Rick Bainbridge Crew is a veteran construction professional with more than 40 years of hands-on experience in home remodelling and project leadership.
Raised in Buffalo, New York, he grew up in a devout Catholic family with over a century of history in the building trade. From an early age, he learned that quality work and personal responsibility go hand in hand.
Rick earned his bachelor’s degree from the State University of New York at Buffalo, where he also played college basketball. The discipline and teamwork he developed on the court later shaped his approach to business. In 1996, he moved to Charlotte, North Carolina, where he helped build and lead one of the city’s most recognised design-build remodelling firms.
Under his leadership, the company became known for its in-house design team, strong operations, and consistent workmanship. It earned multiple industry honours, including Charlotte Chamber Entrepreneur of the Year and Remodeler of the Year across North Carolina and the Southeast. Rick closed the business in 2016 after selling its remodelling centre.
In 2018, he founded RCB Construction Management with a simpler, more personal model. Rick prepares every estimate and supervises every project himself. His work focuses on kitchens, bathrooms, additions, sunrooms, and outdoor living spaces. Outside of work, Rick enjoys opera, travel, antique cars, Italian food, and supporting charities such as St Jude and the V Foundation. He is known for steady leadership, practical judgement, and respect for the craft.
A Conversation with Rick Bainbridge Crew
Q: Let’s start at the beginning. How did you first get into construction?
I grew up around it. My family has been in the building industry for more than 100 years. It was never presented as something glamorous. It was just honest work. I saw early on that your reputation followed you, and that stuck with me.
Q: You also played college basketball. Did that influence your career?
Very much so. I played basketball at SUNY Buffalo while earning my degree. Basketball teaches discipline and teamwork. You learn quickly that you can’t succeed on your own. Construction is the same. Everyone has a role, and timing matters.
Q: Why did you move to Charlotte in 1996?
Charlotte was growing fast. I saw opportunity there. The housing market was expanding, and people wanted quality remodelling, not shortcuts. It felt like the right place to build something long term.
Q: You went on to lead a major remodelling firm. What defined that period?
We focused on structure and systems early. We built an in-house design-build team with AutoCAD designers, production staff, HR, and marketing. That allowed better control. Over time, the company earned several awards. But what mattered most was consistency.
Q: You closed that business in 2016. Why step away?
After decades of long hours, I needed a pause. I sold the remodelling centre and took time off. I didn’t plan to start again. But people kept calling me, asking for help with projects. That told me something.
Q: That led to RCB Construction Management in 2018. What is different this time?
It’s simpler. I do every estimate myself. I supervise every project personally. There’s less overhead and fewer layers. Homeowners know exactly who they’re dealing with. After 40 years, I know that oversight prevents problems.
Q: What kinds of projects do you focus on now?
Mostly kitchens, bathrooms, additions, sunrooms, decks, and patios. These are spaces people use every day. Mistakes there are costly and stressful. My job is to reduce that risk.
Q: What changes have you seen in the industry over the years?
There’s more speed and less patience. Some builders rush. Others lack experience but take on complex work. That creates problems. Construction isn’t something you learn overnight.
Q: How do you define leadership in your work?
Leadership is showing up. It’s doing what you said you would do. It’s being accountable when something goes wrong. You don’t need speeches. You need consistency.
Q: What guides your decisions today?
At this stage, I choose projects that fit my values. I care about craftsmanship and clear communication. If those aren’t present, nothing else works.
Q: How do you balance work and life now?
I enjoy opera, travel, antique cars, and Italian food. I stay active and follow basketball and the Buffalo Bills. I also support charities like St Jude and the V Foundation. Balance matters more now than ever.
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Lessons from the Site: Rick Bainbridge Crew Speaks
