Owen‑Ames‑Kimball Thrilled to Announce Awards from ABC Western Michigan Excellence in Construction Awards

October 24, 2023

Owen‑Ames‑Kimball Thrilled to Announce Awards from ABC Western Michigan Excellence in Construction Awards

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Owen‑Ames‑Kimball Co. is thrilled to announce that two of its recently completed projects were selected recipients for 2023 ABC Western Michigan Excellence in Construction Awards in the following categories: renovation/addition/tenant.

In addition, O‑A‑K had one other project win in its respective trade category section.

Renovation/Addition/Tenant Build-out Less than $1 million: Ghafari Build-Out

Owen‑Ames‑Kimball recently completed a $993,000 renovation of the Ghafari Associates office in downtown Grand Rapids. Led by Senior Project Manager, Tim Marcus, and Superintendent, Dave Lamb, the new office space allows Ghafari to strengthen its presence in Michigan in a modern, collaborative workspace with an abundance of natural light.

Renovation/Addition/Tenant Build-out More $5-$10 million: Rockford Public Schools – Carlson-Munger Stadium

Part of the $185 million bond passed by Rockford Public Schools voters in May of 2019, this $9.7 million athletic complex transformation was completed in January of 2022. This project was led by Project Manager, Rob Gulliver, and Project Superintendents Jared Gauss and Gabe Baumann, and designed by GMB Architecture + Engineering.

Completed in multiple phases, the complex added a home-side press box, a new Mondo track surface, an 18’x33” scoreboard (the largest in Michigan) a double-sided press box, new ticket booths, concessions, and restrooms.

The turf was also replaced and allows both boys and girls sports teams to utilize the field and it gives the marching band a new space to practice.

Trade Contractor Awards

One other trade contractor won its respective category for a project that O‑A‑K served as the construction manager.

Burgess Concrete Construction won in the Concrete category for the floors and seating areas at Fruitport High School. Completed in four phases and finishing up in August 2022, the floor features the logo of the Trojans at the front entrance of Fruitport High School.

The Excellence in Construction Awards Program is put on by the Associated Builders and Contractors of Western Michigan annually, recognizing the best projects from trade contractors and general contractors as well as recognizing the best craft professionals in the business.

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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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