RCH Construction: The Legacy of Hugh Hobus

Over the course of four transformative decades, Hugh Hobus journeyed from the celebrated end of his college basketball career at Gonzaga University to founding and leading RCH Construction, a beacon of quality and ingenuity in the residential building space. This is Hugh’s story, whose evolution from an athlete to a construction magnate was underpinned by an unwavering commitment to family, craftsmanship, and community.

  • 1981

    The Collegiate Phenom

    Hugh, a lifetime athlete, found his training efforts rewarded in the world of basketball, where he was signed to play for Gonzaga University. After a successful collegiate career, Hugh Hobus bid farewell to the basketball courts of Gonzaga University in 1981, where he left behind a legacy of sportsmanship, characterized by his unique blend of a laid-back attitude off the court and fierce competitiveness on it. Fortunately for Hugh, the closing of his college career would not mark the end of his time in the sport as he was confronted with the opportunity to continue his passion professionally.

  • 1981

    Welcome to the Outback

    Hugh's next chapter unfolded in Australia with the Melbourne Tigers, where he was warmly embraced by the local culture and fans. He embraced the life of a professional athlete, taking in all opportunities the new country had to offer. Even during the off-season, instead of resting he spent with the Nike Allstar Team, journeying through the towns and settlements of the Outback, an experience that allowed him to connect with the Australian heartland on a profound level not often experienced by foreigners nor natives.

  • 1984

    Exploring Paths in the Bay Area

    Upon the conclusion of his time in Australia, Hugh returned to the United States and planted himself in the Bay Area, where he engaged in a variety of jobs. During his time there, he worked in a number of industries from insurance sales to sports photography. This period was not long-lasting, however, as Hugh quickly set his eyes on different goals.

  • 1985

    The Return to Gonzaga

    Basketball, the sport that defined his early years, brought him back to Gonzaga, albeit in a different role—as a graduate assistant coach. This period was marked by academic achievement, obtaining a teaching certification to complement his undergraduate degrees in Business and Math, laying a crucial educational foundation for his future entrepreneurial ventures.

  • 1986

    A New Role in Idaho

    With his new teaching certificate in hand, Hugh secured employment in Idaho as a math teacher. True to form, he also picked up the role as head basketball coach, leading the team through numerous accomplished seasons and passing on a lifetime of experience to the next generation. During this time, Hugh’s family continued to grow with the birth of his daughters, Candace and Rachel. With additional mouths to feed, Hugh faced the reality that teaching and coaching high school would not make it easy to support his family of five, steering him towards new horizons.

  • 1990

    The Agricultural Interlude

    To continue to support his family, Hugh joined Bruster Heights Packing in Washington, taking charge of a sprawling agricultural operation. Hugh commanded the legions of operators in charge of pest control across an empire of 5,500 acres. It was also during his time at Bruster that Hugh began taking more interest in the world of homebuilding and renovations after being introduced to the Schramm brothers at Green Gables Construction. This partnership was instrumental in Hugh mastering a number of trades critical to building homes, a skill set that would later become the cornerstone of RCH Construction's reputation for excellence.

  • 2000

    The Inception of RCH Construction

    Armed with a decade of construction experience and a newly acquired contractor's license, Hugh decided it was time for a change of scenery and job description. The family relocated to Hilton Head Island, South Carolina and Hugh founded RCH Construction armed with a hammer and a can-do attitude. Alongside his new hire, Sean, the pair began with remodeling projects, but it wasn't long before their work's distinctiveness led them to larger undertakings.

  • 2001

    Expanding the Dream

    For residential builders, the celebrated step of building a first custom home is a landmark achievement. Fortunately for Hugh, the quality of work and professionalism displayed during his early projects ensured this step did not take decades. The construction of the first custom home on Quail Lane marked a pivotal moment for RCH Construction, which opened a new market and client base. The momentum continued through the company’s early years, often building two to three homes per year in addition to renovations.

  • 2010

    The Family Joins the Business

    Being a family man, Hugh ensured his daughters had the opportunity to become part of the company. The addition of Hugh's daughter, Heidi, to the firm brought a new level of organizational efficiency and project management prowess. Her ability to coordinate projects and manage subcontractors was pivotal in enhancing the operational dynamics of RCH Construction and allowed the business to continue on its trajectory of growth.

  • 2016

    Becoming a Big Deal

    In 2016, RCH Construction went corporate. The strategic move from a home-based office to a new office building was a game-changer for the business, adding a sense of legitimacy that helped reinforce the company’s growth. Additionally, the introduction of Hugh’s wife, Kathleen Hobus, to the team infused the company with a corporate structure and marketing acumen. Between Hugh’s construction know-how and Kathleen’s business practices brought over from her years in corporate environments, the duo propelled the company into a period of unprecedented growth.

  • 2023

    Continuing a Legacy of Teamwork and Excellence

    By 2023, RCH Construction had evolved into a family of countless dedicated subcontractors, with many boasting over 15 years of loyalty to the company. This cohesive unit reflected Hugh's coaching philosophy from his days on the court—emphasizing quality output, unwavering commitment, and collective success. The year also marks when Hugh made the decision to pass on the legacy of RCH Construction to Angelina Carper, an industry veteran who holds dear the very same philosophy. With a young family of her own, she was ready to continue on the cycle started by Hugh over two decades before with the same commitment to quality craftsmanship.

Hugh Hobus’s journey from Gonzaga’s basketball courts to the forefront of the construction industry is a testament to the enduring impact of passion, adaptability, and a deep-seated sense of community. His legacy, built on the principles of family, teamwork, and unparalleled excellence, remains a source of inspiration for the construction industry and beyond.