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

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…
02 Day in the Life Final 00 00 39 16 Still008

A Day in the Life of an O‑A‑K…

A Day in the Life of an O‑A‑K Superintendent

Spend a day with Project Superintendent Mike Hoeksema,…
01 Godwin Heighs Cherry Health v1 00 00 54 01 Still010

Godwin Heights Health Clinic Tour

Godwin Heights Health Clinic Tour

Godwin Heights Public Schools is transforming underutilized…
01 Construction Bond Final 00 00 50 04 Still006

Pine Ridge Elementary School…

Pine Ridge Elementary School Construction Tour

Tour Forest Hills Public Schools' Pine Ridge Elementary…
01 Portage Project Update Final 00 00 41 06 Still009

Portage Central Elementary School…

Portage Central Elementary School Construction Tour

Join Johnny Edwards, Assistant Superintendent of Operations…
02 Fun Facts Final 00 01 01 23 Still006

Pine Ridge Construction Fun Facts

Pine Ridge Construction Fun Facts

Learn about the challenges of working in an occupied…