About Us
Learn About Our Construction, Handyman, and Maintenance Services
We are excited to announce that Graybeard Construction & Maintenance has officially been rebranded from L&J Building Maintenance. Same owners, new look, so without further delay we like to introduce ourselves as Graybeard Construction & Maintenance. It’s our promise that we will maintain your property at the highest level. Whether you need construction, handyman services, property maintenance, or building maintenance, be sure to call Graybeard—your full-service construction & maintenance company in Northeast Kansas and KC Metro.
L&J Building Maintenance is now Graybeard Construction & Maintenance. This is more than just a change in name and logo; it represents our commitment to enhancing your overall customer experience. Over the past year, we’ve invested in technology, training, and processes to ensure that every interaction with L&J Building Maintenance, now Graybeard Construction & Maintenance, will surpass your expectations.
We are successful because we hold ourselves to a higher standard and understand that what you really need is a construction & maintenance partner that you can rely on.
Lonnie J. Williams started L&J Building Maintenance, LLC as a part-time janitorial business with one small contract in 1986. He grew the business during the 1990s, adding several contracts with Topeka organizations.
In 2000, after working with troubled young adults in a Kansas juvenile correctional facility for 30 years, Lonnie retired to focus on his janitorial business full-time. Mr. Williams also began working with a larger janitorial company as a consultant in the daily management and training of custodial staff. This experience provided Williams with an enhanced working knowledge of the industry – and helped L&J to grow into a company that operates in five states throughout the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions. In 2006, Lonnie teamed up with a strategic partner to form a construction tier of service. This part of the company would mainly focus on industrial building construction NAICS code 236210 and commercial building construction NAICS code 236220.
Now, as GrayBeard Construction and Maintenance, we focus on providing construction and maintenance services for our clients.
Our Dedicated Team Members
Lonnie J. Williams
Founder
Lonnie J. Williams was born on November 10, 1946, in Taft, Oklahoma, to Rosetta and Earl Williams. His family relocated to Topeka, Kansas, in the early 1960s, where he graduated from Hayden High School as a distinguished basketball player. Mr. Williams earned a basketball scholarship to Long Beach State College, where he pursued studies in psychology, cultivating foundational skills for supportive leadership. Prior to establishing his enterprise, he honorably served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War as an Army Ranger.
Mr. Williams was the proprietor of L&J Building Maintenance, formerly L&J Enterprises. He founded L&J Building Maintenance, LLC in 1986 as a part-time janitorial venture securing an initial small contract. The company experienced significant growth throughout the 1990s, acquiring numerous contracts with Topeka organizations and expanding into federal contracting across the Midwest. Leveraging his education, expertise, and resources, he strategically diversified his company's offerings to include construction and waste management services. His legacy endures through his children, who currently manage the operations of the company.
Daina K. Williams
Owner
Daina, formerly General Manager of L & J Building Maintenance and now owner of GrayBeard Construction & Maintenance, brings a powerhouse of experience to every project. His reputation for exceptional service and customer satisfaction is built on a solid foundation of expertise in project management, team building, procurement, customer service, account management, contract negotiation, and facilities maintenance. From his early days as a plumbing apprentice to eight years in construction quality control, plus 20 years in the maintenance sector.
He believes in hands-on leadership, working directly with his team to drive productivity and build lasting client relationships. Daina's commitment to excellence is further demonstrated by his certifications in CPR/First Aid, OSHA, IICRC, Defensive Driving, and Counseling, as well as his active involvement in community organizations like Junior Achievement, Go Topeka, the Stormont-Vail Foundation, and ASA Marketing Group. Over his impressive four-decade career, Daina has amassed a wealth of knowledge and experience, demonstrated by his management of over 200 employees and his oversight of more than 5 million square feet of property across construction, maintenance, janitorial, and landscaping functions. Complementing these professional achievements, Daina is dedicated to his 35+ year marriage and his three daughters.
Angela Frendle
Business Manager
Angela has been with the company since its inception. She is founder Lonnie Williams’ stepdaughter, and she began her career with the family business as a high school student, working as a part-time janitor. After graduating from the University of Kansas, she returned to Topeka and took a job at a local social service agency while cleaning various local office buildings in the evenings for LJBM.
When she began working part-time in LJBM’s Administrative office, she became interested in learning more about the business world. She returned to school and earned her Master of Business Administration degree from Washburn University.
The knowledge she gained at WU has benefitted her in helping develop the business, where she is the business manager with many years of financial, administrative, and logistical experience.
Angela also serves on a local ABWA board and volunteers with various community organizations. She and her husband of nearly 30 years can often be found around Topeka attending sporting, school, and recreational events with their son or exploring the outdoors with their two dogs.
Julian Claybourne
Project Manager
Julian is a highly valuable and deeply experienced member of our team, serving as our dedicated Project Manager for the Kansas City Metro area for the past 10 years.
A true local, Julian was born and raised in Kansas City, giving him an unmatched understanding of the community and the needs of our clients in the region.
With over 20 years of experience in the maintenance sector, Julian brings a wealth of hands-on knowledge to every project. This expertise is further proven by the fact that he also owns his own successful maintenance company.
Julian specializes in two critical areas: front-line communication with our customers and meticulous quality control for all jobs in the KC Metro region. His commitment ensures our clients are always well-informed and that every project is completed to the highest standard of quality.
His extensive background and decade of service make Julian an indispensable and valued asset to our company.
Daryl Huggins
Maintenance Technician
Daryl is a dedicated and versatile professional who brings a wealth of experience in construction, groundskeeping, and concrete work. He has a strong background in pouring, grading, and finishing concrete, as well as performing essential pavement repairs.
Beyond his concrete skills, Daryl is also a licensed HVAC professional with experience in system maintenance, refrigeration, and unit installation. He's a fast learner with great leadership and communication skills, and he's ready to contribute to our team's success.
Kevin Lamar
Maintenance Technician
Kevin Lamar. Originally from Buffalo, NY, he brings a fresh perspective and a wealth of experience to our company.
Kevin joins us with several years of proven expertise as a maintenance supervisor in the construction industry. He's also a certified HVAC technician, with a genuine passion for his craft and a dedication to getting the job done right.
Learn More
We’d love to hear from you! Call our friendly team at (785) 329-5269.
