Team Spotlight: Getting to Know OTL’s CEO, J. Wickham Zimmerman

In our newsletter, we have been spotlighting team members who contribute to the success of our company.

While OTL is known throughout the USA and internationally for designing and building magnificent water features, rockwork and themed environments, our company’s true foundation is our people. OTL simply would not be the same without our truly talented, dedicated, and caring team.

This month’s Team Spotlight is devoted to OTL’s leader and CEO, J. Wickham Zimmerman. As a co-founder of OTL, Wick has been with the firm since its inception 13 years ago. He has seen it change and grow into one of the most respected amenity providers in the world.

Here are a few of Wick’s perspectives on the company:

Favorite project: “That’s a tough call because we have had so many great projects and in varying market segments. However, one of my favorite projects was a fountain and simulated creek we constructed at City Creek Center  (see photos below), a mixed-use development in downtown Salt Lake City. The project featured a 1,600-foot creek running through the center and three spectacular linear fountains, including a unique “Flutter” fountain designed by WET Design. Because a portion of the stream contained trout, it required a separate mechanical system as well as a heater and chiller to maintain the water temperature in the ideal range year-round. While the project had several technical and logistical challenges, the result was magnificent!”

Greatest accomplishment at OTL: “Building the team of professionals we have today has been my greatest accomplishment at OTL. There is no doubt that we have the best team in the industry, and everyone works together collaboratively to provide our clients with the finest amenities.”

Aspirations for the future: “I aspire to continue to successfully grow the business and develop new technologies and innovative ways to entertain people. To that end, OTL is working on multiple patents for innovations that truly distinguish us as a leader in designing, constructing, and maintaining beautiful water features that exceed our clients’ demands.”

Fun fact about Wick: “Many people don’t know that I’m a licensed pilot. I’ve been flying planes for more than 30 years and absolutely love the freedom it affords me, particularly when it comes to getting to and from business meetings.” (Wick’s flying career was featured in this recent article in Twin & Turbine magazine.)

Dealing with COVID-19: “Since our company was already well-equipped for remote operation, as it is a part of our day-to-day work with team members spread out all over the country, the transition to working from home during COVID-19 was smooth. Also, our data-analytics capabilities – which allow us to monitor our work in progress, backlog and bid hit rate in real time, run what-if scenarios, and plan accordingly – enabled us to continue to keep our projects operating smoothly and safely. In March, we developed a COVID-19 Specific Safety Plan for our employees comprising guidelines consistent with CDC recommendations. We will continue to monitor the situation and develop new systems and practices for delivering high-quality water features for the built environment that are safe, sanitary, and environmentally friendly as well as beautiful.”

Stay tuned for Team Spotlights featuring more of OTL’s outstanding team members.