Employees of the Month

Employees of Choice - November 2019

Timothy Gowern Jr., Joshua Theisen and Tom Smith.

OCP’s Employees of Choice are individuals who exemplify the qualities and characteristics that have made our 50 years of success possible. Employees of Choice are employees in the field and office who lead by action to advance safety, productivity, and innovation on projects. Additionally, these employees are consistent, dependable, and contribute to the betterment of the team. Thanks to the hard work of these individuals, OCP has proudly become the interior Contractor of Choice.

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Timothy Gowern Jr.

  • Position: Carpenter
  • Length of Employment with OCP: 13 Years
  • Industry Tenure: 16 Years
  • Training: OSHA 30, OSHA 10, Aerial Lift, Confined Space, Asbestos, Lead, Silica

"Tim has great attendance and work ethic. You can always count on him to be there and get the job done with high-quality craftsmanship, every day. He has a great eye with details." - Paul Acuri, Foreman

  • What lead you to the construction industry and what made you stay?
  • I was a builder for the military in the Navy, and that got me into the Union. I was 19 when I joined and in for 8 years, all Reserves in Cleveland and Akron. That was where it all started. The union had the best benefits and I used my background through the military. I highly recommend going that route.

  • What would you tell another person interested in the industry?
  • If you are going to work for OCP, you better be on time and pay attention to detail.

  • What is your favorite project that you have worked on?
  • St. John’s Medical. I was there for almost two years and enjoyed the people I worked with.

  • Who inspires you most?
  • My kids. I have two boys that are 19 and 20, Anthony and Mark.
  • What do you value most about OCP?
  • The benefits are always paid for, the guys are taken care of. I appreciate that.
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Joshua Theisen

  • Position: Foremen in Training
  • Length of Employment with OCP: 3 Years
  • Industry Tenure: 5 Years

“Josh has grown as a carpenter a ton in the last 2 years. He has moved into a leadership role on our panel projects where he is now making those tough decisions required to be a great foreman. Josh carries a rigging certification which makes him the right person for these jobs. Nice work Josh. Keep it up!” -Chris Gunderman, Columbus Superintendent

  • Who inspires you?
  • Ron Kristof, the foreman who's training me right now. Ron comes to work with a positive attitude every day and doesn’t allow the setbacks to get to him. He always shows appreciation for the guys on his team. He’s been a great trainer.

  • What advice would you give a new employee?
  • Come to work every day, you are a lot more important than you think you are. Never stop learning on the job.

  • What hobbies do you have outside of work?
  • I used to be a tower climber (radio towers) for Houston Tower Services in Texas. I worked a 40-hour workweek and climbed 1600 ft towers. I would fully admit I did it for the good money. I did this position for about 6 months until I moved back to Ohio.
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Tom Smith

  • Position: Carpenter
  • Length of Employment with OCP: 4 Years
  • Industry Tenure: 20 Years

“Tom's willingness to teach and train the next generation of tradespeople and having the patience to do so is greatly appreciated by all . He always keeps safety and productivity in mind with an outgoing and positive attitude. Thank you Tom!” - Jay Waltz, Columbus Superintendent

  • What led you to the construction industry and what made you stay?
  • My father was a union carpenter for 38 years and I wanted to follow in his footsteps. It has been the best decision I have ever made.

  • What hobbies do you have outside of work?
  • I have been a haunted house performer since 2001. The role has allowed me to travel all over the United States. I create my own character named Jaxdeg. I make the character come alive with the special effects makeup and attire.

  • Before working at OCP, what was the most unusual or interesting job you’ve ever had?
  • Working for another contractor on the OSU remodel. I was part of the
  • facility suites (upper deck) and able to meet a lot of buckeyes while working.

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