Company
People-Powered Since 1891
At Owen-Ames-Kimball, our people are the foundation of every project and partnership. From our beginnings in Grand Rapids to teams across Colorado, Florida, and Michigan, our success has always been driven by people who care deeply about the work they do in the communities where they work and live.
Our Purpose
Guided by partnership, we are determined to build the best experience.
Choosing What’s Right, Every Time
"When Blake's workload slowed, he proactively reached out to ask where he could help most, offering to do whatever was needed, even basic tasks, to support the team. His focus wasn’t on his role or status, but on making sure the work continued to move forward and others were supported. Blake consistently looks for the right thing to do and steps in wherever he’s needed most."
-Peer nomination for Blake Gabler, 2025 O-A-K Way Winner
A Can-Do Attitude
"Lee is always available to do anything necessary to get the job done. One project needed sod replaced and after failed attempts to get a sub, Lee went out and did it himself."
-Peer nomination for Lee Hamill, 2025 O-A-K Way Winner
A Personal Sense of Responsibility
"Dawson’s actions reflect what the O-A-K Way looks like in practice: accountability without ego, teamwork without hesitation, and leadership rooted in respect for people. His impact is felt not only in the work he delivers, but in the culture he helps build every day."
-Peer nomination for Dawson Forner, 2025 O-A-K Way Winner
People Who Value Other People
"Kelsey consistently goes above and beyond in ways many don’t see. She is approachable, kind, and always willing to help, no matter how busy she is. Whether she’s taking time to teach someone, stepping in to support a teammate, or offering thoughtful ideas to improve our work, she does it all without hesitation or complaint, just with a genuine desire to support others and a smile on her face."
-Peer nomination for Kelsey Kadic, 2025 O-A-K Way Winner
Charles Hauser, William Hayden & Edwin Owen form Hauser, Hayden & Owen construction company in Grand Rapids, MI.
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William Hayden leaves the partnership and is replaced by George Ames; the firm’s name changes to Hauser, Owen & Ames.
Dan Kimball joins Hauser, Owen & Ames
Following the retirement of Charles Hauser, Dan Kimball was added to the firm name, becoming Owen-Ames-Kimball.
Muskegon Construction Company, an O-A-K subsidiary, opens its doors.
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O-A-K sold furnaces and installed insulation in Grand Rapids homes to survive the Great Depression. The Pearl Street office featured furnaces for sale in the front window.
O-A-K forms Owen-Ames-Kimball Engineering Inc. for Design/Build projects.
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O-A-K/FL is formed as a subsidiary in Southwest Florida with headquarters in Fort Myers.
O-A-K celebrates its 100th anniversary.
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O-A-K/FL opens new location in Naples, FL.
O-A-K purchases Thomas Marine Construction, a bridge builder, in Fort Myers, FL.
Frank Stanek is named the company’s eighth president.
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O-A-K opens a new office in Kalamazoo, MI.
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O-A-K moves its Grand Rapids yard operations to 6645 East Paris, which provides additional space for operations, training, tools, and parking.
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O-A-K expands into Colorado, placing an office in Castle Rock and hiring Michael Beaudoin as division president.
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O-A-K expands into Northern Michigan, placing an office in Traverse City.
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O-A-K purchases and moves into 126 Ottawa as its new headquarters, occupying floors 2-3 during an eight month renovation before moving into the upper floors of the building.
Our Team
People Who Lead By Example
Leadership at O-A-K is about teamwork, not titles. Our employee-owners take responsibility for the work they do and the people they work beside, guided by experienced leaders who believe in serving first.
Employee Ownership
As an employee-owned firm since the day we were founded, our people are both personally and professionally vested in the success of their projects. We have 70 employee-owners, representing every department in the company, from project superintendents to accounting team members.