Buildings By Design

Travis Lefever | Managing Member

Travis Lefever’s story is one of a seasoned professional in the construction industry, whose passion for building and unwavering entrepreneurial spirit have shaped his remarkable journey. From his early beginnings to his current role as a successful construction company owner, Travis’s dedication, leadership, and expertise have consistently shone through.

Early Beginnings:

Travis’s construction journey commenced at the tender age of 14 when he joined his father’s construction company. He started as a member of the concrete crew, laying the foundation for his career. His rapid ascent within the company, from a laborer to a concrete and steel erection foreman, reflected his strong work ethic and unyielding determination.

Athletic Pursuits and Education:

Travis’s ambition extended beyond construction. He earned an athletic scholarship to Fort Hays State University in Kansas, where he participated in both wrestling and football while diligently pursuing his education. Travis graduated from FHSU with a Bachelor of Science degree in Construction Management, a testament to his ability to excel both in the classroom and on the field.

Entrepreneurial Spirit:

During his time at FHSU, Travis’s entrepreneurial spirit shone through as he founded a decorative concrete company. This venture marked the beginning of his entrepreneurial journey, laying the groundwork for future successes.

A Vision Realized:

In 2006, Travis decided to turn his dream of owning a construction company into a reality. The following year, he purchased BBD, and under his astute leadership and guidance, the company has thrived. What was once a small general contractor has transformed into a large, diverse, and prosperous construction firm, a testament to Travis’s vision and determination.

Balancing Act:

Outside of his professional life, Travis values spending quality time with his wife of over 20 years, Leah, and their three children, Kaden, Avery, and Hattie. They share a passion for travel, camping, and attending sporting events together. Travis’s commitment to the community also shines through during the football and wrestling seasons when he coaches at Brush High School.

Pat Walter | Managing Member

Born and raised in the small town of Brush, Colorado, Pat Walter hails from a place known for more than just its scenic landscape – it’s the proud home of the Brush Beetdiggers. It’s in this tight-knit rural community on the Northeastern Plains of Colorado that Pat’s journey began, and the values instilled in him during his upbringing became the cornerstone of his life and career.

Pat’s family has always been at the heart of his world, a source of strength and inspiration. During his high school summers, he had the privilege of working alongside his family in the commercial construction industry. Those formative years proved invaluable, leading Pat to the realization that traditional higher education was not his path. Instead, he embraced the opportunity to launch a career in the commercial construction sector.

His professional odyssey spanned 11 years, where he started from the ground up, literally. Pat engaged in hands-on labor, mastering excavation and grading, cast-in-place concrete work, metal building erection, conventional construction, and tenant finish. With unwavering determination, he climbed the ranks from a dedicated general laborer to a seasoned crew foreman, then superintendent, and ultimately Operations Manager.

Pat’s journey didn’t stop there; he used his accumulated expertise and knowledge to establish and run Elevations Laser Screeding (ELS), making a significant impact in the industry. In 2004, he was presented with a transformative opportunity to become a partner in Buildings By Design. It was a blessing that he embraced wholeheartedly, knowing that he had a responsibility to honor this opportunity by fostering strong relationships with customers and delivering excellence in their projects.

Beyond the construction world, Pat’s heart belongs to his cherished family: his wife, Cynda, and son Jonathan. His zest for life extends to his passion for athletics, where he relishes the thrill of competition. Pat also finds fulfillment in giving back to the community through his active involvement in various civic groups and community activities.

In a testament to his unique interests and adventurous spirit, Pat owns and competes with bulls in the bucking bull industry, an endeavor that reflects his tenacity and fearlessness. Underneath it all, he remains deeply connected to his roots, embodying the ethics, morals, and principles he learned in Brush, Colorado.

Merle Grauer | Vice President

Merle Grauer’s journey to becoming Vice President at Buildings By Design (BBD) is a testament to his unwavering dedication, commitment to excellence, and his strong ties to the community. Over the past five years, Merle has risen through the ranks, demonstrating exceptional leadership skills and a profound understanding of the construction industry. Today, as the Corporate Vice President and Concrete General Manager, he plays a pivotal role in the success and growth of BBD.

Merle’s initial role at BBD may have been humble, but his ambition and work ethic were anything but. Eight years ago, he joined the company as a crew foreman, working diligently on construction sites, leading teams, and gaining invaluable hands-on experience. His journey within BBD has been marked by a continuous pursuit of excellence, a trait that has become synonymous with the company itself.

Merle oversees crucial aspects of BBD’s estimating division including preconstruction, business development, and strategic planning. His ability to develop innovative strategies, identify growth opportunities, and manage complex projects has been instrumental in positioning BBD as a leading player in the construction industry.

When asked about the keys to Buildings By Design’s success, Merle emphasizes two essential principles: attention to detail and a keen understanding of client needs. These principles have guided him throughout his career at BBD and have been instrumental in delivering exceptional results for clients time and time again. Merle’s unwavering commitment to these principles has not only set the standard for excellence within BBD but has also earned the trust and respect of clients, partners, and colleagues alike.

In his role as Vice President, Merle Grauer continues to drive BBD’s growth and success by fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and unwavering dedication to client satisfaction. With his deep industry knowledge, commitment to community, and passion for excellence, Merle is undoubtedly a driving force behind Buildings By Design’s continued ascent in the construction industry. His remarkable journey from a crew foreman to Vice President serves as an inspiring example of what can be achieved through hard work, determination, and a genuine dedication to one’s craft and community.

Randy Gates | Vice President Metal Buildings Division

Randy Gates is a seasoned professional in the world of metal buildings, bringing an impressive 33 years of dedicated experience to his role as Vice President of the Metal Buildings Division. His journey in this industry began in 1986 when he joined Chief Buildings, starting from the ground floor as a drafter and detailer. In this crucial role, Randy meticulously calculated lengths, quantities, and hole placements for every component that went into metal buildings, laying the foundation for his comprehensive understanding of the industry.

In 2001, after 15 years of dedicated service at Chief Buildings, Randy seized a new opportunity to further his career in Northern Colorado. Over the course of eight years, he excelled as both a project manager and estimator for a prominent general contractor in the region. Subsequently, he embarked on an entrepreneurial journey, dedicating ten years to establishing and growing metal building contracting business in the area.

Throughout his illustrious career, Randy has been privileged to contribute to numerous landmark metal building projects across Colorado and nationwide, demonstrating his versatility and expertise in both manufacturing and construction aspects of the industry.

Born and raised in Nebraska, Randy’s interests extend beyond metal buildings. He developed a deep passion for basketball during his youth, playing through junior college and later engaging in competitive adult leagues. He also found joy in coaching his children’s basketball teams.

Randy’s personal life is marked by 30 years of blissful marriage to Maureen, with whom he shares four daughters: Jessica, Hillary, Marissa, and Gabrielle. In his precious moments of free time, Randy enjoys quality family moments and engages in home improvement projects. He is also known to tinker with his cherished ‘68 Cutlass convertible and enthusiastically follows college sports, particularly holding a fervent allegiance to Husker football and Duke basketball.

With his wealth of experience, dedication, and passion for both the metal building industry and his personal interests, Randy Gates is an invaluable asset in his role as Vice President of the Metal Buildings Division.