Ryan Basnaw believes success is built one decision at a time. Throughout his career, he has focused on solving problems, building better systems, and creating opportunities for long-term growth. Today, he serves as CEO of Axsus Civil Development Company, where he combines engineering, construction, and technology to improve how contractor-based businesses operate.
Growing up in northeastern Washington, Ryan developed a strong work ethic through his love of dirt biking, snowmobiling, skiing, and music. He learned early that progress comes from consistency and preparation. Those lessons stayed with him throughout his education. After graduating from Newport High School, he earned an Associate of Engineering degree from Spokane Falls Community College in 2014 before completing a Bachelor’s degree in Petroleum Engineering in 2017.
As Ryan entered the construction industry, he noticed that many companies faced similar operational challenges. Instead of accepting outdated processes, he looked for better solutions. His experience helped shape PM Axsus, a construction management platform designed to help contractors manage time tracking, fleet management, inspections, scheduling, materials, and project costs more efficiently.
Along the way, Ryan has overcome challenges including cash-flow issues, legal disputes, and difficult business decisions. Rather than allowing setbacks to define him, he used them to improve his systems and strengthen his leadership. He believes that consistency, attention to detail, accountability, and continuous learning are the foundations of lasting success.
Outside of work, Ryan enjoys classic car restoration, real estate investing, business development, and spending time with fellow automotive enthusiasts. For him, success is ultimately measured by the freedom to choose how he spends his time and by building businesses that continue to improve every day.
What Does Success Look Like to You? – Ryan Basnaw
Q: What does success look like to you?
Success is having the freedom to do what I want with my time. That’s always been my definition. Building a business is important, but I don’t think success is only measured by revenue or job titles. It’s about creating something that gives you choices and allows you to spend your time where it matters most.
Q: Has your definition of success changed over the years?
Absolutely. Early on, success felt connected to accomplishments and reaching the next milestone. As I’ve gained experience, I’ve realized success is much more about building systems that continue working long after you’ve solved today’s problem. The goal isn’t to constantly put out fires. It’s to build something that becomes stronger over time.
Q: What experiences shaped your approach to success?
Engineering played a big role. It taught me to think about systems instead of isolated problems. Then construction reinforced that lesson because every project has so many moving parts. If one process breaks down, everything else feels it. I’ve learned that success usually comes from getting the fundamentals right over and over again.
Q: What has been one of your biggest business lessons?
Documentation.
One project required significant rework because an inspector didn’t properly document completed work. It cost time and created unnecessary frustration. From that point forward, documentation became one of our highest priorities. Today we document everything possible because good records create accountability and eliminate confusion later.
Q: How do you handle setbacks?
I try not to treat setbacks as failures. They’re information. I’ve dealt with cash-flow challenges, lawsuits, and situations where people weren’t who they claimed to be professionally. Every one of those experiences forced me to improve something in the business. If you approach problems honestly, they usually leave you with a better system than you had before.
Q: What role does consistency play in success?
I think consistency is underrated.
People spend too much time looking for motivation. I would rather build habits. One of the things I repeat most is, “Show up and do the work.” It’s simple, but that’s what creates progress over months and years.
Q: How important is continuous learning?
It’s essential.
One of my personal rules is never to be too proud to admit I don’t know something. The moment you think you’ve figured everything out, you stop growing. Construction, technology, and business all change constantly. You have to stay curious.
Q: What role has technology played in your career?
Technology has become one of the best tools for solving practical business problems. That’s one reason I became involved with PM Axsus. Contractors deal with scheduling, inspections, equipment, labor, materials, and costs every day. Having better information helps people make better decisions instead of reacting after problems happen.
Q: What advice would you give someone who wants to become successful?
Focus on solving real problems.
Don’t chase ideas just because they’re popular. Pay attention to frustrations that happen repeatedly. Those are usually opportunities to improve something meaningful.
Also, don’t underestimate details. Small habits compound over time.
Q: Is there one belief you think people overlook?
I think most businesses don’t have people problems as much as they have systems problems.
If good people are constantly struggling, it’s worth looking at the process before blaming the individual. Better systems usually create better performance.
Q: What daily habits have helped you the most?
Planning my day before it starts. Writing things down. Following through on commitments. Listening more than I talk. Those aren’t exciting habits, but they’ve probably contributed more to my career than anything else.
Q: What does success look like for you going forward?
Success means continuing to build businesses that solve real problems while creating opportunities for the people around me. I also want the freedom to spend more time with family, enjoy my hobbies like classic car restoration, and continue learning. For me, success isn’t a finish line. It’s building something that keeps getting better through consistency, accountability, and a willingness to improve every day.