Rob (left) and Bill (right) Kuhar
Bill Kuhar and his son Rob Kuhar have embraced working together as father and son in the construction industry. Being able to share a career and work for the same company has been rewarding for the Kuhars. Bill works as the General Sales Manager for Ohio CAT and has been in the industry for 47 years. Rob followed in his father’s footsteps working in General Construction Sales for Ohio CAT and has been in the industry for 6 years. Read below for more insight on their experience working alongside one another.
What is the role that family played in your decision to join the construction industry?
Rob stated, “My dad was an outside equipment sales rep my entire childhood. I remember going to ‘take your son’ to work days in elementary school where we spent days visiting job sites and watching big construction projects come to life. The people we met were customers at the time but have since turned into lifelong family friends. Ever since those days I knew I wanted to follow a similar path. The people you meet in construction are some of the hardest working and loyal you will ever cross paths with. Many of my customers today are now some of my best friends.” Bill emphasized Rob’s last statement with a saying from sales business, “Old customers become old friends.”
How have you incorporated family into your job/work/passion?
Rob mentioned that “sharing a common career spills into family life frequently. Having a dad with nearly 50 years of construction sales experience, there isn’t a situation he hasn’t encountered. During family vacations or friendly golf outings, we’re often huddled aside talking “shop”.
In what ways do you see “family” show up in construction?
Rob answered, “The construction industry is a close knit family group in general. I think this shines through the most when it comes to safety. We are at a higher risk due to the nature of our work. Whether working alongside competing companies or with our fellow employees, anytime I’ve been out on a job site everybody is watching out for each other to make sure they make it home safely to their families.”
Would you say that you believe family plays an important role I building the future of construction and why?
Bill quickly responded, “Absolutely! First comes experience, then comes knowledge. Your willingness to share that knowledge with the next generation is key to their success.”
What are some of the perks/benefits to working alongside a family member?
Rob’s biggest benefit to working with his father is that “there is always something to talk about.” He said, “A lot of my friends only speak to their parents once every couple weeks and it’s often a forced generic ‘hey how you doing’ call. I’m on the phone with my dad at least every other day seeking advice or just venting about my day.”
