O‑A‑K Welcomes 12 New Employees

June 26, 2020

O‑A‑K Welcomes 12 New Employees

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(Grand Rapids, MI) June 26, 2020 – Owen‑Ames‑Kimball Co. (O‑A‑K), local professional construction firm, announces the additions of Dale Austin, Gabe Baumann, Rebeckah Blair, Jeff Diemer, Dan Eaton, Ashley Elo, Blake Gabler, Levi Overway, Josh Rondeau, Carl Smith, Jacob Vroon, and Nate Zichterman.

Dale Austin, Project Superintendent, is a Rockford resident with over 30 years of experience in both residential and commercial construction, specializing in healthcare, commercial, and multi-family projects. He is a Licensed Builder in the State of Michigan and is OSHA 30-Hour Construction Certified.

Gabe Baumann, Assistant Project Superintendent,is a recent graduate from Northern Michigan University’s construction management program. Prior to this, he also attended Kent Career Tech Center’s construction program. He is OSHA 30-Hour Certified.

Rebeckah Blair, Accounting Assistant, has 17 years of experience in both accounting and administrative roles. She holds a bachelor’s degree in business management from Cornerstone University and is a Workforce Development Certified Professional.

Jeff Diemer, Project Superintendent, brings 22 years of experience leading commercial construction projects, ranging from $5 to $22 million. He holds a bachelor’s degree in architecture from the University of Michigan and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in architectural engineering, with a construction focus. He is OSHA 30-Hour Construction Certified and LEED AP BD+C Accredited.

Dan Eaton, Project Superintendent, has 24 years of experience in the construction field. He brings senior-level knowledge in managing multi-million dollar projects, specializing in commercial, medical, and industrial renovations and new builds. He is also OSHA 10-Hour Construction Certified.

Ashley Elo, Marketing Assistant,recently graduated from Grand Valley State University’s College of Business with a bachelor’s in marketing and management. She joined O‑A‑K as a marketing intern in August 2019 and has been with the company part-time until completing her coursework.

Blake Gabler, Assistant Project Superintendent, recently graduated from Ferris State University with a degree in construction management. While attending Ferris, he held multiple internships, gaining hands-on field experience. He is OSHA 10-Hour Certified.

Levi Overway, Assistant Project Superintendent, is a graduate of Ferris State University’s construction management program. While attending Ferris, Levi held multiple commercial construction internships. He is OSHA 10-Hour Certified.

Josh Rondeau, Project Superintendent, holds a bachelor’s degree in construction management from Ferris State University. He has 17 years of experience in commercial construction and facility management. He is also a Licensed Builder in the State of Michigan and OSHA 10-Hour Certified.

Carl Smith, Project Superintendent, brings 38 years of experience, specializing in multi-million dollar commercial and educational projects. He is OSHA 30-Hour Construction Certified and a Licensed Builder in the State of Michigan.

Jacob Vroon, Assistant Project Superintendent,recently graduated with his bachelor’s in construction management from Ferris State University. While attending Ferris, he was a member of the American Society of Construction Engineering. He is also OSHA 10-Hour Construction Certified.

Nathan Zichterman, Project Superintendent, is a Kalamazoo native with 22 years of experience in construction. He has a strong background in carpentry work for both residential and commercial 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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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.”

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