Rick Bainbridge Crews is a seasoned construction professional with over 40 years of practical experience in home remodeling 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 construction business. From an early age, he learned that quality work and personal responsibility go hand in hand.
Rick earned a 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 create and lead one of the city's most recognized design-build remodeling firms.
Under his leadership, the company became known for its in-house design team, strong operations and consistent workmanship. It earned numerous industry honors, including Charlotte Chamber Entrepreneur of the Year and Remodeler of the Year in North Carolina and the Southeast. Rick closed the business in 2016 after selling his remodeling center.
In 2018, he founded RCB Construction Management with a simpler, more personal model. Rick prepares each estimate and supervises each project himself. His work focuses on kitchens, bathrooms, extra rooms, sunrooms and outdoor living spaces. Outside of work, Rick enjoys opera, traveling, antique cars, Italian food, and supporting charities such as St. Jude and the V Foundation. He is known for steady leadership, practical decisions and respect for the arts.
A Conversation with the Rick Bainbridge Crew
Question: Let's start from the beginning. How did you first get into construction?
I grew up around it. My family has been in the building industry for over 100 years. It was never presented as anything glamorous. It was just an act of honesty. I saw from the beginning that your reputation followed you, and it stuck with me.
Q: You also played college basketball. Did it affect your career?
very much so. I played basketball at SUNY Buffalo while earning my degree. Basketball teaches discipline and teamwork. You quickly learn that you cannot succeed alone. The construction is the same. Everyone has a role and timing matters.
Q: Why did you move to Charlotte in 1996?
Charlotte was growing rapidly. I saw an opportunity there. The housing market was expanding, and people wanted quality remodeling, not shortcuts. It felt like the right place to build something long-term.
Q: You went on to lead a major remodeling firm. What defined that period?
We focused on structure and systems early on. We created an in-house design-build team with AutoCAD designers, production staff, HR and marketing. This made better control possible. Over time, the company has earned many awards. But what mattered most was consistency.
Q: You closed that business in 2016. Why did you move away?
After decades of long hours, I needed a break. I sold the remodeling center and took some time off. I didn't plan to start again. But people kept calling me, asking for help with projects. This told me something.
Question: This led to RCB construction management in 2018. What's different this time?
It is more simple. I make every estimate myself. I personally monitor each project. It has less overhead and fewer layers. Homeowners know exactly who they are dealing with. After 40 years, I know that inspections prevent problems.
Q: What types of projects do you focus on now?
Most kitchens, bathrooms, extra rooms, sunrooms, decks and patios. These are places that people use every day. Mistakes there are costly and stressful. My job is to minimize that risk.
Q: What changes have you seen in the industry over the past few years?
There is more speed and less patience in this. Some builders hurry. Others lack experience but perform complex tasks. This creates problems. Construction is not something you learn overnight.
Q: How do you define leadership in your work?
Leadership is visible. It's doing what you said you would do. This is to be accountable if something goes wrong. You don't need speeches. You need consistency.
Q: What guides your decisions today?
At this stage, I choose projects that align with my values. I care about craftsmanship and clear communication. If they don't exist, 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 now more than ever.