A Chat with Octavous Crosby, Superintendent at Barton Malow

Living the dream

By Chris Maday Schmidt

Octavous Crosby began working at Barton Malow 20 years ago as a carpenter journeyman before transitioning into his role as superintendent. Throughout the past two decades, he’s served as the superintendent on many different projects, from K12 education to sports and entertainment. With his background as a skilled carpenter, he has the experience of working in a hands-on environment with the capability to either perform the work himself, or direct a work crew onsite. Join Construction Superintendent as Crosby shares his passion for people and his daily role, the person he credits as most influential during his career and more.

(Q) What was the catalyst for choosing a profession in the construction industry?
Honestly, I was born to be a carpenter. Construction has been my passion for as long as I can remember.

(Q) Which project over the past two decades has presented the biggest challenge—both professionally and personally? How did you tackle these challenges?
The Marygrove Conservancy in Detroit has presented the biggest challenges for me professionally because it was built in the 1920s, and we had to preserve all the historical elements of the building through a significant renovation. We’ve done a lot of work on Marygrove’s 53-acre campus, including the construction of an Early Childhood Education Center and the historical preservation and renovation of the Liberal Arts and Immaculata Buildings.

Personally, I would have to say the University of Michigan Crisler Arena because that was my first job running as the second-in-charge. The project was extensive and detailed. It sometimes caused me to second-guess my abilities, but ultimately it made me a better superintendent.

(Q) What were some of the roles you played between carpenter journeyman before transitioning to superintendent?
After a few years as a journeyman carpenter, I worked my way up to foreman, running a crew of 40-50 trade team members.

(Q) Talk about your passion for people and how this translates into your work as a superintendent.
I admire the team culture. The superintendent role makes me the team captain, which means I’m in the trenches daily with the guys. I don’t put work in place anymore, but I pride myself on doing whatever it takes to help the team win.

(Q) How did you end up specializing in interior renovations?
My specialty in interior renovations started with my passion for renovating houses. Now, I just do it on a larger scale.

(Q) Where do you see yourself in another five or 10 years?
Professionally, I see myself in the senior superintendent role. Personally, I will be developing real estate.

(Q) What has been the biggest gamechanger as far as how you approach your day-to-day responsibilities?
The biggest gamechanger for me is being laser-focused on planning. The goal is always to be a few steps ahead of today.

(Q) How do you go about mentoring within those communities where you’ve worked?
I make it my duty to make time for and speak to the young adults in Detroit Public Schools. I want to help expose them to the opportunities in construction – whether going to college is a part of their plan or not.

(Q) Your background includes experience supervising new construction, as well as renovation programs. Which type do you find most rewarding? Why?
Renovation is the most rewarding to me. Again, I have always loved rehabbing home interiors, so renovating and repurposing buildings aligns with my childhood visions and goals.

(Q) Who would you credit as the most influential person in your career in the trades? Why?
Senior Superintendent Tom Davis with Barton Malow Builders has played a considerable role in helping me develop my career. He played the role of boss and the big brother that I never had. Tom took me under his wing and made me his No. 2 guy on multiple projects. Thanks, TD!

(Q) What’s your favorite pastime when you’re not clocked in?
I love to read personal development books and analyze real estate.

(Q) Share one little-known tidbit about yourself with Construction Superintendent readers.
Working in the construction industry has never been a job for me. I’m living out my childhood dreams, and I’m just honored and blessed to learn and build with such a great community around me.