Project Superintendent | I-91/I-691/Route 15 Interchange, Meriden
At the I-91/I-691/Route 15 Interchange Design-Build project in Meriden, success depends on leadership in the field – something Carlos Batista Jr., Project Superintendent, has developed over more than two decades with O&G. From his first day as a laborer to his current role overseeing major phases of work, Carlos’s career is built on persistence, respect, and pride in the craft.
“After finishing school, I started with a small construction company that built sites from the ground up,” he recalls. “I learned everything from clearing land to running machinery, pouring concrete, carpentry, finishing work, and everything in between.” That hands-on education gave him a deep appreciation for every trade before he joined O&G, where he’s since advanced from laborer to foreman to superintendent. “I was able to make a career out of it,” he says simply.
Construction has always been part of his life. “My father was always building – houses, stone walls, clearing land,” Carlos says. “It’s what I grew up around, and it’s what I’m best at.”
His day starts before dawn. “I’m up at 4 a.m. to meet the night crew before they finish,” he explains. “I review what was done overnight, plan the next steps, and inspect my crew’s work. Then I meet with the foremen to discuss the jobs direction, materials and equipment needed, production and deadlines.” Then he meets with the project manager and the rest of the team to align on progress and strategy and ensure they are moving forward safely, efficiently, and productively.
That mindset has earned him respect across the job. “I believe communication and respect are everything,” Carlos says. “If you treat people right, they’ll go out of their way to do what’s asked of them.”
He admits that few people see the full scope of what a superintendent handles daily. “There are a lot of moving parts and a lot of responsibility,” he says. “You can’t just shut it off after eight hours. You have to be fully invested to get the job done safely and right.” But he takes pride in seeing all the hard work realized. “When we finish a job, or hit a milestone, safely and on time – that’s rewarding.”
What keeps him motivated is simple: family. “My wife and kids are all the motivation I need,” he says. “I want to give them the life they deserve, so I wake up every day trying to be better than I was yesterday.”
Carlos takes immense pride in O&G’s heritage and culture. “The company was built on its forefathers and has grown from generation to generation,” he says. “They hold everyone to a high standard, and that pushes us to perform at our best. It’s easy to give your all when you know you’re valued and part of the big picture.”
On weekends, you’ll find him cheering from the sidelines at baseball games for his son or cheer competitions for his daughters. “Nothing beats watching my kids do what they love,” he says.
