O&G’s Building Group is proud to recognize Ben Tapley on his recent promotion to Assistant Superintendent, effective September 1, 2025. Ben’s journey with O&G began in 2023 as an intern, when he was assigned to the Buckley Elementary School project. After graduation, he was hired full-time as a Project Engineer and initially assigned to the Bowers Elementary School project, where he supported the close-out phase. Soon after, he transitioned to the UConn South Campus Infrastructure project. Today, that same project is where he steps into his new leadership role.
Over the past two and a half years, Ben has grown through experiences that tested both his technical and leadership skills. Early on, he helped transition between two superintendents by guiding a new leader through the project details, and he took ownership of resolving a critical chilled water pipe leak before the school year resumed – an accomplishment that demonstrated his problem-solving abilities under pressure. These moments, combined with his day-to-day contributions, have prepared him for the responsibilities that come with the demanding role of Assistant Superintendent.
In his new role, Ben will now work alongside senior leaders to oversee daily field operations, ensuring safety, quality, scheduling, and budget compliance, while coordinating subcontractors, inspections, commissioning, and close-out. What excites him most is the opportunity to step out from the shadows, make decisions independently, and play a larger role in the mechanical aspects of the project, particularly in equipment commissioning and turnover. He also sees this new role as a platform to make a lasting impact, not only on his team and clients, but on the industry as a whole. Ben hopes to demonstrate that a younger perspective can help drive innovation, challenge outdated approaches, and shape the future of construction. Just as importantly, he wants his journey to show that with determination and hard work, it is possible to climb the ladder and take on leadership responsibilities early in a career.
Ben credits his project team for their support, with each member offering unique experiences and insights that have guided his growth. Looking ahead, he encourages others who hope to advance in their careers to focus on curiosity and continuous learning. “Read, listen, and ask questions,” he says. “Reading drawings and specifications is only the first part of the job; the other part is listening to peers and learning from those with more field experience. Take notes, lean on their advice, and if something doesn’t add up, don’t be afraid to ask – no question is ever ‘stupid.’ Everyone was once in your shoes, and it’s always better to ask than to risk something going wrong.”
With this mindset and his drive to innovate, Ben is ready to take the next step in his career and continue shaping both his project’s success and the industry’s future. Please join us in congratulating him on this well-deserved promotion!
