About Rhodes Building Systems
A family company in Somerville, Texas, incorporated in 1974 and now in its second generation.
An early RBS frame going up.
Who we are
Rhodes Building Systems is a design-build general contractor that also manufactures its own metal buildings. We work on commercial, industrial and residential projects in Bryan–College Station, Brenham and the surrounding Central Texas counties.
Since 1974 we have built long relationships with people rather than companies. Nine out of ten jobs come to us as referrals or repeat business, which after fifty years is the only measure of a contractor worth much.
Company history
- 1974
Rhodes Building Systems, Inc. is incorporated in Texas. Mike Rhodes starts the company in the back of his father's workshop, working alongside Carol Discher. - Early 1980s
Expanded from metal buildings into design-build general contracting. - Mid 1980s
Built our own estimating software, able to produce complete, accurate quotes within hours. Still in daily use. - Late 1980s
Began fabricating metal buildings, initially for our own construction work. - Mid 1990s
Started building water and sewer treatment plant structures — too small for the large manufacturers, too engineering-intensive for the small ones. - Early 2000s
Extended the agricultural line into residential barns — barndominiums. - Today
Second generation, still in Somerville, still building across Central Texas.
The buildings got larger. The equipment improved. Drafting moved from the drawing board to the computer. The principles did not change.
In memoriam
Built on a foundation that still stands
Remembering Mike Rhodes & Carol Discher
Rhodes Building Systems began in 1974 in the back of Mike Rhodes’ father’s workshop. Mike started the company with a simple idea: specialize in metal building construction, know the work inside and out, and do it well. Working alongside him in those early days was Carol Discher, who joined Mike through a high school work program.
Together, they did the work themselves. They fabricated and painted steel, erected small metal buildings, and helped establish the foundation of what Rhodes Building Systems would become.
There wasn’t a large operation behind them. RBS grew the way many lasting companies do — one job, one customer, and one reputation at a time.
Mike recognized early that specialization mattered. By focusing on metal building construction and continually improving how the work was done, RBS developed an expertise that would carry the company forward for decades. Carol was there during those formative years, working alongside Mike and helping turn a small operation in the back of a workshop into a growing business.
Over the years, the buildings became larger. The equipment improved. Drafting moved from the drawing board to the computer. Engineering and manufacturing evolved. But the principles established in that shop remained remarkably simple:
Know your craft.Solve problems.Treat people right.Take pride in what you build.
Both Mike and Carol have since passed away, but their contribution to RBS didn’t end with them. More than 50 years after Mike opened that small shop, Rhodes Building Systems continues to design, supply and construct buildings for another generation of customers.
- Their legacy isn’t something we keep tucked away in the company’s history.
- It’s in the buildings still standing.
- It’s in the knowledge passed from one generation to the next.
- It’s in the people who come to work at RBS today.
- And it’s in every new project that carries the Rhodes Building Systems name.
Mike Rhodes & Carol Discher
There from the beginning. Their work lives on in ours.
Who you deal with
One contact, start to finish. Jason handles estimates, design questions and the job itself — you will not be passed between departments or handed to someone who has not seen your site. Call 979.596.1451.
Jason Rhodes
As a third-generation general contractor and the second generation in metal buildings, I grew up in this business, and I have worked every part of the company — starting as a floor sweep and moving through erection, fabrication, sales and design. I also worked as a professional mechanic, and I still do metal fabrication and machining for fun.
- Lake Somerville Economic Development study task force, 2007–2009
- Burleson County Chamber of Commerce, Board Member of the Year, 2009
- Burleson County Economic Development Council, board member, 2020–2026
- Texas A&M, class of 2002
After the first one they did such a great job that I didn’t even ask for bids. I just called and said here’s what I want, do it. Never had a complaint, never had a gripe.
Bob Handley — former owner, Tarlton Supply & Trepan Tools
You were the only people we talked with who were willing to take the project from start to finish. We have been nothing but satisfied.
Mark & W.H. Spillers — Barndominium with attached shop
I had two other quotes lower than yours. But a storm came through and folded half the roof over on one of the low bidder’s other buildings, right up the road from me.
Mike Belinoski — Central Texas
Areas we serve
Rhodes has completed commercial work throughout the I-10, I-45 and I-35 triangle. Most barndominium and custom home work falls within about 60 miles of Bryan–College Station. We look at every job individually — distance, complexity and workload — so if you are outside this area, call and ask.
- Bryan–College Station
- Brenham
- Navasota
- Giddings
- Caldwell
- Somerville
- Franklin
- Calvert
- Hearne
- Snook
- Madisonville
- Anderson
- Washington
- Chappell Hill
- Bellville
- Sealy
- Hempstead
- Waller
- Magnolia
- Montgomery
- Conroe
- Plantersville
- Industry
- New Ulm
- Smithville
- La Grange
- Bastrop
- Elgin
- McDade
- Lexington
- Dime Box
- Rockdale
- Cameron
- Milano
Hail re-roof work stays closer to home than our construction projects. How far we travel depends on the size of the job — call and ask.
Let us earn your business
Call Rhodes, or send us the basics on your project.