Author: Lein Holsboer

KEVIN SCHWARTZ · Superintendent

What was the last project you worked on? What was exciting about it?
The last project I worked on was the Capital One Café in Kansas City. The most exciting part about it was the feeling of accomplishment after demolishing the former retail space to a white box space and then rebuilding it into a Capital one Café. Also, traveling to the Midwest where I had never been before. During my time there I visited some of the museums there and made friends with plans to visit next fall.

What has been the most valuable lesson learned in your 19 years of career?
The most valuable lesson I have learned is that everyone involved on the project, including our subcontractor partners, is considered a part of our team. Helping all team members in any way possible is crucial for a successful project!

Tell us what a typical day looks like on-site for a Superintendent.
Typically, I spend the first 30 minutes of the morning looking through the project drawings to ensure all project scope items are being performed by the trades. After the safety paperwork and procedures are complete in the morning, I move to each area of work on the project to see if any issues arise and to coordinate work between the different trades that are on site.

What was one of your proudest moments in your career?
Capital One Café Georgetown. That was the toughest project I’ve ever done! It was a high detail project since it was a very old historic building.

What skills have you developed throughout the years that make you better at the work you perform?
A skill that I have developed over the years is my attention to detail. Learning to visualize what the finished product will look like has helped me make detailed decisions in the field.

What does “Beyond What’s Expected” mean to you?
Not only completing a project to the clients and Buch’s expectations, but also building relationships with the clients so that they trust us to continue the partnership for future projects.

Tell us a fun fact about you!
An outdoor firearm company once offered me a sponsorship when I was big into skeet shooting.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
Canada. I would like to go fishing with my wife and our boys, and we would love to see the Northern lights.

If you could give one piece of advice to your younger self, what would it be?
Don’t settle just because you’re comfortable.  You’ll regret not taking the leap sooner.

NIC FLICKINGER · Senior Estimator

Tell us a little bit about what your role within the company is:
As an estimator, I assist the project management teams with bid and budget requests they receive. Along with my team, our focus is on the Interiors division. Subcontractor interactions, site visits, proposal scoping, and finalizing of pricing are just a few of the tasks that can be handled by the estimator assigned to the project.

What made you pursue a career as an Estimator?
Prior to working at Buch, I was in a career outside of construction. The Buch Family was gracious enough to offer me an opportunity in their company. I started out as a Project Engineer at AZ in Frederick before coming to the main office. My knowledge of construction began to expand working alongside other team members. I started to assist others with bids as well and then I was offered to fill an upcoming need as an estimator. It definitely was not a position I saw myself landing in when I first started but I truly love what I do.

What do you like the most about working with Buch?
The people. When I think of Buch, the word that immediately comes to mind is family. Everyone is very passionate about what they do and they support one another in their efforts to make sure that all are successful. It is a unique and amazing work environment, one that doesn’t exist many places. It’s a lot of hard work and a lot of laughs with a lot of great people!

What would you say has been your biggest accomplishment so far?
I would have to say being part of the team that helped to secure our first Erickson interiors project back in 2018. It was on of the bigger and more intricate interiors projects I had assisted with, and it involved detailed scopes, a lot of collaboration, and significant attention to detail. It was one of my first in-person interviews I had attended as well. It was a great team effort all around and I feel it was one of the first steps in growing a great partnership with Erickson Senior Living.

What is your main professional goal in the coming years?
I would like to continue to grow the estimating department for the Interiors team. As the company continues to grow, the number of pricing opportunities continues to expand. In order to better assist the Interiors division, it would be great to add to the estimating team to help meet the demand and exceed expectations.

What would be your best advice to the younger corporate generation?
Surround yourself with amazing people. Where I am in my life right now has been brought about by this statement. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the guidance, assistance, teachings, patience, and understanding of those around me.

What does “Beyond What’s Expected” mean to you?
From an estimating standpoint, providing as much valuable information as possible when providing a bid or budget. Whether it is providing a quick-ship option on a long lead item or providing an alternate way of doing something passed on subcontractor input or supplying a client with detailed takeoffs for budget pricing, it’s anything that can be done to differentiate Buch from other general contractors. The first steps we have with clients and initial interactions we have with pricing strategies help to lay the groundwork moving forward. Showing them early on ‘beyond what’s expected’ really helps to separate us as a company.

What does a typical day off look like for you?
I’m not sure I know what a typical day off looks like, lol! My kids are very busy with their activities and that consumes a lot of our time. Rudy is currently playing hockey and basketball; Josephine is learning to ice skate and has dance classes. The kids love playing with Legos too, so we spend a fair amount of time building things together. I try to squeeze in my ‘to-do’ list for things around the house and some golf time, as I am able. I love the time I get to be with my wife and kids.

If you had to choose one meal to eat for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Thanksgiving dinner!

Share some fun facts about you that most people don’t know:
>>> I don’t have a middle name.
>>> My only sibling, my sister, was born 2 years, 2 days, and 2 hours after me.
>>> I have played hockey with Mario Lemieux.