Star City Six: Darin Cielocha
McGill Restoration Inc. (www.mcgillrestoration.com) has been in business since 1985, and currently employs approximately 65 concrete and masonry restoration professionals. With annual revenues of approximately $9 million, McGill Restoration is a recognized industry leader in the rehabilitation and preservation of concrete and masonry structures throughout the U.S. Darin Cielocha is the Vice President of Business Development/Customer Relations at McGill Restoration.
How did you get started in the business? – I worked for a concrete contractor while I was going to college at UNL, and have always enjoyed the feeling of being a part of building something! After graduating from UNL, I became a Territory Manager for a construction materials division of Lyman-Richey Corporation (now known as Ash Grove Package). I later accepted a Territory Manager position with BASF (The Chemical Company) in their Construction Chemicals division, so I moved to Kansas City and then back to Omaha. A few years ago, Tim and Rich McGill offered me a position with their company and I am very happy to be a part of the McGill Restoration family today.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? – Part of being a Territory Manager for any company means that you are spending many days and nights away from home, from your family, and out on the road. You are often running your business from a hotel room and a cell phone. This type of position is very demanding, but at the same time can be very rewarding as well.
What has been your most important achievement professionally? – I have been fortunate to have several, but most recently has been become coming to work in a leadership role with McGill Restoration and helping grow the company into new industries and new markets.
Tell us a little about your family. – I’m very blessed to be married to my lovely wife Sheila for the past 20 years. We both happened to grow up in Columbus, NE, but we didn’t start dating until we were both living in Lincoln and going to school at UNL. We have two wonderful children: Cassidy (16) and Cole (12). I am still fortunate to have both my parents and my two brothers and one sister alive and well and still living in Columbus.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – Anything outside – golfing, hunting, fishing, sporting events, taking a drive and even just cleaning out the garage!
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? – I enjoy officiating high school football and basketball. Keeps me involved with sports!
What are you the most proud of? – My family. My wife and kids have been through a lot over the past two decades and they are just very solid people and keep me grounded.
What local non-profit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? – Since working for McGill Restoration, I’ve been involved with the Make a Wish Foundation and it’s such a great organization. They really do a great job in making someone’s dreams come to life!
What is your favorite local restaurant? – Fuzzy’s Taco Shop.
If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? – I would want to have a dinner, cigar and a good scotch with John Wayne.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – Please feel free to give me a call at (402) 547-8574, email me at dcielocha@mcigllrestoration.com, or visit our website at www.mcgillrestoration.com.