How our founders shaped BHS Construction into who we are today – a company that values dedication, investing in relationships first, integrity, positive client experience, and serving others with God-given talents.

As we celebrate 60 years of building and serving communities together, it’s the perfect moment to reflect on the vision that sparked the creation of BHS Construction. Our journey began with a clear purpose: to build lasting partnerships grounded in quality, integrity, and community spirit. Our founders saw beyond the projects in front of them, laying the foundation for a company that would grow, evolve, and continue to serve our community for decades to come. This legacy was set in motion by our three visionary founders: Bob Baril, Mike Hoover, and Wayne Sloan.

Bob Baril: A Commitment to Craftsmanship

From day one, Bob Baril’s passion for quality craftsmanship laid the cornerstone of what would become BHS Construction’s reputation for excellence. Bob believed that every project should stand as a testament to quality work and enduring integrity, in both how a structure looked and in how well it functioned for the people who used it. Whether it was a small renovation or a complex build, Bob ensured that every detail was done right. His philosophy was straightforward: build it well, build it to last, and take pride in the result. That mindset shaped the foundation of BHS and continues to guide our work today. Bob’s legacy lives on in BHS Construction, as his commitment to excellence continues to inspire our approach to every project, ensuring that quality is never compromised.

Mike Hoover: Determination and Hard Work

Mike Hoover brought a direct, no-nonsense approach to BHS Construction, driven by a relentless focus on efficiency, precision, and results. Mike was focused on the fundamentals: schedules, budgets, and getting the work done right. He valued consistency, structure, and doing what needed to be done to keep jobs moving. His straightforward, by-the-book style brought a level of discipline to the company during its early years and helped establish the kind of operational backbone that allowed BHS to take on larger, more complex work. Mike’s legacy lives on in our disciplined work ethic, our complex problem-solving approach, and our refusal to settle for anything less than excellence.

Wayne Sloan: A Visionary Leader with Deep Community Roots

Wayne Sloan’s journey with BHS Construction is one steeped in tradition and community. As a young man, Wayne began his career at RM Baril General Contractors Inc., the parent company of Baril-Rogers. Growing up in a much smaller version of Manhattan, he witnessed firsthand the unique blend of small-town charm and the economic vitality driven by institutions like K-State and Fort Riley. In 1965, when Baril-Rogers was established, Manhattan’s population was under 30,000 and the surrounding area had around 85,000 residents. This intimate community setting, enriched by close-knit relationships and local events (thanks in part to his father’s introductions to the business community), provided Wayne with a solid foundation in both business and community values.

The current name of BHS (Baril-Hoover-Sloan) Construction was established in January 1982.

The relationships he built during those formative years proved invaluable. When Wayne took over as president in 1982, Baril-Rogers evolved into BHS Construction. By that time, Manhattan’s population had grown to around 35,000 and the surrounding area had surged past 108,000 residents, a testament to the region’s rapid growth and changing landscape. Starting out as a subcontractor on an addition to a local sporting goods store, BHS Construction recorded approximately $800,000 in work in its very first year. This early success was just the beginning of a journey that would see the company become a trusted partner in building for the future.

Wayne’s vision has always been clear:

“I would like people to say that BHS was a partner. We are hiring a partner, not just a construction firm.”

This philosophy is woven into the fabric of our company and continues to drive us forward, ensuring that every project is a collaborative effort built on trust and mutual respect.

 

Strategic Succession Planning

As Wayne realized that BHS Construction largely employed people his own age, he began developing a succession plan to ensure the long-term success of the company. He hired Patrick Schutter in 2003, with Levi Schneider and Zach Sloan coming on board soon after. Schutter is now president, and Wayne is chair of the board. Wayne’s diligence in ensuring a smooth transition in leadership has set BHS Construction up for decades of continued success.

Levi Schneider, Vice President, carries that vision forward:

“We must carry on the same mindset of taking care of the community in which we work, it’s the cornerstone of our success.”

Patrick Schutter, President, shares in our continued vision:

“Our goal isn’t just to celebrate 60 years, it’s to build for 60 more. We look forward to working with owners, architects, and our teams to create projects we will all be proud of for decades to come.” 

 

Carrying the Legacy Forward

Today, the guiding principles set by Bob, Mike, and Wayne are more relevant than ever. They remind us that our work is about constructing quality buildings, forming lasting relationships, and contributing to the growth of our community. Leaders like Levi Schneider and Patrick Schutter carry this legacy forward, ensuring that as we celebrate our past, we also build for the future. Their commitment to maintaining a community-centric approach ensures that every project is not just another construction job, but an opportunity to enhance the lives of those we serve.

Building for 60 More Years

As we look to the future, our mission remains clear: to continue building with the same spirit and vision that has defined BHS Construction for six decades. We’re excited to embark on new projects, forge new partnerships, and contribute to a legacy that will endure for generations. With the same dedication to quality, integrity, and community that our founders instilled in us, we are proud to say that our journey is far from over.

Thank you for being a part of our story. As we celebrate 60 years of success, we invite you to join us in shaping the future built on the same vision, passion, and integrity that our founders instilled in BHS Construction. Together, let’s continue to build a future that honors our past and embraces the promise of tomorrow.

 

Build Together with BHS.