Author: Lein Holsboer

Building the Future at Career Day

At Buch, imparting our values everywhere we go is an integral part of our identity as a company. We are not just a construction company, but one that cares about the future, and one way to show our commitment to that is by creating an impact on the lives of the children in our communities.

On May 22, 2024, Arlington Baptist School celebrated Career Week and one of our Project Managers, Christy Cooper, was invited to offer a construction workshop to a group of third graders. This activity was packed with fun details as well as many educational nuggets that sparked the kids’ interest. Christy has a genuine passion for helping and serving others and it comes through in everything she does.

Chrisy was welcomed by 21 excited little faces. She had prepared bags with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) items for each one of the students. Her presentation began with a brief explanation of who we are and what our company values and our safety principles are. Then proceeded to educate the kids on the importance of each item and instructed the proper way to wear them. Once all the students put on their PPE, she got them straight to work on their ‘Junior Project Managers’ assignments.

The students participated in an interactive activity in which, taking turns, they helped complete an interior fit-out on a doll house. Starting by covering the walls, adding carpet on the floors, installing the light fixtures, placing the furniture, and finishing the process with an inspection! Their third-grade teacher, Mrs. Ward, took advantage of the activity to reinforce the importance of teamwork and other important principles like being kind, practicing integrity, and being excellent in everything we do.

After the project was completed, Christy offered some words of encouragement to the kids for a job well done and expressed the importance of considering a career in the construction industry. Not only was this a fun-filled action-driven experience for the kids, but also an inspiring and insightful way to share a message that can potentially impact their decisions in the future.

At Buch Construction, safety isn’t just a priority – it’s part of our core values, and Construction Safety Week is a prime opportunity to reinforce our commitment to the well-being of every individual on our job sites and in our offices. The success and safety of any Buch project are determined by the decisions and actions of every team member, the things you see, communicate, and act on every day.

As we observe Construction Safety Week from May 6-10, we reinforce our dedication to creating a culture of safety that safeguards our valued team members and ensures projects are executed with the utmost care and integrity.

Throughout the week, we have curated a series of engaging and informative activities aimed at enhancing everyone’s safety knowledge and empowering our team to take an active role in maintaining a safe and secure work environment. From active toolbox talks to insightful demonstrations, safety trainings and stand-downs, these activities emphasize the importance of daily safety practices.

Rebuilding Together Howard County

Founded in 1992, Rebuilding Together Howard County brings together residents and businesses to provide free home repairs for low-income families in Howard County. Over the past 30 years, the organization has renovated more than 800 homes at no cost to homeowners.

Buch has proudly participated in Rebuilding Together Howard County since 2018, with our team members eagerly looking forward to each project. Each year, a different team member leads our efforts. For this year’s project, Hunter King was nominated by division lead Jeff Williford, who was confident in King’s ability to lead this community project and deliver exceptional results.

This year, we had the pleasure of working with a Howard County resident who graciously welcomed us into her home, allowing us to assess the necessary repairs and develop a plan to complete them in a single day. With a solid plan in place, we moved on to recruitment, gathering around twenty Buch volunteers who dedicated their weekend to giving back to the community.

On Saturday, April 27, 2024, it was time for our team to get to work. Interior repairs included the replacement of two full bathrooms, the installation of sister joists, and new flooring and plumbing support in the laundry area. The kitchen received updates with a new sink strainer and refurbished cabinet interiors, and we painted the entire interior of the house. Our team also completed a wide variety of external work. We graded the back hill to divert water away from the house, followed by strawing and seeding the area. A sill plate and rim joist were replaced for added protection, and the existing deck was replaced with a new 8’x11’ structure. We also extended the gutters, added splash pads to prevent erosion, and enhanced the flower gardens with fresh mulch.

The success of the day extended beyond the physical improvements. Our team not only collaborated on a meaningful project but also witnessed the direct impact of their efforts on the Howard County resident. “The opportunity to help someone improve their living conditions is special,” King shared about the experience. “Seeing someone receive this help is not just a task; it’s a moment where you can directly feel the impact of making someone else’s life a little better.”

We look forward to next year’s project and continue to value these opportunities to contribute to our local community. At Buch Construction, giving back is an integral part of who we are.

NAIOP Maryland Awards of Excellence | Best Build-to-Suit Office Building in the Private Sector

Buch Construction Headquarters received the NAIOP Maryland Award of Excellence for Best Build-to-Suit Office Building in the private sector! Our state-of-the-art office building features an exceptional level of interior design including an array of modern amenities, such as inviting café spaces, social lounges, huddle rooms, cutting-edge meeting and training spaces, and flexible event spaces for client and team interactions. The building’s third floor features a 1,400 SF rooftop deck affording panoramic views of Maple Lawn, a multi-use golf simulator, and expansive full-height windows throughout the premises. This achievement is a testament to the outstanding partnership between Greenebaum Enterprises, ARK Design, LLC, Curry Architects, and all our trusted vendor partners.

We are celebrating Women in Construction Week👷‍♀️! At Buch, we’re proud to be associated with WBENC as a women-owned general contractor and continuously look to inspire the next generation of leaders. Follow along as we embark on jobsite tours and activities to celebrate the Buch team and our vibrant industry!

If you are interested in joining our growing team, view open positions by clicking here.

GONZALO MARTINEZ · Vice President

What does “Beyond What’s Expected” mean to you?
Buch Construction truly lives up to its motto, “Beyond What’s Expected.”  The company’s culture instills the drive for employees to go above and beyond. Our dedication to our work ensures that we not only meet expectations and requirements but do what’s necessary to make sure our customers have the best experience possible.

Give us a brief summary of what your career has been like with Buch so far.
I started at Buch in 1995 as a carpenter/superintendent. I was given the opportunity to learn and grow within the company, working my way up to Project Manager, then to Vice President of the Interiors division, and to my existing position, Vice President. It’s been an amazing journey and I’m so lucky to have found a place in a company that has given me the support and tools I needed to succeed. I’m very proud to be a part of an organization that is family-oriented and that cares so much about every employee and every client.

Reflecting on your years at Buch, what has been one of your favorite days working at Buch?
I have always enjoyed and looked forward to coming to work, but the early years are the days that I always remember. I miss arriving at the office and being greeted by Marie Buch, having conversations with Ms. Louise, and having lunch with Jimmy Buch and other team members. I’d always look forward to the company picnics. Those were some of my favorite days at Buch.

Is there anyone in particular who has impacted your career?
Many people have impacted my career in one way or another, but the two people that have made the biggest impact are Carl and Mike Buch. They have always given me the confidence and support I needed to succeed. They both treat everyone with respect and as if they’re family. Watching how they interact with others has inspired me to do the same.

What inspired you to go into the construction industry?
I have always enjoyed working with my hands and building things. I participated in a Trade and Industry program in high school to learn hands-on skills and explore career options. The feeling of satisfaction I get after completing a project, whether it’s at home or on a jobsite, is very rewarding.

What has been one of the proudest moments in your career?
My promotion to Vice President, Interiors has to be my proudest moment of my career and I’m very thankful to have been given the opportunity.

What does a typical day off look like for you?
Spending time with my family, working on a project around the house, or playing a round of golf (sometimes all three).

What is the next item on your bucket list that you plan to accomplish or a place you would like to travel?
My family left Cuba when I was 5 years old, and I have never been back. I would love to visit Cuba one day.

If you had to choose one meal to eat for the rest of your life, what would it be?
My mother cooked amazing Cuban food. I would love anything cooked by her for every meal, especially her roast chicken with black beans, rice, and sweet plantains.

Buch Construction is delighted to welcome James McGill as our new Director, Southeast. In this role, James will lead Buch’s new Atlanta office. With 30 years of industry experience in Georgia and Florida, James brings a wealth of knowledge across numerous sectors including retail, corporate office, tenant fit-out, mixed-use, lifestyle centers, and K-12 education.

His background spans both commercial construction and development, with specialized expertise in preconstruction and project management. We are thrilled to have James onboard as his extensive experience and understanding of the local construction landscape will allow us to better serve our clients as we grow our Southeast presence.

If you are interested in joining our growing team, visit our website to learn more: https://www.buch.us.com/careers/

Connect with James today!
404.961.8948
jmcgill@buch.us.com

Buch Construction is excited to announce the opening of our new office in Atlanta, GA. We continue to expand our Southeast presence with a dedicated local team committed to Buch’s signature client-centric approach in all our sectors of expertise:
Corporate Office | Education | Government | Life Sciences | Mission Critical | Multifamily | Retail | Senior Living.

If you are interested in joining our growing team, view open positions by clicking here.

Connect with us today!
900 Westpark Drive
Suite 210
Peachtree City, GA 30269
404.961.8948

At Buch, we are dedicated to building a brighter future for the next generation and believe in actively contributing to organizations that align with our mission and share the same values. During the holiday season, the Buch team proudly rallies behind Generation Hope and their mission to support student parents on the path to success and economic mobility. Together, we have shared joy with 18 families, ensuring both parents and children feel the warmth of the holidays!

TERRANCE HILLMAN · Superintendent

What is something about your job that you think other people should know?
Something about my job that I think people should know is that construction is a very rewarding career field. In this field, not only do we transform existing spaces or lots into updated and new structures, but this also leads to transforming the communities that we work in as well. We are building spaces where our community members will live, work, and shop. The best part is walking through a completed project and recalling all the work from multiple parties it took to create the space.

What is your role as a superintendent to the team during a project?
As a superintendent, I have the responsibility of being the eyes and ears for the project management team on the jobsite. The team may not always be on site every day; therefore, the superintendent must be in communication with all parties involved throughout the construction process. As many know, challenges will arise throughout construction, and as the jobsite superintendent I must address these challenges in a timely manner to keep the job on schedule.

What does “Beyond What’s Expected” mean to you?
“Beyond What’s Expected” means going the extra mile to do whatever is necessary to complete the job on budget. This can involve working longer hours, weekends and completing tasks that are not part of normal day-to-day operations.

What is a valuable lesson you have learned during your career?
A valuable lesson I have learned is to never be afraid to ask questions. Construction is an ever-changing industry with many new technologies, materials and methods being utilized. I believe every day is a new opportunity to learn something. There are many different trades that cycle through any given construction site, and I try to ask each of them questions about their work to better understand future projects.

Do you prefer to travel or explore local interest points?
In my free time I prefer to travel and visit family and friends. My recent summer excursions included trips to Nashville, Austin, and England.  Each fall I spend time hunting at our family cabin in northeast Pennsylvania. In the winter months, hopefully after a nice snow fall, I will grab my snowboard and hit the slopes.

Share something that most people don’t know about you.
I am one of seven children, specifically, the left-handed middle child. My parents and siblings are all right-handed.

Can you share with us your favorite movie or song? 
My favorite song is the Sunday Night Football theme song, “Waiting All Day for Sunday Night,” by Carrie Underwood.