BEHIND THE HARD HAT: Tyler C.
PROJECT ENGINEER | THIRD-GENERATION BUILDER | POWERED BY POST-ITS
For Tyler, construction is more than a career. It’s a legacy. Growing up on the south side of Chicago in a hardworking family of builders, he learned early that effort and grit could build anything. His grandfather was a mason, his mom a civil engineer, and his dad a carpenter who worked his way up to general superintendent.
From a young age, Tyler was tagging along to job sites with a toy toolset and later helping build his family’s home. Undoubtedly, he’s always had an eye for construction. Though he pursued aviation in college and earned his commercial pilot’s license, he eventually realized that his true passion was on the ground, solving problems and creating something lasting.
“I had an itch to build,” he says. “I missed the feeling of working toward a goal as a team and seeing the results take shape.”
A Challenge That Changed Everything
Before joining Richard, Tyler worked as an independent contractor and found himself on a project that tested everything he believed about leadership and teamwork.
“It was a mess,” he says. “Poor planning, poor buyout, poor execution. Everything seemed to be heading in the wrong direction.”
But instead of walking away, Tyler dug deeper. The project, an assisted living facility expanding its memory care unit, was personal. His grandmother had dementia, and knowing this work would help people like her gave him renewed focus.
“When I realized this project would help people like her, I found my purpose,” he says. “It didn’t take away from the challenges we were facing, but it gave me a reason to dig in deeper and be part of the solution.”
He describes how the team came together to overcome the chaos: they developed a plan, ensured every step was properly mapped out, adjusted as needed, and executed. The result was a complete turnaround and a positive culture shift that led to a high-quality project delivered safely, within budget, and with a happy team and client.
Building Better with Lean Thinking
Now at Richard, Tyler applies those same lessons every day, championing efficiency, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
He’s a strong advocate of Lean construction principles, focusing on proactive problem-solving and transparency to deliver higher-quality projects faster. “Lean keeps everyone accountable and aligned,” he says. This collaborative approach strengthens trust between the field, the office, and the client while reducing wasted effort and inefficiency.
Tyler is also passionate about technology, especially tools like Procore and AI-driven systems that streamline information and reduce rework. “The smarter we build, the better we serve the communities that depend on these spaces,” he says.
Leading by Example
Tyler’s leadership philosophy is simple: talk less, do more.
“I try to be the hardest worker in the room,” he says. “It’s one thing to talk about what needs to be done. But I believe in showing people that I’m willing to roll up my sleeves and do it with them.”
That attitude fuels his proactive approach. He’s known for anticipating issues before they become problems and finding creative, high-quality solutions under pressure. For Tyler, that mindset isn’t just about delivering great work; it’s about honoring Richard’s mission to build projects that matter.
“I find satisfaction in knowing that what we build will serve people for generations. That’s what gets me up every day.”
Quick Hits with Tyler
Lunchbox: Usually leftovers or a PB&J, but the real treat is when Laurie surprises him with homemade chili.
Fuel of Choice: An iced latte and plenty of water, with snacks like fruit, trail mix, or Seyit’s Turkish olives and Buck’s venison sticks to keep him going.
Can’t Live Without: His LED flashlight, a field notepad, and a stack of Post-its for tracking action items. “Nothing beats the feeling of crumpling one up when it’s done.”
Worksite Wisdom: Challenge yourself to learn one new thing every day.
The Bottom Line
From his roots in a multi-generational construction family to his drive for innovation at Richard, Tyler embodies what it means to be a Purpose Builder. Resilient, detail-oriented, and always ready to lead by example, he’s proof that great work starts with passion, teamwork, and purpose.