Employees of Choice

Employees of Choice - September 2018

Rob Harris, Matt Surovy, and Charles "C.J." Mercer.

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 for 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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Rob Harris

  • Position: Carpenter Foreman
  • Industry Tenure: 18 Years
  • Length of Employment with OCP: 10 Years

“Rob is a pleasure to work with and can always be counted on to run a professional, productive job site. Additionally, Rob is a very skilled carpenter in all areas of the trade.” - Matt Mass, Assistant Superintendent

  • What is your favorite aspect of your job?
  • Going into every new job that we start and not knowing what we’re getting into, and then eventually making the building into something nice for people to use or see.
  • What brought you to the construction industry and what made you stay?
  • I grew up around carpentry. My dad and grandpa were both carpenters, so I was sort of destined to get into the trade. Once I got into carpentry I enjoyed it and made a good living at it. And now here we are.
  • What would you tell another person interested in joining the industry?
  • It’s a good trade to get into. You just have to work hard to make a name for yourself. But there’s great benefits, like the money that you make and insurance, and all that stuff. You can make a nice living and raise your family well.
  • What do you value most about OCP?
  • The guys that work for OCP. And how well the people here treat their guys. if you ever have a problem, it’s always solved. We always have nice tools and get what we need. OCP just has an all-around nice environment to work in.

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Matt Surovy

  • Position: Foreman
  • Industry Tenure: 17 Years
  • Length of Employment with OCP: 10 Years

“As a hardworking and talented carpenter, Matt is currently the Foreman on the Westfield Insurance job. Matt has been in charge of exterior framing and truss installation on site, and is doing an excellent job. We are lucky to have Matt on our team.” - Bill Geit, Cleveland Superintendent

  • What’s your favorite OCP project?
  • The East Bank of the Flats. The revitalization of the East Bank of the Flats is a cool thing to be able to say I worked on. And it wasn’t bad being right there on the water all day. I ran the trim portion of that project, that was definitely a highlight of my career.
  • What is your favorite aspect of your job?
  • I like working with my hands and figuring things out.
  • What brought you to the construction industry and what made you stay?
  • I knew I couldn’t sit behind a desk all day. I knew I wanted to be in the workforce working with my hands.
  • What do you value most about OCP?
  • They’re just a good company. They actually care about your safety and they supply you with the tools you need. They’re also reliable. You can always rely on them.
  • What advice would you give a new employee?
  • Put your head down and work hard. Work hard and you’ll definitely be rewarded for it.
  • Who inspires you?
  • My dad. My dad’s a very hard worker, so I try to be like him. My dad was a foreman for a Ford motor plant in Brook Park for a long time.
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Charles "C.J." Mercer

  • Position: Finisher Foreman
  • Industry Tenure: 20 Years
  • Length of Employment with OCP: 10 Years

“CJ is very well respected by his peers and office staff for his hard work and dedication to quality, safety, and productivity. CJ is consistently willing to help out and gives positive, constructive feedback to better the team. CJ’s enthusiasm and positive attitude when taking on new aspects of work are exemplary.” - Jay Waltz, Columbus Superintendent

  • What is your favorite aspect of your job?
  • Having highly detailed work to perform.
  • What is your favorite project you've worked on?
  • St. Paul the Apostle Church
  • Who inspires you?
  • My family.
  • Where's your favorite place in the world?
  • Tennesse.
  • Before working at OCP, what was the most unusual or interesting job you've ever had?
  • Working on copiers & office equipment.
  • What would you tell your peer/coworker about your key to success?
  • Show up every day on time and do the work to the best of your ability.

Tags: Employees of Choice

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