Tell us a little about your business. – Schwisow Construction, Inc. (schwisow.com) is a General Contracting firm based out of Lincoln, specializing in commercial, manufacturing and industrial facilities. Founded in 1985, Schwisow Construction maintains a strong reputation for quality, service and community involvement in Nebraska and surrounding states. Schwisow Construction offers services including Design Build, Project Management and Competitive Bid; to meet our clients’ needs efficiently and competitively.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? – Since Covid-19, maintaining positive relationships between owners and employees has become increasingly challenging, an issue I have proactively addressed. Delegation has also become more difficult, requiring me to adapt my leadership approach and find effective ways to manage responsibilities and support team collaboration.

What has been your most important achievement professionally? – There have been so many important achievements that I have had throughout my 39-year career. I have worked in many trades from masonry, carpentry, iron work, rod buster, equipment operator, leadman and worked up to superintendent. I take great pride in seeing people that I have trained over the years get excited about their work and accomplishments.

Tell us a little about your family. – I have been married to my wife Tricia for 27 years; we had 3 beautiful children. Brett, who is 36 years old, Hayden who is 25 years old, and my youngest Amelia, who is 22 years old. Brett and his wife Makenna gave my wife and I two beautiful grandchildren; Rylee who is 4 and Harper who is 2.

What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? – For me I never really saw a future in my hometown of Hastings, NE. When I met my future wife, Tricia, we decided that it would be the best thing for our future to move. She wanted to pursue her bachelor’s degree. I found out that the job market in Lincoln was easier to come by rather than in Hastings. Since moving to Lincoln, I have turned my career into a passion that I am thankful for every day.

What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? – In the past 10 years, my wife and I have gone to several different plays in and around Lincoln. I have found a love for the theater.

Who inspires you? – My wife pushes me to keep rising the bar professionally.

What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? – “Work smarter, not harder.”

If you had a theme song, what would it be? – “Sexy Back” by Justin Timberlake.

What local nonprofit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? – I have always had a passion for the Capital Humane Society. I have gotten all my cats from there. I have always felt passionate about adopting animals from the shelter. I also participate in Autism awareness. I started doing that about 2 years ago for a golf tournament and became passionate about the cause.

What is your favorite movie? – Die Hard.

What is your favorite TV show? – The Big Bang Theory.

What is your favorite local Lincoln restaurant? – I have always found the Watering Hole in the city to be very clean, very friendly and they have the best wings in town.

If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? – Emmett Smith because he is one of a kind.

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – Email me at chad.kehn@schwisow.com or call (402) 416-5372.