Our Team
J.Paul Johnson
President
J. Paul is a founding partner at Skilled Construction. He serves as the President and Head of Operations for the organization. J. Paul graduated from Texas Southern University in 1994 with B.S. in Economics. His previous roles include Chief Operating Officer for North Forest Independent School District as well as Chairman of the Board of Regents at his alma mater Texas Southern University. He spends his time outside of the office inspiring and helping the youth from the arts to athletics. He has helped several high school athletes obtain scholarships and go on to be first generation college graduates in their families.
Julian Johnson
Vice President
Julian Johnson is originally from Houston, Texas where he graduated with his Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Texas Southern University. He also holds an MBA from Western Govern University with a focus in Management. He has extensive experience in preconstruction and business development. He is a member of the American Society of Professional Estimators. Julian was also honored with a selection to the 2019 Young Leaders Program by the Urban Land Institute. His business administration background means he always keeps an eye on ROI and process improvement for the organization.
Daniel Valdez
Assistant Project Manager
Daniel Valdez, originally from Missouri City, Texas, was one of the first employees to be hired by Skilled Construction. He began his career journey with Skilled Construction as a Field Engineer. Daniel swiftly climbed the ranks through sheer dedication and hard work to become an Assistant Project Manager. His promotion was a testament to his commitment and ability to tackle challenges head-on. Alongside his new role, Daniel earned his OSHA 30 certification, highlighting his dedication to ensuring safety standards on every project site. He diligently oversees the well-being of all team members and subcontractors, fostering a culture of safety and trust. Daniel finds fulfillment in the diverse learning opportunities the construction industry offers and takes pride in seeing projects through to completion.
Amayrane Ponce
Process Engineer
Amayrane Ponce is a recent graduate from Texas A&M, now working as a Process Engineer. With a degree in Industrial Engineering and Project management, she brings a fresh perspective and a passion for streamlining processes to every project. Skilled in project management and process optimization, Amayrane excels at turning ideas into reality effectively and efficiently. Outside work, Amayrane enjoys exploring new restaurants and coffee shops in the Houston area and experimenting with new recipes. Dedicated to making a meaningful impact, Amayrane looks forward to contributing her skills to drive success beyond her role.
Benita Nve Nnegue
Estimator
Benita Nve Nnegue is an accomplished estimator at Skilled Construction holding a Bachelor's degree in Construction Technology and currently pursuing a Master’s in Construction Management at the University of Houston. With her deep understanding of project planning and cost estimation, Benita excels at delivering precise and efficient concrete solutions. Her dedication to staying at the forefront of industry advancements and her commitment to excellence make her a vital asset to the team, ensuring projects are completed on budget and on schedule.
Miguel Mora
Superintendent
Miguel Mora, a native of Houston, Texas, brings over 20 years of extensive construction experience to his role as Lead Superintendent. In this capacity, Miguel expertly manages project quality, safety, and scheduling, ensuring that each job is executed to the highest standards. He is also dedicated to mentoring new hires, guiding them to a deeper understanding of job requirements and best practices. Miguel plays a key role in facilitating pre-installation conferences with subcontractors and works closely with owner’s representatives to efficiently address and complete job site punch lists. His leadership and expertise are instrumental in driving project success and fostering a collaborative work environment.
James Strain
Superintendent
James is a seasoned professional with over 25 years of experience as an Army veteran and a deep background in commercial concrete placement. His expertise spans all facets of concrete construction, including site preparation, soil stabilization, and precise concrete placement. Known for his disciplined approach and meticulous attention to detail, James excels in managing large-scale commercial projects and ensuring they stay on schedule. As a motivated superintendent at our concrete company, he brings a wealth of knowledge and a commitment to quality that makes him an invaluable asset to our team, consistently delivering exceptional results.