JUNE 4, 2020

Welcome to O‑A‑K, Part 2

Take a look at the second part of our new employee and summer intern series featuring Evan Schaap, Brody Baker, Jacob Scholma, Dante Urena and Will McCarthy.

About Evan Schaap, Intern

I'm from Holland, Michigan. I have heard nothing but good things about O‑A‑K; and, in my time here so far, I have enjoyed working with everyone. In my free time, I like doing anything outdoors, especially golfing, campfires, and spending time with friends and family.

Evan is spending the summer on-site at Kenowa Hills Central.

About Brody Baker, Intern

I am from Byron Center, Michigan and a recent graduate from Byron Center High School. My plan is to major in construction management in college, so I am fortunate for this opportunity to gain hand-on experience. Next year, I am planning on playing lacrosse at Wingate University.

Brody is spending the summer on-site at Kentwood Public Schools.

About Jacob Scholma, Intern

I’m originally from the Middleville area, but just recently moved to Walker, Michigan. Four years ago, I was presented with a hands-on internship opportunity at O‑A‑K. I am going on my fifth summer and I have found that the employees here are one big family. I’ve worked with many superintendents who are all willing to put their time and effort into developing my skills. You can only learn so much by going to school. I’ve found the most valuable information comes straight from the jobsite, which is where O‑A‑K excels. Being put in tough situations, or just learning small things to be cognizant of, has been very beneficial.

Fall 2020 will be my last semester at Ferris State University. I enjoy staying busy with side jobs, small projects, or hanging out on the lake when I have free time.

Jacob is spending the summer on-site at Byron Center Public Schools.

About Dante Urena, Intern

I am from Grand Rapids, Michigan. What interested me about O‑A‑K was the variety of projects, and the positive impact these projects have on our community. I will be graduating from Western Michigan University in December. I am majoring in civil engineering with a double minor in math and music.

Dante is spending the summer on-site at Portage Public Schools.

About Will McCarthy, Intern

I am from Farmington, Michigan. I was interested in pursuing an internship with O‑A‑K for a few reasons. First, after college, I am interested in seeking a career in construction management. Second, for the past three summers, I have worked construction in Metro Detroit. I am excited to learn about the construction industry in a new city, which I have spent very little time in before. I am starting my junior year at Michigan State University, studying civil engineering.

Will is spending the summer on-site at Michigan State Police.




In Other News

062 Park Elementary v1 1080 00 01 32 10 Still014

Hudsonville Park Elementary…

Hudsonville Park Elementary Construction Tour

Join Project Superintendent Ethan Elzinga and Assistant…
061 Rockford Ribbon Cutting v1 1080 00 00 10 17 Still002

Rockford Edgerton Trails Ribbon Cutting

Rockford Edgerton Trails Ribbon Cutting

Rockford Public Schools has officially cut the ribbon and…
01 BC Heritage Elementary Ribbon Cutting v1 1080 00 00 10 22 Still003

Byron Center Heritage Elementary Ribbon…

Byron Center Heritage Elementary Ribbon Cutting

O‑A‑K recently celebrated the grand reopening of the newly…
059 GRPM Safety FINAL 1080 00 01 02 17 Still010

GRPM Safety Walkthrough

GRPM Safety Walkthrough

Jobsite walkthroughs are an important part of O‑A‑K's…
Tobler O A k Team

Owen‑Ames‑Kimball Celebrates Ribbon…

Owen‑Ames‑Kimball Celebrates Ribbon Cutting of Franklin Park Elementary

Owen‑Ames‑Kimball Company (O‑A‑K), a preeminent general…
01 St Paul Ground breaking v1 00 01 12 07 Still014

St. Paul the Apostle Middle School and…

St. Paul the Apostle Middle School and Parish Commons Addition Ground Blessing

St. Paul the Apostle Catholic School recently celebrated a…
Sawatzky Taylor

Owen‑Ames‑Kimball’s Taylor Sawatzky…

Owen‑Ames‑Kimball’s Taylor Sawatzky Appointed to FGCU Alumni Association Board of Directors

Taylor Sawatzky, Director of Strategic Development at…
June 2024 New Hires

O‑A‑K Welcomes 14 New Employees

O‑A‑K Welcomes 14 New Employees

(Grand Rapids, MI) June 25, 2024 – Owen‑Ames‑Kimball…
00 Stills Pull 00 02 39 16 Still004

O‑A‑K Kalamazoo Celebrates 10 Years

O‑A‑K Kalamazoo Celebrates 10 Years

10 years ago, O‑A‑K increased our presence in Southwest…
Spring Lake BOE O A K TMP 4

Construction at Spring Lake High School…

Construction at Spring Lake High School has officially begun!

(Spring Lake, MI) May 30, 2024 – Staff at Spring Lake…