Please welcome Warren Carroll, the 2026 Concrete Quality Control intern for the summer. Warren is a rising junior at the University of Rhode Island, studying Civil Engineering and German. While at school, Warren plays for the university Ultimate Frisbee team. This summer he has been dealing with concrete work but has also explored the aggregate side of Quality Control.
For Warren, no two days are the same. Each morning begins with a review of the concrete pour schedule to determine where the day will take him before he heads out in an O&G vehicle. A typical day can include anywhere from two to four pours at O&G locations across Connecticut. At each site, Warren performs quality control testing, checking air content, slump, and concrete temperature according to project specifications. If results fall outside the required range, he works with the team to make adjustments and ensure the concrete meets quality standards. When he’s in the lab, Warren tests aggregate materials from O&G quarries and prepares concrete mixes to verify strength requirements for the state.
Having grown up in New Hartford, Warren was already familiar with O&G’s presence in the community, but he has been surprised by the scale of the company’s concrete operations. “There are so many projects, even just in Bridgeport and Danbury alone,” he says. He appreciates the opportunity to contribute to a wide variety of projects while still working close to home. “Working for O&G has been a great step for me to take because it’s the largest local company of its kind. I’m learning more than I ever expected to.”
Throughout his internship, Warren has seen significant growth in several areas, particularly time management. “You have to know when to get to the first job, when to leave, and when you need to be at the next job before you even leave your house in the morning,” he explains. He has also strengthened his organizational skills, professionalism, and ability to navigate the software systems used by the Quality Control team. The system Stonemont, for example, was brand new to Warren, but he can now file reports with ease for everyone in Quality Control to access.
One of the biggest challenges Warren has faced is the unpredictability of his schedule. Pour times vary from day to day, often requiring different start times each morning. “I have to set my alarm for a different time every day,” he notes. “But that’s not really a big deal. I like challenges, and this job keeps me guessing.” Even on days that begin with a 4:30 a.m. wake-up call, Warren brings a positive attitude and enthusiasm for the work ahead.
Warren recommends that all interns “be early.” “You can always sit in the car and wait for a few extra minutes if you are early, but you do not want to risk being late. You never know when you will hit traffic.” Being early has benefited Warren greatly, proving that he is a dedicated employee who cares a great deal about the work he is doing.
As if his internship weren’t keeping him busy enough, Warren spends many of his evenings attending the Fire Academy. He is currently training to achieve Firefighter I certification, the next level beyond volunteer firefighting, where he already serves his community. His dedication both on and off the job reflects the strong work ethic and drive he brings to everything he does.
