River City Six: Brett Wasko
Talon Steel Buildings (facebook.com/TalonSteelBuildings) is a general contractor specializing in all-steel pre-engineered buildings. Brett Wasko is a Project Manager at Talon Steel Buildings.
Tell us a little about your business.
Talon Steel Buildings provides a uniquely different approach to the traditional building process. The company was started in 2011 with the concept: “Whatever your perfect building is, we can build it.” From design to completion, our team can build your dream building. With over 30+ years of construction experience, no job is too big or too small.
How did you get started in the business?
I’ve kind of grown up in the construction industry in one form or another. Through college I worked for a custom home builder in northeast Georgia, where I worked on the framing and painting crews. I’ve built custom cabinetry for large homes in Atlanta and done commercial electrical as well. No matter the business or industry, my responsibility has increased, so I guess you could say that I’ve be moving towards the project management role for some time. Over the past 4-5 years, I’ve held positions with the official title. It started out as design and remodel work for a few local investors. I was able to grow their business from 20 properties to over 60. However, prior to that I did case management in both the private and government sectors. The two fields are very similar. I’ve been with Talon since March 2017 and love being here.
What has been your most important achievement professionally?
Passing the National Home Inspector Examination. In 2014 I took the 200-question test at the conclusion of my Home Inspection training. This was a huge accomplishment and has allowed me to become a member of ASHI (American Society of Home Inspectors).
Tell us a little about your family.
I’m married with 4 children and two dogs (boxers).
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off?
While I do not have too many of these that don’t involve children, I would say playing a round of golf.
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know?
During college I spent 7 weeks trekking in the Indian Himalayas. We reached elevations of 17,200 ft. during our hikes. I’ve actually had the privilege of traveling to India a total of 3 times, and during each I was honored to work with some amazing people.
What are you the most proud of?
I’m currently working on a Master’s degree in Project Management. Once completed this will be a proud moment for me. I am also very proud of my children.
What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily work life?
In high school I taught myself how to play the bass guitar. I have never used this skill on the job site or in the office.
What local non-profit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why?
My family and I are big proponents of our local church. We attend First Free and love the community we have there. We also support Tiny Hands International, an organization that combats human trafficking and is on the front lines rescuing lives from that horrible industry. Animal rescues are important to us as well, and we’ve rescued and fostered.
What is your favorite local restaurant?
I love a good hamburger, so my favorite local joint has to be Honest Abe’s. If you’re in Lincoln, give it a try!
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so?
Email: brett.talonsteel@gmail.com; Office: (402) 937-5937; Facebook: facebook.com/TalonSteelBuildings.