WHO WE ARE
At Live Oak Construction, we are builders of opportunity—empowering people to achieve excellence through our expertise in drywall and acoustical solutions for commercial contractors. Guided by our core values of Respect, Resilience, Initiative, and Teamwork, we foster an environment where trust, integrity, and collaboration are paramount. We believe in leading by example, taking purposeful action, and creating solutions that drive success. By embracing a strong work ethic and maintaining an unwavering commitment to excellence, we deliver results that not only meet but exceed expectations. At our core, we are a team united by a shared vision: to build more than structures—we build relationships, trust, and a better future for all.
WHO WE ARE
GETTING IT DONE EVERY DAY
At Live Oak Construction, we are builders of opportunity—empowering people to achieve excellence through our expertise in drywall and acoustical solutions for commercial contractors. Guided by our core values of Respect, Resilience, Initiative, and Teamwork, we foster an environment where trust, integrity, and collaboration are paramount. We believe in leading by example, taking purposeful action, and creating solutions that drive success. By embracing a strong work ethic and maintaining an unwavering commitment to excellence, we deliver results that not only meet but exceed expectations. At our core, we are a team united by a shared vision: to build more than structures—we build relationships, trust, and a better future for all.
OUR LEGACY
Vision and Dedication Working Together
Live Oak Construction’s journey began in 1978 when Joseph “Joe” Gilligan started his career at Commercial Drywall, Inc. (CDI). Rising quickly from a timekeeper to a key estimator, Joe’s innovative approach helped CDI, owned by Marek Brothers, secure major projects in Houston by fostering strong client relationships. In 1986, he moved to Austin to continue his estimating work with Texas Interior Construction (TICI), where he played a pivotal role in securing significant projects like 3M and Brackenridge Hospital. Faced with the choice to return to Houston, Joe instead took a leap of faith and founded Live Oak Construction in 1989, risking his life savings to build a company rooted in trust and community relationships.
Starting from a garage, Live Oak Construction grew alongside its clients, delivering landmark projects such as the Majestic Theatre, National Instruments, and Frost Bank Tower. Joe’s leadership established the company’s reputation for integrity, resilience, and dedication to employees and partners, securing its place as a leader in Austin’s commercial construction industry by the early 2000s. A new chapter began in 2007 when Joe connected with Scott Nunnelly, whose shared vision and strong rapport led him to join as an Estimator/Project Manager in 2009. Their partnership culminated in a 2011 ownership transition, ensuring that Live Oak Construction’s values and commitment to excellence would continue well into the future.
TEAM &
CULTURE
At Live Oak Construction, our team and culture are defined by respect, resilience, initiative, and teamwork—core values that shape how we operate and serve our clients. Our purpose is creating opportunities for people to build, and we do so by providing commercial contractors with drywall and acoustical solutions. We foster a culture of trust and accountability, where every team member is empowered to lead with integrity, take ownership, and continuously improve.
We believe in Respect Always, treating others with dignity and fostering open communication. Our Get It Done mentality drives us to approach work with discipline and strategic focus. We encourage our people to Take Initiative, embracing challenges and learning from outcomes. Most importantly, we are Team Driven, prioritizing collective success over individual gain.
By upholding these values, we create a supportive, high-performing environment where people feel valued, motivated, and equipped to grow. At Live Oak, we don’t just build projects—we build leaders, relationships, and opportunities for lasting success.
SAFETY
At Live Oak Construction, it’s not just Safety First—it’s Safety Always. Safety isn’t just a priority—it’s a cornerstone of everything we do. As projects progress, all operations personnel must ask themselves: Is this safe? If the answer is no, the task does not proceed—period. Our leadership team includes an OSHA 510 & 511 certified trainer, ensuring that every employee holds at least an OSHA 10 certification, while supervisors are OSHA 30 certified. We proactively monitor far-misses, near-misses, injuries, and recordables, updating our data weekly to drive continuous improvement. At Live Oak Construction, we are deeply committed to the well-being of our employees, recognizing that workplace accidents affect not only individuals but the entire organization. Safety is a shared responsibility, and all personnel are required to adhere to OSHA regulations and company safety policies as a condition of employment. No task is ever so urgent that it cannot be completed safely. Through our LOC SAFE (Live Oak Construction Safety Accountability For Everyone) Program, we cultivate a culture of accountability, education, and enforcement, ensuring that every team member prioritizes safety—not just first, but always.
SAFETY
At Live Oak Construction, it’s not just Safety First—it’s Safety Always. Safety isn’t just a priority—it’s a cornerstone of everything we do. As projects progress, all operations personnel must ask themselves: Is this safe? If the answer is no, the task does not proceed—period. Our leadership team includes an OSHA 510 & 511 certified trainer, ensuring that every employee holds at least an OSHA 10 certification, while supervisors are OSHA 30 certified. We proactively monitor far-misses, near-misses, injuries, and recordables, updating our data weekly to drive continuous improvement. At Live Oak Construction, we are deeply committed to the well-being of our employees, recognizing that workplace accidents affect not only individuals but the entire organization. Safety is a shared responsibility, and all personnel are required to adhere to OSHA regulations and company safety policies as a condition of employment. No task is ever so urgent that it cannot be completed safely. Through our LOC SAFE (Live Oak Construction Safety Accountability For Everyone) Program, we cultivate a culture of accountability, education, and enforcement, ensuring that every team member prioritizes safety—not just first, but always.
AWARD WINNING WORK
2019 Top Performer
White Construction
2019 Subcontractor of the Year Award
Harvey-Cleary Builders
2020 Top Performer
White Construction
2022 Top Performer
White Construction
2023 Top Performer
White Construction
2023 – Accredited Quality Contractor Award
ABC
2023 – STEP Platinum Award
ABC
2024 – Accredited Quality Contractor Award
ABC
2024 – STEP Platinum Award
ABC
ASSOCIATIONS
At Live Oak Construction, we take pride in being members of the Associated Builders & Contractors (ABC), Drywall and Acoustical Contractors Association (DACA), and the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC). These affiliations strengthen our ability to deliver quality, safety, and innovation on every project. Through ABC, we stay ahead with top-tier training, safety programs, and industry advocacy, ensuring efficiency and compliance. DACA keeps us at the cutting edge of drywall and acoustical solutions, giving us access to the latest materials and best practices for superior craftsmanship.
Our involvement with NAWIC highlights our commitment to diversity, leadership, and the advancement of women in construction. By fostering an well-rounded workforce and supporting professional development, we bring fresh perspectives and strengthened team dynamics to every job. When you partner with Live Oak Construction, you get a contractor backed by the best resources, training, and industry connections—ensuring precision, professionalism, and performance on every project. Let’s build something great together.
Community
At Live Oak Construction, giving back is more than a responsibility—it’s a core part of our culture. We believe that true success is measured not only by the projects we build but by the impact we make in our communities. That’s why we dedicate both time and financial resources to causes that align with our values, ensuring that our success is shared with those around us. Whether through charitable donations, hands-on volunteer efforts, or direct support for our employees, we strive to create a workplace that goes beyond business—it’s a community built on trust, integrity, and a commitment to making a difference. By partnering with like-minded contractors who share these values, we strengthen not just our projects, but the communities we serve together
LET’S GET STARTED
ON YOUR NEXT PROJECT
If you’re looking for a reputable local drywall specialty contractor, look no further! Live Oak Construction is committed to delivering exceptional quality and attention to detail in every drywall project.