At Huff Construction, we believe in celebrating our team members who have dedicated their careers to building not just structures but also the very foundation of our company – a commitment to excellence, collaboration, and unwavering integrity. As we mark a significant milestone in our journey, we are delighted to shine a spotlight on one such remarkable individual, Will Huff, who has reached an incredible 25 years of service with our company.
Join us as we sit down with Will, a Superintendent whose dedication, expertise, and unwavering spirit have been instrumental in shaping Huff Construction into what it is today. Throughout his remarkable journey, he has not only overseen countless successful projects but has also played a vital role in nurturing the sense of camaraderie and dedication that defines our Huff Team. Will’s journey is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and the lasting impact that one individual can make within a close-knit construction family like ours. Read a little more about Will and his 25-year journey at Huff Construction down below.
Name: Will Huff
Title: Superintendent
Hire Date: 1998
Where are you from?
I am from Modesto, CA
What do you do at work?
I’m a Superintendent – I oversee the construction process, ensuring our projects come to life smoothly, on time, and with top-notch quality.
What did you do before working at Huff Construction?
I was still in high school when I started working weekends at Huff Construction.
So, Will, with the last name ‘Huff,’ do you own the company or are you just a relative of the owners?
No, I’m not related to the owners of Huff Construction. But, as a kid who grew up in Modesto, I would see the Huff Construction job site signs everywhere and I would always joke and tell everyone, “Look, it’s my company over there!”
How did you get your start at Huff Construction?
I owe my start at Huff to Leroy Kinser, a longtime Huff employee. He hooked me up with a weekend job cleaning Duane Huff’s house, which he was building in Oakdale at the time. From there, Duane offered me a summer job after I graduated high school, and my journey with Huff began.
What has been your proudest moment at Huff?
My proudest moment at Huff was when my son worked with me on the Save Mart #1 project one summer after high school. I saw him deal with our trade partners, learn from his mistakes, and handle tough situations.
What is your favorite project that you have built?
That’s hard to put a pin on but if I had to pick one, it would be the Stanislaus Cardiology project off Coffee Road in Modesto because it had a lot of unique finishes and details.
What are your top 5 favorite projects that you have built?
In no particular order:
- Avena Bella Affordable Housing
- Save Mart #1
- Stanislaus Cardiology
- Archway Commons Affordable Housing
- Save Mart & Ceres Shopping Center
Which project is/was the most complex?
I would say the project I’m currently working on is the most complex: Lightfighter Village Affordable Veterans Housing in Marina, CA.
What’s your favorite part about working at Huff?
It’s the team! Over the years, I’ve forged incredible friendships and learned invaluable lessons from some truly amazing people. The sense of camaraderie and support here is what sets Huff apart.
How does Huff support you as an employee?
Gary and Brad are amazing owners, and they make sure we have everything we need to do the job correctly. If I have an issue, I know I can call them at any time.
What do you find sets Huff employees apart from people working at other companies?
Our employees are extremely loyal to the company. It’s rare in the construction industry to find individuals who have dedicated over 20 years to the same company, but here at Huff, we have many team members who have reached that impressive milestone.
What advice would you give to someone just starting their career in the construction field?
Keep that phone in your pocket and ditch those last-minute calls to skip work. Trust me, if you can commit to this for a couple of months, you’ll learn a skill that can build a rewarding career. It’s hard work, but it’s incredibly fulfilling.
Are there any construction techniques or technologies that you find fascinating or enjoy working with?
PlanGrid is amazing. The fact that I have a complete set of plans on me at all times saves me so much time in the field. I have access to all my RFI’s and submittals with no lag time and the biggest time saver is the punch list it creates. No more blue tape and notepads to punch a building out.
Who has been your greatest mentor during your career at Huff Construction?
I was trained by some amazing superintendents and have stolen bits and pieces from each of them. They all could be on this list. But Tim Bughi pushed me to become a superintendent and start this path. He told me I was wasting my talent in my then-current position at Huff and he made me Dave Royalty’s (a retired Huff Employee) new assistant superintendent. He was always there for me when I needed help at work or if I needed advice in my personal life. He has taught me so much through the years, and I appreciate everything he has done for me.
What are your favorite things to do outside of work?
Outside of work, I spend most of my time fishing with my son or at the softball field with my daughter. My schedule is usually pretty booked up for my kids’ activities, and I wouldn’t change it one bit.
Any random fun facts about yourself that you can share with us?
In the last six months, I’ve started collecting vintage comic books. It all began as a casual interest, and now I enjoy hunting them down at yard sales during the weekends.
We take this opportunity to express our heartfelt gratitude to Will for his tireless contributions, his invaluable mentorship, and his unwavering commitment to the values that define us as a company. Will’s journey is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and the lasting impact that one individual can make within a close-knit construction family like ours.
