2014 October

In 1983, Donna left a position as Branch Manager for a well known software/hardware company to accept the challenge of joining Raymond Harkins in taking his wallcovering installation business to a full service commercial painting company. Her management experience in accounting, personnel, facility management and purchasing proved invaluable in starting R.L. Harkins, Inc. with a solid business foundation. She was also our leading Estimator and Project Manager for many years.  She is now enjoying retirement, but still has an active role as Owner and Adviser.

David Harkins graduated from Texas A&M University and joined R.L. Harkins, Inc. in 1984. He began in the field, painting and installing wallcovering. Then as Superintendent for three years, he was responsible for one-half of the projects as well as the safety program. David later became a Project Manager and developed the estimating system still used by the company today. David is currently the Vice President and Operations Manager and oversees in all aspects of the business.

When Rhonda Brownjohn joined R.L. Harkins, Inc. in 1996, she brought a wealth of qualifications and experience. A graduate of University of Texas at Arlington, she has a degree in Business Management and History Pre-Law.  Since joining our company, Rhonda has shown a remarkable aptitude for developing and refining systems and procedures to run with utmost proficiency. Our customers and vendors greatly appreciate the timely and accurate manner in which she manages their accounts, as well as her warm and pleasant personality.

Barney Villalobos started at R.L. Harkins, Inc. in 1992 as a painter. He quickly proved himself to be a leader and was promoted to foreman. As foreman, he led many of our largest, most difficult and most prestigious projects. His reputation for excellence and cooperation often prompted general contractors to request him to be assigned to their projects specifically. In 1997, Barney was promoted to Superintendent where he has consistently demonstrated an ability to efficiently handle large volumes of work. He has established himself to be among the best in the business and now heads up our field operations.

Tom Smoot joined R.L. Harkins, Inc. in 2001. He brought with him 20 years of experience in the painting industry as foreman, superintendent and wallcovering installation subcontractor in the San Antonio area. He also has two years of experience in the computer field as a Microsoft certified technical support and customer service specialist. Tom is extremely proficient at both Estimating and Project Management. He has proven to be a valuable asset to our company, earning the trust of some of our most valued clients and now heads up our estimating department.

Kevin Ely became an Estimator with our company in 2005. He has been in the painting industry since the age of 17 and has worked his way through the ranks; as tape and bedder, painter, vinyl wallcovering installer and foreman. With over ten years as a top foreman for a commercial painting company, Kevin has exceptional field experience and technical knowledge of the trade. Combining his field expertise with a great personality, an eye for detail and excellent communication skills, he is extremely proficient at Estimating and Project Management.