NIC FLICKINGER · Senior Estimator

Tell us a little bit about what your role within the company is:
As an estimator, I assist the project management teams with bid and budget requests they receive. Along with my team, our focus is on the Interiors division. Subcontractor interactions, site visits, proposal scoping, and finalizing of pricing are just a few of the tasks that can be handled by the estimator assigned to the project.

What made you pursue a career as an Estimator?
Prior to working at Buch, I was in a career outside of construction. The Buch Family was gracious enough to offer me an opportunity in their company. I started out as a Project Engineer at AZ in Frederick before coming to the main office. My knowledge of construction began to expand working alongside other team members. I started to assist others with bids as well and then I was offered to fill an upcoming need as an estimator. It definitely was not a position I saw myself landing in when I first started but I truly love what I do.

What do you like the most about working with Buch?
The people. When I think of Buch, the word that immediately comes to mind is family. Everyone is very passionate about what they do and they support one another in their efforts to make sure that all are successful. It is a unique and amazing work environment, one that doesn’t exist many places. It’s a lot of hard work and a lot of laughs with a lot of great people!

What would you say has been your biggest accomplishment so far?
I would have to say being part of the team that helped to secure our first Erickson interiors project back in 2018. It was on of the bigger and more intricate interiors projects I had assisted with, and it involved detailed scopes, a lot of collaboration, and significant attention to detail. It was one of my first in-person interviews I had attended as well. It was a great team effort all around and I feel it was one of the first steps in growing a great partnership with Erickson Senior Living.

What is your main professional goal in the coming years?
I would like to continue to grow the estimating department for the Interiors team. As the company continues to grow, the number of pricing opportunities continues to expand. In order to better assist the Interiors division, it would be great to add to the estimating team to help meet the demand and exceed expectations.

What would be your best advice to the younger corporate generation?
Surround yourself with amazing people. Where I am in my life right now has been brought about by this statement. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the guidance, assistance, teachings, patience, and understanding of those around me.

What does “Beyond What’s Expected” mean to you?
From an estimating standpoint, providing as much valuable information as possible when providing a bid or budget. Whether it is providing a quick-ship option on a long lead item or providing an alternate way of doing something passed on subcontractor input or supplying a client with detailed takeoffs for budget pricing, it’s anything that can be done to differentiate Buch from other general contractors. The first steps we have with clients and initial interactions we have with pricing strategies help to lay the groundwork moving forward. Showing them early on ‘beyond what’s expected’ really helps to separate us as a company.

What does a typical day off look like for you?
I’m not sure I know what a typical day off looks like, lol! My kids are very busy with their activities and that consumes a lot of our time. Rudy is currently playing hockey and basketball; Josephine is learning to ice skate and has dance classes. The kids love playing with Legos too, so we spend a fair amount of time building things together. I try to squeeze in my ‘to-do’ list for things around the house and some golf time, as I am able. I love the time I get to be with my wife and kids.

If you had to choose one meal to eat for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Thanksgiving dinner!

Share some fun facts about you that most people don’t know:
>>> I don’t have a middle name.
>>> My only sibling, my sister, was born 2 years, 2 days, and 2 hours after me.
>>> I have played hockey with Mario Lemieux.