O‑A‑K Welcomes 10 New Employees

February 22, 2021

O‑A‑K Welcomes 10 New Employees

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(Grand Rapids, MI) February 22, 2021 – Owen‑Ames‑Kimball Co. (O‑A‑K), local professional construction firm, announces the additions of Jack Backler, Anna Bieber, Caleb Cuneo, Christopher Kenrick, Kevin Knoll, Marissa Knot, Steve McCaskey, Melissa Petersen, Evan Schaap, and Jacob Scholma.

Jake Backler, Project Superintendent,has over 20 years of experience in the construction industry. He has served as a both a project manager and project superintendent on multi-million dollar educational, community, and governmental construction projects in Michigan and Arizona. He holds a bachelor’s degree in management and attended the architecture and design program at Lawrence Tech. Jake is OSHA 30-hour construction certified.

Anna Bieber, Accounting Assistant, joins O‑A‑K’s Grand Rapids office. She is currently finishing up her associate degree in accounting from Lake Michigan College, and working toward her bachelor’s degree in accounting at Davenport University.

Caleb Cuneo, Assistant Project Superintendent is a graduate of Northern Michigan University. He formerly served as an intern with O‑A‑K, and now joins the field operations team.

Christopher Kenrick, Project Superintendent,has over 15 years experience leading high-end construction projects ranging from $500,000 to $10 million. He holds a B.S. degree in construction management, and a B.A. degree in communications. He is also OSHA 30-Hour Construction Certified.

Kevin Knoll, LEED AP, Project Superintendent, has over 35 years of experience in commercial construction, serving as a general superintendent, project director, project manager, and project engineer for projects up to $175 million. He specializes in both new construction and renovations in the healthcare, retail, and higher ed markets. He is OSHA 30-Hour Construction Certified and an ASHE Healthcare Constructor.

Marissa Knot, Assistant Project Manager, joins O‑A‑K’s Grand Rapids office team. She holds a bachelor’s degree in interior design, with a minor in construction management from Central Michigan University, and has five years of experience in commercial and residential construction project management.

Steve McCaskey, Project Superintendent,has 19 years of experience in the construction industry. He holds a B.S. degree in construction management from Ferris State University and has a variety of experience managing multi-million dollar industrial and commercial construction projects. He is OSHA 10-Hour Construction Certified.

Melissa Petersen, Receptionist,has over seven years of experience in team management and development, with a strong background in nonprofit leadership and marketing. She serves as a parent mentor for Helen Devos Children’s Hospital NICU Parent-to-Parent Support Program and is the co-chair for the program’s NICU Advisory Board. She is also a board member for Pulaski Days.

Evan Schaap, Assistant Project Superintendent, is a recent graduate from Ferris State University’s construction management program. Prior to his graduation, he served as an intern at O‑A‑K, gaining insight to O‑A‑K’s field operations. Evan is OSHA 10-Hour Construction Certified.

Jacob Scholma, Assistant Project Superintendent, joins O‑A‑K after completing his B.S. degree in construction management from Ferris State University. Jacob has spent the past five years working at O‑A‑K, gaining field experience on educational, commercial, and industrial construction projects. He is also OSHA 10-Hour Construction Certified.

ABOUT O‑A‑K

Founded in Grand Rapids in 1891, Owen‑Ames‑Kimball Co. (O‑A‑K) is the longest-standing commercial construction management company in Michigan. We specialize in community-driven construction projects. As a 100% employee-owned company, we provide accurate, intentional, and all-inclusive construction services.

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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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“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.

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