Rick Bainbridge: Building Trust, Craft, and a Career That Lasts

A Steady Path Built on Craft—and Character

Some leaders rise fast. Others build slow, steady, and strong, brick by brick. Rick Bainbridge belongs to the second group. His story starts in Buffalo, New York. It moves through college basketball courts, family traditions, and decades of hands-on work. Today, he is known as the founder of RCB Construction Management and a respected voice in home remodeling.

“I never planned on having a company again,” he says. “But people kept calling, asking me to take on projects. After a while, I realized I was back in the game.”

This spotlight traces his journey—from a kid in Buffalo to a leader in Charlotte’s remodeling industry.

Early Life in Buffalo: Faith, Family, and Basketball

Rick grew up in Buffalo in a devout Catholic family with a long history in construction. Basketball shaped much of his early discipline. He played through high school, then continued at the State University of New York at Buffalo, where he earned his bachelor’s degree.

He often jokes that basketball helped him survive the construction world. “You learn teamwork, timing, and how to stay calm when things get tough,” he says. “That carries over to building homes more than people realize.”

From Buffalo to Charlotte: A New Beginning

In 1996, Rick moved to Charlotte, North Carolina. He brought with him more than a suitcase—he carried a century of family building tradition and years of job-site experience.

“When I arrived in Charlotte, I saw huge growth and huge opportunity,” he recalls. “I knew there was room to do things the right way.”

He joined the remodeling industry during a time of expansion. Over the years, he rose into leadership roles and eventually ran one of the city’s premier remodeling firms. The business became known for its design-build model, in-house AutoCAD team, and wide range of services.

“We were one of the first in the area to do full in-house design. It made projects smoother and more predictable,” he says.

Awards, Recognition, and a Memorable Jingle

Success came with recognition. His team’s work earned Charlotte Chamber Entrepreneur of the Year, North Carolina Remodeler of the Year, and Southeast Remodeler of the Year. They even created a commercial jingle Charlotte residents still remember.

Rick laughs when talking about it. “I’ll be at the grocery store and someone will hum it,” he says. “I guess that means it worked.”

A Pause—and a Return With a New Model

In 2016, after decades of long hours and industry growth, he closed his previous firm and sold the remodeling center. He took time off, unsure of his next move.

“I thought I was done,” he says. “But people called me nonstop asking for help. They trusted me. That meant something.”

By 2018, that trust became the foundation of RCB Construction Management, a more streamlined business built around personal involvement and lower overhead.
This time, Rick wanted something different.

“I do every estimate myself. I supervise every project. Clients deal with me directly,” he says. “After 40 years, I know that personal attention makes the difference.”

You can find more about his work at RCB Construction Management.

What Sets His Approach Apart

Hands-On Leadership

Rick doesn’t sit behind a desk. He visits sites, checks craftsmanship, and keeps communication simple and clear.

“I’ve seen every mistake you can make in remodeling,” he says. “My job is to make sure the client never experiences any of them.”

A Century of Family Influence

Rick often talks about his family’s 100-year roots in the building industry.

“My grandfather used to say, ‘If you wouldn’t live in it, don’t build it.’ That stuck with me,” he explains. “Quality isn’t a slogan. It’s a habit.”

A Wide Range of Expertise

His company specializes in:

• Kitchens
• Bathrooms
• Master suites
• Sunrooms
• Additions
• Decks and patios
• Screen porches
• Garages
• Handyman work

Each category reflects decades of hard-earned knowledge.

The Person Behind the Projects

Rick’s life isn’t only about construction. He enjoys opera, antique cars, Italian food, basketball, and cheering for the Buffalo Bills. He travels often and stays active.

“I like old cars and good pasta,” he says. “Simple things make me happy.”

He also believes strongly in giving back. He contributes to St. Jude and the V Foundation, supporting causes that matter to him.

His View on Leadership

Rick doesn’t describe himself as a big talker about leadership. He prefers action.

“You don’t need speeches,” he says. “You need to show up. You need to do what you said you’d do. That’s leadership in construction.”

He sees construction as a people-first business. Homeowners, designers, tradespeople—they all rely on trust and communication.

“If you build trust first, the project goes right,” he explains. “If you skip that part, nothing else works.”

Looking Ahead: Craftsmanship That Lasts

Rick has no plans to retire again anytime soon. He enjoys the work too much. He enjoys the relationships even more.

“At this point in my career, I get to choose projects that fit my values,” he says. “That’s a good place to be.”

From a Buffalo childhood to Charlotte’s remodeling scene, his path shows what steady growth looks like—consistent, humble, and rooted in craft.

Rick Bainbridge built his career the same way he builds homes: with patience, precision, and pride.