Our Team

Joe Halsell

Principal, Construction and Development

Joe Halsell learned the construction business from the ground up — literally. From digging footings and hanging drywall to leading multimillion-dollar design-build projects, Joe’s journey has always been about people, integrity, and craftsmanship.

A graduate with honors from St. Mary’s College, Joe brings together practical experience and leadership rooted in service. Over the past two decades, he’s led Halsell Builders’ evolution from a small family firm into a respected statewide builder with a mission: to create housing that strengthens communities and restores dignity to the people who live there.

As President and CEO, Joe has served as Past President of the local Home Builders Association chapter, the Santa Maria Valley Contractors Association, and EconAlliance. He is also a REACH Council Member. In his free time Joe serves on numerous nonprofit boards, including Healing Heroes Through Horsemanship, and as delivery lead for the local Sleep in Heavenly Peace (SHP) chapter.

Today, Joe is leading Halsell Builders into a statewide human-centered housing initiative, building homes that meet real needs and leave a legacy of hope.

He’s also the author of the Formed to Serve series — a collection of books and field guides on the restoration of authentic masculinity, leadership, and service — blending personal story, faith, and hands-on wisdom for men navigating modern life.

At the heart of it all, Joe remains what he’s always been: a builder of people, homes, and hope.

James Halsell

Co-Owner/Vice President

James is one half of the two-brother duo that began Halsell Builders in 2001. He's formally in charge of sales and design, which gives him the opportunity to develop projects that meet a client's needs and budget. But he rarely stops there. James will tell you himself, he loves listening to someone's dream and then figuring out how to overcome the challenge of making it even better than they had imagined. It's what keeps him going - that, and his five daughters! Off the clock, you'll find James enjoying wine tastings - especially at the tasting rooms he's designed - and pitching in on Halsell Builders' many volunteer projects in the community.

Kathleen Snell

Senior Project Manager

Kathleen keeps the office running smoothly, but that’s not all. A big part of her day involves purchasing plumbing fixtures, electrical fixtures, flooring, hardware, vanities – things like that – all at a price that’s client-friendly. Kathleen also helps jobs run smoothly, as a Project Manager. She has been highly involved in worthy organizations like the Olga Reed School and the Girl Scouts, and now with Sleep In Heavenly Peace. She enjoys gardening and playing with her dog Lucy.

Jason Heyward

Senior Project Manager

Jason’s job is to bring together the trades and materials it takes to complete a project — and to put accurate costs to them. He also manages the process of getting your project plans drawn and approved for all the necessary permits. If you’re designing your project with us, Jason plays an essential role in getting everything ready to build, ensuring a smooth transition from design to construction. Outside of work, Jason is the proud father of three, a regular churchgoer, and an avid reader.

Scott Parsons

Operations/Production Manager

For more than 12 years, Scott Parsons has coordinated and overseen many successful projects here at Halsell Builders. He says that success is his biggest motivator and enjoys seeing the client’s dream project come to fruition. When he’s away from the office, he helps produce one of the best PRCA rodeos in the Western US. He enjoys boating and water sports, and when time permits, gets into the pilot’s seat and flies somewhere fun. He’s also a proud 36-year member of the Santa Maria Elks Lodge #1538.

Brad McNulty

Senior Project Superintendent

Brad McNulty is proud to be a construction superintendent at Halsell Builders. He is responsible for overseeing the daily operations, and all aspects of a project from beginning to end. On site safety and scheduling contractors are important aspects of his job. Addressing issues as they emerge, Brad is a problem solver. Working his way up to foreman on a cattle ranch, then to being a wind turbine technician on wind turbines has taught Brad to be a hard worker. In his 25 years as a construction superintendent, he has worked on everything from pre-manufactured buildings, tract homes, golf courses, hotels,
restaurants, custom homes, and stadiums! Passionate about family and career! If he isn’t working' he’ll be trap shooting or watching football with his family! Go Dawgs!