Constructing opportunities from obstacles
By MICHELLE BOSWORTH
Staff Writer
Nick Hein learned the trade by watching and working under his boss, Larry Bartel. For five years, he continually gathered knowledge and skills as he learned the building trade. He asked a lot of questions.
"Sometimes contractors don't like that, but I ask anyway," said a determined Hein.
Then Larry shared some news that could have been viewed in a very negative light. In two months, he was going to quit the construction business.
Nick thought about his options. He didn't want to spend his life working for others. He was young and willing to take advantage of what he viewed as an opportunity to run his own business.
So at the age of 23, Nick took over where Larry left off. He named his business Hein Construction, Inc., located it in a small shop at 304 1/2 West "D" Street in Hillsboro, and applied for the Small Business Loan Program to help him buy necessary equipment.
The first year was rough. A stressful amount of time passed before the loan went through. But Nick forged ahead with his work anyway.
That first summer, he had his sister Jill Hein, Dusty Dalke, and Brett Cushinberry working with him. They roofed three or four houses, poured concrete in Newton, built a stem wall in Hillsboro, and put up a steel shed for Cushinberry's parents. At summer's end, Jill resumed her education at Tabor College and Dusty continued teaching art at Hillsboro High School.
Then tragedy struck. Although only 21, Cushinberry was killed by a bull at a rodeo. Nick not only had to struggle with the sudden loss of his helper, but he also had to shoulder all of the construction work alone. He did so for about two weeks.
Then he found and hired Darrel Heslet, a Pilsen man who proved to be a good framer and sheetrock hanger. Russell Funk, who farms south of Hillsboro, came to work for Nick also. He fills in when he isn't busy on his place. Nick relies on college students to help in the summer time when business picks up.
Hein Construction has completed various projects from pouring concrete foundations in Newton to building a Coachlight Carwash in Minneapolis. Among other projects, they work on additions, complete remodeling projects, install windows, construct basements, roof buildings, and pour concrete for foundations, stem walls, sidewalks, etc.
On the other hand, they do not build kitchen or fancy cabinets, paint, install plumbing, or run electrical wiring.
"I like the concrete work best," says Nick. "I don't know why, but I just do."
Nick has found it very easy to work with local building supply companies. He is able to find anything needed for his projects right here in town. Concrete Products Inc. is high on his list of quality companies to work with. Nick says they provide great service and deliver on time.
With gas prices souring, Nick says he adds a surcharge for fuel when working out of town. But he doesn't consider traveling a problem when people need his services.
He prefers to bid jobs rather than go by the hour, because customers tend to be happier with that set up. Nonetheless, whether working in town or out, Nick is one busy young man.
"My wife will tell you I don't have a lot of free time," said Nick.
He admits to spending 60 to 80 hours a week at work. Often he stays and continues projects long after everyone else leaves.
"I don't quit at five like I used to," he said. "I have to be way more responsible."
As a physically active person, Nick has little patience for messing with the paperwork part of running a business. His wife, Megan, covers that base for him when she is not working as a nurse at Newton Hospital or busy with their 18-month-old son, Nate.
Citing cash flow and weather (especially rainy weather that causes a project to be delayed) as his two largest headaches, Nick otherwise chooses to focus on the positive aspects of owning his own business.
"If Nate needs to go to the doctor, I can take him without any problems," he pointed out. In addition, he said, "I like to do this kind of stuff. It's fun for the most part."
