Few industries demand as much patience, strength and long-term commitment as masonry and concrete construction. Consistency matters more than flash in a trade where the goal is to build things that last a century. Rick A. DiBucci knows this better than most. DiBucci is the president and owner of DiBucci and Sons, a Pittsburgh-based firm specializing in concrete, brick and stonework. For nearly 50 years, he has lived according to the principles passed down from his father and grandfather.
Traditions Passed Through Generations
Rick’s involvement in the family business began at age 13. Other teenagers were playing sports or making college plans. However, he was busy laying foundations. These early experiences resulted in DiBucci building an impactful career in construction.
In 1956, DiBucci’s grandfather founded the company. With early exposure to the trade, he developed a strong sense of discipline. This attribute still influences his work today.
A Hands-On Industry with Few Shortcuts
In construction, the basics haven’t changed much. Upon spending thousands of days on job sites, Rick has a pragmatic view of industry trends. “Cement is changing slowly, for the better, hopefully,” he says. “As far as doing the work goes, it is pretty much the same. It’s still hands-on.”
This outlook is one of the reasons why Rick’s company remains a trusted name in Pittsburgh. Quality in this business isn’t about chasing trends. Instead, it’s about knowing the materials, the environment, and the limits of both.
Pride Without Pretension
Rick doesn’t talk in buzzwords or sound bites. However, his values speak volumes. These principles boil down to showing up, doing the work, and doing it well. This reliability is what turned a small family business into a local institution.
To this day, DiBucci’s late father’s advice still guides him. “When you’re making something, no matter what it is, you want to make it last 100 years,” he says. This philosophy sets the standard for how his team builds structures.
In a career spanning nearly 50 years, Rick has spent 40 of those at the helm of DiBucci and Sons. What stands out most, however, isn’t any single project. It’s the cumulative effect of delivering excellent work, day after day.
The Art of Training the Next Generation
DiBucci isn’t holding on to the spotlight despite his long tenure. Mentorship is an essential part of his leadership. Currently, he’s preparing several promising workers within DiBucci and Sons to take the reins.
However, his plans don’t include retirement as the end goal. Instead, Rick wants to remain available as a mentor. The aim is to maintain the business’s reputation for high standards.
Family Support Behind Success
Success hasn’t come without sacrifice. Due to the job’s demands, DiBucci missed several family events. During his busiest years, he credits his wife for raising their children and holding things together at home.
Still, time outside of work has its place. Golf, trap shooting, and family vacations provide a needed balance. These moments, though fewer than Rick might have liked, are cherished.
DiBucci recently received recognition by Marquis Who’s Who as a Top Business Owner. However, he didn’t achieve this honor by pursuing accolades or focusing on rapid expansion. This industry leader focused on the non-flashy factors that often go unnoticed — work ethic and craftsmanship. As a result, he has built a legacy on a foundation of consistency, discipline, and pride.
