Author: steph olson

Safety: All In, All Day, All Year

Posted on by steph olson

It’s Construction Safety Week, but we build on safety every day, every week.  

At Ronco Construction, safety isn’t just a program — it’s our culture. It’s how we plan, how we build, and how we take care of each other.

As we recognize Construction Safety Week 2025, we’re proud to stand behind this year’s theme: All In Together: Plan. Own. Commit. Its message reflects the way we approach our work — by planning with intention, taking individual responsibility, and committing to excellence that protects our people and our projects.

Safety IS the Plan

Behind every successful project is a solid plan — and at Ronco, safety leads the way. We begin every project with a thoughtful, intentional review that considers every aspect of the job. Before a shovel ever hits the ground, our operations teams have dotted the I’s and crossed the T’s on everything from onsite signage and emergency action plans to site logistics and staff training. We design every touchpoint to reduce risk and keep crews focused and prepared.

We believe high-performance teams don’t just happen. It starts by hiring the best — people with heart and hustle who commit to the way we work. And then it’s strong planning, shared goals and a deep care for people.

“At the root of it, all of us care about people,” explains Mike Langford, Ronco’s Chief Operating Officer and Safety Director. “If you care about people, you want them to go home to their family and friends every single day.”

That care drives our approach. Safety isn’t a side objective — it’s a direct investment in physical health, mental wellbeing, and jobsite performance.

“We have a unique opportunity in safety to impact people’s lives and improve them — not just monetarily, but day to day,” Langford adds.

Everyone Plays a Part

At Ronco, we empower every team member to take ownership in their role of keeping our sites safe. Safety isn’t just us checking boxes, we commit to it. And that accountability starts on day one.

“From the first day of onboarding, our first four hours is dedicated 100% to sharing our culture and safety program regardless of their role in the company. Everyone gets the same introduction, so they see how important it is and how it’s engrained in our culture,” Langford said.

We don’t believe in top-down directives. Leadership presence is essential, but real safety culture is built peer to peer— by employees who hold one another accountable, speak up, and stay engaged on the job.

“Our culture empowers everyone to see something, say something — not wait,” Langford explains. “It’s safety by influence, not just instruction.”

What Safety Means at Ronco

Safety is the standard. It’s not just what we do — it’s who we are. Because when our people are safe, our projects succeed. Our partners thrive. And our clients get the quality and care they expect. We build with intention, because we know what’s on the line. And that commitment to safety? It’s not just for Safety Week.

We’re all in. All day. All year. And we build better because of it.

Affordable Housing: The Missing Middle

Posted on by steph olson

How Build-to-Rent communities are filling the gap.

The demand for affordable housing has never been higher. Across the U.S., more than 11 million renters spend over half their income on rent. For many, homeownership remains out of reach due to rising prices and high interest rates. And the supply of affordable housing continues to lag — the national housing shortage is estimated at 3.9 million. That’s why build-to-rent (BTR) communities have emerged to bridge the gap.

Unlike traditional single-family rentals, BTR neighborhoods are purpose-built for renters, offering the stability of a home without the financial barriers to ownership. But bringing these projects to market isn’t without challenges.

At Ronco, we’ve been leaders in multi-family construction across the Midwest. Our experience and expertise help developers navigate the complexities of BTR to deliver high-quality, cost-effective communities.

Why BTR Works for the Affordable Housing Crisis

Build-to-rent communities provide many benefits of homeownership — private yards, garages, community and high-quality amenities — without requiring individuals to purchase the home. These communities offer long-term rental stability, attracting residents who want the comfort of a single-family lifestyle while maintaining flexibility. But it’s not just about filling the housing needs — it’s about building a community. Successful BTR developments understand this. Residents are looking for more than four walls. They want a neighborhood, walkability, shared amenities and green spaces — amenities to enhance their experience (which ultimately boosts long-term retention).

  • Rental demand is skyrocketing: The single-family rental sector, which BTR is a subset, is the second-largest rental housing type at 31.2%, accounting for 14.2 million households.
  • BTR projects offer long-term stability: Annual apartment turnover is 40 to 50% whereas BTR renters are staying longer with less than 40% turnover.  
  • Developers benefit from predictable returns: BTR occupancy rates remain strong, with a 6% vacancy rate in some markets.

However, while the demand is there, delivering BTR at scale has its challenges.

Navigating the Challenges from the General Contractor’s Perspective

1. Zoning and Municipal Hurdles

Many local governments lack zoning frameworks that accommodate BTR communities. In Omaha, Neb., BTR is still relatively new, with one of the first communities, Aerie Blue Sage, under construction currently. Unlike traditional multi-family apartments, BTR developments can fall into regulatory gray areas — requiring special approvals, rezoning or new ordinances. A reputable GC who’s familiar with potential challenges can provide expertise and guidance to streamline this process.  

2. Construction Costs and Supply Chain Issues

The rising cost of materials and labor has had a significant impact on construction projects in recent years. Lumber alone spiked by nearly 130% in recent years. But when you bring a general contractor into the project at the onset, they can help by identifying long lead items upfront or providing value engineering suggestions early on. It also helps when you partner with a contractor who’s built over 5,000 multi-family units over the last 10 years.

3. Designing for Long-Term Efficiency

Unlike for-sale homes, BTR projects must be built for durability and low-maintenance operation. Developers must consider lifecycle costs, tenant retention and operating expenses. Partnering with a general contractor who has experience evaluating initial and long-term costs can make all the difference. Getting that data and comparisons upfront helps you make informed and data-driven decisions.

4. Subcontractor Balance

Built-to-rent communities range from 200 to 400 units. It’s critical for the general contractor to identify the correct balance of subcontractors to complete the project. Do you find one partner to manage the entire scope? Or do you find multiple and break scopes into right-sized packages? It’s a balance of competitive pricing so the budget is achievable with the resources to deliver the project as scheduled.

“Build-to-rent projects give trade partners an opportunity to experience the commercial side of construction while still applying the same skills and expertise they’ve mastered in residential work,” said Stephanie Yeager, Industry Engagement Manager at Ronco Construction.

The need for affordable housing isn’t going away — and BTR is proving to be a viable, scalable solution. But success in this sector requires the right partners who understand the cost and construction challenges involved. Partnering with a general contractor like Ronco, who knows the market and the community, can bring projects to completion faster, smarter and more efficiently.

Ronco Gives Goes from Barbie to G.I. Joe

Posted on by steph olson

Ronco Construction launches their 2025 Ronco Gives initiative — the Camo Commander.

At Ronco Construction, giving back isn’t just something we do — it’s part of who we are. Through Ronco Gives, our philanthropic program, we dedicate our efforts to causes that matter. And in 2025, that cause is supporting veterans and the nonprofit organizations that serve them.

Taking a page from our 2024 campaign, the Pink Chariot that supported Chariots4Hope, we’re hitting the streets again. This time with a decked-out K5 Blazer — the Camo Commander. And we’ve teamed up with 50 Mile March to raise awareness for their organization and efforts to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those who’ve served our country.

“Giving back has been part of Ronco Construction since day one,” says Zak Olsen, Ronco’s second-generation president. “We’re honored to support organizations like 50 Mile March who do so much for those who’ve served our country.”

The Camo Commander Hits the Road

The Camo Commander isn’t just a catchy name — it’s a full-blown mission. Picture this: the K5 Blazer, wrapped in bold camouflage, rolling through town to spread awareness for veteran support. This isn’t just any vehicle; it’s a symbol of our commitment to giving back. And we want the entire community to get involved.

When you see the Camo Commander cruising through town, don’t just admire it — join the mission. We’re inviting everyone to participate in our See. Snap. Share. campaign:

Then follow Ronco Construction on social for a chance to see your snap highlighted. Every picture shared amplifies our mission and brings more attention to the organizations making a real difference like 50 Mile March.

Every Mile Matters

The 50 Mile March foundation empowers veterans facing mental health challenges and homelessness by fostering a community of hope and relentless support. For every 1,000 veterans, eight are homeless. And 22 veterans die by suicide per day, with less than 50% receiving the mental health treatment they deserve. That’s why each year, 50 Mile March and a select group of walkers march from the State Capitol in Lincoln, Neb. to Omaha — 50 miles. This year the mission is Operation Home Base and is August 23-24, 2025.

Veterans have given so much for our country, and it’s our turn to give back. 50 Mile March works tirelessly to support veteran services, and through this initiative, we’re honored to stand beside them. Their dedication, efforts and hard work goes directly toward programs that provide housing, mental health support, and resources for veterans transitioning to civilian life.

Let’s drive change — one mile, one mission and one snap at a time.

OneWorld Community Health Center Breaks Ground on Career and Training Facility

Posted on by steph olson

A new healthcare workforce training center in South Omaha officially breaks ground.

The groundbreaking ceremony for OneWorld Community Health Center’s new career and training center in Omaha, Neb. is Friday, March 21, 2025 at the project site located at 4920 S. 30th Street, Omaha, NE 68107. Construction is planned to be completed by October 2026.

“Today marks the first step in an exciting journey for the Omaha community,” said John Culver, Ronco’s project manager for the project. “We’re honored to partner with OneWorld on another project that has a lasting impact on the community.”

Speakers highlighted the vital role of community health centers in supporting the health and well-being of those in need. As Andrea Skolkin put it best, “We’re not only breaking ground but breaking barriers too.” It’s an honor to contribute to a project that makes a meaningful impact on our community.

The OneWorld Career and Training Center is a 30,000 SF, three-story mixed use building located across the street from the OneWorld Community Health Centers Livestock Exchange Health Campus. The first floor provides care for infants through Pre-K, featuring two infant rooms, two toddler rooms, two preschool rooms, office space, restrooms, breakrooms, storage, and a kitchen. The second floor serves as a hub for workforce training and development in various healthcare professions, offering a large 1,710 SF training room, a 741 SF learning lab, two smaller classrooms, storage, office space, and restrooms. The third floor focuses on outpatient behavioral health and administrative functions, with three large group therapy spaces, two consultation rooms, 15 private offices, and additional support spaces.

With Ronco Construction as the general contractor, OneWorld has assembled the following partners for the project including Blair Freeman, Leo A Daly and Lamp Rynearson.

Delivering a Seamless Tenant Improvement Project

Posted on by steph olson

How Partnering with a Core and Shell Contractor for Tenant Improvement Saves Time and Money

When Salty Dog Bar & Grill planned its second location in Omaha, Nebraska, the goal was clear: get the restaurant open as efficiently as possible. So, they started looking and found a not-yet-constructed building at MH Landing off 72nd and Grover Streets that was the perfect fit. Ronco Construction was contracted as the construction partner to build the core and shell building already. And with the in-depth knowledge and onsite presence, the team was in a prime position to transition straight into the tenant improvement phase for Salty Dog — eliminating downtime, streamlining communication, and maximizing cost savings.

“Jimmy and Keith have been great, and Ronco has done a fantastic job,” said Brian Cadwallader, Salty Bar & Grill owner. “I plan on using Ronco for all of our future builds moving forward.”

A Head Start: Eliminating Downtime

One of the biggest advantages of keeping Ronco on board for both the core and shell and tenant improvement phases was momentum. The project team was already mobilized, familiar with the site, and fully engaged with the project’s schedule and needs. That meant instead of waiting for the core and shell to be fully completed before starting interior work, construction on the restaurant could begin immediately.

For Salty Dog, that meant critical work — like plumbing and electrical rough-ins — were completed before the concrete slab was poured. In contrast, a separate contractor would have had to cut into an already finished slab from the original core and shell project to install underground utilities, adding unnecessary time and cost to the project. By keeping the team consistent, Salty Dog’s build-out moved forward without this kind of delay.

A Trusted Partnership: Seamless Execution

This wasn’t the first time Ronco had partnered with the developer, MH Hospitality. In fact, it was the fourth successful project together. That existing relationship meant processes were already established, communication was second nature, and expectations were clear from day one.

With a shared history of delivering quality projects, there was no learning curve or disconnect between stakeholders. Everyone knew how to work together efficiently, making decisions faster and keeping construction on track.

“When you work with the same team over multiple projects, everything becomes smoother — fewer RFIs, faster approvals. And there’s a shared commitment to getting things done right,” explains Jimmy Esola, the project manager for both projects. “That kind of trust and familiarity is a game-changer.”

Cost-Effective from Start to Finish

Beyond saving time, keeping Ronco on board for both phases was also a smart financial move. Combining core and shell with tenant improvement helped reduce duplicate costs, including:

  • Builder’s insurance: No need for an additional policy, since the project remained under the same general contractor
  • MEP work: Integrate mechanical, electrical, and plumbing rough-ins early, avoiding costly rework.
  • Mobilization costs: No extra fees for setting up a new team — Ronco was already on-site and ready to go.

By streamlining resources and minimizing redundancy, Salty Dog’s project maximized efficiency. Plus, they kept expenses in check — ensuring they could invest more in what mattered most: delivering a great experience for their customers.

Understanding Construction Project Delivery Methods

Posted on by steph olson

A Guide to Design-Bid-Build, Design Assist/CMR, and Design-Build Delivery Methods

Choosing the right construction project delivery method is one of the most critical decisions a developer or property owner can make. With various approaches available, it’s important to understand the differences between them and how each can impact the timeline, budget, and overall success of a project. From the traditional design-bid-build model to the more integrated design-build approach, learn about three of the most common construction delivery methods to help you make an informed choice for your next project.

The Traditional Approach

Design-bid-build (DBB) is the most conventional and widely used construction delivery method — often referred to as the traditional approach. With this method, the design and construction phases are separate. Design first. Build second. The owner contracts separately with an architect (the design). Once design is complete, the project is sent out for bids, and a contractor is selected.

In this delivery approach, the lines are very clear about who does what. The architect is responsible for the design, while the contractor handles the construction. This delineation ensures clarity and accountability at each stage of the project. While clarity is crucial for any construction project, this method can have a couple of downsides. One, it can take longer. Design must be final before starting the process of finding the contractor. Two, there’s the potential for higher costs.  When a contractor isn’t involved early on in the process, design modifications may be necessary based on their expertise once construction begins.

A Collaborative Approach

Design assist or construction manager at risk (CMR) is a more collaborative approach that brings the contractor into the project early. The construction project team is working alongside the design team to manage costs and schedules. And they’re sharing their experience and expertise from the very beginning.

This early input can result in better cost control, more accurate scheduling, and fewer surprises once construction begins. It also promotes a very collaborative environment, fostering better communication between all project stakeholders. These can ultimately lead to more informed (and better) decision-making. It’s particularly effective for complex projects. Early contractor insight into constructability and material selection can make or break the project.

An Integrated Approach

Known as design-build (DB), this integrated project delivery method is where the owner contracts with one entity to manage both design and construction. This can be with a firm who has design services on staff or with a general contractor who outsources to a design partner. This reduces the risk of miscommunication or conflicts between the design and construction teams because it’s one group and primary point of contact. This streamlined approach offers efficiency and accountability.

By combining design and construction under one umbrella, the DB method can shorten the project timeline. Design and construction phases can overlap, so construction can begin before the final design. Another benefit is the project is typically delivered on a more predictable schedule and budget since the designer and builder are aligned from the start. This minimizes the risk of cost overruns and delays.

Selecting the best construction delivery method for your project depends on a lot of factors. Budget, timeline, complexity, and desired level of involvement in the process all have an impact. Do you want clear separation between design and construction knowing it might take longer? Or maybe you’re looking for a way to foster collaboration and speedier delivery? By understanding these methods, you can choose the approach that ensures your project is completed successfully, on your timeline and within your budget.