Brian Ramsay Retires as CEO, Transitioning to Chairman of the Board

A Legacy of Leadership and Growth

After 37 years of dedicated service, Brian Ramsay is stepping into a new chapter, transitioning from CEO to Chairman of the Board. While he will continue to lend guidance to the firm in this advisory role, this transition also marks the beginning of his well-earned retirement. Brian’s leadership has shaped W.E. O’Neil into the strong, employee-owned company it is today, and his impact will continue to be felt for years to come.

Brian’s journey at W.E. O’Neil began in 1988 when he joined as a project engineer in our Los Angeles office. Early on, his dedication, expertise, and ability to foster relationships set him apart. Over the years, Brian played a pivotal role in expanding the company’s national footprint, overseeing the successful launch of new regional offices, and leading our transition to 100% employee ownership in 2020. This shift was one of his most transformative achievements, ensuring that W.E. O’Neil’s future would remain in the hands of its people.

Brian Ramsay, Todd Guthrie, Rich Erickson (Left to right, 1990)

“Opportunity is why I stayed at O’Neil,” Brian said. “In my 37 years here, I’ve always been given the opportunity to take on more, to open the Denver office, start a self-perform group, to run a special projects group, to open a Nashville office. They rarely said no when you ask for an opportunity.”

His belief in fostering opportunity extended far beyond his own career. Brian encouraged a culture of opportunity at O’Neil, developing and promoting from within. Crediting several key mentors in guiding him through formative years of his career, he extended that foundation of learning to those he directly managed, as well as being an advocate for our internship and internal mentoring programs.

Strategic planning session in California (c. 1992)

Reflecting on Brian’s career, Rich Erickson, previous CEO, noted, “I saw a guy that had the discipline and elements needed to run the business. He was hard-working, built relationships with lots of people, hired good people along the way, and just grew.”

Brian was named CEO in 2014. Under his leadership, W.E. O’Neil not only grew geographically but also expanded into new markets and strengthened its operational capabilities. His ability to build strong relationships with clients, subcontractors, and team members contributed to the company’s reputation for excellence and reliability. Brian’s passion for collaboration and innovation ensured that every project was executed with the highest standards of quality and integrity.

Groundbreaking with the team.

In addition to driving business success, Brian played a key role in shaping W.E. O’Neil’s culture. His leadership philosophy was built on trust, respect, and the belief that great companies are built on great relationships. He was known for his open-door policy, always willing to mentor, advise, or simply listen. His impact on the people within the company is one of his greatest legacies.

Beyond his work at W.E. O’Neil, Brian has been deeply involved in supporting the next generation of builders. He has consistently given back to the institutions that train future construction professionals and has supported various community organizations. His leadership has always extended beyond the company, embodying a true commitment to both the industry and the people it serves.

“Brian has not only built remarkable projects but also teams, friendships, and a culture of excellence,” said John Finn, incoming CEO. “He has set a standard that will guide us for years to come.”

Brian Ramsay, Rich Erickson, John Finn (left to right)

As Brian transitions to Chairman of the Board, he leaves behind an incredible legacy of leadership, mentorship, and growth. His influence on the company, its culture, and its people is immeasurable. While we will miss his presence in the day-to-day operations, we are grateful for the foundation he has built and the strong leadership team he has helped cultivate.

Please join us in celebrating Brian’s extraordinary career and congratulating him on this well-deserved transition. His contributions have been invaluable, and we look forward to continuing his legacy as we embark on our next 100 years at W.E. O’Neil.

Brian has not only built remarkable projects but also teams, friendships, and a culture of excellence. He has set a standard that will guide us for years to come.

_{John Finn
Incoming Chief Executive Officer}