong.”

He also emphasized W.E. O’Neil’s culture of giving, staying active in the community, and the importance of giving back to the places where they live and work.

Joining a company with a national presence and a century-long legacy gave us access to a wealth of resources, proven processes, and deep industry expertise. It’s been an opportunity to build on what made us strong.

The Value of Partnership and Purpose: Having experienced similar economic and development challenges in other regions like Chicago and California, and having been in a competitive market for a century,  W.E. O’Neil is experienced at identifying the differentiators that set us apart from other general contractors. Sometimes that’s price, sometimes it’s schedule — and safety is always a top priority.

Kevin reinforced how partnerships remain at the core of our company’s philosophy. He shared, “We don’t just want to be the lowest bidder on the list, and neither do other reputable contractors. We want to partner with the owner, the project team, and the city to make sure the project comes together and meets everyone’s expectations.”

Our expanding footprint in Texas represents a commitment to smart, sustainable growth. As Austin continues to evolve, we will work alongside local partners to ensure development doesn’t come at the cost of culture. Through collaboration, thoughtful planning, and a deep respect for community, we’re helping Texas build forward — without losing its roots.