Building Momentum in the Southeast: A Q&A with Senior Vice President, Tyler Kovarik
As Florida continues to experience rapid growth, Schaefer General Contracting is expanding alongside it, strengthening our presence, growing our team, and deepening our relationships across the region.
We sat down for a candid conversation with Senior Vice President, Tyler Kovarik, to talk about what’s driving that growth, where opportunities are emerging, and what it means for clients, partners, and future team members at Schaefer.
Q: Schaefer’s Florida presence has grown significantly. What’s driving that momentum?
It really comes down to our people and the strength of our relationships. About 80% of our work comes from repeat clients, which says a lot about how we approach projects. The most successful jobs we’ve been part of are the ones where we’re truly working with people, not for them.
Our growth in Florida is a direct reflection of that mindset. We’ve built a team in Tampa with a wide range of experience across multiple sectors, and that depth allows us to take on more complex work while continuing to deliver for the clients who trust us.
Q: What kind of opportunities should candidates be excited about at Schaefer?
This is a great time to join the Florida team. We’re growing, which means people have the chance to make an impact and be part of building something.
We’re not just filling roles, we’re building a team of people who want to work with good people and do meaningful work. There’s a strong emphasis on mentorship, collaboration, and long-term development. Whether you’re in project management, the field, or preconstruction, you’re going to have the opportunity to grow and take on new challenges.
Q: What projects or partnerships stand out in the Florida market?
We’ve been fortunate to work with some incredible long-term partners. Kindred Health (now ScionHealth) has been a client for more than four decades, and Atria Senior Living has been a partner for over 30 years. TECO is another key relationship for us.
We’ve also been expanding our work in affordable housing, delivering one to two projects annually since 2019—many in partnership with organizations like Orlando Neighborhood Improvement Corporation (ONIC). Projects like Hallowbrook, that will be wrapping up construction soon, are a great example of how we’re continuing to grow in that space.
Looking ahead, we’re also focused on expanding our industrial work with team members like Tony Hedrick bringing experience in that sector, we see a lot of opportunity there in Florida.
Q: What do you think contributes most to Schaefer’s long-term success with clients?
It starts with our commitment to our values and how we approach every project. We’re focused on building true partnerships, not just delivering a job. That mindset is a big reason why so much of our work is repeat business.
A big part of that success comes from our preconstruction approach. Our Director of Preconstruction, Katie Smith, has really elevated how we engage early in the process—building trust with clients and trade partners from day one.
By getting involved early, we’re able to identify challenges, close scope gaps, and align expectations before construction even begins. That level of planning and communication creates a smoother experience for everyone involved and ultimately leads to stronger outcomes.
Q: What trends are you watching in Florida right now?
Florida is continuing to grow across multiple sectors, and we’re seeing a lot of opportunity tied to that.
Senior living is a big one. By 2030, 1 in 5 Americans will be over the age of 65 which is creating increased demand, but the expectations are evolving. These communities are being designed not just for residents, but for their families as decision-makers. That means the design, experience, and functionality all have to adapt.
Affordable and workforce housing is another critical need. There’s a real demand for more product in the market, and a lot of that work involves renovating and repositioning existing communities. Our experience working in occupied environments is a big advantage there.
We’re also seeing continued movement in healthcare and repositioning projects, where speed, efficiency, and minimizing disruption are key.
Q: What does the future look like for Schaefer in the Southeast?
We’re just getting started. The goal is to continue growing the right way—by building strong relationships, investing in our people, and delivering consistent results for our clients.
There’s a lot of opportunity in this region, and we’re excited to keep building on the momentum we’ve created in Florida.
Interested in joining our growing Florida team or partnering on a project? Let’s connect.
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About Tyler Kovarik
Tyler serves as Senior Vice President of Schaefer General Contracting and oversees the company’s Florida operations. Tyler brings experience managing all types of projects ranging in size from $100,000 to $25 Million. His projects include both new, out-of-the ground projects and interior demolitions and renovations. Tyler brings a wealth of experience in the healthcare sector, overseeing several hospital renovations throughout his tenure.
Since joining Schaefer in 2007, Tyler has played an integral role in the company’s evolution, helping lead its national portfolio before relocating to Florida in 2018 to establish Schaefer’s Southeast presence. Under his leadership, the region has grown into a thriving operation supported by a talented team with diverse expertise across healthcare, senior living, commercial retail, hospitality, industrial, fuel and convenience, and workplace environments.
Learn more about Tyler and his leadership journey at Schaefer here!
