Meet Our Team
Contact UsWe engineer relationships. From the planning phase to move-in day, you'll have a partner every step of the way. Meet our team. — Your satisfaction is their primary goal.
Dave Koubek
President/General Manager - 35 YEARS WITH CHIEF- What do you like best about working at Chief?
Opportunities to have impact on company's success.
- What is your favorite aspect of your job?
Working on something new each day. We sell 1000 buildings per year and each one has its own unique set of requirements.
- What is your favorite panel profile? Why?
MSC. It performs!
- Name a few of your favorite movies.
Wedding Crashers, One Who Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest, The Verdict, Silence of the Lambs, Animal House, Jaws
- Do you have any favorite sports teams?
Cornhuskers, Vikings, Lakers, Royals
- What is your favorite car?
Porsche 911
Mike Pugach
General Sales Manager - 6 YEARS WITH CHIEF- Why did you choose Chief?
In a way, Chief chose me. I was fortunate to get a call from Dan Needham when he was retiring, asking if I would be willing to meet with Erin Sullivan. The interview lasted the better part of 6 hours. Once I met everyone in G.I., the decision to come to Chief was a no-brainer.
- What do you like best about working at Chief?
In sharp contrast to my past experience, at Chief I've always felt like my voice is heard and my opinion matters. ( I'm not saying everyone always agrees with it!) When people in an organization believe they can affect change, they will.
- What six words best describe you?
Dedicated, loyal, passionate, compassionate, quirky, blessed.
- What is your favorite panel profile? Why?
MVP. Best looking panel we offer (and the most expensive ;o) ).
- Name an interesting bucket list item of yours.
Write a movie screenplay.
- Name a few of your favorite movies.
Dances With Wolves, Pulp Fiction, Bad Boys II (don't be hatin'!),Step Brothers, any movie with Clint Eastwood or Robert Redford (except Out of Africa. Brutal.)
Jim Hruby
VP of Operations - 30 YEARS WITH CHIEF- Why did you choose Chief?
I wanted to work for a progressive, financially sound company.
- What do you like best about working at Chief?
Working with the professional co-workers here at Chief Buildings.
- What are your leisure time activities?
Golfing, bicycling, watching sports.
- Name a few of your favorite TV shows.
Shark Tank and college football
- Name an interesting bucket list item of yours.
Skydiving and I recently checked it off.
- Do you have any favorite sports teams?
Huskers
David Phelps, P.E.
Technical Services Manager - 31 YEARS WITH CHIEF- What is your favorite aspect of your job?
I enjoy finding economical solutions to building projects and I'm allowed to "think outside the box" every day. I'm especially happy to have made many friendships with customers over the years at Builder Schools, Loyalty Trips, and day-to-day interaction.
- What Chief standard color do you like best? Why?
Polar White, because it's "Cool" at all roof slopes with a Solar Reflective Index of 80.
- Name an interesting bucket list item of yours.
Before my time on Earth has come to an end, I'd like to have visited all 50 states. 4 more to go!
- What are your leisure time activities?
Fishing of all kinds. Beer sampling. I like a beer that makes me have to floss after drinking. Spending time with my wife in our empty nest.
- Do you have any favorite sports teams?
Nebraska Cornhusker Baseball, Nebraska Cornhusker Football, Nebraska Cornhusker Volleyball, Nebraska Cornhusker Softball. Oh, and did I mention the Nebraska Cornhuskers?
- What is your favorite car?
One that works and is paid for.
Jason Williams
Manufacturing Manager - 16 YEARS WITH CHIEF- What do you like best about working at Chief?
I enjoy the family atmosphere.
- What is your favorite aspect of your job?
I appreciate that the challenges we face on a regular basis are always different, and I really enjoy finding win / win solutions to those challenges.
- What are your leisure time activities?
Golf, horseshoes, cornhole, poker
- Name a few of your favorite movies.
All of the Rocky movies, Talladega Nights, and Step Brothers
- Do you have any favorite sports teams?
The Ohio State Buckeyes (football & basketball) & Pittsburgh Steelers
- What types of music or artists do you like?
Classic Rock & Country
Mike Pugach
General Sales Manager - 6 YEARS WITH CHIEF- Why did you choose Chief?
In a way, Chief chose me. I was fortunate to get a call from Dan Needham when he was retiring, asking if I would be willing to meet with Erin Sullivan. The interview lasted the better part of 6 hours. Once I met everyone in G.I., the decision to come to Chief was a no-brainer.
- What do you like best about working at Chief?
In sharp contrast to my past experience, at Chief I've always felt like my voice is heard and my opinion matters. ( I'm not saying everyone always agrees with it!) When people in an organization believe they can affect change, they will.
- What six words best describe you?
Dedicated, loyal, passionate, compassionate, quirky, blessed.
- What is your favorite panel profile? Why?
MVP. Best looking panel we offer (and the most expensive ;o) ).
- Name an interesting bucket list item of yours.
Write a movie screenplay.
- Name a few of your favorite movies.
Dances With Wolves, Pulp Fiction, Bad Boys II (don't be hatin'!),Step Brothers, any movie with Clint Eastwood or Robert Redford (except Out of Africa. Brutal.)
Brian Shelton
Marketing Manager - 7 YEARS WITH CHIEF- Why did you choose Chief?
I chose Chief because they offer a sense of longevity and boundless opportunity.
- What is your favorite aspect of your job?
The creative nature of the position has to be my most favorite aspect.
- What is your favorite panel profile?
MSC, it is FM rated and flat out a "forever" product.
- What Chief standard color do you like best?
Cherokee. It really is the most appropriate color for any Chief Building.
- What are your leisure time activities?
Anything related to Jeeps, off-roading or automotive performance. I also enjoy wood working and metal fabrication.
Joann Musil
Sales Technician - 44 YEARS WITH CHIEF- What Chief standard color do you like best? Why?
Royale Blue because blue is my favorite color.
- Name an interesting bucket list item of yours.
To go hot air ballooning
- What are your leisure time activities?
Stained glass, playing with my cats, hanging out with friends and family, making quilts
- Name a few of your favorite books.
Gone with the Wind, Water for Elephants
- Name a few of your favorite TV shows.
Scandal, Gray's Anatomy, The Big Bang Theory, Nova & Nature on PBS
- What types of music or artists do you like?
Blues, Rock, some Country
Kevin Halbmaier
Estimating Manager - 25 YEARS WITH CHIEF- What is your favorite aspect of your job?
Engineering relationships with builders and co-workers.
- What Chief standard color do you like best? Why?
Royale Blue - Blue is my favorite color
- What are your leisure time activities?
Hunting and mountain biking
- Name a few of your favorite movies.
K2, Caddy Shack, Scarface
- Name a few of your favorite TV shows.
Sportcenter
- Do you have any favorite sports teams?
Nebraska Cornhuskers. GO BIG RED!!
Brian Sweetser
Project Manager - 13 YEARS WITH CHIEF- What Chief standard color do you like best? Why?
My favorite color combination for a building would be Fieldstone with an Antique Bronze roof and trim.
- Name an interesting bucket list item of yours.
Play a round of golf in Hawaii.
- Name a few of your favorite movies.
Tin Cup, Forest Gump, Iron man
- Name a few of your favorite TV shows.
Fast and loud, Big bang theory, Counting Cars, American Pickers
James Dietz
Estimator - 21 YEARS WITH CHIEF- What do you like best about working at Chief?
The people we work with and the product we provide.
- What is your favorite panel profile? Why?
MVP. It is our most valuable panel.
- What Chief standard color do you like best? Why?
Emerald Green. I just like the name.
- Name an interesting bucket list item of yours.
To scubba dive at the Great Barrier Reef.
Jayson Rhoads
Buyer - 14 YEARS WITH CHIEF- Why did you choose to work for Chief?
Chief has always had a positive reputation and the management style proves it.
- What do you like best about working at Chief?
Learning from engineers and customers various ways to design pre-engineered metal buildings.
- Name an interesting bucket list item of yours.
To jump out of a perfectly good airplane - with a parachute of course.
- What are your leisure time activities?
Anything outside with my kids, reading, hunting.
- Name a few of your favorite movies.
42, Zero Dark Thirty, The Hurt Locker, Moneyball
- Name a few of your favorite books.
Band of Brothers, Hero of the Underground, auto-biographies of our fighting men and women who have served tours overseas.
Kathy Fandry
Senior Estimator - 42 YEARS WITH CHIEF- Why did you choose to work for Chief?
Local, family company with great reputation.
- What is your favorite aspect of your job?
Working with and understanding the needs of all the different personalities.
- What Chief standard color do you like best? Why?
Emerald Green, reminds me of the gem stone. It also reminds me of Lincoln Logs when you put Emerald Green on the roof and Cherokee on the walls.
- Name an interesting bucket list item of yours.
I don't really have a bucket list. . .just would like to travel more.
- Name a few of your favorite TV shows.
Big Bang Theory and sporting events.
- Do you have any favorite sports teams?
Husker football and volleyball
Ryan O'Neill
Estimator - 13 YEARS WITH CHIEF- Why did you choose Chief?
For long term stability and career growth within a company.
- What is your favorite aspect of your job?
Getting to see the final product of your labor.
- What six words best describe you?
Motivated, Loyal, Trustworthy, Creative, Funny and Passionate.
- Name an interesting bucket list item of yours.
Visiting my island, Ireland.
- What are your leisure time activities?
Coaching my daughters competitive softball team, assistant coaching my sons traveling basketball team, church youth group leader, family time, reading and researching ancient history.
Jessica Pallas
Estimator - 3 YEAR WITH CHIEF- Why did you choose Chief Buildings?
I chose Chief for the importance in which is placed on relationships. Not only with our customers, but with the entire staff. Working here is like being a part of a family.
- What do you like best about working at Chief Buildings?
My favorite part of work is my co-workers and there is always something internally to look forward to i.e. breakfast pizza or company gatherings. I like that there is always a chance to interact and get to know people better.
- What is your favorite aspect of your job?
I love that I never do the same thing everyday and that I am always learning something new. It is a very fast paced environment.
- What six words best describe you?
Organized, Clean, Motivated, Loyal, Patient, & Attentive
- What Chief standard color do you like best? Why?
Ash Gray or Royale Blue. I love soft neutrals with pops of color. My entire house is a variation of these two.
- What are your leisure time activities?
Walking, Running, Cooking, Baking, Reading, and Working on my century old house(s) with my husband.
- Do you have any favorite sports teams?
Nebraska Huskers GBR!
Adam Pelster
Project Manager - 3 YEAR WITH CHIEF- Why did you choose Chief Buildings?
I chose Chief because of their outstanding reputation and because a lot of employees have stayed At Chief throughout the majority of their careers.
- What do you like best about working at Chief Buildings?
That is a tough decision. It would either be the people that I work with and communicate with daily, Or the overall company drive to keep improving.
- What is your favorite aspect of your job?
Building both professional and personal relationships with co-workers and customers.
- What six words best describe you?
Hard working, driven, fun, active, committed, eager to learn.
- What is your favorite Chief panel profile? Why?
I like the MSC panel profile, because of the concealed fastener system.
- What are your leisure time activities?
Most activities outdoors, such as golfing. I am also a movie buff if the weather isn’t cooperating.
- Name a few of your favorite movies.
The Departed, The Godfather, The Sandlot, Rush
Brent Frerichs, P.E.
Inside Sales Manager - 15 YEARS WITH CHIEF- Why did you choose to work for Chief?
Chief has the Midwestern values that I grew up with, which was a big factor when choosing Chief, but the people that I am surrounded by is what has kept me here over the years.
- What is your favorite panel profile? Why?
CS/AP, it has multiple applications plus it adds great strength to the buildings.
- Name an interesting bucket list item of yours.
My wife would make me say travel to every continent, even Antarctica, but I would like to keep it simple and go great white shark diving off the coast of South Africa.
- What are your leisure time activities?
Golfing, Jet Skiing, and Husker Tailgating.
Brian Zabka
Senior Project Manager - 41 YEARS WITH CHIEF- Why did you choose to work for Chief?
Chief was the first company that offered me a drafting position straight out of high school back in 1979, so I took it even though it meant moving over 300 miles away from home at such a young age.
- What do you like best about working at Chief?
I would have to say the friendships I have made over the years with co-workers and Builders alike.
- What six words best describe you?
Married, Grandfather, Brother, Loyal, Dependable and Detailed.
- What Chief standard color do you like best? Why?
I actually like our Parchment color. It has been around Chief longer than I have.
Matthew Buhrman
Scheduling Manager - 10 YEARS WITH CHIEF- What do you like best about working at Chief?
Chief is a big company with a small company feel. You can get to know everyone in the company if you wanted, instead of just the people in your department.
- What is your favorite aspect of your job?
I enjoy problem solving and some jobs require a lot of that! It's always a satisfying feeling to figure out a solution to a new or interesting condition on a job, especially when it leads to Chief landing that job.
- What is your favorite panel profile? Why?
I've always liked our MVP panel. I think it is a sharp looking panel that has great performance.
- What are your leisure time activities?
When I'm not playing with my son or dog, I'm brewing beer or playing the bass guitar.
- Name a few of your favorite TV shows.
Mystery Science Theater 3000, Seinfeld, Lost, Game of Thrones
Mike Kuhlman
Project Manager - 20 YEARS WITH CHIEF- What do you like best about working at Chief?
First, I really enjoy my coworkers. They are great at what they do, but are fantastic people too. Second, the stability Chief offers is outstanding. Considering the economy the past few years, it is very comforting to know that Chief will weather the storm without having to take drastic measures!
- What is your favorite aspect of your job?
Working with our customers. We have some of the best builders in the country as part of our Chief family. It has been my pleasure to get to know them and to serve their metal building needs.
- What six words best describe you?
Hold my drink and watch this!
- What is your favorite panel profile? Why?
The AP wall panel for its slimming qualities. Your building will look 10 pounds lighter!
- What Chief standard color do you like best? Why?
Polar White, but only before Labor Day. Probably Royale Blue after that.
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Rob VanHorn
Project Manager - 21 YEARS WITH CHIEF- Why did you choose Chief?
Family orientated and a growing company with great people.
- What is your favorite aspect of your job?
All of the friendships I have made over the years with our Builders, along with the professionalism that comes forth from so many different avenues.
- What six words best describe you?
Honest, loyal, dependable, responsible, friendly and committed.
- What Chief standard color do you like best? Why?
Polar White (PW). I have always liked the color white.
Scott Baldwin
Scheduling Manager - 43 YEARS WITH CHIEF- Why did you choose Chief?
I was in college and flat broke; Chief came to interview at our campus. I made a trip to Nebraska from North Dakota. When I left home it was 34 below zero in late December. When I arrived in Grand Island it was in the upper 30's. That was my first indication to move south. The 2nd was all the young employees working for Chief at that time.
- What six words best describe you?
Passionate, Reliable, Organized, Determined, Outgoing and Happy
- Name a few of your favorite books.
I like any James Patterson book
- What Chief standard color do you like best? Why?
Emerald Green - Green is one of my favorite colors. It reminds me of late spring with good moisture and green pastures.
- Do you have any favorite sports teams?
College Football - I was a Texas longhorns fan until I moved to Nebraska 34 years ago. My first trip to Lincoln on game day changed that real quick. Professional Football - It was the Cowboys, but now it's any team behind with 4 minutes to go. Professional Baseball - Baltimore Orioles, Professional Basketball - Boston Celtics
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Joe Britten
Shipping Coordinator - 55 YEARS WITH CHIEF- Why did you choose Chief?
There was an ad in the newspaper that Big Chief of Nebraska (the company name at that time) was looking for drafters. I applied, got the job, started working October 2nd 1967 and have been here ever since.
- What do you like best about working at Chief?
There is always something going on. Never a dull moment.
- What is your favorite aspect of your job?
The people I work with, the people I talk to over the phone and the people I exchange emails with. It's even better when I get to meet some of those people.
- What Chief standard color do you like best? Why?
Royale Blue. Blue is my favorite color.
- Name an interesting bucket list item of yours.
To go fishing in Alaska and Canada.
- What are your leisure time activities?
Going fishing and going to car races. I'm also a community based mentor for Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Grand Island.
Jim Hruby
VP of Operations - 32 YEARS WITH CHIEF- Why did you choose Chief?
I wanted to work for a progressive, financially sound company.
- What do you like best about working at Chief?
Working with the professional co-workers here at Chief Buildings.
- What are your leisure time activities?
Golfing, bicycling, watching sports.
- Name a few of your favorite TV shows.
Shark Tank and college football
- Name an interesting bucket list item of yours.
Skydiving and I recently checked it off.
- Do you have any favorite sports teams?
Huskers
Kim Freeman
Credit Manager - 26 YEARS WITH CHIEF- What is your favorite aspect of your job?
I like the variety in my job. I am not always doing the same thing every day. Each day is different from the day before.
- What are your leisure time activities?
I love to go camping in the summer and taking cruises in the winter. I enjoy gardening, quilting and spending time with my critters.
- Name a few of your favorite movies.
Star Gate, Somewhere in Time
- Do you have any favorite sports teams?
Oregon Ducks
- What types of music or artists do you like?
Nickelback, Little Big Town, and any country music
Sue Geis
Payroll / Accounts Payable Assistant - 33 YEARS WITH CHIEF- Why did you choose Chief?
Several people recommended Chief was a good place to work.
- What do you like best about working at Chief?
I like the flexibility and feeling of a team effort.
- What is your favorite aspect of your job?
I enjoy working with numbers and also the people I work with.
- Name an interesting bucket list item of yours.
Would like to go on a tour of the south and also visit Graceland.
- Name a few of your favorite TV shows.
I like the NCIS shows, Madame Secretary, Dateline, 48 hours and in the summer Big Brother.
- Do you have any favorite sports teams?
I like watching the Packers, Saints and Broncos. And of course the Huskers.
Norma Chavez
Accounting Clerk - 5 YEARS WITH CHIEF- What do you like best about working at Chief?
I love that Chief is a family oriented company.
- Name an interesting bucket list item of yours.
I would like to travel to Spain
- Name a few of your favorite movies.
I like the Marvel movies?Thor, The Avengers, Ironman. I also like Romantic Comedies, Horror movies?. Basically everything 😉
- Do you have any favorite sports teams?
My favorite sport team is the Spanish soccer club ?Real Madrid?
- What types of music or artists do you like?
I listen to all types of music but I love to listen to Spanish music
- Any additional information you would like to share.
I have a son named Kevin and two English bulldogs ?Tank and Aitor?
JOIN OUR TEAM
Are you looking for an opportunity to join a growing global company that will recognize and reward your innovative contributions, team spirit and dedication to customer satisfaction? Look no further than Chief Buildings. With our competitive compensation and benefits package, and our wide range of employment opportunities, you are likely to find a career that will fit your unique talents and interests.