Building Wealth
When they were younger, they ran a ski tour business together. It never made them much money, but created fun memories and tested their teamwork early on.
Bryan has owned an industrial and commercial construction business for over 40 years. Along the way he merged with a larger company where he and Sherry retain equity through an ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Program).
Over time, that ownership stake became the primary driver of their wealth.
Sherry taught school for six years before coming home to raise their two boys. Once the children needed her less, she became a real estate agent.
They also built spec homes together. When a home didn't sell on schedule, they moved into it.
Those projects surfaced one of their recurring disagreements: color.
Bryan pushed for neutrals to make resale easier. Sherry (a former art teacher) wanted bolder choices that might polarize a buyer.
"Sherry and I work well together, if we disagree, we always find a suitable common ground."
Their best year as a household increased their net worth by $8 million.
Neither came from wealthy families. There were no timely gifts or inheritances smoothing the way.
Bryan also made some bad investments in startup companies and has since changed course. Now he buys land he can touch.
He compared it to the scene in Gladiator where Maximus takes soil into his hands, rubs it, and smells it. A primal connection to a tangible asset.
Today they own and operate Brava House in Austin, which my family says is the best B&B in Austin.
