River City Six: Ben Russell

McGill Restoration Inc. (www.mcgillrestoration.comhas been in business since 1985, and is a recognized industry leader in the rehabilitation and preservation of concrete and masonry structures throughout the U.S. Ben Russell is the Vice President of Operations at McGill Restoration.

Tell us a little about your business.

We specialize in restoration and work on many different types of projects. There are four different sectors to our business: Industrial, Infrastructure, Parking Garages/Stadiums, and Masonry. The jobs we perform include tasks like waterproofing, establishing structural concrete, industrial blasting and painting, caulking and epoxy injection, and faux finishes, just to name a few.

How did you get started in the business?

Right out of high school I started working for my uncle doing footings, foundations, and concrete flatwork. After a few years of that I started my own company pumping concrete. I was in business for myself for 11 years and McGill Restoration was one of my best clients.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally?

Transitioning from the field to the office. I have always been very hands-on and to step back and let the guys in the field do the work was hard.

What has been your most important achievement professionally?

It’s tough to choose between winning awards on projects I’ve managed that I’m very proud of and being promoted to the position I’m in now.

Tell us a little about your family.

I have been married to my best friend for 18 years now and we have seven children, four boys and three girls.

What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life?

When I started working at McGill Restoration. At the time the housing market was crashing. Most of my work was residential and it was very difficult to get contractors to pay. I went to Tim McGill to see if he was hiring and he offered me a job on the spot. With the way the market was going and a growing family to provide for I was extremely thankful for the opportunity.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off?

Hang out with the family or go hunting or fishing.

What are you the most proud of?

The work ethic I see in my kids. It’s a proud moment when people tell you how hard your kids work without you even asking about it.

If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be?

Dedicated.

If you had a theme song, what would it be?

Free Fallin’ by Tom Petty.

If you could have a super power, what would it be?

To see into the future.

Which talent would you most like to have?

Photographic memory.

What is your favorite movie?

American Sniper.

What is your favorite TV show?

Seinfeld.

What is your favorite local restaurant?

Roja.

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so?

Phone: (402) 558-7989; Email: brussell@mcgillrestoration.com; Website: www.mcgillrestoration.com.