Florida

Owen-Ames-Kimball Co. (O-A-K) has completed construction of a 31,000-square-foot expansion of Cape Coral Technical College, marking the first major addition to the campus since it opened in 1993.

Students, faculty, community leaders and industry partners gathered for a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the completion of the expansion at the college, located at 360Santa Barbara Blvd. N. in Cape Coral.

The expansionsignificantly increases the college’s capacity to provide hands-on educationand industry-recognized credentials for careers in high-demand skilled trades. At full capacity, Cape Coral Technical College will serve up to 500 studentsannually, helping create a pipeline of trained workers for industries facingcritical workforce shortages throughout Southwest Florida.

“The completion of the Cape Coral Technical College expansion represents a significant investment inthe future workforce of Southwest Florida,” said Jim Hopper, Florida DivisionPresident of Owen-Ames-Kimball. “Projects like this create real opportunity,giving students access to hands-on training that leads directly to meaningfulcareers while helping local industries meet the growing demand for skilledprofessionals. Owen-Ames-Kimball is proud to partner with the School Districtof Lee County on a project that will have a lasting impact on students,businesses and the economic future of our region.”

The expanded campus allows Cape Coral Technical College to offer programs across three high-demandsectors: transportation, manufacturing, and architecture and construction. Newskilled-trades training includes construction trades, welding, HVAC, automotiverepair and service, marine service technology and additionalconstruction-industry programs.

“The programs in this building were designed hand in hand with local employers, which means ourstudents train on the same equipment and to the same standards they will findon the job,” said Dr. Denise Carlin, superintendent of Lee County Schools.

The expansion will allow more than 150 additional students each year to pursue tradecertifications. Many programs follow a “Career in a Year” model, allowingstudents to earn industry-recognized credentials and enter the workforcequickly. The college also offers dual-enrollment opportunities for high school students, as well as programs for veterans and individuals age 16 and older.

During theribbon-cutting ceremony, Cape Coral Technical College Director Charlie Pease also announced Nor-Tech Hi-Performance Boats as the college’s first FoundingIndustry Partner. Nor-Tech Chief Operating Officer Henrik Margard presented aninitial $20,000 donation to the college.

“At Nor-Tech, we believe that investing in education is an investment in our community’sfuture,” Margard said.

“Nor-Tech’s commitment gives our Marine Academy students access to the technology and expertise that will set them apart in the workforce,” Pease said.

Cape Coral Technical College currently offers 19 programs designed to prepare students for employment in growing industries. Partnerships with local businesses provide work-based learning opportunities while allowing industry professionals to help shape curriculum based on current workforce needs.

The expansion comes as Cape Coral and Southwest Florida continue to experience strong population and economic growth, increasing demand for skilled workers in construction, marine service, HVAC, automotive technology and other trades.

For more information about Cape Coral Technical College, visit capecoraltech.edu or call (239)574-4440.

Owen-Ames-Kimball is a nationally recognized construction management firm with offices serving Collier and Lee counties for more than four decades. With headquarters in Florida, Michigan, and Colorado, O-A-K delivers unmatched construction management expertise, leading complexprojects through strong partnerships and proven project leadership. Learn more about O-A-K at www.owen-ames-kimball.com or call (239) 561-4141.

O-A-K is packing up the table and hitting the road this fall, with our team showing up at career fairs across Michigan, Florida, and Colorado.

Where to find us

• University of Florida | September 10
• Ferris State University | September 22
• Western Michigan University | September 23
• Michigan State University | September 24
• Michigan Tech University | September 29
• Colorado State University | September 29
• Florida International University | October 6
• Florida Gulf Coast University | October 6
• Louisiana State University | October 23

Why stop by our table

A conversation at our table is a chance for us to actually get to know you, not just your resume. Tell us what you're studying, what kind of work excites you, where you picture yourself in five years. We're listening, and we remember. That connection is what turns into a real interview and, for a lot of students, a real career.

Last summer, twenty-eight interns joined O-A-K across our Michigan and Florida offices, working out of Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Traverse City, Naples, and Fort Myers. They didn't sit on the sidelines. Each was welcomed onto an active project and put to work from day one, alongside on-the-job training, weekly lunch and learns with company leaders, and a built-in community of fellow interns from across the states we serve.

The pathway is real

An internship at O-A-K isn't a summer detour, it's often the start of a career. Over the past decade, at least fourteen former interns have grown into full-time roles with the company. Brian Filipek interned in 2015 and is now a Project Manager. "The company's reputation initially attracted me to the internship, but it was the people and culture that convinced me to stay," Filipek said.

"O-A-K's internship program is designed to give students meaningful, real-world experience that simply can't be replicated in a classroom," said Jim Hopper, Florida Division President. Our interns become real members of project teams, working through problems and building relationships with clients and trade partners along the way.

What sets O-A-K apart

People-First Culture: At O-A-K, people are the driving force behind everything we build. We choose to do what's right, bring a can-do attitude to every job, and show up for each other, not just the project. Here, you're valued as a person, not reduced to a title or a task list.

Full Responsibility: When you join O-A-K, you become part of a company that's 100% employee-owned, so your success is directly tied to ours. You'll have the mentorship, training, and resources to do your best work, plus a real stake in the results. It's been our formula for growing careers, and the company, for more than 130 years.

Safety is Personal: At O-A-K, safety isn't a policy, it's a promise we make to every person on the jobsite and every community we build for. Our procedures are grounded in real field experience, not just paperwork, because protecting people always comes before schedules or deadlines.

If you're ready to build something that lasts, come find us on the road. We'd love to meet you. Have questions before then? Reach Camila directly at camilag@oakmi.com.

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This summer, 28 interns joined O-A-K across our Michigan and Florida offices in Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Traverse City, Naples, and Fort Myers. Each intern was was assigned to active projects and put to work.

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The pathway is real

Over the past decade, at least 14 former interns have moved into full-time roles with O-A-K.

Brian Filipek interned in 2015 and is now a Project Manager. "The company's reputation initially attracted me to the internship, but it was the people and culture that convinced me to stay," Filipek said. Marco Garcia interned in 2020 and returned in 2024 as a Project Superintendent. Carlos Rapalo interned in 2024 and became an Assistant Project Manager in 2025. Sammuel Presmy worked the Cape Coral Technical College expansion as an intern and joined full-time in May 2026 as an Assistant Project Manager.

Employee-owned since 1891, O-A-K gives interns room to grow and people willing to invest in that growth. Many stay on part-time while finishing their degrees, then join full-time after graduation.

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Fridays Together: Learning Every Department

Every Friday, interns from all offices came together in-person and virtually to learn the functions that run O-A-K: Preconstruction, Marketing, Safety, Project Management, Accounting, and Superintendent work. Construction does not happen only in the field. These sessions showed our interns the full machine behind a project: Preconstruction planning the work, project managers driving it forward, superintendents leading the field, safety protecting everyone on the jobsite, accounting keeping it honest, and marketing telling the story.

Ian Miller, a Florida Gulf Coast University student, is proof our interns value their time at O-A-K. Ian first interned with us in 2025 on the FGCU Cohen Student Union renovation, following the project from active construction through closeout. He returned this summer for a new project and a wider view of the business.

"O-A-K's internship program is designed to give students meaningful, real-world experience that simply can't be replicated in a classroom," said Jim Hopper, Florida Division President. "Our interns become valuable members of project teams, participate in problem-solving, interact with clients and trade partners, and gain a deeper understanding of what it takes to successfully deliver complex construction projects."

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Meet Kejsi from O-A-K Florida

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What comes next

To the 2026 intern class: thank you for your hard work. You strengthened our teams this summer, and we can't wait to build with you again. Interested in an O-A-K internship? Send a message with your resume to camilag@oakmi.com, or learn more on our Careers Page.

Owen-Ames-Kimball Co. is pleased to announce that Andy Carrier, CCM, has joined the company as Estimator.

Carrier brings 39 years of uniquely varied experience to the commercial construction industry. He holds two Bachelor of Science degrees—one in Corporate Management and another in Civil & Environmental Engineering from the University of Rhode Island. Throughout his career, Carrier has built extensive expertise across multiple sectors, including structural engineering, public works, planning and land development, state transportation programs, environmental construction management, and commercial construction.

Most recently, Carrier served as a Commercial Construction Project Manager, where he managed the full lifecycle of complex commercial projects, including utility site construction, multi-building residential developments, school remodels and major university fieldhouse renovations. He also led pre-construction and bidding efforts for projects totaling more than $49.2 million.

Prior to that, Carrier served as Construction Project Manager for the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Bureau of Design & Construction, overseeing more than 20 concurrent capital projects across Florida State Parks with a combined value exceeding $25.8 million. His experience also includes leadership roles in infrastructure and land development project management throughout Connecticut and Florida.

Carrier is a Certified Construction Manager through the Construction Management Association of America and also holds ProCore certifications as a Project Manager, Superintendent and Field Worker. He is recognized for his ability to lead multidisciplinary teams, manage complex contracts and consistently deliver projects on time and within budget.

In his new role as Estimator, Carrier will lead preconstruction estimating efforts for commercial construction projects throughout Southwest Florida. He will prepare detailed cost estimates, analyze project plans and specifications, collaborate with project teams and subcontractors, and help develop competitive, accurate bids that support O-A-K's commitment to delivering exceptional value and quality to its clients.

“Andy’s depth of experience across engineering, public infrastructure, planning and commercial construction brings tremendous value to our team and our clients,” said Jim Hopper, Florida Division President of O-A-K. “His broad understanding of the construction process, combined with his leadership and technical expertise, make him an excellent addition as we continue to grow throughout the region.”

“I’m excited to join a company with such a strong reputation for quality, integrity and community impact,” said Carrier. “O-A-K’s employee-owned culture and commitment to collaboration really stood out to me, and I look forward to contributing to the company’s continued success across Southwest Florida.”

Outside of work, Carrier enjoys spending time with family and friends, woodworking and visiting new places.

Owen-Ames-Kimball Co. is pleased to announce that Rob Rotchadl has joined the company as Senior Director of Strategy and Finance.

Rotchadl brings nearly 20 years of experience in strategic finance, planning, and operational leadership. Throughout his career, he has partnered closely with executive teams to translate strategy into disciplined execution—aligning financial planning, performance metrics and operational priorities to drive sustainable growth.

Most recently, Rotchadl served as Vice President of Finance for a multi-entity commercial real estate services platform, where he led long-range planning, forecasting and performance management initiatives. Earlier in his career, he held a senior financial planning and analysis leadership role with Hilton Hotels & Resorts, supporting enterprise forecasting and strategic planning at scale. He earned his MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.

In his new role, Rotchadl will work directly with O-A-K’s leadership team to enhance financial visibility, strengthen strategic planning processes, and ensure the company’s continued growth is supported by clear, data-driven decision-making and operational alignment.

“Rob brings a thoughtful, disciplined approach to strategy and finance that aligns perfectly with our growth trajectory,” said Jim Hopper, Florida Division President of O-A-K. “His experience and perspective will help strengthen our ability to plan, perform, and deliver at a high level as we continue expanding across the region.”

“I’m excited to join an organization with such a strong reputation for both performance and culture,” said Rotchadl. “O-A-K’s employee-owned structure and commitment to building meaningful, community-driven projects create a powerful foundation for long-term success. I look forward to working alongside the team to strengthen our strategic planning and support continued, sustainable growth.”

Owen-Ames-Kimball’s Florida operation is an affiliate of its parent company headquartered 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.

For more information, visit www.owen-ames-kimball.com or call (239) 561-4141.

Owen-Ames-Kimball Co. has been named a recipient of the 2026 Southwest Florida INCredible Award, recognizing businesses that excel in their industries while making a meaningful impact through community leadership and service.

Presented annually, the Southwest Florida INCredible Awards celebrate organizations that demonstrate exceptional business success, strong workplace culture, and an ongoing commitment to giving back throughout Lee, Collier and Charlotte counties.

O-A-K, an employee-owned commercial construction firm serving Southwest Florida since 1982, was recognized for its people-first culture, long-standing community partnerships, and commitment to building projects that strengthen the region. With 82 employees in its Florida division, the company provides construction management, general contracting, and design-build services for educational, healthcare, nonprofit, aviation, and public-sector clients.

“We are honored to receive this recognition,” said Jim Hopper, Florida Division President of O-A-K. “This award reflects the dedication of our employee-owners and the relationships we’ve built throughout Southwest Florida over the past four decades. We believe construction is about more than buildings — it’s about creating spaces that support communities, improve lives, and contribute to the future of our region.”

O-A-K’s culture emphasizes employee development, collaboration, and long-term career growth. The company offers extensive professional development opportunities, mentorship, continuing education support, comprehensive benefits, and an employee ownership model that encourages accountability and shared success.

Beyond construction, O-A-K maintains a strong commitment to community involvement. Through board leadership, volunteering, and charitable giving, the company and its employee-owners actively support numerous nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and community initiatives across Southwest Florida.

O-A-K has completed numerous landmark projects throughout the region, including educational facilities, public infrastructure, healthcare environments, aviation projects, and nonprofit campuses that serve residents for generations to come.

Owen-Ames-Kimball’s Florida operation is an affiliate of its parent company headquartered 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.