O‑A‑K Welcomes Eight New Employees

January 16, 2020

O‑A‑K Welcomes Eight New Employees

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Owen‑Ames‑Kimball Co.(O‑A‑K), local professional construction firm, announces the additions of Bryce DeYoung, Ryan Bramer, David Matelski, Travis Fairbanks, Jane Leahy, Gregory Park, Jordan Potter, and William Smitley.

Bryce DeYoung, Project Manager, is a West Michigan native with 11 years of construction management experience. Recently moving back to the state, he specializes in educational and mixed-use construction, ranging from $10 million to $100+ million project costs. He holds a bachelor’s degree in construction management from Ferris State University and is OSHA 30-hour certified. Bryce and his family are eager to reestablish West Michigan roots.

Ryan Bramer, Preconstruction Engineer, is a recent graduate of Michigan State University’s construction management program. Prior to graduation, he served as a full-time intern in O‑A‑K’s preconstruction department. Ryan holds his OSHA 10-hour construction certification.

David Matelski, Project Superintendent, has eight years of commercial construction experience, specializing in community, retail, and healthcare projects. He is OSHA 30-hour certified and is currently on-site at the Michigan State Police Grand Rapids Consolidation Project, in Walker, Michigan. Dave has also served as a volunteer firefighter for over 25 years.

Travis Fairbanks, Project Superintendent, has 25 years of experience in construction. He has a strong background in carpentry and site leadership, and has worked in an array of projects, including commercial, industrial, and educational, and civil. He is also OSHA 10-hour certified.

Jane Leahy, Assistant Project Superintendent, is a recent graduate of Ferris State University’s construction management program. She held multiple internships in northern Michigan, gaining on-site and office experience in both residential and commercial construction. She is also OSHA 10-hour construction certified.

Gregory Park, Assistant Project Superintendent, is a recent graduate of Ferris State University’s construction management program. Greg has held multiple internships with construction management firms, gaining field experience in educational, commercial, and multi-family commercial construction projects. He also holds his OSHA 10-hour construction certification.

Jordan Potter, Carpenter, has three years of carpentry experience, specializing in trim work, millwork, and framing. He has experience in both residential and commercial construction, and is OSHA 10-hour certified. He is currently performing carpentry work at Amway Corporation.

William Smitley, Corporate Recruiter, brings 25 years of experience and holds a master’s degree in human resource management and a bachelor’s degree in sales and marketing. Prior to joining O‑A‑K, William ran his own talent placement firm. He specializes in full-circle recruitment. This new position was developed in response to O‑A‑K’s current and anticipated growth.

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 Welcomes Rob Rotchadl as Senior Director of Strategy and Finance

Owen-Ames-Kimball Co. is pleased to announce that Rob Rotchadl has joined the company as Senior Director of Strategy and Finance.

Rotchadl brings nearly 20 years of experience in strategic finance, planning, and operational leadership. Throughout his career, he has partnered closely with executive teams to translate strategy into disciplined execution—aligning financial planning, performance metrics and operational priorities to drive sustainable growth.

Most recently, Rotchadl served as Vice President of Finance for a multi-entity commercial real estate services platform, where he led long-range planning, forecasting and performance management initiatives. Earlier in his career, he held a senior financial planning and analysis leadership role with Hilton Hotels & Resorts, supporting enterprise forecasting and strategic planning at scale. He earned his MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.

In his new role, Rotchadl will work directly with O-A-K’s leadership team to enhance financial visibility, strengthen strategic planning processes, and ensure the company’s continued growth is supported by clear, data-driven decision-making and operational alignment.

“Rob brings a thoughtful, disciplined approach to strategy and finance that aligns perfectly with our growth trajectory,” said Jim Hopper, Florida Division President of O-A-K. “His experience and perspective will help strengthen our ability to plan, perform, and deliver at a high level as we continue expanding across the region.”

“I’m excited to join an organization with such a strong reputation for both performance and culture,” said Rotchadl. “O-A-K’s employee-owned structure and commitment to building meaningful, community-driven projects create a powerful foundation for long-term success. I look forward to working alongside the team to strengthen our strategic planning and support continued, sustainable growth.”

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.

For more information, visit www.owen-ames-kimball.com or call (239) 561-4141.

June 1, 2026
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O-A-K Welcomes Nancy Johnson as First Chief People Officer

Owen-Ames-Kimball Co. is proud to announce the hire of Nancy Johnson as the firm's first Chief People Officer. The newly created role reflects O-A-K's commitment to intentional growth and building a workplace where people can do their best work.

Johnson brings more than 20 years of experience in people strategy and organizational culture. She is no stranger to O-A-K. For the past three years, she has consulted with the firm's Executive Leadership team, giving her a deep understanding of the company's values, goals, and people. In her new role, she will lead O-A-K's people strategy, company culture, and talent alignment across the entire organization, supporting employees in Michigan, Florida, and Colorado. She will also oversee a team that includes O-A-K's Talent Acquisition Manager and Employee Experience Managers.

"O-A-K has always stood out to me because of its genuine investment in its people," Johnson said. "I've had the privilege of working alongside this leadership team for three years, and I've seen the care and intention they bring to every decision. I'm honored to step into this role and help build on that foundation as the company grows."

Frank Stanek, President and CEO, shared his excitement about the hire. "This decision has been a long time in the making. As we grow, we want to be intentional about how we support our team and how we build a work place where people want to stay and grow."

May 21, 2026
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O-A-K Honored with 2026 Southwest Florida INCredible Award

Owen-Ames-Kimball Co. has been named a recipient of the 2026 Southwest Florida INCredible Award, recognizing businesses that excel in their industries while making a meaningful impact through community leadership and service.

Presented annually, the Southwest Florida INCredible Awards celebrate organizations that demonstrate exceptional business success, strong workplace culture, and an ongoing commitment to giving back throughout Lee, Collier and Charlotte counties.

O-A-K, an employee-owned commercial construction firm serving Southwest Florida since 1982, was recognized for its people-first culture, long-standing community partnerships, and commitment to building projects that strengthen the region. With 82 employees in its Florida division, the company provides construction management, general contracting, and design-build services for educational, healthcare, nonprofit, aviation, and public-sector clients.

“We are honored to receive this recognition,” said Jim Hopper, Florida Division President of O-A-K. “This award reflects the dedication of our employee-owners and the relationships we’ve built throughout Southwest Florida over the past four decades. We believe construction is about more than buildings — it’s about creating spaces that support communities, improve lives, and contribute to the future of our region.”

O-A-K’s culture emphasizes employee development, collaboration, and long-term career growth. The company offers extensive professional development opportunities, mentorship, continuing education support, comprehensive benefits, and an employee ownership model that encourages accountability and shared success.

Beyond construction, O-A-K maintains a strong commitment to community involvement. Through board leadership, volunteering, and charitable giving, the company and its employee-owners actively support numerous nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and community initiatives across Southwest Florida.

O-A-K has completed numerous landmark projects throughout the region, including educational facilities, public infrastructure, healthcare environments, aviation projects, and nonprofit campuses that serve residents for generations to come.

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.

May 18, 2026
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