Our Founder’s Legacy

Honoring the Vision of Mr. Owens

Mr. Ernest M. Owens founded Bricks, Incorporated (originally Owens Brothers Masonry) in 1962 and served as President and Chairman of the Board for over five decades. A true visionary, he built the company from the ground up with integrity, hard work, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

Armed with an Associate’s Degree in Business Administration from Shelby State Community College, along with specialized training in engineering graphics and blueprint reading, Mr. Owens combined technical knowledge with natural leadership. Over the course of 50+ years, he became a respected figure in both local and national business organizations, leaving an indelible mark on the construction industry.

Under his leadership, Bricks, Incorporated successfully completed projects ranging from $1 million to $20 million, partnering with clients such as Coors Brewing Company, Shelby County Government, Memphis Housing Authority, Memphis International Airport Authority, and numerous school systems and federal agencies.

But Mr. Owens’ greatest legacy extends beyond the impressive list of projects and clients. He instilled in Bricks, Incorporated a culture of quality, professionalism, and trust. Those values continue to define who we are today. His vision and determination live on through the next generation, as his leadership principles guide every project we take on.

As we move forward into the future, we honor Mr. Owens not only as our founder, but as the cornerstone of a company built to last for the next hundred years.

Robert B. Owens, Vice President

Mr. Owens has worked in the construction industry for over 45 years. He is responsible for job estimating and managing the field operations for Bricks, Incorporated. Projects completed under Mr. Owens’ supervision range from 1,000,000 to 20,000,000 per project. He is very familiar with City of Memphis and Shelby County codes agencies relative to new and renovated commercial construction.

Mr. Owens is affiliated with many local and national business and construction associations. He also attended the University of Memphis studying job cost estimating and advance blue print reading.

Professional Focus:

• Construction Supervision
• Project Coordination
• Quality Management

Justin Owens, President and Chairman

Justin Owens proudly serves as President and Chairman of Bricks, Incorporated, continuing the legacy of his father, Mr. Ernest “Buck” Owens, who founded the company in 1962. For more than 25 years plus, Justin worked closely alongside his father, learning every detail of the business and embracing the values of integrity, quality, and accountability that built Bricks’ reputation.

Justin studied civil engineering at the University of Tennessee and the University of Memphis before dedicating himself fully to the company. His leadership blends the wisdom and traditions of the past with a forward-thinking vision for the future. Under his direction, Bricks, Incorporated continues to deliver projects with excellence, professionalism, and trust, ensuring the company remains a cornerstone in the construction industry for generations to come.

Ernest Owens Jr., Heavy Machine Operator / Superintendent

Ernest Owens Jr., Heavy Machine Operator/Project Superintendent, has 17 years of experience in the construction industry and is the resident expert on construction safety issues. As an OSHA competent personnel, he is capable of recognizing an “OSHA” event, able to handle and respond to OSHA inspections, and knowledgeable of contesting an OSHA citation. As a skilled heavy machine operator, he can efficiently operate backhoes, cranes, and lifts.

Professional Focus:

• Operator
• OSHA
• Supervision

William A. Kinard, Estimator

Mr. Kinard graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering form Mississippi State University. He is a Registered Professional Engineer. He uses his skills to construct job costs and is a major factor in competitive bidding for the company. Mr. Kinard also assists in coordinating subcontractors for the bidding process.

Mr. Kinard has a wealth of knowledge and experience in the construction industry. He worked as a design and project engineer for various consulting firms form 1960 to 1972. Mr. Kinard was president and owner of Caroma Construction Company from 1972 until 1997 (this business was sold in 1997). He is presently working as a consulting engineer for Bricks, Incorporated.

Professional Focus:

• Consulting Engineer
• Estimator
• Competitive Bidding