Richard Bub is the president of Graef, Anhalt, Schloemer & Associates Inc., Milwaukee. He joined the firm as a structural engineer in 1977 and was named a shareholder in 1983. Bub, who lives in Mequon and is registered as a professional engineer in 12 states, earned a civil engineering degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1975, a master’s degree in structural engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in 1982 and a master’s degree in business administration from the UW-Milwaukee in 1996. During the course of his career, Bub, 54, has worked on a wide range of industrial, commercial, municipal and institutional projects, from the Performing Arts Center in Milwaukee to St. Francis Hospital in Oahu, Hawaii. But it’s a safe bet that Bub never worked on a project like Wisconsin Builder’s Burning Questions.

What is your favorite word?

“Rich. Primarily since I must say it about a hundred times during a round of golf — such as, ‘Rich, you idiot,’ or ‘Aw c’mon Rich,’ or ‘Aw nuts, Rich,’ or ‘Rich, get your head out of your …’”

What profession would you not like to participate in?

Nursing. I absolutely admire the people doing this professional work, and I just don’t think I could ever do the job they do day after day.”

What is your greatest regret?

“Never trying pro baseball after getting out of high school, just to see …”

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

“I wouldn’t. I’ve been able to do an awful lot with what I’ve been given. So why tempt fate?”

On what occasion do you lie?

“Never lie — never have, never will. Oops, my nose is growing longer.”

What sound or noise do you love?

“I have two really. One is the sound of a baseball hitting a bat, and the second is the sound of a golf ball dropping into the cup.”

What sound or noise do you hate?

“The splash of a golf ball when it hits a water hazard.”

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

“Not having to worry about anything. For that reason, I’m not sure I’ll ever attain it.”

What is your motto?

“Probably one of the oldest, ‘Do unto others as you would have …’ I’ve always tried to treat people fairly and expect people to do the same with me.”

What is your current state of mind?

“Generally pretty good. My state of athletic ability is what really concerns me. I used to laugh at my parents when they had their weekly supply of pills laid out in the daily containers. Not anymore.”

Which living person do you most admire?

“I would say Tim Hoeksema, the CEO for Midwest Airlines. I admire the conviction he has maintained in the face of a very difficult time. He has remained unwavered in his vision, totally under control and demonstrated the highest level of integrity daily.”

What is your greatest extravagance?

“I’m such a cheapskate. I’ll score points for answering, ‘Taking my spouse out to dinner for our anniversary to a very nice restaurant, or going on a vacation to some nice destination.’”