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ABBY MILLER ·  Project Engineer      

Can you tell us a little about your background and how you discovered Buch?

Well, I recently graduated from East Carolina University this past winter with a degree in Biomedical Engineering. I first met the Buch team at an ECU career fair in 2023. After hearing great things about the company’s culture and environment from my brother, who had interned the summer before, I made a point to visit their table. From my first introduction, the team couldn’t have been more welcoming, and I’ve seen that energy carried throughout the company.

How did your studies in Biomedical Engineering prepare you for your role in our Life Sciences division?

There’s actually more crossover than you might think! What I learned in school about biomedical engineering relates to the labs and facilities Buch builds every day. I have a good understanding of the kind of work the end users are performing and what the final product needs to be, which helps me see the bigger picture in our projects.

What was your experience like as a Buch Intern?

Some of my favorite engineering classes were the ones on project management, and I knew early on it was something I wanted to pursue; I just wasn’t sure how. My internship with Buch gave me that clarity. I got hands-on experience reviewing submittals, writing scopes of work, and spending time on-site, which gave me a real feel for the role. It helped me see what a career in project management could look like and the steps I’d need to take to get there.

How was the transition from intern to full-time Project Engineer?

The transition has been incredibly smooth, thanks to the support of my team. The collaborative culture at Buch makes it easy to ask questions without hesitation. I learn something new every day, and my team is always eager to explain, even when it comes to questions I didn’t yet know I had. As a result, I’ve been able to take on more responsibility, such as reviewing submittals and writing RFIs independently. It’s exciting to be trusted with meaningful work so early in my career.

Can you tell us about the project you’re currently working on?

I’m currently working on a 105,000-square-foot life sciences corporate office renovation. The entire inside of the building was demolished for a full transformation. I’ve been on-site since the start of demolition, and the project is expected to continue into early 2027. It’s exciting to be involved from the ground up and to watch the progress unfold day by day.

What advice would you offer to students or recent graduates considering a career in construction?

I’d tell them to take advantage of every learning opportunity and never be afraid to ask questions. You don’t have to have it all figured out right away. Internships are the best way to get hands-on experience and see what really excites you. And don’t forget to build connections and look for mentors along the way. The construction industry is always changing and can be so rewarding, especially when you’re surrounded by a supportive team

When you think about what you enjoy most outside of work, what comes to mind? 

I love to golf, read, and go to concerts—some of my favorites have been Harry Styles, Zach Bryan, and Hozier! I also love the beach; living just 15 minutes away from the beach in North Carolina was the best.

What does going Beyond What’s Expected mean to you?

I view “Going Beyond Expected” as a mindset of generosity, integrity, and purpose. It’s the difference between doing what’s expected and doing what’s meaningful. Going Beyond Expected is something that I feel has been demonstrated by the Buch team consistently since my very first interaction at the career fair. It’s the way we handle every interaction with genuine care that establishes trust, credibility, and loyal relationships. 

This year’s Rebuilding Together Howard County project was a labor of love and our most ambitious Rebuilding project yet.

It began in February, when we met Sue and Homer Johnson, a couple who built their Mt. Airy home with their own hands nearly 40 years ago. Sue, a retired cleaning business owner, and Homer, a longtime school bus driver, raised their family there, living simply and giving to the community around them. But after decades of wear and tear, aging systems, worn flooring, outdated fixtures, and safety hazards were threatening their ability to stay in the home they loved.

When we learned these repairs could be the difference between aging in place or moving into a nursing home, we knew this was the project for us.

Like any of our larger projects, we approached the Johnsons’ home the way we do many of our larger projects, with early involvement, thoughtful planning, and close collaboration from start to finish. From reviewing inspection reports to walking through design decisions together, we created a plan that put accessibility and safety first. Sue and Homer were hands-on throughout the process, selecting everything from flooring and cabinet styles to the finishing touches on their new kitchen island.

On April 26, more than 20 Buch team members showed up with tools, trucks, and a whole lot of heart. We organized into teams led by project captains to keep the day running smoothly. Homeowner Homer didn’t just watch; he grabbed tools and worked right alongside us. The bond between our team and the Johnsons grew quickly, with the kind of mutual respect and care that makes a house feel like home.

As Buch Project Manager Christy Cooper shared, “Buch has always inspired us to give back, but doing it right here in Howard County, our own backyard, made it even more meaningful. Over the past few months, the Johnson family has become like family to us. Being part of their journey has been something truly special.”

Over the course of a few months, we completely transformed the Johnsons’ home from top to bottom:

• A fully renovated kitchen and pantry with new appliances, cabinetry, and lighting, plus an island wired with outlets
• New flooring throughout the living spaces and repaired sub-flooring
• An ADA-compliant walk-in shower and bathtub for safe, accessible bathing
• Upgraded the front porch and soffit
• Electrical and plumbing safety updates throughout the home
• A rebuilt side deck and water-damaged ceiling repairs
• A repaired roof and improved drainage to protect the foundation

This project also created a powerful mentorship opportunity, as seasoned Buch superintendents guided junior project engineers on-site, showing not just how to build, but how to build with purpose.

We’re incredibly grateful to our trusted trade partners who donated their time and talent to help bring this vision to life, including Jarmer, Granite Marble and Gem, VPG, Al Gleeson, and Mid-Atlantic Interior.

At Buch, we believe community is something you build. And in helping the Johnsons remain in the home they love, we were reminded why this work matters so deeply. As Homeowner Homer Johnson said:

“We are so thankful for the generosity the Buch family showed us. Their kindness kept us safely in our home—and out of a nursing home.”

We can’t wait to do it all again next year. Until then, we’ll be cheering on the Johnsons as they settle into their newly restored home.

CAIT ELLIS ·  Assistant Project Manager      

How did your previous experience in retail prepare you for construction?

My journey through retail,  from working in stores to managing product lines and now building retail spaces, has given me a unique 360-degree view of the industry. I understand consumer needs, store layouts, and project timelines from multiple perspectives, which gives me a unique understanding of how spaces are utilized. That insight translates well into construction, especially when working on commercial interiors.

What drew you to Buch?

The family-oriented culture was a major draw. I knew I could grow professionally without sacrificing time with my family. The company’s supportive environment and understanding of work-life balance were crucial to my decision.

How has your first year at Buch been?

I felt immediately trusted and supported by my team, getting thrown onto several projects and quickly gaining confidence in my role. I thrive with hands-on experience, and I’ve been able to grow and learn the ropes of this new industry rapidly.

Speaking of rapidly growing, you’ve recently been promoted to Assistant Project Manager. How have you seen your role shift in this position?

Being promoted to Assistant Project Manager has given me the chance to take on more responsibility and lead projects from start to finish. I’m more deeply involved in the bidding process, creating comprehensive project schedules, and now serve as the main point of contact for subcontractors. It’s been a fast but exciting transition from supporting roles to full ownership, and I’m thrilled to have earned the team’s trust after just one year. 

Describe your work style in three words.

Embrace the chaos! With three kids, I’ve learned that some days I’ll excel at work, other days at home. The key is setting realistic expectations and being grateful for the opportunity to have both a fulfilling career and a wonderful family.

What advice would you give someone looking to make a career pivot like you did?

Be open to opportunities, even if they don’t follow a linear path. Every experience brings something valuable. Also, look for a company that supports you both professionally and personally. That’s made all the difference for me.

What does going Beyond What’s Expected mean to you?

To me, going beyond what’s expected means showing up fully, in the details, in the mindset, and in how you support your team. It’s not just about going through the motions; it’s about owning your work, anticipating what’s next, and being someone others can rely on. Whether that means stepping up to lead a project, staying late to solve an issue, or simply being a consistent presence for your team, it all adds up. And as a working mom, it also means leading by example, proving that you can deliver, grow, and thrive while staying true to your priorities.

We’re more than just colleagues at Buch, we’re a family. Our commitment to supporting one another goes beyond the workplace and into the communities we serve.

That spirit was on full display when our team came together to volunteer at the Fort Washington Food Pantry, turning a day of service into a powerful reminder of what it means to give back.

This effort was especially meaningful, as it supported our very own Angel Vargas and his wife, Becca, in their mission to serve others. Seeing our team rally behind a cause that directly impacts one of our own reinforced the bonds that make Buch unique.

Together, we sorted, packed, and distributed food, making sure that families in need had access to essential resources.

The impact was immediate during our time on-site; the pantry collected an incredible 3,566 pounds of food from grocery stores and individual donors.

This generous contribution helped provide critical support to 160 households in need, making a real difference for families facing food insecurity.

Giving back isn’t just something we do, it’s who we are. Whether through volunteer work, charitable initiatives, or simply showing up for one another, we remain committed to building stronger communities.

ANDY KOWALEWSKI  ·  Accounting Manager     

Can you walk us through your journey with Buch?

I have a background in accounting, initially working at an audit firm and later at a small construction company. A similar experience to many at Buch, I was introduced to the company through my family. My cousin, Zach Schneider, is the Vice President of Construction and once my brother, Evan Kowalewski, joined Buch as a Project Manager, I knew I would want to be a part of this team. Getting to mix my family with my career has made for a fun work-life balance.

What does a typical day look like for you in the accounting department? 

No two days are the same! I manage our accounts payable and receivable, but it’s so much more than just crunching numbers. I work closely with our accounting team, but also with our project managers. Together, we are making sure we have the proper billing for our projects and paying our subcontractors on time. We recently implemented Acumatica, a new accounting software that integrates with Procore, which has been a game-changer for our communication and project tracking.

What’s the most rewarding part of your job? 

I really enjoy seeing a project’s financial journey from start to finish. While I may not be out on-site in a hard hat, I get to experience our projects from a different perspective. I work closely with every Project Manager, helping them navigate the financial landscape of each job. At the end of the day, it’s all about teamwork to keep our projects moving forward.

How would you describe the culture at Buch?   

Buch has a strong emphasis on building relationships and fostering camaraderie across all teams. While our accounting group is especially close-knit, that same team spirit extends throughout the entire company. We connect through fun internal competitions like the golf simulator league and March Madness brackets (both of which I won last year-no big deal). But beyond the office, we also come together for volunteer events, giving back to the community while getting a chance to connect with team members outside of work.

When you’re not crunching numbers, what keeps you busy? 

Playing golf is something I love to do and have really embraced since joining Buch. Music has also been a big part of my life—I’ve played guitar for years and even recorded a few songs in my basement.. My wife and I love traveling too, we actually got married in Scotland, and I’m hoping to explore more, especially some more hiking destinations like Glacier National Park.

What advice would you give someone interested in a career in construction accounting?

Be prepared to do more than just the math. This industry is all about relationships, communication, and understanding the bigger picture. Be curious, be willing to learn new technologies, and don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Every project is unique, and there’s always something new to learn.

Meet the Team!

We are thrilled to share some exciting news – Buch is expanding its footprint in the Southeast with the opening of our newest office in Raleigh, North Carolina. This marks an exciting chapter for us as we grow our presence in NC, build new relationships, and strengthen our team. We can’t wait to settle into our new home and introduce the talented Buch NC team to our community!

John Colonnese 

With nearly 50 years of construction experience, John brings unparalleled expertise to our North Carolina team. Specializing in ground-up builds, store takeovers, remodels, and disaster reconstruction, John has worked extensively across the US, including Puerto Rico! Spanning from LEED-certified projects to tenant fit-outs and turnkey solutions, his knowledge covers every corner of the construction industry. 

John and his wife Suzanne, met and married in upstate New York over 30 years ago. In 2006, they traded the harsh lake-effect winters for the warmer climate of North Carolina. Proud parents of four and grandparents to one, they love traveling to visit with family and explore the natural and historic landmarks across the country.

Cody Manning

Cody earned his degree in Construction Management from East Carolina University in 2018 and connected with Buch at the 2017 ECU Career Fair. Over the years, he’s grown his skills working with clients like Capital One, JPMC, GDIT, Pepco, with a strong focus on financial and secure spaces. 

Originally from Spring Hope, NC, Cody grew up on his family’s farm and made the move to Maryland upon graduation. In 2022, Cody and his wife, Bridget, welcomed their daughter, Mackenzie. It was then they decided to return to their roots, giving their children the opportunity to be the seventh generation raised on their family farm. 

Now back in NC, Cody’s diving into exciting projects, including two JPMC banks and a multi-phase VCA animal hospital. When he’s not managing projects, you’ll find Cody hunting, fishing, and spending time with his wife Bridget, daughter Makenzie, and son Theo. 

Autumn Wickstrom

Autumn graduated from East Carolina University (Go Pirates!) in 2019 and met Buch at the ECU Career Fair in 2018. Since then, she’s spent the past five years at our Headquarters in Maryland gaining experience and expanding our Senior Living sector. Originally from New Jersey, Autumn’s always been drawn to the charm of the South, so the opportunity to help Buch expand in the Southeast felt like the perfect fit. Now, she’s excited to be closer to her alma mater and surrounded by an amazing community of friends, and fellow alumni, and continuing to build relationships in the area! 

Corbett Cobb

A lifelong North Carolinian and fellow East Carolina University graduate with a degree in Construction Management and a Business minor, Corbett brings hands-on experience managing diverse projects. From educational facilities to multi-phase community developments, his background has prepared him to take on exciting projects at Buch Construction.

Corbett is passionate about building in his home state and looks forward to helping establish a strong foundation for our Raleigh office. Outside of work, he spends his time hunting, fishing, running, and working toward his pilot’s license. He’s also an avid musician, playing both guitar and piano. We’re excited to have Corbett on the team as we continue expanding in the Southeast!

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

Connect with us today!
Six Forks Center III
4800 Six Forks Road, Suite 105
Raleigh, NC 27609 | 252.373.5377

STEVE GELS  ·  Project Executive

What does “Beyond What’s Expected” mean to you?
To me, it’s about stepping up and finding ways to add value beyond just completing the job. It’s not just meeting deadlines or hitting milestones, it’s about thinking ahead, solving problems proactively, and mentoring the next generation.

Can you tell us about your career journey and how you got to where you are today?
My career has taken a few turns over the years. After 8 years in Construction Management at Macy’s, I transitioned to Bass Pro Shops, but the economic downturn in 2009 pushed me into public-sector work with a municipality near my hometown, Dayton, Ohio. In 2010 one of our initial Macy’s reps, Tony Riese, introduced me to Mike Buch. After a great conversation with Mike and Carl, I joined Buch managing Macy’s projects. My first projects were at Tyson’s Corner, and I quickly found myself traveling up and down the East Coast to serve clients wherever I was needed.

Can you tell us about some of the projects that shaped your career?
One of the most significant was the five-year renovation of Bloomingdale’s 59th Street store in New York. That project involved remodeling eight of the ten floors and laid the foundation for Buch’s New York office. It was an exciting time, as we didn’t have satellite offices then, so we just went wherever the work took us. Now, I’ve transitioned to the Southeast, where I’ve worked on projects like Macy’s at Riverchase Galleria and a wellness facility renovation at Auburn University.

What’s the biggest difference between working on a project in Alabama and one in New York City?
The biggest differences are the pace and logistics. In New York City, everything moves at lightning speed, with tight spaces, complex permits, and constant traffic to navigate. Alabama, on the other hand, offers a more laid-back environment with more open space. That said, our project at Auburn University has felt surprisingly similar to Manhattan—with limited parking and laydown areas, just missing the skyscrapers! 

What excites you most about this new role as Project Executive?   
I’m excited to step into a mentorship role and help guide the next generation of construction professionals. I’ve learned so much from my experiences—whether it was navigating tight urban spaces in Manhattan or developing strong client relationships—and I want to share those lessons with younger team members.

What do you enjoy about living and working in the Southeast?
The Southeast has so much to offer—beautiful lakes, a longer golf season, and a slower pace of life compared to places like Maryland or New York. I enjoy spending time on the lake with my wife. Alabama’s network of lakes is incredible, and it’s a great way to relax and recharge outside of work.

Recap of Buch’s First Annual Health & Wellness Fair

Last Thursday, November 7th, Buch held its inaugural Health & Wellness Fair at our headquarters, which marked an exciting milestone in Buch’s commitment to fostering a workplace that prioritizes physical, mental, and emotional well-being. The event featured a great lineup of local vendors, wellness experts, and Buch team members and their families, who enjoyed an engaging and informative afternoon together.

The fair introduced attendees to diverse ways to explore healthier, more balanced lifestyles. Our local vendors provided resources and activities covering a wide range of health-focused practices. We were thrilled to connect and learn from the following vendors:

• FX Physical Therapy/TPI Swing Assessment
• Jimmy’s Famous Meals
• Charm City Run
• Pure Barre
• Soldier Fit
• Krav Maga MD Self-Defense and Fitness
• Massage Therapy
• Body Align Stretch Therapy
• Meditation
• Yoga
• Capital Services
• UnitedHealthcare
• AFS 401K Advisor
• Flu Vaccinations with Albertson Companies

Attendees enjoyed guided meditation sessions that introduced mindful breathing techniques to promote relaxation and stress relief. The yoga sessions featured restorative flows designed to unwind and re-energize. Additionally, attendees were able to experience stretch and massage therapy sessions to learn effective ways to relieve high-stress areas in the body.

Throughout the event, the vendors shared valuable expertise on movement, nutrition, and self-care with interactive demonstration sessions and healthy food tastings. Many vendors generously provided gift cards, and Buch hosted a raffle with exciting wellness-oriented prizes!

A huge thank you to all the vendors and Capital Services for their role in coordinating this successful event, as well as to our Buch team for attending, engaging, and investing in their health and wellness.

6th Annual Boys Hope Girls Hope Friendsgiving

We are excited to announce that Buch will be once again hosting the annual Boys Hope Girls Hope Friendsgiving at Buch Headquarters on Thursday, November 14th. Boys Hope Girls Hope of Baltimore is a non-profit organization that nurtures and guides motivated young people in need to become well-educated, career-ready men and women for others. They help equip the scholars with life preparedness, empowered learning, personal development, leadership and service, and college and career readiness to leverage their strengths and provide them with opportunities they wouldn’t otherwise have. The organization fosters their motivation and determination, combined with the expectations and nurturing environment, to provide the tools to help each scholar build their own success story.

This organization is near and dear to us as we have been working with them for over 10 years. Read more about BHGH and their impactful non-profit organization and why we strongly believe in their mission. If you are interested in joining us at the Friendsgiving event click here to purchase your tickets!

We are committed to supporting the next generation by providing them with the essential resources and opportunities they need to thrive. We like to help empower young minds to reach their full potential and become leaders of tomorrow. Together we can make a difference for those in our community.

FARES TALON  ·  Superintendent

What does “Beyond What’s Expected” mean to you?
It’s about going that extra mile–arriving early to handle paperwork and staying late to ensure the site is left spotless. It’s about taking pride in your work and delivering a project that not only meets but exceeds the client’s expectations. My focus on attention to detail helps me avoid cutting corners and gives me a better perspective on the project as a whole.

How would you describe your day-to-day responsibilities?
While many aspects of my job remain consistent day-to-day, one thing that makes all my responsibilities easier to manage is maintaining a clean workspace. I make it a priority on every project because it leads to greater efficiency and a safer environment for everyone on site. By staying organized and cleaning as we go, we prevent delays and ensure the project stays on track.  

What aspect of managing a project brings the most satisfaction?
The most rewarding part of my job is the relationships I build along the way. Whether it’s working closely with subcontractors or collaborating with clients, I’ve developed friendships that go beyond the project. These connections not only make challenging projects easier to manage but also make the satisfaction of completing them even greater. Getting to share that sense of accomplishment with the whole team is a rewarding feeling.

Can you share a project you are especially proud of completing? 
There are a couple of projects that come to mind, times when we couldn’t see the light at the end of the tunnel, but we pushed through and came out the other side with more experience and a job well done. I recently wrapped up a project involving interior work for laboratories that had a tight schedule with no room for delays. It took a lot of hard work, a little bit of luck, and solid effort with Project Executive, Dan Adams, but everything fell into place and the project was finished exactly on time.

What do you do to relax/destress on the weekends?
Two of my favorite things are golf and traveling, so my ideal weekend would be heading to one of my favorite courses. I like to unwind by spending the weekend down in Ocean City and getting in a round with some friends at the Lighthouse Sound course.

What’s a fun fact about yourself that people might not know?
I’m a die-hard football fan and hardly ever miss a Ravens home game. I even played arena football for the Baltimore Mariners back in the day.