Northern Nevada Business Weekly: Tell us about your company and the duties of your position.
Lance Semenko: Q & D Construction Inc. is a diverse general contracting company. We do all types of building construction, from installing doors and windows to building high-rise towers and shopping centers. We also do engineering work, from patching a driveway to building a freeway. It's a great compliment of two different worlds of construction.
I am in charge of managing the engineering department, which covers the equipment and maintenance, recycling plant, asphalt plant (of which we are one-half owner) as well as the construction department, which covers all the bids that go out and managing the projects.
NNBW: How did you get into this profession?
Semenko: After graduating from high school I was offered a job with Helms Construction. I had worked there in the summers as a laborer since I was 13.
NNBW: What's the most important thing you have learned in your career?
Semenko: Reputation means everything. Not only your personal reputation but the company one as well. Fortunately for Q & D, this brings a lot of repeat business.
NNBW: How did the recession change the way you do business?
Semenko: I think it made everyone realize that nothing is guaranteed and as a business you have to be able to adjust and go into different markets. You can't be one-dimensional.
NNBW: What was your first job?
Semenko: When I was 10 years old I spent the summer counting inventory at Record Supply Co.
NNBW: Tell us about your dream job. Why aren't you working it?
Semenko: I am in my dream job. I love what I do, and I especially enjoy the people I get to work with every day. It truly makes it fun to come to work.
NNBW: Have any advice for someone who wants to enter your profession?
Semenko: Be prepared for hard work, getting up early and putting in long days at times. Your reward comes at the end of the project when you see all the end users using your road or park.
NNBW: What's the most fun you have had on the job?
Semenko: I think to me, it was watching Golden Eagle Park get built and being able to take my boys over there during construction and showing them what they were getting. Also letting them hit on the field turf before the parks opened.
NNBW: What's the best advice anyone ever gave you?
Semenko: The Golden Rule: "Treat everyone fairly," and don't try to get paid for something you didn't do.
NNBW: What are your favorite hobbies or pastimes? How do you spend your time away from work?
Semenko: Sports! I love watching my kids play basketball and baseball.
NNBW: If you could live your life over again, what one thing would you change?
Semenko: Not a darn thing. I am so fortunate to have such a great wife and two great sons and a great place to go to work everyday.
NNBW: What has been your biggest professional accomplishment?
Semenko: Getting to the position I am with Q & D. As far as projects go, it would have to be Golden Eagle Park because so many people get enjoyment out of that place.
NNBW: What did you dream of becoming when you were a kid?
Semenko: A professional baseball player. Good thing I found a day job.
NNBW: If you had enough money to retire right now, would you? Why or why not?
Semenko: I don't think so. I really enjoy this business and all the good friends I have made.
NNBW: What's the last concert or sporting event you attended?
Semenko: Besides my boys' games, our family went to the Kansas versus Georgetown game at the Maui Invitational last November.
NNBW: Where's your perfect vacation spot?
Semenko: At a major league stadium. We took a trip a few years ago where we went to Wrigley Field, the old Yankee Stadium and Fenway Park. One of the best vacations ever.
NNBW: Why did you choose a career in northern Nevada? What do you like most about working/living here?
Semenko: I was born and raised here and married a girl who went to school here. I can't imagine raising my kids anywhere else. The community aspect and all the great people make it impossible to leave. You also can't beat the outdoors here and the weather.
The basics:
Name: Lance Semenko, senior vice president, engineering, Q & D Construction
Number of years in this job? Five years in this position, 19 years at Q & D
Education: Bachelor of science in business management, University of Nevada, Reno
Last book read? "Nuts!" by Kevin and Jackie Freiberg
Favorite flick? "Field of Dreams" or "Caddyshack"
What's on your iPod? 80s big hair, Nickelback, Shinedown, Puddle of Mudd
Spouse, kids or pets? Wife Cathy of 20 years, sons Kenneth, 17, and Connor, 13. We have two dogs named Rocket and Zeus.
Know someone whose perspective you want to share with NNBW readers? Send contact information to: rsabo@nnbw.biz or call 775-850-2146.
