This fall, O&G welcomed Bo Koloski as Vice President and Rhode Island Business Unit Leader within the Building Division. With more than 20 years in the New England A/E/C industry, including leadership roles in business development, management, and client relations, Bo brings a deep understanding of the regional market and a passion for collaboration. As he steps into his new role, Bo is focused on growing O&G’s Rhode Island presence and strengthening relationships across the company and the local construction community.
Welcome & Background
Q: Can you tell us a bit about your background and what brought you to O&G?
Bo: I’ve been part of the New England A/E/C market for more than 20 years and have worked for construction managers across the region since 2011. I started my career in business development and, over time, took on greater leadership and management responsibilities. Joining O&G felt like a natural next step.
Q: What was your first impression of the company and team?
Bo: I’ve been very impressed with the professionalism of everyone I’ve met so far. It’s clear that O&G has built a strong culture over the last century. Everyone has been welcoming and supportive as I get up to speed.
Q: What attracted you to this opportunity, and how does it align with your career journey?
Bo: I’m energized by the opportunity to help grow an office. Doing that here in Rhode Island, for a firm like O&G, was a no-brainer. I love this state, and I’m excited to play a part in building its future.
Vision & Role
Q: What will your role entail, and what are your priorities for the first year?
Bo: As the Rhode Island Business Unit Leader, I’m responsible for the continued growth of the office—both in opportunities and staff. Over the next year, we’ll pursue opportunities that align with our business model and strategic plan while also supporting our operations teams in their current work.
Q: What are some short-term goals you’re excited to tackle?
Bo: I’m excited to support our teams with whatever they need to successfully complete our current Rhode Island projects, and to start spreading the word that O&G is here in Rhode Island and eager to partner on upcoming work.
Q: How does your position support O&G’s long-term strategic vision?
Bo: My role supports the sustainable growth of our Rhode Island office. I’ll be focused on driving work acquisition and client satisfaction as we continue to expand O&G’s geographic footprint across the state.
Leadership & Culture
Q: How would you describe your leadership style?
Bo: My leadership style is a blend of coaching and servant leadership. Everyone learns and develops differently, so it’s important to work with people individually to help them succeed in their own careers while supporting our collective success.
Q: What makes a successful team in construction?
Bo: The most successful teams I’ve worked with are well-prepared and communicate proactively. Without preparation and proactive communication, it’s much harder to resolve conflicts and keep projects on schedule.
Q: How do you approach building relationships across O&G’s divisions?
Bo: I’ve always been proactive about reaching beyond my own group to understand more about the complementary divisions within a firm like O&G. If I understand what makes a successful project or opportunity for them, it’s easier for me to keep them in mind when I’m talking with potential partners here in Rhode Island.
Industry Insights
Q: What trends are shaping the future of construction?
Bo: Construction has traditionally been slow to adopt technology, but that’s changing. I think we’ll see rapid advancements in construction tech and more use of AI to support staffing and project delivery. I don’t see technology replacing professional staff or skilled trades, it will augment their work and enhance productivity.
Q: What innovations are you most passionate about bringing to O&G?
Bo: We’ve done a great job laying out a work acquisition process that focuses our efforts on pursuing the right opportunities to support our continued growth. I’m looking forward to putting that process into action here in Rhode Island.
Looking Ahead
Q: What impact do you hope to make in your first year?
Bo: I want O&G to be a household name in Rhode Island and to create raving fans out of our clients and design partners.
Q: Any words of advice or inspiration for the team?
Bo: I’ve lived in Rhode Island for 25 years; it’s a great place with great people. I’m looking forward to introducing O&G to the A/E/C market and to the broader business community here. I’m confident in our ability to become part of the fabric of this state.
Personal Touch
Q: Do you have a favorite project from your career?
Bo: Rather than one project, I’m proud to have been part of the continued development of what makes New England such a unique market. Our region is home to the world’s premier secondary and higher education institutions, which produce dynamic leaders in healthcare, life sciences, advanced manufacturing, and technology. The spaces we build play a major role in supporting that interconnected economy. What we build matters.
Q: What might surprise your colleagues to learn about you?
Bo: I played lacrosse at Merrimack College and spent 12 years coaching both town and club teams. That chapter’s over now, and I’m enjoying being a parent on the sidelines instead.
Q: What do you enjoy outside of work?
Bo: I have two boys: a junior at the University of Saint Joseph in West Hartford and a high school senior at Mount St. Charles Academy in Rhode Island. Both play lacrosse, so I’ll be spending a lot of time on the sidelines over the next few years.
