O&G is pleased to welcome Tim Ruland as Vice President of Pre-Construction Services. Bringing more than 30 years of experience in estimating, preconstruction, and development across the public and private sectors, Tim is well-positioned to strengthen O&G’s leadership in this critical area. In this Q&A, Tim shares his career journey, insights into the construction industry, and vision for aligning the estimating and preconstruction teams to support O&G’s long-term success.
Welcome & Background
Q: Can you tell us a bit about your background and what brought you to O&G?
Tim: I’ve always been in love with construction – since I was a child helping my parents with projects, building forts, and later taking on small jobs for neighbors. That passion led me to study Construction Technology at SUNY Delhi and then Construction Management at Utica College of Syracuse University. To fund school, I built decks and small additions with the help of classmates. Over the years, I worked as a Superintendent, Project Manager, Estimator, and eventually Preconstruction lead, with a focus on K–12 schools, municipal work, courthouses, public safety buildings, flood control projects, and parking garages.
I first connected with O&G five years ago during a joint venture Criminal Justice bid. When I later received a call about the VP position, I knew immediately it was the right fit. Having previously worked with Jason Travelstead, Dave Longo, Liz Picard, and others, I was confident this was a team I’d enjoy joining; and the type of projects O&G specializes in are the ones I enjoy most.
Q: What was your first impression of the company and team?
Tim: I already knew O&G was a strong company from my earlier experience. Now, having met so many colleagues, I’m continually reassured that I made the right decision. I couldn’t have asked for a better start.
Q: What attracted you to this opportunity, and how does it align with your career journey?
Tim: Simply put, it was O&G. The role seemed “made to order,” drawing from the types of projects I’ve devoted much of my career to and enjoy the most.
Vision & Role
Q: What will your role entail, and what are your priorities for the first year?
Tim: This role combines the position of Chief Estimator (Dave Longo, the current Chief Estimator, is retiring at the end of 2025) with leadership of the Preconstruction team. My goal is to better align estimating and preconstruction, building stronger connections between the two. I’d also like to simplify workflows, streamline processes, and free up time so we can pursue new opportunities.
Q: What are some short-term goals you’re excited to tackle?
Tim: We’re currently re-evaluating how we bid, distribute, and find jobs. I’m eager to dig into existing systems and see how we can improve. Right now, we’re working on a publicly bid project with a PLA close to the office, which will be a great chance to connect with local bidders.
Q: How does your position support O&G’s long-term strategic vision?
Tim: Every job begins in estimating and preconstruction, so success here is critical. Connecting these teams will help us deliver stronger projects, foster repeat client relationships, and position O&G for long-term success.
Leadership & Culture
Q: How would you describe your leadership style?
Tim: I believe in teamwork, leveraging each member’s strengths, and building strong relationships. I strive to be fair, expect results, and genuinely care about each person. To me, culture is about team building, honesty, hard work, and continuous growth.
Q: What makes a successful team in construction?
Tim: Careful planning and full engagement. Everyone needs to be aligned and rowing in the same direction.
Q: How do you approach building relationships across O&G’s divisions?
Tim: By spending time together – whether on the job, in the lunchroom, or at company events. Relationships are built through shared experiences and genuine understanding of one another’s roles and goals.
Industry Insights
Q: What trends are shaping the future of construction?
Tim: Prefabrication and modular building continue to grow, especially as the workforce ages. I see AI and robotics becoming more integrated in these areas to reduce manpower needs and solve problems earlier.
Q: What innovations are you most passionate about bringing to O&G?
Tim: I like to review processes and look for opportunities to improve. Already, I’ve introduced changes in our bidding process to strengthen coverage before bid day. Looking forward, I want to explore ways we can provide even greater clarity to clients in a CM environment.
Looking Ahead
Q: What impact do you hope to make in your first year?
Tim: I’d like to help the team land great projects and build a bigger backlog.
Q: Any words of advice or inspiration for the team?
Tim: I’m really excited about the future. I feel fortunate to be working alongside such talented professionals!
Personal Touch
Q: Do you have a favorite project from your career?
Tim: Two stand out: completing preconstruction for my childhood school district – finishing just before our 30th reunion – and leading efforts to decommission and relocate a jail that had been built behind my great-grandmother’s house. Both were personally meaningful.
Q: What might surprise your colleagues to learn about you?
Tim: Although I’m new to Connecticut, I grew up just across the border in upstate New York. Many of my past projects overlap with O&G’s footprint in places like Kingston, NY, and Agawam, MA.
Q: What do you enjoy outside of work?
Tim: I love spending time with my family, taking on projects together, and working with my hands, whether on homes, vehicles, or equipment. If I’m not knee-deep in a project, I’m probably at the lake, on my farm properties, or cruising in one of my old cars (an ’86 Mustang, ’90 Jeep Grand Wagoneer, or ’92 Jeep Cherokee Briarwood).
