
Richard E. Smith
Owner, RJ Smith Companies
Richard literally grew up on construction sites. His family has owned and operated a residential excavating business in Richmond, Virginia since the early '70’s. From the playpen on the front porch of a home under construction while his parents worked, to operating 160 Excavators as a teenager to starting RJ Smith Construction in 1995, Richard continues to use his creativity and hard work ethic to grow his core site development operations. At the same time, he manages the company's additional ancillary corporations.
Richard has a list of impressive achievements, but he’d be the last to share them with you. He’s remained focused and concerned about the needs of the staff and his clients, while his corporations have grown to aggregate sales of $60 million in 2005.
He still drives a pickup truck and will be the first to grab a broom if he sees dirt from muddy boots on the corporate office floors. That’s what makes him special.
Joe Wall
Project Manager
Joe comes to RJ Smith after many years as Superintendent at another Richmond construction company. There, he supervised the field operation for approximately 50 employees, scheduling the manpower, equipment and subcontractors for a wide variety of contracting projects. Today, his duties include reviewing project plans, cost analysis and bid preparation. His project management duties include coordinating subcontractors, procuring materials, CPN scheduling, monthly billings and subcontract pay applications.
Janet King
Senior Vice President
Janet has been around the construction business most of her life, as her father is a Richmond homebuilder and developer. After-school hours and summer vacations were spent learning all aspects of the construction industry, from administration to field operations.
In 1990, Janet graduated with a business degree from Virginia Tech and pursued a career in commercial lending. Her area of expertise has been Commercial/Construction Real Estate. While at BB&T Bank, Janet became RJ Smith’s Loan Officer, working closely with Richard Smith on strategic business planning for the company. In 2001, Richard invited Janet to join his management team. Today, she oversees the operations of all the RJ Smith Companies.
Troy Samuel
Estimator/Project Manager
Over the course of his 20 year career, Troy has supervised everything from in ground pool installation to massive landfill construction to estimating costs, preparing bids and scheduling employees and subcontractors. Great experience for someone who today manages and schedules all aspects of site development projects, including supervising employees, coordinating subcontractors and generally ensuring the efficient use of personnel and equipment. As Estimator, Troy also has the primary responsibility of reviewing project plans and executing cost analysis and bid preparation.
Jim Gruver
Estimator/Project Manager
As Project Manager, Jim oversees site construction of all projects on a daily basis, writing change orders as needed to keep the projects flowing smoothly. Jim also focuses on making sure each crew has the proper materials to complete its tasks as efficiently as possible. After a long career designing, supervising and inspecting all types of construction projects, from high-profile golf courses to highways and subdivisions, there’s no doubt that Jim knows exactly what he, and our crews need, to get the job done.
