Here at HBW Construction, we’re a team — but we’re also a group of unique individuals. To showcase our individual strengths, we’ll be spotlighting a different employee each month. These are the people who help make us, well, us.
Don Johnson
Job Title / Senior Superintendent, Team Leader
Years at HBW / 10.5
Years of Experience / 35
The Daily planning and execution of daily task to deliver a quality project. This is easier said than done but done correctly it’s very satisfying.
The commitment that’s given from day one to develop relationships from the office to the fields staff. The unweaving support to ensure the team’s success for not only each project, but as an employee to continue to grow in this ever-evolving industry.
1100 17th Street was one of the more challenging and satisfying completed projects I’ve done. The demo of the bank vault for the new conference room, the new amenity area named, “The Hive” which included a folding exterior storefront system, complete new main lobby with a new exterior canopy and a new gym. The level of coordination that was required from MEPs to finishes was both challenging and satisfying at the same time. As a superintendent this is what we live for!
Work around our farm, ride our horses and ride my motorcycle.
I train a lot of new field staff and the common comment or statement I receive from everyone is that HBW has a great on boarding and training program for new field staff. As a team we work hard to ensure new supers are set up for success on day one and continue to provide this level of support to ensure consistency of HBW standards and processes.
See Past Employee Spotlights
Michael Fisher
Job Title / Project Manager, Service Division
Years at HBW / 2
Years of Experience / 5
With the projects we do, each renovation is unique, whether it’s a historic restoration, a modern upgrade, a tenant interior project, a simple refresh, or an emergency service call. Diversity in each project allows for many learning opportunities, new skill development, and techniques.
We are always looking to grow as a company and become better at what we do, finding ways to become top performers in our industry.
I’d have to say not just one but rather all projects for the Centers for American Progress. They consistently have new projects throughout their 4-floor tenant space, offering a unique aspect to each.
I am a happy father of two healthy boys ages 10 & 7, who keep me busy with sports, hiking, fishing, and basically anything active.
Everyone is always helpful, respectful, and team-driven. We all want HBW and our coworkers to succeed, offering something the majority of workplaces do not have.
Richard Novotny
Job Title / Senior Project Manager
Years at HBW / 23
Years of Experience / 37
With the projects we do, it’s exciting to figure out the changes and issues that arise with team involvement to resolve anything that comes our way.
We are always moving forward as a company to be at the top of our industry.
Smithsonian NMAH Girlhood – it was a very different job than I normally do and I enjoyed the uniqueness of the project buildout.
Any new adventure I can think of – hiking, going to amusement parks, skydiving.
You will always feel like you have a team behind you here. Everyone is willing to help out and answer questions when they come up.
Cynthia Aparicio
Job Title / Project Coordinator
Years at HBW / 1
Years of Experience / 1
The work environment along with the ability to grow and learn more each day. I feel excited as well to put in the work towards projects and the recognition of an amazing result.
The people I work with and the flexibility WFH offers to employees throughout the company.
I have quite a variety, it’s so hard to say. I would single out Zooz Cocktail Garden as my main one since it was amazing to see the project from beginning to end, providing samples and then being there for the grand opening and seeing my work from behind the scenes come to life.
Spending time doing activities with my kids such as going to the beach, going to the movies or trying to find activities to do on the weekend. They are young and I want to soak them up as much as I can. When I need some quiet time, I love to bust out my planner.
HBW is a wonderful company to work for as your growth and opportunities are what you want them to be. It is a work environment where I would say we all feel respected and valued for what we can bring to the table.
Philip Sun
Job Title / Senior Superintendent
Years at HBW / 1.5
Years of Experience / 25
What excites me most is the positive work environment, the challenging projects I have been a part of, and the recognitions and rewards.
I would say the team dynamic. Working with a great team and building strong professional relationships. This makes my job more enjoyable.
It is hard to single out one project as my favorite. All my previous projects have a special place in my heart – each has its own individual characteristics that I enjoyed.
In my spare time I enjoy cooking as well as playing and watching sports.
At HBW you have the trust and freedom to make decisions and manage your projects. There are also a lot of opportunities for growth within the company. HBW is one of the most employee friendly companies I have every worked for!
Nancy Trotman
Job Title / Sr. Project Accountant
Years at HBW / 9
Years of Experience / 14+
Accounting is demanding but rewarding. There’s a certain satisfaction in simplifying the complex aspects of the work we do and being a go-to resource w/in the company.
I really like the work-life balance HBW offers. I have the benefit of working in a collaborative environment. A bonus is the opportunity to work with talented and passionate people!
To be honest there isn’t really one specific project that stands out now. I love that we work w/a diverse group of clients and completely different scales of projects. I appreciate taking part in each project from beginning to end by closely monitoring the financial facets and aiming to exceed our client expectations.
Spending time with my family! And I really enjoy my time relaxing at home. Don’t mind finding a good old drama/crime movie or series to watch.
You can definitely find the opportunity to contribute to an exciting/forward-thinking fast-moving company here at HBW.
Philip Harvey
Job Title / Superintendent
Years at HBW / 5
Years of Experience / 12
The ability to build lasting relationships with clients and coworkers
Having the ability to grow within the company into bigger roles.
Zooz Cocktail Garden — The relationships made with the owners, partners, and their families. Even
though the project was continually changing and evolving every day, the owners’ excitement was infectious throughout the process of bringing everything into fruition for them.
Spending time with my wife, raising our one-year-old daughter, and watching her grow. I also like tinkering in the shop on various projects.
HBW is a well structured and organized company that gives you every resource to succeed and grow!
Tom Gilchrist
Job Title / Estimator
Years at HBW / 5
Years of Experience / 8
The most exciting part is collaborating with my teammates on bid day. All of the work the team has done to ensure that our proposal is a winning one comes together leading up to submission and receiving that award email is icing on the cake.
It’s often mentioned, but I believe it remains true: the people are what I appreciate most about working at HBW. There’s a familial atmosphere here that’s rare in most workplaces. Everyone is very friendly and willing to help whenever a challenge arises.
Busboys & Poets – Columbia. This project was the first Restaurant that I worked on, and the bidding process was a new challenge. There was a great amount of detail put into the finishes, lighting, and structural elements within the job that made bidding it so much fun. Working with the project team that built it throughout the life of the project and seeing the finished product at the end was very rewarding.
My passion is definitely Golf, but I love live music, hiking, skiing, & traveling.
HBW is a great place if you are looking for a solid work/life balance. The leadership team here is fair and understanding of people’s time/personal responsibilities.
Eileen Engels
Job Title / Business Development Representative
Years at HBW / 5
Years of Experience / 5
Creating meaningful, lasting relationships with clients. Being a “connector” and making introductions for industry peers. Being from MD, I love to work for a company that is helping grow and shape the area.
To me, the best thing about working at HBW are the people and the culture.
It’s tough to pick a favorite project! Every project offers it’s unique challenges and opportunities to learn and grow but what truly excites me is being involved throughout the entire construction process. From initial concept to final build, seeing a project come to life while exceeding the clients expectations is always rewarding.
I’m a big football fan! I love watching my team, The Cowboys, AND playing. I’m starting to enjoy golf, and am starting to practice more.
I started with HBW in 2019 with no experience in the construction industry, but I wanted to learn, stand out, and be the best Business Development Representative. HBW took me under their wing, and everyone was willing to help me learn. I can now read and understand plans and create preliminary budgets. The support and leadership at HBW is unparalleled
Building Careers
Our best work takes place at the intersection of collaboration and shared values. That’s why we aren’t just looking for the applicants with the strongest resumes — we’re looking for new team members who fit our HBW Construction family.
