As a child, Ryan Browne was keenly aware of how his dad, Rob Browne, was transforming the San Francisco Bay Area by restoring some of its most beloved architecture. One of his favorite memories is driving to football games together while his dad pointed out all the buildings he had worked on. “I always found that fascinating.”
Ryan was especially fascinated by construction equipment, “It started at an early age,” Rob says. “I can remember stopping at construction sites, and Ryan would marvel over the big tractors.”
Over the years, that childhood interest turned into a professional passion; today, Rob and Ryan work together as Rainbow’s Vice President and Project Manager, respectively. Through their shared commitment to excellence and deep knowledge of the commercial waterproofing and historic restoration industry, this dynamic family bond is playing a key role in shaping the future of the Bay Area.
How it All Began: The Road to Rainbow
Rob Browne got his start in the industry as a college student interning with Simpson Gumpertz & Heger, Inc., a consulting engineering firm that specializes in exterior building envelope design and commercial waterproofing. After graduation, he received a job offer from the firm, launching his career. In 2003, that career led him to Rainbow, where he took on the role of Vice President.
Ryan grew up as part of the Rainbow family, working part-time in the warehouse during high school. His burgeoning interest in construction spurred him to earn a Bachelor’s degree in construction management at California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly SLO). “I always thought I would start my career in that field,” he says.
That changed when he started interning with general contractors during his summer breaks. “It was never satisfying to work on the same project every day and look at the same set of drawings.” Then he did an internship with Rainbow, and it seemed like a perfect fit, both for Ryan and for the company. After graduating from Cal Poly SLO, he joined Rainbow on a full-time basis, giving him the opportunity to contribute to a range of projects and expand his expertise.
The most rewarding thing is the ability to work on many different existing structures in one year. Every building, whether it be a landmark, commercial, or historical site, comes with its own unique characteristics and challenges. And I plan to learn and grow from them daily.
Ryan has now been a Project Manager at Rainbow for over two years—hopefully, the start of many more.
Becoming Part of the Team
In some ways, coming aboard at Rainbow felt like any other first job for Ryan. He was expected to prove himself, contribute, and learn like anyone else. Rob explains, ”Perception is something we both wanted to be sure was not an issue amongst our staff. Meaning, he would need to earn his place and respect with the rest of our staff. I feel he has done that exceptionally well.”
Rob is not alone in that sentiment. As Ryan says:
The entire team has welcomed me with open arms since my first day interning. They have always been available to answer any question and help me solve any problem. I’m truly grateful for the support they’ve given me that has allowed me to grow and progress in my career.
He recognizes that success is a team effort—a team that Rob has helped grow over his 17 years at Rainbow. “The family has been developed over years,” Rob says. “We have a diverse group that works hard and our results prove that.”
As Ryan begins his career, it is that group that shapes his experience of Rainbow and helps him develop as a project manager. “Working with an incredible, hardworking, and unique team, whose collaboration and problem-solving allows us to tackle any challenge that presents itself,” he explains. “I enjoy coming to work every day.”
How Family Fosters Growth
While Ryan has become a trusted member of the team on his own merit, there is something special about working with family. “It feels fantastic to be working together,” Rob says. “Not many get the opportunity to work with their son!”
Ryan agrees:
I try to take everything day by day and to be the best project manager that I can be and learn as much as possible. But it is definitely a huge honor to work and progress within a company that my dad has spent years growing. He has always been my biggest role model.
Part of what makes their working relationship so valuable is Rob’s thoughtful approach to leadership,
I can see direct parallels between his calm and positive daily attitude and how that leads to success within Rainbow. My dad is a big believer in learning from your mistakes. His door is always open to ask questions, but at the same time, he has given me plenty of space to grow my own path in the industry and make my own mistakes and learn from them.
That is perhaps one of the most important parts of working with family: allowing for growth and independence, even if your goals are shared.
The Future of Commercial Waterproofing and Historic Restoration
In their own ways, Rob and Ryan are both caretakers of Rainbow’s future. As Vice President, Rob’s focus is “getting systems and processes documented and established so that the next generation can continue the success of Rainbow.” Ryan’s goal, on the other hand, is “to go after and tackle the biggest commercial waterproofing and restoration projects that present themselves.” Both of these are invaluable parts of moving forward and achieving success as a company and for each team member.
The Rainbow family shares a spirit of collaboration, care, and concern for all of its employees, customers, and partners. Together, Rob and Ryan are helping to make that family stronger than ever before.
Rainbow has the experience and expertise needed to make your Bay Area building restoration projects a success. Reach out to the Rainbow team today.
The Rainbow Team is Northern California’s most trusted waterproofing and restoration company. We have the craftsmanship and expertise to handle any commercial or historic building envelope, masonry, or waterproofing project in the San Francisco Bay Area.
