Owen-Ames-Kimball Co. is proud to announce the hire of Nancy Johnson as the firm's first Chief People Officer. The newly created role reflects O-A-K's commitment to intentional growth and building a workplace where people can do their best work.

Johnson brings more than 20 years of experience in people strategy and organizational culture. She is no stranger to O-A-K. For the past three years, she has consulted with the firm's Executive Leadership team, giving her a deep understanding of the company's values, goals, and people. In her new role, she will lead O-A-K's people strategy, company culture, and talent alignment across the entire organization, supporting employees in Michigan, Florida, and Colorado. She will also oversee a team that includes O-A-K's Talent Acquisition Manager and Employee Experience Managers.

"O-A-K has always stood out to me because of its genuine investment in its people," Johnson said. "I've had the privilege of working alongside this leadership team for three years, and I've seen the care and intention they bring to every decision. I'm honored to step into this role and help build on that foundation as the company grows."

Frank Stanek, President and CEO, shared his excitement about the hire. "This decision has been a long time in the making. As we grow, we want to be intentional about how we support our team and how we build a work place where people want to stay and grow."

‍

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.

Owen-Ames-Kimball Co., alongside Hendry County School District leaders, elected officials, students, and community members, celebrated the groundbreaking of the new LaBelle High School on Tuesday, April 28, marking a significant milestone in the future of education in Hendry County.

Held at the future campus site on Helms Road, formerly orange groves owned and farmed by the Hansen family, the ceremony honored both the community’s agricultural roots and its forward-looking investment in education.

The program included a presentation of colors, an invocation by Reverend Preston Long Jr., remarks from district, school leadership, a LaBelle High School student, and the Mayor of LaBelle followed by the official ceremonial groundbreaking.

Attendees enjoyed a performance by the LaBelle High School Vaquero Jazz Ensemble and refreshments prepared by the school’s culinary students. Additional student groups represented included the Public Service Academy, Future Farmers of America, and Student Government, highlighting the diverse opportunities available to students.

The new LaBelle High School represents a $123 million investment and will include a state-of-the-art, 220,000-square-foot campus designed to serve approximately 1,500 students. The modern facility will replace the existing high school, originally built in the 1970s, and will feature advanced academic classrooms, career and technical education spaces, athletics facilities, and enhanced safety and accessibility features.

“This project represents a major milestone for Hendry County,” said Michael Swindle, Superintendent of Hendry County School District. “While our team had not previously built a new high school, Owen-Ames-Kimball has been an outstanding partner, guiding us through every step of the process with expertise, transparency, and a true commitment to our community. We are deeply grateful to our state legislators, School Board members, County Commissioners, and City Commissioners for working together to make this new campus a reality.”

“Owen-Ames-Kimball is proud to partner with the Hendry County School District on a project that will have a lasting impact on students, families, and the entire LaBelle community,” said Jim Hopper, President of O-A-K’s Florida Division. “This new campus is more than a building—it represents opportunity, growth, and a commitment to preparing students for the future through modern learning environments and hands-on career pathways.”

Notably, three members of the O-A-K project team are graduates of LaBelle High School, bringing a personal connection and deep sense of pride to the project as they help build the future of their hometown.

“This is not just a construction site—it is the foundation of our future and the beginning of a new era for our community,” said Tammy Bass, Principal of LaBelle High School. “Our students are dedicated, hardworking, and incredibly talented. They will excel in an environment that reflects their potential—a professional setting that matches their ambition. They are absolutely worth it.”

Construction management for the project is being led by Owen-Ames-Kimball, in partnership with Grace Design Studios, LLC, and Rock Enterprises, LLC. The collaborative team will deliver a campus designed to support both academic excellence and workforce readiness.

The new LaBelle High School is anticipated to finish construction at the end of 2027, providing generations of students with a modern, safe, and inspiring place to learn and grow.

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.

‍