Our Leadership

Ask anyone who’s worked with Teddy Peinado and you’ll hear the same thing before they even get to his résumé: he’s the guy who remembers your name, your kids’ names, and probably a story about the last time you two crossed paths. That’s not an accident — it’s how he was raised, and it’s the foundation he built this company on.

Teddy’s story starts with his father, Emilio Peinado, who arrived in the United States from Chihuahua, Mexico at eleven years old, fleeing the chaos of the Mexican Revolution. Emilio went on to become the first of eleven siblings to earn a college degree, and he spent his life proving what hard work and education could do for a family that started with almost nothing. That example — discipline paired with heart — shaped everything about how Teddy leads today.

Growing up in El Paso surrounded by family, and Spanish tradition, Teddy always gravitated toward structure and ambition, first dreaming of West Point and attending New Mexico Military Institute before life pulled him back home. He found his path at Texas A&M University, where he earned his degree in Construction Science and joined the Corps of Cadets — the beginning of a career spent, quite literally, building things.

He cut his teeth as an entry-level role and worked his way up to executive leadership over nearly two decades in the commercial general contracting industry, with a deep focus on design-build tilt wall construction. Along the way, he was mentored by veterans of the industry who taught him the business inside and out — estimating, project management, business development, leadership — until there wasn’t a part of a tilt wall project he hadn’t run himself. That hands-on foundation is why clients still turn to him for the toughest, most technically demanding industrial builds. But a stretch of his career inside the corporate, publicly-traded world also taught Teddy something important about himself: he’s not a suit-and-tie guy. He’s boots and jeans. He believes in trusting people to do the jobs they were hired for, not micromanaging them into the ground.

So in 2010, he did what the people closest to him had been telling him to do for years — he went out on his own. Peinado Construction was built to be everything the corporate world wasn’t: a company where the team comes first, where family and health aren’t sacrificed for the bottom line, and where everyone pitches in because they actually want the project — and each other — to succeed.

Today, that same energy Teddy brought to his first job in the field still drives him. He’s the one thinking three steps ahead on a project, rallying the team around a big vision, and building relationships that turn clients into friends — all backed by an expertise in tilt wall design-build that few in the industry can match. Outside the office, he’s just as devoted — to his two daughters, who motivate everything he does, and to his love of history, military heritage, and time outdoors.

At the end of the day, Teddy will tell you it’s simple: build a great team, trust them, and the results take care of themselves.

Education: Texas A&M University, Master of Construction Management, Bachelor of Science

An industry veteran and respected leader, Robert Shelton began his career in construction while in college, performing multiple trades and over the last 25 years gained experience in preconstruction, estimating and operations. Robert is a LEED-accredited professional with expertise in all facets of construction, design-build, development process and business management across diverse sectors. He has been with Peinado for nearly 14 years and his leadership and oversight across Peinado’s operations, client relations, business development and preconstruction ensures collaboration across all departments, delivering projects with confidence.

Education: Texas A&M University, Bachelor of Science

Ryan Banta brings over 25 years of financial leadership to Peinado Construction, including 15 years at JC Penney where he oversaw long-range planning, budgeting and forecasting. A Certified Public Accountant, Ryan applies his expertise in financial planning and analysis to all aspects of Peinado’s business planning and operations. He strategically builds processes and initiatives that scale with every project and team – aligning business goals, performance, and execution.

Education: Texas A&M University, Bachelor of Business Administration

A United States Marine Corps Veteran, Ed Motley brings over 30 years of construction industry experience, including 6 years with Peinado, in both public and private sectors, including public-private partnerships. With focus and leadership, he oversees daily construction and safety operations for the company. His expertise and active participation in every phase, from inception through delivery, ensure job sites are safe and productive, and all teams are aligned to keep projects on schedule, on budget, and delivered to the highest quality. Ed has successfully delivered well over $1 billion in construction projects in a wide array of models, including design-build, CM at risk, cost plus, lump sum, and integrated project delivery.

Education: Texas A&M University, Bachelor of Science

Brett Shirley brings more than 35 years of construction industry experience to Peinado Construction, with firsthand knowledge of how projects come together from preconstruction through closeout. As Executive Vice President, he focuses on business development, building relationships with owners, developers, architects, brokers, and trade partners and connecting them with the Peinado team.

Brett began his career in the U.S. Navy as a Steelworker Second Class Petty Officer (SW2) with the Seabees, the Navy’s construction force. His years in the field, across nearly every role in the industry, give him a practical understanding of what clients are looking for.

Education: Texas A&M University, Bachelor of Science

Jimmy Cordes is a LEED-accredited professional with more than 30 years of experience in construction management and development across Texas and the United States, including 12 years with Peinado. He brings expertise in design-build and design-assist delivery, leading complex capital improvement projects across a diverse range of project types, including industrial, manufacturing, data centers, mixed-use developments, commercial renovations, high-rise residential, and U.S. Armed Forces facilities. Collectively, these projects represent more than $2 billion in construction value. Jimmy utilizes his experience to help lead and support front-end planning and preconstruction operations with a builder’s perspective to achieve alignment across preconstruction operations and project execution.  In his role, he also provides executive oversight for contract negotiations, overall project administration, processes, and financial reporting.

Education: Texas A&M University, Bachelor of Science

Samantha Battaglia leads with intention, bringing sharp business acumen, strategic vision, and more than a decade of experience in corporate communications and operations within Peinado Construction. She has been with the Company for more than 13 years and plays a vital role in shaping administrative strategies, optimizing asset management, managing IT systems, and strengthening the company’s internal structure and industry partnerships. Samantha also works closely with leadership across departments to support critical executive level operations and employee welfare, helping ensure company culture and success.

Education: Hofstra University, Bachelor of Business Administration

Evan Burden began his career in construction while in college, gaining first-hand experience in all phases of project development, from pre-construction and design to permitting, construction management and close-out. With over 15 years of experience and leadership, including 13 years with Peinado Construction, he oversees industrial, manufacturing, and distribution center projects across Texas. Additionally, Evan assists with oversight of all construction operations, processes, and staffing.  Evan’s sharp eye for detail and clear confidence ensure every project is delivered with seamless execution, meeting the client’s goals and exceeding Peinado’s standards for operational excellence.

Education: Texas A&M University, Bachelor of Science

From manufacturing facilities to industrial infrastructure, Jim Corry has led complex construction projects across the U.S. and abroad. With more than 30 years of experience providing guidance and oversight through all phases of business and construction, Jim’s valuable insights help shape the project early and consistently expedite the project through final delivery. His range of experience across sectors and regions, combined with clarity in communication and proactive value engineering ensure the entire process is thoughtful and exceeds expectation.

For more than 30 years, Jeff Neal has honed his expertise in tenant finish and small ground up construction projects. His comprehensive and versatile experience managing construction for industrial distribution, commercial office, and medical product types translate to efficient facilities that are optimized for both workers and production systems. Jeff has a unique understanding of a client’s business goals, and the expertise to seamlessly deliver facilities with consideration for special interior and infrastructure needs, building material selection, and potential needs for future expansion or facility renovation.

Education: Oklahoma State University, Bachelor of Science

With nearly 25 years of pre-construction, estimating and project management experience, Howard Schlegel leads the architectural, engineering, and construction teams from concept to mobilization. He has been with Peinado for 7 yearas and plays a key role in strategic planning, design coordination, and early-stage project execution – aligning development goals with innovative workflows and strategic construction solutions. Howard’s expertise and leadership in the early project stages ensures consistent momentum and successful project delivery.

Education: University of Texas at San Antonio, Bachelor of Business Administration

Eric Churchill brings more than 25 years of experience leading complex commercial, industrial, manufacturing and mission-critical projects throughout Central Texas. Having advanced through leadership roles, he has developed expertise across all phases of project delivery, including business development, risk management, and client relations. As Vice President of Central Texas for Peinado Construction, Eric is responsible for driving strategic growth, cultivating key client and industry partnerships, and overseeing project execution across the region. Known for his integrity, accountability, and relationship-focused leadership style, he is committed to building high-performing teams and delivering exceptional results that exceed client expectations while advancing Peinado Construction’s reputation for quality, innovation, and operational excellence.

Education: Texas A&M University, Bachelor of Science, Mechanical Engineering