KEITH WARD · Project Manager

What does “Beyond What’s Expected” mean to you?
“Beyond What’s Expected” means caring about our coworkers, our projects, and our families and treating everyone with respect and professionalism. At the end of the day, you are remembered by the last thing you have done, so you should always make that the best.

What has been the most valuable lesson learned in the length of your career?
The most valuable lesson I have learned in my over 20+ years in the construction industry is to listen. My father taught me to learn something every day. This happens by listening to your peers and co-workers around you. You can’t be complacent and think you know everything, you should absorb what is happening in your environment and learn so you can grow from it. The world and our industry are constantly changing so we must adapt and change with it.

What do you like the most about working with Buch?
Buch is a family. They treat all their employees as people not just as a number. It is not about putting in your hours and showing a big profit. It is about treating the client right and building something that you are proud of.

If you had to choose one meal to eat for the rest of your life, what would it be?
The one meal I would choose is a Porterhouse steak, roasted potatoes, and steamed spinach with a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon.

What is one place you haven’t traveled to yet that is on your list?
I would love to travel to Ireland so I can learn about my Irish heritage and see where my grandparents came from.

What is the importance of sports in your life? And how do you think sports contributes to people’s lives?
Sports have played a big part in my life. It started as a youth athlete, playing football, hockey, and lacrosse and continued as an adult competing in triathlons and learning the limits of what the body can do. Sports were so important to me that I now coach my own kids in the same sports I played.

I believe sports have taught me teamwork, discipline, and compassion. Sports helps kids and adults develop lifelong friendships and traditions. I still meet up with teammates from my youth every year and go to a game. We talk about the old times, what our families are up to today and enjoy our time together. Sports have shown me that not every person is good at every sport, but that every kid should have the opportunity to try a variety of sports to find their niche.

How and when were you introduced to The League of Yes? 
I was introduced to The League of Yes through one of my closest friends and teammates, Michael O’Connell. Michael and I played hockey in college together at New York Institute of Technology, NYIT. Michael’s son, Mickie, has Down syndrome. As a huge sports fan, The League of Yes has given Mickie the opportunity to play baseball. Mickie also enjoys going to see his favorite NHL hockey team, the NY Islanders.

Why is it important for you to support The League of Yes? How can others get involved?
The League of Yes gives kids and people with special needs of all ages the opportunity to experience and enjoy the benefits of sport, specifically baseball. It aims to develop social skills and increase self-esteem. The organization believes that everyone deserves the chance to play baseball. People with special needs want to be involved just like you and me. We need to do whatever we can to help them be a part of our lives in every way. It is not just about access to fields and playgrounds. It is about being a part of the process and experiencing the joy and comradery that is shared by all of us through sport. The League of Yes gives anyone the opportunity to participate, donate and help kids and adults with special needs enjoy baseball.