Meet James Bouckaert, senior estimator and project manager at McGill Restoration.
Tell us a little about your business. – We are the premier concrete and masonry restoration contractor in the Midwest. Most often, we work on bridges, buildings, and parking structures. We also have a focus on industrial/utility facilities where we can apply different types of specialty chemical resistant coatings and perform repairs on the concrete infrastructure at those facilities that keep cities running. Over the past decades, McGill Restoration (www.mcgillrestoration.com) has worked for many of Nebraska’s most notable companies and continues to see geographical growth with projects and clients.
How did you get started in the business? – I first started off in the construction field doing parking lot painting, through which I met the owner of McGill Restoration, Tim McGill. Once I graduated from college, I asked Tim if he had any openings. I first started as a general laborer and worked my way into a management role.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? – Communicating with clients can be a challenge as everyone has different schedules, preferences, styles, etc., but transparency is very important.
What has been your most important achievement professionally? – Moving into a management role at McGill. I’m proud to help lead such a dedicated team and carry out projects that satisfy our clients’ expectations.
Tell us a little about your family. – We are a family of three! My wife and I have one son.
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? – The passing of my father and grandpa.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – Golfing!
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? – I’m left footed.
Who inspires you? – My father. He was the hardest working person I have ever met and gave his kids every opportunity to succeed. He sent us to private education because he could not afford it when he was a child.
What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? – Hope is not a strategy. Your only success is at the time you perform a successful act. Then, you must repeat it.
If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? – Restorative.
If you had a theme song, what would it be? – “Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor.
What local nonprofit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? – Habitat for Humanity. It’s nice to give to the less fortunate and provide stable communities within the Omaha metropolitan area.
What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? – Emotional Intelligence by Daniel Goleman.
What is your favorite movie? – Argo.
What is your favorite TV show? – Engineering Disasters.
What is your favorite local restaurant? – Charleston’s Restaurant.
If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? – Michael Jordan.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – (402) 558-7989; jbouckaert@mcgillrestoration.com; www.mcgillrestoration.com.