From Carpenter to General Foreman
Paul Gaston learned construction the way most good builders do: with tools in hand. He joined Carpenters Local 10 in 1989 and spent the following years framing, installing millwork, hanging doors and finishing interiors. Between 1994 and 2004 he worked as a lead carpenter and foreman for several firms, leading carpentry, framing, millwork and finish work on commercial, retail and residential projects, including work for Shriners Hospital, Marshall Field's and Jewel-Osco.
In 2004 and 2005 he served as Project Manager and Superintendent for Oakley Construction Contractors, managing commercial and educational facility upgrades that included accessibility modifications and flooring. From 2005 to 2007 he was a Foreman and Construction Supervisor for the City of Chicago Department of General Services, supervising renovation and maintenance across City facilities, including public safety buildings and offices.
General Foreman at O'Hare International Airport
Since 2007 Paul has been a General Foreman for the City of Chicago Department of Aviation at O'Hare International Airport. He oversees large-scale renovation, maintenance and construction work across terminals, concourses and public facilities, and directs a team of more than 25 skilled trades responsible for carpentry, flooring, plumbing, electrical and finish work.
The role demands constant judgment about workmanship. Work has to be done right the first time, inspected before it is turned over, and corrected quickly when it is not, all in a facility that stays open to the public. That daily experience of planning, checking and correcting work by many trades is the foundation of his expert opinions.
Licenses, Trade Standing and Training
| Credential | Issued by | Status |
|---|---|---|
| General Contractor License | City of Chicago | Active |
| Journeyman Carpenter | Carpenters Local 10 | Since 1989 |
| OSHA 30-Hour Outreach, Construction | OSHA Outreach Training Program | Completed 2025 |
| OSHA 10-Hour Outreach, General Industry | OSHA Outreach Training Program | Completed 2025 |
| Fall Protection, Scaffolds, Ladder Safety and PPE in Construction | OSHA Outreach Training Program | Completed 2024 |
| Disability Awareness and Assistance Program Training | Chicago Department of Aviation | Completed 2024 |
Paul is not a licensed engineer or architect, and he does not hold himself out as one. His opinions are framed as those of a licensed contractor and journeyman carpenter.
Expert Witness Experience
Paul has provided consulting, analysis and testimony in construction and premises matters. Construction matters on his testimony list include:
- Scott v. Hartz Construction, Circuit Court of Will County, Illinois: review, site visit, report, deposition and trial testimony, retained for the plaintiff
- Englehaupt v. A.B. Edward Enterprises, AAA arbitration: site visit, review, report and arbitration hearing, retained for the defendant
- Talley v. Thunder Basin Homes, Gillette, Wyoming: site visit, review, report and deposition, retained for the plaintiff
These matters are listed to show the types of engagements Paul handles, not their outcomes. The full list is in his CV.
How Paul Approaches Every Engagement
Paul applies the same approach whichever side retains him. He reads the documents before he forms a view, inspects the work before he describes it, and separates what he observed from what he was told. Where a question falls outside his experience, such as structural design or engineering analysis, he says so early so that counsel can bring in the right professional. His services page describes the scope of a typical engagement.