Brendan McAndrews: Strengthening Businesses, Empowering Communities

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“We Show Up.”

Brendan McAndrews is a second-generation operations executive, entrepreneur, and community leader whose career has been defined by a blend of strategic foresight, practical execution, and a deep commitment to revitalizing industries and neighborhoods alike. With more than two decades of professional experience, he has built a reputation for scaling organizations, driving growth, and shaping governance standards across both the construction and nonprofit sectors. His motto, “We show up,” is not just a phrase but a guiding principle that reflects his consistent reliability, leadership presence, and ability to meet challenges head-on.

From the early days of his career, Brendan understood the value of hard work and the responsibility that comes with stewarding a family-owned business. As Chief Operations Officer and Co-Owner of Rivercity Glass / McAndrews Windows & Glass, he assumed responsibility for not only maintaining the family’s legacy but also guiding the company through periods of expansion and transformation. His leadership brought recognition as one of the fastest-growing businesses in Northern Kentucky and Cincinnati, a testament to his ability to combine operational discipline with a clear vision for sustainable growth.

In his role at Rivercity Glass, Brendan orchestrated an ownership transition that ensured continuity while positioning the company for long-term success. He has overseen strategic expansion into new regional markets, fostering relationships across the construction industry that strengthened the firm’s reputation and reach. His knowledge of operations management and his passion for entrepreneurship have enabled him to adapt the business to evolving industry demands while keeping its core values intact.

Beyond his professional endeavors within his own company, Brendan has consistently taken on leadership roles that extend his influence across the construction industry. His tenure as Vice Chair of the Mid-America Region for the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) positioned him at the forefront of industry advocacy and governance. Representing 67 chapters and nearly 21,000 companies, he played a key role in shaping policy, advancing membership, and ensuring that the voices of businesses across Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, and Michigan were represented on a national stage. His service on committees ranging from Membership to Diversity underscored his holistic approach to leadership and inclusivity.

Brendan also contributed significantly to workforce development through his role as a Board Member of the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER). There, he worked to establish and strengthen national standards for training in construction and skilled trades, directly impacting the development of future industry leaders. His commitment to education and professional training illustrates his long-term dedication to building not just businesses, but entire ecosystems of talent and opportunity.

His leadership, however, is not confined to the construction sector. Brendan’s entrepreneurial spirit has led him to establish and manage several hospitality ventures that combine business savvy with community-building. He is the owner and operator of The Establishment (The E), Rusk, and The Frank, three Cincinnati-based restaurant ventures that employ more than 85 people collectively. These projects are more than commercial enterprises; they are investments in neighborhoods, particularly The Frank, which restored a historic building and brought the first sit-down restaurant to Lower Price Hill in decades. Through these ventures, Brendan has demonstrated how entrepreneurship can serve as a tool for both economic growth and social impact.

Brendan’s civic engagement is equally impactful. As the Chairman and Founding Member of MOD (Masters of Disaster), a nonprofit disaster relief organization, he has led deployments across Chattanooga, Kentucky, and Ohio to support communities in times of crisis. His role as Treasurer and later Board Chair of the Lower Price Hill Business Alliance reflects his dedication to strengthening local economies through small business advocacy and financial stewardship. These contributions reveal a leader who not only builds companies but also invests deeply in the resilience of people and communities.

Internationally, Brendan has extended his leadership through volunteer work, such as mentoring small businesses in South Africa during a mission trip. His ability to adapt his expertise to diverse environments speaks to his versatility and commitment to empowering others, regardless of geography or circumstance. He has also spoken at events on leadership and the construction industry, sharing his insights on the challenges and opportunities facing business leaders today.

Educationally, Brendan holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Northern Colorado’s Monfort College of Business. As a student, he distinguished himself as the Founding President of the Lambda Chi Alpha chapter and served as President Pro Tempore of the Student Body. These early leadership roles foreshadowed the trajectory of a career marked by governance, service, and entrepreneurship.

Brendan’s career is anchored in values that go beyond profit margins or accolades. His mission is to build sustainable businesses, strengthen industries, and empower communities. With 22 years of professional experience spanning construction, hospitality, nonprofit governance, and civic engagement, he stands as a leader who combines vision with action, strategy with compassion, and entrepreneurship with service.

Character:
Brendan exemplifies character through his unwavering dedication to service and his consistent ability to lead with integrity. His motto, “We show up,” reflects not only his dependability but also his belief in accountability and presence as central pillars of leadership. Those who work with him recognize his grounded nature and his ability to remain steadfast in both prosperous and challenging times.

Knowledge:
With over two decades of experience in operations, strategic planning, and governance, Brendan possesses a wealth of knowledge that spans industries and sectors. His insights into construction, workforce development, and entrepreneurship make him an invaluable contributor to any board or organization. He has applied his expertise to both private ventures and public service, always prioritizing learning and growth.

Strategic:
Brendan is a strategist who balances immediate operational needs with long-term vision. His ability to guide businesses through transitions, expand into new markets, and establish industry standards demonstrates his forward-thinking approach. Whether in construction, hospitality, or nonprofit governance, his decisions are rooted in sustainability and growth.

Communication:
Brendan’s communication skills are evident in his ability to represent thousands of businesses at the national level, speak on leadership at professional events, and mentor aspiring entrepreneurs. He is adept at listening, advocating, and conveying complex ideas with clarity. His inclusive style ensures that all voices are heard while driving conversations toward actionable outcomes.

http://mcandrewsglass.com/

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Kacey Card
Kacey Cardhttps://boardsi.com
Kacey Card is an accomplished editor at Leadafi, bringing a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling to the team. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Media Studies from the University of Hawaii at Manoa, where he graduated with a 3.8 GPA. Kacey has honed his skills in content creation, editing, and digital media, ensuring that every piece of content meets the highest standards of quality and engagement. At Leadafi, he is dedicated to crafting compelling narratives that resonate with readers and drive the publication's mission forward. His commitment to excellence and innovative approach to editing make him an invaluable asset to the team.