About Us
Building San Antonio for Over 40 Years
Our Story
The story of Traugott Inc. begins long before the name appeared on a sign.
In the early 1970s, a determined teenager named Michael Traugott Sr. spent his summers working for a local paint contractor — a friend of his father's. What began as a summer job quickly became a lifelong passion for craftsmanship and pride in doing things right.
During high school, Michael joined a work-leave program, splitting his time between classes and the job site. Around that same time, he began dating Mary, a classmate who would later become both his wife and business partner. By graduation, Michael had already mastered much of the trade and developed a belief that he could build a better company — one based on honesty, hard work, and genuine pride in every finish.
In 1979, he turned that belief into reality. With an old truck, a few tools, and relentless determination, he struck out on his own. The early years were difficult — much harder than either of them imagined — but they never quit. Michael wore his whites by day, painting alongside his crew, and by night spread plans across the living-room floor, doing takeoffs by hand with a ruler and a legal pad.
Mary worked full time as a bookkeeper by day, then spent her evenings handling Traugott Inc.'s accounting and payroll from their kitchen table. When the company began taking on more work, she left her day job to manage the business full time — overseeing bookkeeping, payroll, office management, and all the administrative work that kept the company running.
As the work grew, so did the business. The living-room office eventually moved into a closed-in garage to make space for estimating and paperwork, then into a home with a dedicated office and a small building out back. A few years later, the company moved into its first stand-alone commercial building — a milestone that marked its steady growth and reputation for integrity.
From those humble beginnings, the company built its name through hard work, perseverance, and craftsmanship, becoming a trusted partner for contractors and developers throughout San Antonio and South Texas.
Leadership: A Family Legacy
Michael Traugott Sr. founded Traugott Inc. on simple but enduring principles:
Do the job right, treat people fairly, and stand behind your work.
His philosophy of doing things the right way, not the easy way created a standard that still defines the company today.
That same work ethic was passed down to the next generation.
Michael Traugott Jr. began working summers for the family business at just 12 years old. On the first day of his summer vacation, he was already on a job site — sanding walls and cleaning buckets.
Through his teenage years, he continued to learn the trade from the ground up, gaining firsthand experience in tape and float, painting, spraying, sandblasting, wall coverings, acoustical ceilings, metal-stud framing, drywall, insulation, acoustical treatment, doors and hardware, and other construction processes.
After high school, he joined the company full time, building on those skills before leaving to attend college. When he returned, he brought with him both field experience and a broader perspective — combining hands-on knowledge with modern management and technology to help the company grow into what it is today.
Under his leadership, Traugott Inc. continues to evolve — embracing new technologies, advanced materials, and modern project-management practices — while staying true to the values that built the business: quality, reliability, and accountability.
A Legacy Across Generations
For more than four decades, Traugott Inc. has proudly contributed to projects that tell the story of our region's growth and resilience. Our craftsmanship can be found across many of San Antonio's most iconic landmarks, including:
- Alamodome
- Bexar County Courthouse
- Menger Hotel
- McNay Art Museum
- Witte Museum
- San Antonio Central Library
- The Alamo Restoration Project
- Morgan's Wonderland
- SeaWorld San Antonio
- San Antonio Zoo
- University of the Incarnate Word
- The Shops at the Quarry
From preserving history to building the future, every project reflects our enduring connection to the community we call home.
Our Values
At Traugott Inc., we hold fast to the same principles that have guided us since 1979:
- Integrity: We do what we say — and we stand behind our work.
- Craftsmanship: Pride and precision define every finish we deliver.
- Safety: Every project begins and ends with protecting our team, partners, and clients.
- Accountability: We take ownership of our performance and results.
- Partnership: We believe strong relationships are the foundation of long-term success.
Our Team
Our people are what set us apart. Traugott Inc. employs a skilled, professional workforce of background-checked, licensed, and industry-trained craftsmen — supported by AMPP-certified coatings inspectors and a full-time safety director.
We believe a strong company begins with a strong culture — one that values people as much as performance. By investing in our employees, fostering teamwork, and rewarding dedication and skill, we ensure that every member of our team takes pride in what they build.
Proud members of the Associated General Contractors (AGC) since 1990, we continue to invest in ongoing training and safety programs to ensure the highest standards of performance on every jobsite.
Our Mission
To deliver superior workmanship, reliability, and value on every project — from landmark restorations to modern facilities — while building lasting partnerships founded on trust, quality, and integrity.