About Us - Construction Company Utah & Las Vegas - R&O Construction (2024)

R&O Construction Founding

Founded by Orluff Opheikens and Les Randall in 1980, we have been specializing in commercial construction ever since. Headquartered in their hometown of Ogden, Utah, Orluff began our path to success. Little did he know then, but he would go on to establish a family of dedicated employees and clients.

R&O’s Growth Begins

By the mid-80s, 80% of our work was for Smith’s (now Kroger). As Smith’s expanded, we began bidding stores in California, Arizona, New Mexico and Nevada. We quickly added Shopko, PayLess Drug and Harmons to our resume, and, as the 80s wore on, we became recognized as a prominent player in the construction industry throughout Utah and other neighboring western states.

Between 1985 and 1989, we constructed over 11 projects including retail stores, a bank, hotel addition and a truck stop.

A New Decade

Our portfolio grew to include health care, financial institutions, warehouses, office buildings, public projects and churches. Our philosophy was to “never miss a deadline,” and “give the customer maximum service.” A philosophy we still live by today.

R&O Bets Big on Las Vegas!

After over 10 years of successful construction projects throughout the Western United States, we opened a second office in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Entering the 21st Century

The beginning of a new century marked a growth spurt for R&O. We were the first company to hire a risk manager who dealt exclusively with subcontractors. This paid off in assembling quality construction teams who were loyal to the company and our clients.

Safety First was at the top of our project checklist. We hired a safety manager and focused on guaranteeing that every employee, no matter their job, “goes back home at night”.

By 2003 we had constructed projects in 15 states. We revamped our operations structure to include a large commercial department, retail department and a new special projects division for better project oversight. And most importantly, to deliver on our promise of service.

The Company of Choice

By 2006, we completed the largest Walmart store expansion and conducted the biggest concrete pour in the company’s history.

We offered a strong commitment to Green Building. With LEED certified green building projects, we assist owners in realizing tax credits and energy savings on their projects.

Multi-family housing, city centers and additional recreation facilities were added to expand on our project portfolio, and in 2009 we completed 89 projects, and by 2012 we expanded this number to 95 projects.

Our goal was to become “The Company of Choice” for clients, subcontractors and employees, by striving for complete customer satisfaction with quality construction, exceptional service and as promised delivery.

The Economy Shifts

Learning to survive the ups and downs of the economy was something we knew all too well. Our loyal and dependable employees helped us keep moving forward in any climate. And when most clients were delaying their projects, along came a major renovation and expansion of Valley Fair Mall in West Valley, Utah.

In March 2012, Hill Air Force Base hosted local and national dignitaries to cut the ribbon for the grand opening of the first commercial building developed at Falcon Hill, the largest enhanced use lease project in Air Force history, and first public/private partnership. Further expansion of the park continues today, with R&O Construction as its contractor.

In 2013 we grew to have projects in 18 states, and to better serve our area clients and employees, we opened an office in Salt Lake City, Utah.

A New Era

In 2016 after 10 years as president, Dale Campbell turned the leadership reins over to Slade Opheikens to carry on our legacy. This new era also unveiled a new logo, brand, and the tagline “BIG ENOUGH.” This tagline means we do not aim to be the biggest general contractor, we aim to be the general contractor that is big enough to handle the needs of any project. Big or small, while offering every client the same level of dedicated service.

40 Years in the Making

The year 2020 marked our 40th anniversary. As we reflect on the past, our humble beginnings will never be forgotten. That is why R&O employees are committed to taking care of their clients, and delivering what was promised to meet your project needs. Over the past four decades we have established one of the most competent general contractor families and a network of like-minded industry professionals. But one thing remains the same, our unwavering desire to produce exceptional results for you!

Slade started at R&O in 1987 and has since worked in nearly every operations position: laborer, superintendent, project manager, chief operating officer and president and CEO. As President and CEO, Slade directs a team of six vice presidents to ensure that each of R&O’s projects receives the management, resources and attention required to exceed client expectations. Slade actively participates in the daily operations of R&O and frequently participates in the oversight of quality, cost and staffing of projects.

Steve Simmons oversees all financial planning, analysis, and reporting of the company. He has served as the Corporate Controller for 25 years and now serves on the Executive Committee as the Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Secretary/Treasurer. He supervises and manages the Accounting Department. His responsibilities include budgeting & forecasting, tax planning & compliance, banking relationships, surety & commercial insurance issues, subcontractor prequalification and financial review, as well as overseeing our investment and financing strategies.

Chet began in the construction industry as a laborer, went on to carpentry and then became a foreman. He was R&O’s divisional manager for the residential arm of R&O Construction for many years, and in 2002 relocated to Las Vegas, Nevada and has worked in business development since then. His prime responsibility is to build and nurture client relationships that will generate qualified leads for project development to meet or exceed R&O’s marketing goals.

Rick Zampedri has over 40 years of experience in the construction industry. He has been with R&O Construction since 1992, beginning in project management. Rick coordinates all construction projects, project managers and superintendents within his division. He oversees the hiring and evaluation of field employees and actively participates in the evaluation and review of job costs, design consultation and customer satisfaction.

Tim has been employed by R&O Construction since 1990. As Vice President of R&O’s Retail Group, he manages all retail construction projects including the project personnel. He oversees the hiring and evaluation of field employees, and actively participates in the evaluation and review of job costs, construction schedules and customer satisfaction. Tim is involved in all aspects of R&O Construction’s retail project execution, including the personnel, quality control, financial management and contract management.

Neil Manning oversees all projects within the Special Projects Division. His past experience as a project manager has honed his skills of management and leadership; budgeting and cost management, and his knowledge of the latest tools and techniques. He works closely with the quality assurance manager and project manager throughout the project, assuring all quality control methods are met. He also coordinates and reviews monthly job costs, contracts, and final job evaluation.

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As Vice President and General Manager of R&O’s Las Vegas office, Erik coordinates all Southwest region construction projects. He also oversees the hiring and evaluation of all office personnel and field employees. Erik has expert knowledge of project estimating and provides high-level, high-quality management of R&O’s projects.

Kelly Hansen started his career at R&O Construction in 2005 and is R&O’s Vice President of Estimating. Kelly excels at working with experienced and first time clients to clarify needs and meet them through effective budgeting, estimating and buyout. Kelly provides excellent preconstruction services that effectively help guide a project toward meeting all functional needs, while staying within budget requirements.

Eric is a seasoned professional in the construction industry with a diverse background encompassing roles such as Framing Foreman, Project Assistant, Project Engineer and Assistant Superintendent. Eric’s career journey took him from hands-on fieldwork to the world of estimating, culminating in his expertise in preconstruction services. His unique blend of practical field experience and proficiency in estimating equips him with exceptional leadership skills, particularly during the critical preconstruction phase. Eric excels in aligning project design with budget and time constraints and constructability considerations, making him an indispensable part of our team and a valuable asset to your project.

Eric plays a pivotal role at R&O Construction, steering our project endeavors as the leader of our Business Development team. His expertise and strategic guidance are instrumental in driving our project pursuits, ensuring growth and success in our business ventures

Connect with R&O on LinkedIn

Connect with R&O on LinkedIn

Cesar Cavillo joined R&O Construction in 2000 and has since elevated safety standards on every project R&O undertakes. As Safety Director, Cesar develops and implements a project specific safety plan, conducts regular safety trainings, carries out drug testing and ensures that R&O’s safety first policy is carried out on each job site.