Building Systems, Inc. (BSI) is a general contractor that prides itself on hard work, craftmanship and quality.
It’s also a family owned business that is helping build Erie’s future. Just as a colossal mural of the Stars and Stripes on its building celebrates pride for country, BSI embodies the American Dream — building its reputation from the ground up for the past 40 years.
The Erie, Pennsylvania-based company was founded in 1984 by father and son builders Jim and Tim Schaaf, who saw the potential to become a cornerstone in the regional construction industry. The Schaafs, a close-knit family with a passion for building and a deep-rooted commitment to their community, laid the foundation for what would become a legacy of excellence.
“Certainly, there’s pride in being able to make it this long, but it’s not much different than it was when we started,” states President Tim Schaaf. “BSI still has the same core values, and when you love what you do, it’s not really work.”
HUMBLE BEGINNINGS
The Schaafs hail from a long line of residential builders, including BSI patriarch Jim Schaaf. He spent years working in the trades, but when faced with the retirement of his employer and a large family to support, he decided to go into business with his eldest son.
“Our dad was 47 years old and had eight children at home — six girls and two boys — so there were a lot of weddings to pay for,” recalls BSI Vice President Dan Schaaf. “He was too young to retire, so he and my brother Tim started BSI.”
In 1984, BSI was based in the basement of the family homestead located a few miles down the street from the company’s current headquarters on Old Perry Highway. There, the Schaafs had only one phone and a Ping Pong table for a plan desk, but a great reputation for their work and attention to detail on small scale projects.
Before long, BSI got its first sizeable job — the construction of a small dentist office — followed by its start into larger projects with the rebuilding of the Russian Orthodox Church on Front Street that had been ravaged by fire. Then, came bigger industrial and commercial projects, one job after another.
“My Dad developed a real respect in the industry,” explains Dan. “People knew him; they respected him. They really were looking for his input on solving problems and constructability, so he brought all that knowledge, all that history, all that experience to BSI.”
A FAMILY TRADITION OF WORK HARD & TEAM
From its founders to its current fourth- generation team member, BSI has prospered as a family owned business. Today, the company is comprised of 114 team members, including 15 family members and next generation of owners, who share the work ethic and values that make the company thrive.
“We have learned from the ground up,” adds Field Operations Director Matt Hodinko. “We’ve each taken our turn to learn every facet.”
BSI’s “work hard” culture has permeated into every aspect of the company’s operations, from its management style to its customer interactions. Its team goes above and beyond to ensure that every client’s needs are met with the utmost care and attention.
“BSI embodies mission first, people always,” notes Project Manager Justin Schaaf. “Team BSI is BSI, and we take great pride in delivering these projects as a collective.”
“Surround yourself with good people and by default you’ll be successful, and that’s what we’ve done,” says Tim.
CRAFTSMANSHIP THAT STANDS THE TEST OF TIME
One of the pillars of Building Systems, Inc.’s success is an unwavering commitment to craftsmanship. Over the past four decades, BSI has built an impressive portfolio of commercial, residential and industrial projects throughout the tri-state region that showcase meticulous attention to detail, innovative design and superior quality.
BSI’s team of skilled craftsmen and self- performing entities — site work, concrete work, millwork, weld shop as well as service, property maintenance and design-build divisions — bring unparalleled expertise and passion to every endeavor.
This commitment to craftsmanship has not only earned BSI a reputation for quality but also the trust and loyalty of countless clients who have witnessed their visions become reality.
“We build with our customers,” explains Dan. “Our relationship with our customers is really what’s allowed us to develop such longstanding relationships.”
A DIVERSE RANGE OF PROJECTS
As a one-stop shop for construction, BSI’s versatility enables it to work on projects from concept to completion. Whether it’s a small repair, building a new bank branch, renovating a major manufacturing facility or construction of a state-of-the- art innovation and technology hub, such as Gannon University’s I-HACK Building, BSI handles every project with the same level of dedication and professionalism.
Further examples of BSI’s proficiency in executing complex, high-profile projects include the Erie Downtown Development Corporation (EDDC) and LECOM Health, to name a few. These achievements demonstrate BSI’s commitment to their longtime customers in pushing the boundaries of construction excellence.
“They’ve entrusted us to partner with them to help bring their visions to life,” says Dan, “and we’re proud to say we’ve done that.”
ONGOINGINVESTMENT AND IMPROVEMENT
As a regional construction leader, BSI has made sure to keep up with changes in the industry. The company continuously invests in its operations as shown by its robotic total stations, GPS equipment and CMMS (computerized maintenance management system software) for managing its facilities and equipment.
“We host our job meetings virtually with big screen monitors for everyone to participate. If the owner can’t be in attendance right on the jobsite, they can log in remotely and see the activity,” explains Project Manager Keith Hodinko. “All of our field team leaders have tablets where they can take them around the jobsite to access drawings, plans, documents or submittals in real time.”
BSI also stresses the importance of process improvement and ongoing training for its team members to deliver superior service. The company employs a full-time safety director, and all new team members are trained in all safety procedures. All of BSI’s team members are offered OSHA 10 and OSHA 30 training as well.
“Our goal at the end of the day is that we want our team members to go home safe to their families,” says Field Operations Manager Travis Schaaf. “Safety is definitely first and foremost when it comes to our industry.”
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
As a longtime area business, BSI recognizes that its success is deeply intertwined with the community it serves. Over the years, the company has been actively involved in educational programs and community events, such as the Barber Beast on the Bay, Toys for Tots, PA Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Home annual raffle, as well as nonprofit groups such as the Shriners Children’s Erie, St. Martin Center, St. Jude’s Children Research Center, Make-A-Wish, community outreach centers and various Veteran initiatives.
After 40 years in business, Building Systems, Inc. has demonstrated that it is much more than a construction company. “It’s an honor to play a role in helping build the com
