Forging Growth Through Flexibility: How 3rd Coast Developers Scaled 152% at ReadySpaces Houston

Building on Solid Ground

When Johnny Mathis and John Barajas founded 3rd Coast Developers in Houston, they set out to deliver the highest quality custom metal solutions—wrought iron, stainless steel, and aluminum work for both residential and commercial projects. As a fencing and gate contractor competing in Houston’s robust construction market, they needed more than just a place to store materials. They needed a workspace that could flex with the unpredictable demands of the contracting business.

In 2019, they signed their first lease at ReadySpaces Houston | East of Downtown, starting with a modest 1,150 sq ft unit and two parking spots. It was enough room to organize their materials, fabricate custom metalwork, and build a professional foundation for their growing client base.

Navigating Uncertainty with Flexibility

Then 2020 hit, and COVID-19 brought unprecedented disruption to the construction industry. Supply chains stalled, projects paused, and many contractors faced impossible choices about overhead costs. For 3rd Coast Developers, the difference between weathering the storm and closing shop came down to one thing: flexibility.

“We signed our first lease here in 2019, then COVID happened… that’s when we had to kind of reevaluate business,” John Barajas explained. “The flexibility with ReadySpaces allows us to switch and shift as you need to… and that helped us out. For us just to have a physical location and not have to close shop during COVID.”

Unlike traditional warehouse leases that lock contractors into long-term commitments and rigid square footage, ReadySpaces gave 3rd Coast the breathing room they needed. As project demands fluctuated, they could adapt their space without penalties or complicated renegotiations. That agility became their competitive advantage.

The ReadySpaces Advantage for Contractors

As Houston’s economy rebounded and construction demand surged, 3rd Coast Developers was positioned to capitalize. The company expanded from their original 1,150 sq ft unit to 2,250 sq ft with three parking spots—nearly doubling their footprint to accommodate growing inventory and fabrication needs.

But they didn’t stop there. Today, 3rd Coast operates out of a 2,900 sq ft unit, representing a 152% increase from where they started—more than 2.5 times their original space. This growth wasn’t just about square footage; it reflected a business that could scale confidently because their facility could scale with them.

ReadySpaces’ contractor-friendly infrastructure proved essential. With high ceilings to accommodate bulky materials, 24/7 access for early morning job site prep, and dedicated parking for work vehicles and trailers, 3rd Coast had everything they needed to run a professional operation. The flexibility to expand parking spots alongside warehouse space meant their growing fleet always had a home base.

For a fencing and gate company, having secure storage for expensive materials and equipment is critical. ReadySpaces’ gated entry and surveillance gave 3rd Coast peace of mind, while shared amenities like loading docks and common areas kept overhead costs low—allowing them to stay competitive on pricing while maintaining the highest quality standards.

Built to Last, Ready to Grow

Today, 3rd Coast Developers operates confidently out of their expanded 2,900 sq ft footprint, fabricating custom metal solutions for projects across the Houston metro area. Their growth story—from 1,150 sq ft through a pandemic to nearly triple that size—demonstrates what’s possible when contractors have the right infrastructure and the flexibility to adapt.

In an industry where overhead can make or break profitability, John and Johnny credit ReadySpaces as a strategic partner in their success. The ability to “switch and shift” as business demands changed didn’t just help them survive uncertainty—it positioned them to thrive.

For contractors navigating Houston’s competitive market, 3rd Coast Developers proves that the right space isn’t just about square footage. It’s about having a foundation flexible enough to weather storms and strong enough to support sustainable growth.

Interested in custom fencing and gate solutions in the Houston area? Learn more about 3rd Coast Developers here.