Jim Hopper named President of Florida Division, Matthew Zwack moves to Senior Director of Client Relations

Owen‑Ames‑Kimball (O‑A‑K) Florida Division, an employee-owned construction firm serving Southwest Florida since 1982, today announced a leadership transition designed to position the company for long-term growth and success.

Jim Hopper, who joined O‑A‑K in 2025 as Regional Vice President for Florida operations, has been named President of the Florida Division. He succeeds Matthew Zwack, who has served as President since 2020 and will move into a newly created role as Senior Director of Client Relations, where he will continue to support strategic initiatives, client relationships, and community partnerships.

“This transition reflects O‑A‑K’s strength as an employee-owned company and our commitment to thoughtful succession planning,” said Frank Stanek, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Owen‑Ames‑Kimball Co. “We are deeply grateful to Matthew Zwack for his leadership and are excited to welcome Jim Hopper as President of the Florida Division. Jim’s proven expertise and dedication to client service will ensure that O‑A‑K continues to deliver excellence and build lasting partnerships across Southwest Florida.”

Hopper’s career is defined by depth, range, and steady leadership built over more than three decades in the construction industry. After 21 years with two of Colorado’s most respected general contractors, he founded and successfully led his own firm, bringing an owner’s perspective and disciplined accountability to every project.

Hopper brings a strategic, enterprise-level perspective to preconstruction and project execution, providing clear leadership from early planning through final delivery. His disciplined yet pragmatic approach ensures projects are delivered with quality, accountability, and long-term value.

As a leader, Hopper is committed to operational excellence, exceptional client service, and continuous improvement. Equally important to him is investing in people—building strong teams and mentoring the next generation of construction professionals.

Since 2024, O‑A‑K’s Florida Division has doubled in size and is on track for its biggest year ever in 2026. As the company approaches its 44th year in Florida, it continues to build on a history of community-driven construction excellence. Corporate-wide, O‑A‑K has delivered $3.2 billion in projects over the past 10 years, reinforcing its reputation for scale, reliability, and impact.

An employee-owned company, O‑A‑K draws its strength from more than 290 employee-owners worldwide, including 85 in Florida. This ownership culture empowers every employee to take a stake in the company’s success and fuels the long-term vision of the organization.

As part of O‑A‑K’s vision for 2030, the company is focused on aligning leadership strengths to achieve ambitious long-term goals: $725 million in revenue, and a team of more than 325 employee-owners. By positioning Hopper to lead Florida operations and Zwack to strengthen client and community partnerships, O‑A‑K is laying the foundation to meet these milestones.

“I am humbled and excited to step into the role of President,” said Hopper. “O‑A‑K’s foundation of employee ownership, community partnership, and construction excellence is unmatched, and I am committed to building on that legacy.”

Matthew Zwack has been a cornerstone of O‑A‑K’s Florida Division for more than 18 years, cultivating strong, trust-based relationships with clients, trade partners, and community leaders. During his tenure as President, he helped guide the division through a period of significant growth while ensuring that projects were delivered with the highest level of service and integrity. In his new role as Senior Director of Client Relations, Zwack will continue to leverage his deep understanding of client needs and his extensive network across Southwest Florida to strengthen partnerships, open new opportunities, and support the company’s long-term vision for growth.

“It has been an honor to serve as President of O‑A‑K’s Florida Division,” added Zwack. “I look forward to continuing to support the company in my new role and watching Jim lead our team to even greater success.”

Since 1982, Owen‑Ames‑Kimball Company has provided premier general contracting, design-build, and construction management services in Southwest Florida. O‑A‑K specializes in community-driven construction projects and offers an inclusive, intentional, and customized experience. An employee-owned company, O‑A‑K Florida, Inc.’s board of directors is comprised of members from its Florida operations.

O‑A‑K’s Florida division is an affiliate of its parent company 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. To learn more about O‑A‑K, visit www.owen‑ames‑kimball.com or call (239) 561-4141.

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Owen‑Ames‑Kimball (O‑A‑K) joined students, staff, and community leaders to celebrate the groundbreaking of Bayshore Elementary School’s $36 million expansion, marking the beginning of its transformation into a full K–8 campus. The event honored both the school’s 56-year legacy and its bright future as generations of Bayshore families gathered to witness this historic milestone.

Originally opened in 1967, Bayshore Elementary has served thousands of Lee County families over the decades. The new three-story building includes a full-size gymnasium equipped with bleachers and basketball courts, science labs, music & band rooms, locker rooms, art room, and fourteen classrooms. It will accommodate 600 middle school students and complete the school’s conversion to a K–8 facility by fall 2026. The project is funded through the Half-Cent Sales Tax approved by voters in 2018.

“O‑A‑K is honored to partner with the School District of Lee County on a project that celebrates Bayshore’s rich history while building for future generations,” said Matthew Zwack of Owen‑Ames‑Kimball. “This school has been an anchor for the North Fort Myers community for more than half a century, and we’re proud to help create safe, inspiring spaces where students can thrive.”

The groundbreaking ceremony featured Superintendent Dr. Denise M. Carlin, District Five School Board Member Armor Persons, Principal Ben Ausman, and architect Clarisa Parovi of ADG Architecture, LLC, alongside proud students, parents, alumni, and community members.

“Expanding Bayshore to house sixth, seventh, and eighth graders has been one of the top priorities among my constituents,” said Armor Persons. “A lot of people are really glad this is happening.”

Dr. Carlin emphasized the district’s dedication to honoring tradition while embracing innovation. “The new Bayshore will reflect everything we love about this school while providing brighter, bigger, safer spaces where students can thrive,” she said.

The expansion is part of the district’s long-term plan to provide comprehensive K–8 education opportunities. In January 2024, the School Board of Lee County formally approved the transition. The school welcomed its first sixth graders in August 2024 and seventh graders in August 2025, with eighth graders joining in August 2026 once the expansion is complete.

“The students, families, and community of North Fort Myers share in our excitement for this next chapter of Bayshore School,” said Principal Ben Ausman. “We are especially thrilled to extend everything that makes Bayshore such a special place to sixth, seventh, and eighth grade. We are deeply grateful to the many community members who have worked to make our dream of a K–8 school a reality.”

As the Gateway High School Marching Band played and Bayshore students performed their school song, the celebration captured the spirit of what this project represents—community, connection, and a shared commitment to the future.

O‑A‑K’s Florida operation is an affiliate of its parent company 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.

Owen‑Ames‑Kimball Co. (O‑A‑K), a leading construction management company with deep roots in Southwest Florida, recently partnered with the Bonita Springs YMCA to help prepare its playground area for future improvements. O‑A‑K team members donated their time and expertise by assisting with demolition and cleanup, creating a refreshed space that will be reimagined for the YMCA’s next chapter of service.

The effort reflects O‑A‑K’s core value of giving back and supporting organizations that strengthen Southwest Florida families.

“O‑A‑K is always happy to lend our skills and expertise, and what better reason to do that than to support our community partner, the Bonita Springs YMCA,” said Matthew Zwack, Florida Division President of Owen‑Ames‑Kimball. “Special thanks to Toni Dent-McNair and Chris Sapp, whose leadership at the Bonita Springs YMCA goes beyond day-to-day operations. Their vision and hands-on dedication have created opportunities for children, families, and seniors to thrive, making the YMCA a hub for wellness, learning, and connection. By championing projects like the playground transformation, they continue to inspire lasting community impact across the region and serve as role models for how strong leadership can shape stronger communities."

Owen‑Ames‑Kimball Co. has provided premier general contracting, design-build, and construction management services in Southwest Florida since 1982. O‑A‑K specializes in community-driven construction projects and offers an inclusive, intentional, and customized experience. An employee-owned company, O‑A‑K Florida, Inc.'s board of directors comprises members from the company's Florida operations.

O‑A‑K’s Florida operation is an affiliate of its parent company 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.

Our leadership team came together across three states with one shared purpose—strengthening our future as One O‑A‑K. Wherever we are, we’re stronger together.