Meet Wesley Leuck, the Chief Operating Officer at Schwisow Construction (schwisow.com).

Tell us a little about your business. – Schwisow Construction, Inc. is a General Contracting firm based in Lincoln, specializing in Commercial, Manufacturing and Industrial facilities. Founded in 1985, Schwisow Construction maintains a strong reputation of 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.

How did you get started in the business? – My journey to having a career in Commercial Construction was not a conventional one. My mentor taught me early on that every industry needs three things. Integrity, Vision, and Leadership. He also encouraged me to consider opportunities in various industries… as long as the company had the aforementioned traits. I have always been fascinated with the art AND the science of construction. I love how these two aspects consistently evolve, and are reliant on one another. Every successful project has a good balance of both science and art. I have been fortunate enough to have had some really great mentors in my career. One of my earliest mentors encouraged me to always have an open mind when it came to my career path. To always be open to new challenges.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? – Learning how to delegate. Early in my leadership journey, I had to learn how to trust in others and delegate key business tasks. I was working all of the time, and my family life was suffering. Over the years I learned that delegation is not pawning off tasks that you don’t want to do. Delegation is a great way to embrace development by empowering others, leaning into the individual strengths of team members…And being ok with the occasional failure or mistakes.

What has been your most important achievement professionally? – I get my energy from leading teams. I LOVE to develop people, as individuals AND as teams. Over the years, I have helped team members improve their quality of life by helping them prepare for opportunities to grow and advance. One of my mentors David E. Jackson used to say “Where preparation and opportunity meet, you have success” I have always felt strongly that opportunity happens for everyone- we just need to make sure that we are prepared for it. That’s where leaders come in.

What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? – A few years back, I lost two very close family members in a terrible auto accident. I had experienced loss before, but nothing like that. Nothing that close. They were both about enjoying the small things in life, and set a great example for all who knew them. From that day on, I have tried to honor them by living a more simple life, enjoying the smaller things every day. Spending more time helping others. I think they would be proud.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – Growing up on a farm, I learned to appreciate agriculture and gardening. I love what you can create when all of the right elements come together. I enjoy any activity outside, no matter the weather. I also have a passion for fly fishing- in secluded remote locations. It’s all about the drift!!

What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? – I love Blues and Jazz music. My favorite artist is Buddy Guy.

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – Email Wesley.Leuck@Schwisow.com or call (402) 477-8084.