Board Member

Chet Opheikens, Vice President-Business Development

If your first job as a kid was straightening bent nails, it may have dissuaded you from pursuing a career in construction. Of course, when your last name is Opheikens and your family has successfully grown a small general contracting business into one of the most respected names in the industry, those nails serve as the starting point for a lifelong calling and journey.

In 1995, before Chet had made his way to Henderson, the place his family would come to love and call home, he was on a residential development called Eagle Ridge in Utah. Prior to this project, Chet had always worked in the family business as a trusted laborer. While the role as well as the close proximity in which it allowed him to work with his family was already a rewarding experience, Eagle Ridge is noted most as a significant personal accomplishment. It was the first project where he had become an essential voice for planning and strategy. It was also the first time that weaving through the daily challenges and obstacles of the business world became an essential responsibility.

Chet has now been in construction for nearly 30 years, working his way from chief nail straightener to a Vice President for R&O Construction, heading up business development for Southern Nevada. In this pivotal role, Chet builds and nurtures client relationships to keep R&O’s team busy with a steady flow of construction projects. It requires an individual who understands the rigors of business in Southern Nevada and respects the oft-forgotten importance of personal relationships and trust as foundational to long-term success. It is this level of acumen that has helped lead R&O to ever-greater thresholds of success but has also made him a recognized deal maker throughout the region.

Recognizing that giving back is equally essential, Chet has been a committed community icon when it comes to advisory and philanthropic roles. He maintains membership in numerous local organizations, including CCIM, ICSC, NAIOP, SIOR as well as the Las Vegas Metro and Henderson Chambers. He works extensively with Nellis Air Force Base and is a former chair for the Henderson Development Association. His contributions earned him Economic Development Private Sector Person of the Year in 2018 from the City of Henderson. He continues to work alongside the organization to promote growth and prosperity for the city. Whether it's his care and attention on behalf of our business community, or his nine years as Honorary Commander for the 66th Rescue Squadron of Nellis AFB (his team has raised over $400,000 of combined contributions to the That Others May Live and Shane Patton Foundations), it becomes crystal clear that Chet measures his accomplishments by the positive impact upon his colleagues, friends, family, clients and community.

For those of us that have had the opportunity to know and work with him, we have found inspirational character and integrity. We have found a moving level of dedication and commitment. Chet’s addition to your ongoing endeavor will be that of a business and community leader that can be counted upon to guide initiatives, close deals, lend expertise and give back when service is needed most.

Board Of Directors
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