O-A-K wins Lee BIA Summit Award for LEED project

October 30, 2012

O-A-K wins Lee BIA Summit Award for LEED project

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(FORT MYERS, FL) – Owen-Ames-Kimball Company (O-A-K) was presented with the Commercial Contractor Summit Award for Best LEED Certified Project during the Lee Building Industry Association (BIA) annual awards held Saturday, Oct. 20. The award was for the Archbold Biological Station Lodge and Learning Center project in Venus, Fla. The awards are presented annually and recognize projects which have achieved a high level of success in five categories – Quality of Construction, Challenges, Timeliness of Completion, Client Satisfaction and Unique Safety Requirements Performed. In this award category, an additional area is considered – Adherence to LEED Standards.

The Lodge and Learning Center achieved the highest level of LEED certification, Platinum level, from the U.S. Green Building Council. It is one of only 12 LEED Platinum commercial buildings in Florida. The project construction included traditional means of saving energy with porches, large eaves, fans, breezeways, rainwater harvesting and harnessing natural daylight in addition to new technologies such as highly efficient air conditioning with programmable area/room zones. The project was constructed on an environmentally sensitive, state historic site which is also on the National Register of Historic Places and is designated as a National Natural Landmark.

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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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