Rick Bainbridge Crew is an experienced construction professional with more than 40 years of hands-on experience in home remodeling and project management.
Raised in Buffalo, New York, he was raised in a devout Catholic family with over a century of experience in the construction industry. He learned early on that quality work and personal responsibility go hand in hand.
Rick earned his 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 field later shaped his approach to business. In 1996, he moved to Charlotte, North Carolina, where he helped establish and manage one of the city’s most prominent design-build remodeling firms.
Under his leadership, the company became known for its in-house design team, strong operations, and consistent craftsmanship. It has received several industry awards, 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 provides each estimate and oversees each project himself. His work focuses on kitchens, bathrooms, additions, sunrooms and outdoor living spaces. Outside of work, Rick enjoys opera, traveling, vintage cars, Italian food, and supporting charities such as St. Jude and the V Foundation. He is known for his steady leadership, practical judgment and respect for the craft.
A conversation with Rick Bainbridge Crew
Q: Let’s start at the beginning. How did you get into the construction industry?
I grew up with it. My family has been in the construction industry for more than 100 years. It was never presented as something glamorous. It was just honest work. I noticed early on that your reputation followed you, and that has stayed with me.
Q: You also played college basketball. Has that influenced your career?
Very much so. I played basketball at SUNY Buffalo during college. Basketball teaches discipline and teamwork. You quickly learn that you cannot be successful alone. The structure is the same. Everyone has a role and timing is important.
Q: Why did you move to Charlotte in 1996?
Charlotte grew quickly. I saw it as an opportunity. The housing market was expanding and people wanted quality remodels, not shortcuts. It seemed like the right place to build something long-term.
Q: You later ran a large remodeling company. What defined this period?
We focused on structure and systems early on. We have built an internal design-build team including AutoCAD designers, production staff, HR and marketing. This allowed for better control. Over time the company received several awards. But the most important thing was consistency.
Q: You closed the business in 2016. Why should you retire?
After decades of long hours, I needed a break. I sold the conversion center and took some time off. I wasn’t planning on starting again. But people kept calling me and asking for help with projects. That said something to me.
Q: That led to RCB Construction Management in 2018. What’s different this time?
It’s easier. I make every estimate myself. I supervise every project personally. There is less overhead and fewer shifts. Homeowners know exactly who they are dealing with. After 40 years I know that supervision prevents problems.
Q: What type of projects are you currently focusing on?
Mainly kitchens, bathrooms, extensions, conservatories, patios and patios. These are spaces that people use every day. Mistakes there are costly and stressful. My job is to reduce this risk.
Q: What changes have you seen in the industry over the years?
There is more speed and less patience. Some builders are hurrying up. Others lack experience but take on complex work. That creates problems. You don’t learn to build overnight.
Q: How do you define leadership in your work?
Leadership shows. It’s about doing what you said you would do. It’s about taking responsibility when something goes wrong. You don’t need any speeches. You need consistency.
Q: What guides your decisions today?
In this phase, I select projects that align with my values. I care about craftsmanship and clear communication. If these are not there, nothing else will work.
Q: How do you balance work and personal life now?
I like opera, traveling, vintage 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 is more important today than ever.
