Leo S. Joeris
1918 - 2005
Founder, Joeris General Contractors
Leo Joeris, along with partner Raymond Clauss, founded a local commercial building firm in 1967. Joeris & Clauss would blaze new trails and be an influential part of San Antonio's growth over the next 20 years. In 1975, Leo took a bold step on behalf of clients by becoming the first local construction firm to offer open-shop construction services. This change in labor policy led to lower prices and greater flexibility in work rules at construction jobsites. Leo's pioneering ways continued even as the company went through its own growth. The partnership dissolved in the early 1980's but the business of construction continued under the new name of Joeris, Inc. Leo's son, Gary, joined him in the business and the two continued to blaze trails in the San Antonio construction industry until Leo's retirement in 2001. Just four short years later, in March 2005, Leo passed away.
Leo's influence on this company and the local construction industry continues to be felt. His emphasis on building relationships based on integrity guides the management at Joeris on a daily basis. Leo always made it clear that the most important job was to take care of the employees and the subcontractors, while keeping the client happy. After all, he had been there. Leo started in the industry as a carpenter and was also a subcontractor at one time. His concern for all earned him numerous accolades including the American Subcontractors Association Pioneer of the Year Award for 2000-2001.
Leo Joeris was an uncommon man and his legacy is one that continues to be felt - especially in those of us that had the privilege of knowing him and working with him.