In this episode of What It Takes: Business Owners Tell All, host Jamie Seeker sits down with Ryan Teicher, CEO of REDCOM Design & Construction, to explore the unique path he’s taken across family business, corporate leadership, and now steering a legacy company into a more sustainable and scalable future. With over 25 years of experience in the construction and real estate world, Ryan shares candid insights into what it takes to lead with humility, balance innovation with tradition, and earn trust while driving change.
From sweeping floors on job sites in his teens to leading infrastructure projects for global brands, Ryan’s story is one of grounded leadership and thoughtful evolution. He discusses the challenges of integrating sustainability in a traditionally structured industry, why safety and efficiency are at the core of his leadership, and how listening first has been his most valuable strategy for growth.
This is a conversation full of wisdom for anyone leading a legacy brand—or anyone stepping into business ownership with big vision and respect for where things began.
🔑 Key Themes & Takeaways
- Leadership in Transition: Ryan opens up about stepping into REDCOM with a legacy already in place and how he approached it with deep respect, choosing to listen first before initiating change.
- Sustainability & Safety: He talks about the economic challenges of sustainable building and how safety became a top priority—a legacy he hopes to leave at REDCOM.
- Corporate vs. Family Business: Ryan reflects on the lessons learned in both environments, blending corporate structure with small business agility.
- Client Empathy Through Experience: With a background as a builder, project manager, and owner’s rep, Ryan brings a 360-degree understanding of client needs.
- Humility as Strength: The episode closes with a powerful reminder that humility, paired with respect and authority, is not weakness—it’s a leader’s greatest asset.
💬 Memorable Quotes
“My first job was assistant to the laborer. I wasn’t even allowed to carry tools—just a broom.”
— Ryan Teicher
“I saw REDCOM as a place to combine the best of both worlds—family business values with corporate structure, without the bureaucracy.”
— Ryan Teicher
“You’re never done learning.”
— Ryan Teicher (on what it takes to be a business owner)
“Legacy isn’t something to protect—it’s something to grow.”
— Jamie Seeker (Host)
“A fresh set of eyes helps. It’s not about eliminating people—it’s about putting them in the right seats.”
— Ryan Teicher
“Humility is often seen as a weakness, but when combined with respect and authority, it becomes a strength.”
— Ryan Teicher
📍 Connect with Ryan & REDCOM
- 🌐 Website: redcomllc.com
- 📸 Instagram: @redcomllc
- 💼 LinkedIn: REDCOM Design & Construction
- 📍 Location: Westfield, New Jersey
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