R&P Oak Hill Press Info
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June 2, 2006
CONSTRUCTION HAT TRICK
Industry leaders come to together to form new company
BUFFALO, NY - Three of western New York's top construction leaders have rejoined forces forming R&P Oak Hill Development LLC. Gary Bichler, Christopher J. Hogan, P.E. and Melissa Garman Baumgart bring significant experience in all areas of construction and development to the new venture, providing specialized general contracting and construction management services for commercial, private and institutional clients throughout the region.
Bichler and Hogan will oversee operations. Baumgart represents the interests of the company's majority investor.
The trio previously worked together as key managers of the ABCS Group of Companies which included ABC Paving Company, Buffalo Crushed Stone and Gateway Trade Center. While together at ABCS, they successfully completed over $50 million worth of commercial construction projects. Since then, the management team has added hundreds of millions of dollars in successfully completed projects to their resumes having managed the regions largest private and public-sector works.
Gary Bichler has over 30 years experience in the construction industry, and was previously a Partner with Christa Construction Co., Inc. and was also President/COO of LPCiminelli (formerly Louis P. Ciminelli Construction, Inc.). At Ciminelli, he led the effort to implement ISO 9002 certification for the company, the first New York State contractor to do so, and secured and completed the $62 million Niagara Falls High School project.
"Together and separately, this team can take credit for many successes, having managed some of Buffalo's biggest and best firms and the largest and most challenging projects," said Bichler. "Today, we intend to bring our collective know-how, best practices and community relationships to this new venture. Our point of difference is that we believe that our work, our approach to the business, will make a difference for our clients and the community."
Chris Hogan is also a veteran LPCiminelli executive. He held the position of Vice President, directing the company's growing Native American workload and controlling the financial aspects of the company's field operations. Prior to that, he was Vice President of Operations for GPS Construction Services, LLC, the area's fasCustomers growing merit shop construction firm and President of Paragon Northeast Corporation.
"What's most exciting about this venture is the opportunity to get this team back together where we can bring new thinking and new strategies for planning, managing and building construction," said Hogan. "Our experiences and expertise are perfect compliments. We intend to develop and build projects that are important for Western New York and will contribute to the growth and success of the region."
"There is virtually no type of project that the principals of this organization have not developed or constructed," said Baumgart. "The recognized financial strength of our company and our technical expertise gives us the ability to get the best participation from the construction community and deliver any project for the best price."
R&P Oak Hill Development is located at Gateway Trade Center, Lakeshore Road, Buffalo.