O‑A‑K MI Welcomes 20 New Employees in 2022

January 26, 2023

O‑A‑K MI Welcomes 20 New Employees in 2022

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(Grand Rapids, MI) January 24­, 2023– Owen‑Ames‑Kimball Co. (O‑A‑K), local professional construction firm, announces the additions of Danielle Becklin, Eugene Blesing, Shane Crow, Dan Dennis, Sandy Dyer, Jeremy Fron, Josh Hoch, Lucas Kleyn, Josh Kwiatkowski, Joe Lighthart, Alyson Lloyd, Dennis Loveland, Robert Miller, Nick Morrissey, Tatiana Parsons, Chase Pattison, Ryan Pendrick, Ryan Ruiter, Nate Stader, and Wayne Vandawater.

Danielle Becklin, Marketing Manager, joins O‑A‑K’s Marketing department and holds a Bachelors in Communication from Michigan State University, alongside 10+ years of specialized construction marketing experience.

Eugene Blesing, Project Superintendent, has over 30 years of experience in the construction industry. He holds a grade 5 Water Operator license and is First Aid/CPR certified. He is currently on-site at Byron Center Intermediate 5/6 School.

Shane Crow, Project Superintendent, joins O‑A‑K with over 15 years of industry experience and an impressive portfolio of work that spans across various markets. He is currently on-site at Tri County Elementary School but will be moving to Lakeview Schools soon.

Dan Dennis, Project Superintendent, joins O‑A‑K’s team with 25 years of experience. He is a certified Licensed Residential Builder and a Private Pilot in his free time. He is currently working on-site at Rockford’s Crestwood Elementary School.

Sandy Dyer, Accounting, joins the accounting department in the Grand Rapids office. She has an associate degree from Grand Rapids Community College. In her free time, she loves to travel and do a variety of crafts.

Jeremy Fron, Carpenter, has 21 years of construction experience. He has his OSHA 30-Hour and is currently on-site at Van Andel Institute. In his free time, he enjoys hunting and fishing.

Josh Hoch, Project Superintendent, has 20 years of experience in the trades as a structural steel worker. He is currently working at Kenowa Hills Middle School and the turf field and track resurfacing project.

Lucas Kleyn, Assistant Project Superintendent, graduated from Ferris State University with a bachelor’s in construction management. After completion of his summer internship with O‑A‑K, Lucas has officially joined the O‑A‑K team and can now be found on-site at Godfrey-Lee Middle/High School. He holds his Michigan Builders License and is First Aid, CPR, AED, and Procore certified.

Josh Kwiatkowski, Project Superintendent, brings over 10 years of experience in the construction industry and is both OSHA 30-Hour and CPR/First Aid certified. He is working on-site at the Kent County Correctional Facility. Josh is both OSHA 30-Hour and CPR/First Aid certified. He is currently on-site at Kent County Correctional Facility.

Joe Lighthart, Assistant Project Superintendent, has over 20 years of experience in residential construction and previously owned and operated his own tiling company. Joe is currently on-site at Rockford Public Schools Aquatic project.

Alyson Lloyd, Project Superintendent, officially joins our Grand Rapids team after being an intern for the summer and finishing her Bachelors degree in Construction Management from Ferris State University. She is currently on-site at Kent Intermediate School District Lincoln campus.

Dennis Loveland, Project Superintendent, backed by over 41 years of experience and an extensive resume that spans across various market sectors.

Robert Miller, Project Superintendent, joined O‑A‑K with 40+ years of construction experience and has served a variety of roles within the industry, including carpenter, mechanic, and Forman. He is currently on-site at Elk Rapids middle school project.

Nick Morrissey, Project Superintendent, graduated from Ferris State University with a bachelor’s in construction management. He has 13 years of construction experience, including eight years as an Engineer in the United States Army. Nick is currently on-site at East Kentwood High School Culinary Arts addition.

Tatiana Parsons, Billing Specialist, joins our Grand Rapids office after graduating with her masters from Grand Valley State University. With her employment, she has acquired her public notary license and become a member of the Construction Financial Management Association (CFMA).

Chase Pattison, Project Superintendent, graduated from Grand Valley State University with a B.B.A. in Supply Chain Management and supervising construction at Elk Rapids Cherryland Middle School. Chase has acquired an impressive list of certifications including; OSHA 30-Hour, MI Stormwater Management Operator, Aerial Lift/All Terrain Certified, Masonry Fall Zone training, Lead/Asbestos Awareness training and CPR/First Aid certified.

Ryan Pendrick, Assistant Project Manager, joins the team as a recent graduate and former hockey player of Ferris State University. He has earned both an associate’s degree in Architectural Technology and a Bachelors in Facility Management.

Ryan Ruiter, Assistant Project Superintendent, served as intern for the last two consecutives summers with O‑A‑K and became an official team member following his graduation at Hope College. Ryan is currently on-site at Forest Hills Administration Building.

Nate Stader, Project Superintendent, comes with 13 years of experience in a variety of construction field and a Bachelors in Science, in Construction Management from Ferris State University. He is currently on-site at Kentwood Public Schools, Endeavor Elementary School.

Wayne Vandawater, Project Superintendent, joins the Grand Rapids team with over 37 years of industry experience along with a handful of qualifications, including OSHA-30 Hour certified, Aerial and platform lift certification as well as CPR/First Aid certified. He is currently on-site at the new Rockford Elementary School.

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O‑A‑K Nears Completion of Cape Coral Technical College Expansion

Owen-Ames-Kimball Co. (O-A-K) is in the final stretch of construction on the 31,000-square-foot expansion of Cape Coral Technical College, located at 360 Santa Barbara Boulevard in Cape Coral. The project is on track to be completed in time for the fall 2026 school year and represents the first major addition to the campus since it opened in 1993.

The expansion will strengthen workforce training opportunities across Southwest Florida by providing hands-on education and industry-recognized credentials in high-demand skilled trades. At full capacity, Cape Coral Technical College will serve up to 500 students annually, preparing graduates for viable, family-supporting careers while helping address critical workforce shortages throughout the region.

Construction milestones achieved to date include:

  • Roofing completed
  • Interior and exterior painting underway
  • Exterior garage doors, man doors, and storefront installation completed
  • Interior electrical, HVAC, fire protection, and plumbing systems approximately 75% complete
  • Drywall hanging and finishing completed

The construction team’s goal is to receive the Certificate of Occupancy by July 1, allowing classrooms and specialized training labs to be fully equipped and prepared ahead of welcoming students in August.

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

The expansion will introduce six new skilled-trades programs, including:

  • Construction trades
  • Welding
  • HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning)
  • Automotive repair and service
  • Marine service technology
  • Additional construction industry training programs

Developed in partnership with local industry leaders, the programs are designed to directly address workforce needs across Southwest Florida.

Key benefits of the expansion include:

  • More than 150 additional students per year gaining access to trade certifications
  • Many programs designed to be completed in approximately one year, allowing graduates to quickly enter the workforce
  • Expanded dual-enrollment opportunities, enabling high school seniors to earn industry certifications while still in school

“We’re proud to introduce postsecondary ‘blue collar’ skilled-trades training programs to Cape Coral for the first time. Our ‘Career in a Year’ model is designed to equip students with in-demand, practical skills while they earn recognized industry certifications. Each program culminates in a career certificate diploma approved by the Florida Department of Education, preparing graduates to enter the workforce quickly and confidently,” said Charlie Pease, Director, Cape Coral Technical College.

Cape Coral is one of Florida’s fastest-growing cities, and the region continues to face significant shortages of skilled workers in fields such as construction, marine service, HVAC, and automotive technology. The expansion will help build a local pipeline of trained technicians and tradespeople to support the area’s continued growth.

Upon completion, the expanded campus will stand as a lasting investment in education, economic mobility, and workforce development throughout Southwest Florida.

For more information about Cape Coral Technical College, visit www.capecoraltech.edu.

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.

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Castle Rock Fire Station 156 & Logistics Center Breaks Ground

Construction is underway on Castle Rock Fire Station 156 and a new Logistics Center, a project that will strengthen emergency response and support services for one of Colorado’s fastest-growing communities.

Owen-Ames-Kimball joined the Town of Castle Rock, Castle Rock Fire and Rescue, and project partners to mark the start of construction. As Construction Manager/General Contractor, O-A-K is working alongside RS&H and Dunakilly Management Group to deliver a facility designed to support both frontline response and the behind-the-scenes operations that keep it running.

The project combines a new fire station with a dedicated logistics and fleet maintenance facility—an investment aimed at improving response times, increasing operational efficiency, and ensuring first responders have the resources they need to serve the community.

“This station will help us continue to respond quickly when people need us most,” said Fire Chief Norris Croom. “Fire Station 156 strengthens our coverage in northeast Castle Rock and gives our crews the resources they need to serve residents safely and effectively.”

Early in the process, the team worked together to relocate the building outside of an existing floodplain. The adjustment introduced added complexity, including additional excavation, extended utilities, and the installation of a 30-foot soil nail retaining wall. By addressing these challenges during design and preconstruction, the team was able to maintain the building’s overall program while setting the project up for long-term performance.

Once complete, the facility will support the department’s Logistics Division and Fleet Support team, which oversees the maintenance and coordination of emergency response vehicles. The new station will also expand coverage for surrounding neighborhoods, helping the department keep pace with continued growth in Castle Rock.

This project reflects a shared commitment between the Town and its partners to invest in infrastructure that directly supports public safety and community well-being. O-A-K is proud to partner with Castle Rock Fire and Rescue and the broader project team to bring this facility to life.

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O-A-K Employee March Madness Event

Each year, our March Madness event brings our team together at the Operations Center for an afternoon of connection and celebration. From lunch and tournament games to golf simulator competitions, it’s a chance for our field and office teams to come together, strengthen friendships, and celebrate the work we do every day.

April 6, 2026
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