Rick Bainbridge Crew grew up in Buffalo, New York, in a family where building was a way of life. With more than 100 years of construction history behind him, he learned early that good work speaks for itself. Faith, discipline, and responsibility shaped his childhood, along with a love of basketball that stayed with him through college at the State University of New York at Buffalo.
In 1996, Rick moved to Charlotte, North Carolina, drawn by growth and possibility. Over the next two decades, he helped lead one of the region’s most respected design-build remodelling firms. The company became known for its in-house design team, strong systems, and consistent results. Industry awards followed, but Rick stayed focused on the work itself.
After closing that business in 2016, Rick stepped away from the industry. The break did not last long. People kept asking for his help. In 2018, he founded RCB Construction Management with a quieter, more personal approach. He now handles every estimate himself and supervises every project from start to finish.
Rick’s work centres on kitchens, bathrooms, additions, and outdoor spaces—areas that shape daily life. Outside of construction, he enjoys opera, antique cars, Italian food, travel, and staying active. He supports causes such as St Jude and the V Foundation. Known for his calm presence and steady judgement, Rick continues to build spaces—and a career—grounded in care, patience, and pride.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
I start early. I review project notes before emails. Mornings are for job sites and planning. Afternoons are for estimates and follow-ups. I stay productive by keeping my day simple and focused on what actually moves a project forward.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I start by listening. Most good ideas come from understanding how people live in their space. I sketch things out, walk the site, and test ideas against real use, not trends.
What’s one trend that excites you?
Practical design. People want homes that work better, not just look good. Storage, light, and flow matter more now.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
Writing things down. Every morning, I list the three things that must get done. Nothing else matters until those are handled.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Slow down. You don’t have to prove everything at once. Consistency beats speed.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?
Bigger teams don’t always mean better results. Smaller, accountable groups often do better work.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
Walk the space. Stand still. Notice what doesn’t work. Most answers are already there.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
I step away from the noise. I’ll go for a walk or clean something with my hands. Physical movement resets my thinking.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
Being present. I stayed involved in every phase of projects. That built trust and reduced mistakes.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
Early on, I trusted the wrong partners. It cost time and energy. I learned to value alignment over convenience.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
Offer short consultations with no pressure. People value honest guidance, even if they don’t hire you.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
AutoCAD. I use it to visualise problems early and avoid surprises later.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
Biographies. They remind me that long careers are built through setbacks, not shortcuts.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
Anything well-written and character-driven. Craft matters in storytelling, too.
Key learnings
- Consistency and personal involvement reduce long-term problems.
- Practical design choices often matter more than trends.
- Smaller teams with clear accountability can outperform larger ones.
- Slowing down can lead to better decisions and fewer mistakes.
- Paying attention to everyday frustrations reveals the best solutions.