Florida

Cory O’Donnell, Marketing Manager at Owen‑Ames‑Kimball (O‑A‑K), has been appointed to the Board of Directors of the Cape Coral Chamber of Commerce, further strengthening the company’s long-standing commitment to the Cape Coral business community and regional partnerships.

O’Donnell brings more than 20 years of experience in communications, marketing, and community engagement in Southwest Florida. In his role at O‑A‑K, he leads storytelling, brand strategy, and community outreach efforts, helping connect the company’s projects and people with the communities they serve.

His involvement with the Chamber extends beyond board service. O’Donnell currently serves on the Chamber’s Education Committee and has been a visible advocate for student achievement, acting as emcee for the 33rd Annual Cape Coral Chamber Excellence in Education Awards in 2025 and returning in May 2026. He also serves on the Board of Directors for the Cape Coral Mayor’s Scholarship Fund, supporting local students in pursuing higher education.

In addition to his Chamber leadership, O’Donnell has played an active role in regional development and professional organizations. He previously served on the management committee for ULI Southwest Florida and co-chaired its Communications Committee, helping shape conversations around smart growth and community development across the region. He is a former member of The News-Press/Naples News Editorial Board, the founder and former chair of The News-Press Young Professionals Advisory Board and a Leadership SWFL and Leadership Cape Coral alumni.

“Cory’s appointment reflects both his personal dedication to this community and O‑A‑K’s belief in being more than a builder — we are partners in the places where we work,” said Jim Hopper, Florida Division President, Owen‑Ames‑Kimball. “His passion for education, communication, and community connection aligns perfectly with the Chamber’s mission to strengthen local businesses and our regional economy.”

O’Donnell was officially sworn in alongside fellow board members and trustees during the Cape Coral Chamber’s Chairman’s Gala on January 31. At the same event, O‑A‑K was honored as a finalist for Large Business of the Year — a recognition that underscores the company’s continued investment in Cape Coral and its support of local businesses and community initiatives.

Through O’Donnell’s leadership and service, O‑A‑K continues to deepen its roots in Cape Coral, reinforcing its commitment to building not only high-quality facilities, but also lasting community relationships.

O‑A‑K’s Florida division is an affiliate of its parent company in Grand Rapids, Michigan, with offices in Collier and Lee counties. Its Lee County office is located at 11941 Fairway Lakes Drive in Fort Myers. To learn more about O‑A‑K, visit www.owen‑ames‑kimball.com or call (239) 561-4141.

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Owen‑Ames‑Kimball (O‑A‑K) Florida Division, an employee-owned construction firm serving Southwest Florida since 1982, is pleased to announce that Keri Looker has joined the team as Business Development Manager for Naples and Collier County.

Looker brings more than 20 years of marketing, business development, and client-focused experience in the Southwest Florida architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry. In her new role, she will lead growth initiatives and expand O‑A‑K’s presence in the Collier County market, with a focus on cultivating long-term relationships and new opportunities across sectors including education, healthcare, aviation, government, and private development.

She most recently served as Director of Marketing for Naples-based RWA, Inc., where she led strategic business development, branding, and client engagement efforts for civil engineering and land planning projects throughout Collier and Lee counties.

“Keri’s deep understanding of the Southwest Florida market, combined with her strategic mindset and relationship-driven approach, makes her an excellent addition to our Florida Division,” said Jim Hopper, President of Owen‑Ames‑Kimball Florida Division. “She brings energy, insight, and a genuine commitment to community that aligns perfectly with our values. We are excited to have her on board as we continue to grow our presence in Collier County and the region.”

As Business Development Manager, Looker plays a vital role within O‑A‑K’s Business Development & Marketing department and works closely with the Sr. Director of Business Development & Marketing, Client Relations, Preconstruction, and Operations leadership to position the firm as the builder of choice in Southwest Florida. The role goes beyond traditional sales, offering a strategic opportunity to influence market direction, strengthen community partnerships, and support O‑A‑K’s long-term growth.

Looker holds a Master of Business Administration from Florida Gulf Coast University and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of North Florida’s Coggin College of Business. She is actively involved in the Collier Building Industry Foundation, the Collier County Community Land Trust, and Urban Land Institute Southwest Florida, reflecting her commitment to responsible growth and community building.

Since 1982, Owen‑Ames‑Kimball Company has provided premier general contracting, design-build, and construction management services in Southwest Florida. O‑A‑K specializes in community-driven construction projects and offers an inclusive, intentional, and customized experience. An employee-owned company, O‑A‑K Florida, Inc.’s board of directors is comprised of members from its Florida operations.

O‑A‑K’s Florida Division is an affiliate of its parent company in Grand Rapids, Michigan, with offices in Collier and Lee counties. Its Collier County office is located at 5100 Tamiami Trail North, Suite 103, Naples, FL 34103. To learn more about O‑A‑K, visit www.owen‑ames‑kimball.com or call (239) 304-9746.

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Owen‑Ames‑Kimball Co. (O‑A‑K) is proud to announce that Taylor Sawatzky, Director of Strategic Development, has been appointed to the Board of Directors of the Bonita Springs YMCA.

Sawatzky brings extensive experience in strategic planning, operational leadership, and community-focused development to the YMCA board. In his role at Owen‑Ames‑Kimball, he plays a key part in advancing business development initiatives and strengthening relationships across Southwest Florida.

“Taylor’s appointment reflects his strong commitment to community leadership and service,” said Jim Hopper, Florida Division President, Owen‑Ames‑Kimball. “The YMCA plays a vital role in supporting youth, families, and overall community well-being, and we are proud to see Taylor contribute his expertise to an organization with such meaningful impact.”

Sawatzky’s professional background in construction and project leadership will support the Bonita Springs YMCA as it continues to enhance and expand its facilities and programs to meet the evolving needs of the community.

“I’m honored to serve on the Bonita Springs YMCA Board of Directors,” said Sawatzky. “The Y’s mission to strengthen communities aligns closely with my personal values and with O‑A‑K’s Kimball’s commitment to building places that serve and uplift people. I look forward to supporting the Y’s continued growth and impact.”

The Bonita Springs YMCA is dedicated to youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility, serving individuals and families throughout Bonita Springs and Lee County.

Since 1982, Owen‑Ames‑Kimball Company has provided premier general contracting, design-build, and construction management services in Southwest Florida. O‑A‑K specializes in community-driven construction projects and offers an inclusive, intentional, and customized experience. An employee-owned company, O‑A‑K Florida, Inc.’s board of directors is comprised of members from its Florida operations.

O‑A‑K’s Florida division is an affiliate of its parent company in Grand Rapids, Michigan, with offices in Collier and Lee counties. Its Lee County office is located at 11941 Fairway Lakes Drive in Fort Myers. To learn more about O‑A‑K, visit www.owen‑ames‑kimball.com or call (239) 561-4141.

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Jim Hopper named President of Florida Division, Matthew Zwack moves to Senior Director of Client Relations

Owen‑Ames‑Kimball (O‑A‑K) Florida Division, an employee-owned construction firm serving Southwest Florida since 1982, today announced a leadership transition designed to position the company for long-term growth and success.

Jim Hopper, who joined O‑A‑K in 2025 as Regional Vice President for Florida operations, has been named President of the Florida Division. He succeeds Matthew Zwack, who has served as President since 2020 and will move into a newly created role as Senior Director of Client Relations, where he will continue to support strategic initiatives, client relationships, and community partnerships.

“This transition reflects O‑A‑K’s strength as an employee-owned company and our commitment to thoughtful succession planning,” said Frank Stanek, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Owen‑Ames‑Kimball Co. “We are deeply grateful to Matthew Zwack for his leadership and are excited to welcome Jim Hopper as President of the Florida Division. Jim’s proven expertise and dedication to client service will ensure that O‑A‑K continues to deliver excellence and build lasting partnerships across Southwest Florida.”

Hopper’s career is defined by depth, range, and steady leadership built over more than three decades in the construction industry. After 21 years with two of Colorado’s most respected general contractors, he founded and successfully led his own firm, bringing an owner’s perspective and disciplined accountability to every project.

Hopper brings a strategic, enterprise-level perspective to preconstruction and project execution, providing clear leadership from early planning through final delivery. His disciplined yet pragmatic approach ensures projects are delivered with quality, accountability, and long-term value.

As a leader, Hopper is committed to operational excellence, exceptional client service, and continuous improvement. Equally important to him is investing in people—building strong teams and mentoring the next generation of construction professionals.

Since 2024, O‑A‑K’s Florida Division has doubled in size and is on track for its biggest year ever in 2026. As the company approaches its 44th year in Florida, it continues to build on a history of community-driven construction excellence. Corporate-wide, O‑A‑K has delivered $3.2 billion in projects over the past 10 years, reinforcing its reputation for scale, reliability, and impact.

An employee-owned company, O‑A‑K draws its strength from more than 290 employee-owners worldwide, including 85 in Florida. This ownership culture empowers every employee to take a stake in the company’s success and fuels the long-term vision of the organization.

As part of O‑A‑K’s vision for 2030, the company is focused on aligning leadership strengths to achieve ambitious long-term goals: $725 million in revenue, and a team of more than 325 employee-owners. By positioning Hopper to lead Florida operations and Zwack to strengthen client and community partnerships, O‑A‑K is laying the foundation to meet these milestones.

“I am humbled and excited to step into the role of President,” said Hopper. “O‑A‑K’s foundation of employee ownership, community partnership, and construction excellence is unmatched, and I am committed to building on that legacy.”

Matthew Zwack has been a cornerstone of O‑A‑K’s Florida Division for more than 18 years, cultivating strong, trust-based relationships with clients, trade partners, and community leaders. During his tenure as President, he helped guide the division through a period of significant growth while ensuring that projects were delivered with the highest level of service and integrity. In his new role as Senior Director of Client Relations, Zwack will continue to leverage his deep understanding of client needs and his extensive network across Southwest Florida to strengthen partnerships, open new opportunities, and support the company’s long-term vision for growth.

“It has been an honor to serve as President of O‑A‑K’s Florida Division,” added Zwack. “I look forward to continuing to support the company in my new role and watching Jim lead our team to even greater success.”

Since 1982, Owen‑Ames‑Kimball Company has provided premier general contracting, design-build, and construction management services in Southwest Florida. O‑A‑K specializes in community-driven construction projects and offers an inclusive, intentional, and customized experience. An employee-owned company, O‑A‑K Florida, Inc.’s board of directors is comprised of members from its Florida operations.

O‑A‑K’s Florida division is an affiliate of its parent company in Grand Rapids, Michigan, with offices in Collier and Lee counties. Its Lee County office is located at 11941 Fairway Lakes Drive in Fort Myers. To learn more about O‑A‑K, visit www.owen‑ames‑kimball.com or call (239) 561-4141.

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Owen‑Ames‑Kimball (O‑A‑K) joined students, staff, and community leaders to celebrate the groundbreaking of Bayshore Elementary School’s $36 million expansion, marking the beginning of its transformation into a full K–8 campus. The event honored both the school’s 56-year legacy and its bright future as generations of Bayshore families gathered to witness this historic milestone.

Originally opened in 1967, Bayshore Elementary has served thousands of Lee County families over the decades. The new three-story building includes a full-size gymnasium equipped with bleachers and basketball courts, science labs, music & band rooms, locker rooms, art room, and fourteen classrooms. It will accommodate 600 middle school students and complete the school’s conversion to a K–8 facility by fall 2026. The project is funded through the Half-Cent Sales Tax approved by voters in 2018.

“O‑A‑K is honored to partner with the School District of Lee County on a project that celebrates Bayshore’s rich history while building for future generations,” said Matthew Zwack of Owen‑Ames‑Kimball. “This school has been an anchor for the North Fort Myers community for more than half a century, and we’re proud to help create safe, inspiring spaces where students can thrive.”

The groundbreaking ceremony featured Superintendent Dr. Denise M. Carlin, District Five School Board Member Armor Persons, Principal Ben Ausman, and architect Clarisa Parovi of ADG Architecture, LLC, alongside proud students, parents, alumni, and community members.

“Expanding Bayshore to house sixth, seventh, and eighth graders has been one of the top priorities among my constituents,” said Armor Persons. “A lot of people are really glad this is happening.”

Dr. Carlin emphasized the district’s dedication to honoring tradition while embracing innovation. “The new Bayshore will reflect everything we love about this school while providing brighter, bigger, safer spaces where students can thrive,” she said.

The expansion is part of the district’s long-term plan to provide comprehensive K–8 education opportunities. In January 2024, the School Board of Lee County formally approved the transition. The school welcomed its first sixth graders in August 2024 and seventh graders in August 2025, with eighth graders joining in August 2026 once the expansion is complete.

“The students, families, and community of North Fort Myers share in our excitement for this next chapter of Bayshore School,” said Principal Ben Ausman. “We are especially thrilled to extend everything that makes Bayshore such a special place to sixth, seventh, and eighth grade. We are deeply grateful to the many community members who have worked to make our dream of a K–8 school a reality.”

As the Gateway High School Marching Band played and Bayshore students performed their school song, the celebration captured the spirit of what this project represents—community, connection, and a shared commitment to the future.

O‑A‑K’s Florida operation is an affiliate of its parent company in Grand Rapids, Michigan, with offices in Collier and Lee counties. Its Lee County office is located at 11941 Fairway Lakes Drive in Fort Myers. Learn more about O‑A‑K at www.owen‑ames‑kimball.com or call (239) 561-4141.

Owen‑Ames‑Kimball (O‑A‑K) recently earned two prestigious Summit Awards from the Lee Building Industry Association (LBIA).

These awards are a testament to the dedication and craftsmanship of our O‑A‑K project teams — and to the collaborative spirit that drives every successful build. We extend a heartfelt thank you to our valued partners at the School District of Lee County, the Lee County Port Authority, and every team member and supporter who contributed to these successes.

Our LBIA Summit Award–Winning Projects

• Best School — Over $50 Million: Franklin Park Elementary - A modern, student-focused campus designed to empower learning and strengthen community.
• Best Public Works Project — $25M–$29.9M: Page Field Airport South Quad Hangars & Ramps - A critical aviation infrastructure upgrade supporting innovation, economic growth, and the future of flight in Southwest Florida.

We are deeply honored by this recognition from LBIA and proud to contribute to the region’s progress.