Bill Heifner
About this Executive:
Name:
Bill Heifner
Company:
Renier Construction
Interview Topics:
Entrepreneurship
Region:
Region 1 - Central Ohio
Bill Heifner, president of Renier Construction in Columbus, Ohio, founded Renier in 1980 as a one-man operation, specializing in industrial and commercial construction. His first major project was a $1 million contract with American Electric Power (AEP). Over the years, the company has expanded into the retail, automotive, commercial and office service markets. Today, Renier's long list of clients includes Germain Motor Company, Ross Laboratories and Dayton Freight Lines. Recently, Renier was chosen as the winner of The Better Business Bureau's Business Integrity Award.
Prior to founding Renier, Heifner worked in project engineering, research and sales for United McGill Corporation, a specialty manufacturing firm. Heifner also served in the U.S. Army and completed a tour in Vietnam. He received a Bachelor of Science degree from Ohio University. A former trustee of Columbus College of Art & Design, the Rahal Central Ohio Children's Charity and Heartland Bank, Heifner currently serves on the board of the Columbus Regional Airport Authority. He also is involved with Easter Seals and Big Brothers & Big Sisters charities and was recently named to the Central Ohio Business Hall of Fame.
Recently, I had the opportunity to talk with Bill about his professional and personal life in Ohio.
Q. What are the top three things that Ohio uniquely offers that you feel have helped make Renier Construction successful?
A. Throughout the years, the Ohio Department of Development has consistently helped existing businesses expand and attracted new businesses to Ohio, which has created many opportunities for the development and construction industry.
In addition, forward thinking by local and state leaders several decades ago laid the foundation for a transportation infrastructure that has Ohio well positioned for growth and efficiency. Statewide, Ohio businesses and individuals benefit from a highly effective transportation and intermodal network of roadways, rail, and air travel, which makes Ohio one of the most easily accessible and efficient places to do business.
Finally, Ohio is objective and fair in its administration of building plan reviews and construction inspections. We look forward to a smooth and predictable construction process whenever we have projects under state jurisdiction.
Q. The Ohio Promise is that you can achieve professional success within the context of a fulfilling life. Based on your experience, how authentic is the promise?
A. Very authentic. Ohio offers a fulfilling, meaningful lifestyle with robust cultural and entertainment options, extensive green space and sports, and excellent schools and universities. Coupled with a business environment that is open and welcoming to newcomers and emerging leaders, Ohio delivers on its promise.
Q. Please tell us the role that Ohio has played in helping you achieve both professional – and personal success.
A. My wife and I feel very fortunate to have arrived in Columbus in the mid-70s not knowing a soul, and to have created and grown a business that will celebrate 30 successful years in 2010. The ease of networking and meeting people, the Midwestern values and work ethic, Ohio’s rich history of innovation and opportunity, affordable cost of living, and excellent schools and universities make Ohio an exceptional place to grow both professionally and personally.
Q. What business benefits do you feel your business realizes from having employees who achieve a positive work:life balance?
A. Renier benefits from having employees that have both the opportunity and time to be involved in family activities, personal interests, and to give back to their local community. Our employees have deep connections in their communities that reflect well on Renier.
Q. If an executive from your industry was evaluating Ohio as a location for capital investment, what are the top three industry specific assets you recommend exposure to?
A. The Ohio Department of Development is an excellent starting place because of their knowledge, connections and proactive approach. Ohio is fortunate to have a very strong network of local chambers of commerce and professional associations specific to both the construction industry and also the target market segments of the company considering expansion in Ohio.
Q. Trailing spouses need to be comfortable that relocating their family to Ohio is a good thing. What should a trailing spouse consider when evaluating Ohio?
A. We’ve found central Ohio to be a warm and welcoming community. Friends that have moved to Ohio from other parts of the country have been delighted with the ease of settling their family into their new community. Central Ohio is a very generous philanthropic community and has many people that are passionate about their civic responsibilities. Trailing spouses will find that doors open easily for networking for business, civic or philanthropic purposes.
Q. Real estate professionals often say location, location, location. What are your thoughts on Ohio’s location and logistics capabilities?
A. Ohio is uniquely positioned within the transportation and distribution framework of the U.S., which provides businesses and individuals exceptional accessibility to suppliers and customers. Ohio also enjoys the benefit of having leading logistics professionals, companies and educational programs located in central Ohio.