06/06/2026
Welcome to Turning Plans Into Progress, our new spotlight series shining a light on the General Superintendents who lead our crews, drive our projects, and keep OBCI building strong every single day.
Our first feature is about Tim Gashaw, General Superintendent for the Concrete division. Tim's story at Otto Baum started before most careers even begin. He first walked through our doors as a high school student in a co-op class and never looked back. Over 25 years later, he's still here, still growing, and still proud to be part of a company that focuses on doing the job right and delivering a quality product.
When asked about his favorite project, the answer came easy: the OSF Comprehensive Cancer Center, in its entirety. A project that represents the scale, complexity, and craftsmanship that OBCI is known for.
The biggest lesson Tim has learned along the way? How to work with a wide variety of people with all different skill sets and personalities. In construction, that skill is everything.
Tim credits Todd Johnson as the most influential person in his career. From helping Todd build his house and learning hands-on carpentry skills, to the everyday mentorship and support, Todd has shaped Tim's experience in a big way. And yes, he even showed Tim where to find the best ice cream shops.
Tim's advice for anyone just starting out at OBCI:
"You need to learn from others, even when they're not actively teaching you. Pay attention to how people approach their work, what works well and what doesn't, and use that to help shape the path you want to take. Stay humble and understand that you'll never know everything. Be open to advice from anyone, regardless of their role or experience level."
Thank you, Tim, for 25 years of dedication, craftsmanship, and leadership. Here's to many more!
