Star City 6: Troy Bridgford
Ironhide Construction, Inc. (www.ironhideconstruction.com) was founded in 2008 and specializes in commercial and industrial construction. With a reputation throughout the Midwest for providing quality buildings and genuine service at a reasonable price, the locally owned and operated company prides itself on providing expert advice, skilled craftsmanship and top notch construction management. Troy Bridgford is the President of Ironhide Construction, Inc.
Tell us a little about your business. – Ironhide Construction is a Lincoln-based company specializing in all things metal. We do a lot of work in partnership with Chief Metal Buildings out of Grand Island, NE. In addition to pre-engineered metal buildings, we also erect small structural steel projects in and around the Lincoln area. One of our little known specialties is structural restoration projects, where we team up with structural engineers to take structures that have failed and restore them to safe and proper working order. Ironhide Construction also completes many other types of projects including standing seam metal roofing and architectural metal wall panels. In fact, Ironhide Construction has teamed up with another Lincoln-based business, Metalworks, to create our own line of custom architectural metal wall panels. Our leadership team also includes Vice Presidents Jeff Wolgamott and Chris Kyhn.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? – I’d say getting into a project where we knew from the beginning that we had underbid. In this situation we just had to put on our big boy pants and still turn out a quality project knowing full well that we wouldn’t be making any money from it.
What has been your most important achievement professionally? – Creating a positive working environment where everyone gets along and truly enjoys their time at work.
Tell us a little about your family. – I am married to my beautiful wife Candice, who is a Speech Pathologist for Seward Public Schools. We have four children who range in age from 19 to 4 years old. We work very hard as parents to instill in them a strong work ethic and positive, loving attitudes.
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? – It would probably have to be when I got laid off from The Weitz Company during the recession. It was a time when there wasn’t any work available for people with my background as the commercial construction field had tanked. At that time my choices were to either move to another state in search of work or to keep my family in Lincoln and start a business. From that day forth we have never looked back.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – I love spending time with my family every chance I get. We enjoy camping, playing games, 4-wheeling, and working around the house. Beyond that I am a hobby blacksmith and it is something I really enjoy when I find time to do it.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? – Look at your failures as learning experiences and move on.
What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily work life? – I am ridiculously good at the game Memory.
Which talent would you most like to have? – The ability to multitask perfectly.
What is your favorite movie? – The Shawshank Redemption.
What is your favorite TV show? – Elementary.
What is your favorite local restaurant? – Honest Abe’s Burgers & Freedom.
If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? – Cain’s brother Abel.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – Call (402) 420-4961, email me at troy@ironhideconstruction.com, or visit our website at www.ironhideconstruction.com.
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