By Ellen Jensen

Owners: Tom Breshears and Jack Weinrich
Company: Buffalo Constructors
Address: P.O. Box 681225
                Riverside, MO 64168
Phone: Mo: (816) 804-4134; Kan.: (913) 908-7810
Type of Business: Remodeling Contractor

Buffalo Constructors, owned by Tom Breshears and Jack Weinrich, is a residential and commercial construction company specializing in challenging remodeling projects, extensive damage repair and delicate restoration work. They thrive on finding innovative ways to complete unique and difficult jobs.

“We pride ourselves on developing construction solutions when others have proclaimed a project ‘impossible,’” Breshears said. “We are frequently called by area engineers and architects to consult on problematic projects.”

Buffalo Constructors is licensed in Kansas City and Johnson County. Breshears and Weinrich are also licensed by the Indoor Air Quality Association as certified mold remediators. Additionally they have received training in smoke and fire damage restoration from the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification, and in structural restoration through the National Institute of Restoration.

Weinrich and Breshears started the company a little over 18 months ago because they wanted the freedom to run a business by their own standards. One reason they work so well together is because they have the same business philosophy.

Another reason is that Weinrich and Breshears have complementary skills. Although they both touch all elements of the job, Weinrich likes the hands-on construction piece, and Breshears has a knack for estimating and running the business. Breshears said the biggest challenge has been the lack of support staff. He not only has to run the jobs, but he also handles all the business aspects. Another challenge is there’s no back-up.

“If something fails, the only one to blame is the one you face in the mirror,” Weinrich said. He added that completing office operations when you need to be in the field also can be challenging. Thus, they often complete estimates in the evenings and on weekends.

The two find a home office has many benefits, including lower overhead expenses and more time to concentrate on projects instead of office issues. Not having a building to maintain has saved them a lot of money, and they pass that savings on to their clients, Weinrich said. Still, developing a network of experts to assist in running the business—everything from accounting, to legal advice to information technology support has been a challenge.

Another challenge is getting exposure for the business without the benefit of a storefront. That’s one reason Buffalo Constructors hired Creative Minds. The marketing and advertising company helps them with marketing and networking opportunities. Breshears has a long list of professional contacts from his years in the industry, and he makes it a priority to keep in regular contact with them. Breshears also networks at church and at the ongoing educational courses that are required by the various licensing boards.

The two have received support and advice from several people, including Larry Fehner with Norton & Schmidt, Carol Howell of Howell Construction and Mike Steed of Steed Remodeling. Weinrich said he also learned a lot from his father while the two ran a business together. Breshears believes in “paying-it-forward,” so when he’s asked for his opinion or help, he always tries to be generous with his time.

He offers this advice for aspiring business owners:
“It’s smart to have your financial ducks in a row and be comfortable that there is a market for your product or service,” Breshears said. “Once that’s in place, pursue your dream. If your business doesn’t require you to have a store front office, a home-based business is an excellent alternative.”

Ellen Jensen is the managing editor of Kansas City Small Business Monthly magazine.