STEVE GELS  ·  Project Executive

What does “Beyond What’s Expected” mean to you?
To me, it’s about stepping up and finding ways to add value beyond just completing the job. It’s not just meeting deadlines or hitting milestones, it’s about thinking ahead, solving problems proactively, and mentoring the next generation.

Can you tell us about your career journey and how you got to where you are today?
My career has taken a few turns over the years. After 8 years in Construction Management at Macy’s, I transitioned to Bass Pro Shops, but the economic downturn in 2009 pushed me into public-sector work with a municipality near my hometown, Dayton, Ohio. In 2010 one of our initial Macy’s reps, Tony Riese, introduced me to Mike Buch. After a great conversation with Mike and Carl, I joined Buch managing Macy’s projects. My first projects were at Tyson’s Corner, and I quickly found myself traveling up and down the East Coast to serve clients wherever I was needed.

Can you tell us about some of the projects that shaped your career?
One of the most significant was the five-year renovation of Bloomingdale’s 59th Street store in New York. That project involved remodeling eight of the ten floors and laid the foundation for Buch’s New York office. It was an exciting time, as we didn’t have satellite offices then, so we just went wherever the work took us. Now, I’ve transitioned to the Southeast, where I’ve worked on projects like Macy’s at Riverchase Galleria and a wellness facility renovation at Auburn University.

What’s the biggest difference between working on a project in Alabama and one in New York City?
The biggest differences are the pace and logistics. In New York City, everything moves at lightning speed, with tight spaces, complex permits, and constant traffic to navigate. Alabama, on the other hand, offers a more laid-back environment with more open space. That said, our project at Auburn University has felt surprisingly similar to Manhattan—with limited parking and laydown areas, just missing the skyscrapers! 

What excites you most about this new role as Project Executive?   
I’m excited to step into a mentorship role and help guide the next generation of construction professionals. I’ve learned so much from my experiences—whether it was navigating tight urban spaces in Manhattan or developing strong client relationships—and I want to share those lessons with younger team members.

What do you enjoy about living and working in the Southeast?
The Southeast has so much to offer—beautiful lakes, a longer golf season, and a slower pace of life compared to places like Maryland or New York. I enjoy spending time on the lake with my wife. Alabama’s network of lakes is incredible, and it’s a great way to relax and recharge outside of work.