Acme Brick Company
Dennis Knautz, left, retiring president and CEO of Acme Brick Company, with his successor Ed Watson.
Officials of Acme Brick Company announced on Wednesday that Dennis Knautz will retire as President and CEO of the company in March.
The announcement brings to a close a career that has spanned more than 40 years.
Ed Watson, Acme’s executive vice president of operations will become president and CEO on April 1, the company said.
“We have been privileged to have had Dennis’s leadership at Acme and the brick industry both locally and nationally, during one of the most challenging periods in the history of the homebuilding industry,” Watson said in a statement. “Thankfully, we are a sound, well-managed company today because of Dennis’ dedication to Acme, our customers and to our associates.
Knautz is among the longest-serving presidents in Acme’s 131-year history after being appointed the company’s 11th president and CEO in 2005.
Knautz joined the company as controller and was promoted to vice president of finance in 1988, serving in that position until 2000. He became executive vice president and COO in 2004.
“Dennis enhances every organization in which he is involved,” Watson said. “I can truly say that Dennis is a terrific leader, a great boss, a good friend, a devoted family man, and a wonderful person.”
Acme Brick Company, founded in 1891, sells building material and design products for the home and commercial projects through over 50 Acme Brick Tile & Stone public showrooms across 13 states in the southwest and southeast. Acme is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, Inc.
Under Knautz’s leadership Acme led the nation in brick shipments for many years, delivering more than 32 billion brick to residential and commercial customers over that time. He also expanded Acme’s community engagement with many organizations including the Texas Association of Business, the North Texas Commission, and North Texas LEAD (Leaders and Executives Advocating Diversity). In 2016, he accepted, on Acme’s behalf, the Fort Worth Chamber’s “Spirit of Enterprise” award.
Nationally, he was inducted into the Brickman’s hall of Fame in 2019 and has also played a vital role in the Brick Industry Association, twice serving as its Chairman, and being recognized with its Lifetime Achievement Award in 2020.
Watson will soon be celebrating his 40th year with Acme Brick, previously serving in the roles of vice president of production, general production manager (concrete operations), regional manager (Featherlite Building products), general manager (Texas Quarries), and plant engineer (Featherlite Building products).
“Ed is a personable and engaging leader who has proven to be an outstanding manager,” Knautz said. “His leadership and motivational skills will now be put to use in all areas of Acme. I have every confidence that he will continue Acme’s long-standing commitment to excellence in this newly expanded role.”