At S.C. Swiderski (SCS), success is about more than getting the job done. It is about the people who make a difference, the relationships they build, and the values they bring to work every day. Our Rookie of the Year Award celebrates team members who make an immediate and meaningful impact, embrace opportunities to learn, and demonstrate the attitudes and behaviors that make our company stronger.
This year we recognize Doug Bauer, Area Maintenance Manager and Gary Buse, Site Superintendent as our 2026 Rookie of the Year recipients. Although they joined SCS in different roles and brought different experiences to the table, both have demonstrated initiative, commitment, and a genuine desire to help our teams succeed.
Doug Bauer: Taking Ownership and Making an Impact
Doug Bauer stepped into a brand-new role at SCS this year as our Area Maintenance Manager, embracing the challenges of establishing a position while learning the people, properties, and processes that make our organization work.
Starting a new role comes with a learning curve, especially when the position itself is new to the company. Doug approached that challenge with a positive attitude, curiosity, and a willingness to take initiative. He quickly became someone our teams could rely on, brining energy and a genuine desire to improve things wherever he saw an opportunity. “He saw opportunities, asked questions, built relationships, and stepped up to help,” shared one of his nominators.
What sets Doug apart is that he did not wait for every detail of his role to be defined before getting started. He asked questions, built relationships, identified opportunities, and stepped up to help. Through his ownership and commitment, Dough has already demonstrated the value his role brings to SCS.
Doug’s contributions demonstrate that leadership is not limited to established roles or long-standing processes. It also means recognizing opportunities, taking responsibility, and helping create something better for the entire organization.
Gary Buse: Sharing Experience and Building Others Up
Gary Buse may be a rookie at SCS, but he is certainly no rookie when it comes to construction. As our Site Superintendent, Gary brought a wealth of industry knowledge and experience to the team and quickly established himself as a valuable resource in the field.
From day one, Gary has demonstrated a willingness to jump in, share his expertise, and support those around him. What make his contributions especially meaningful is his commitment to helping others grow. Rather than keeping his knowledge to himself, Gary takes the time to answer questions and offer guidance. One nominator says, “He is incredibly supportive of the younger and less experienced member of our team, taking time to answer questions, offer guidance, and help other learn from his experience.”
Gary’s steady presence and collaborative approach reflect an understanding that success is not just about completing a project. It is also about building the knowledge, confidence, and capabilities of the people working alongside him.
Gary exemplifies the importance of sharing knowledge, investing in others, and recognizing that a strong team is built when people are willing to help one another succeed.
The Impact that Lasts
The Rookie of the Year Award recognizes more than a successful first year. It celebrates the people who help shape our workplace through their everyday actions, their willingness to contribute, and the example they set for others.
Doug Bauer and Gary Buse have each made a meaningful impact in a short amount of time. Doug demonstrates what can happen when initiative and willingness to learn meet opportunity, while Gary reminds us of the value of experience shared generously.
Congratulations to Doug and Gary on being named S.C. Swiderski’s 2026 Rookie of the Year award recipients.
Thank you both for the knowledge, energy, commitment, and team spirit yo bring to SCS. We are grateful to have you on our team and look forward to seeing the continued impact you will make in the years ahead.