Friends of Lovers Key & Florida Park Service
The Center of Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s New Campus Comes Into View
New Spaces for a New School Year at McGlone Academy
Through the Fence: Woodland Elementary Students Get a Look at Their New School
A Classroom Without Walls: The Grand Rapids Public Museum's New Riverfront
Celebrating our Intern Class of 2026
Kylee Haywood
Kylee brings more than 25 years of sales and business development experience to O-A-K, with a track record built across security services, commercial construction, manufacturing, and workplace design.
She has generated more than $2 million in annual sales, secured $30 million in new business, and earned President's Club honors twice, along with recognition as a top sales performer.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Advertising and Public Relations from Grand Valley State University and stays active in the West Michigan community through CREW West Michigan, where she serves as a board delegate.
How did you get your start in business development?
I really got started in business development through sales. Early in my career, I learned that my strength wasn't just selling a product, it was building relationships, connecting with people, and finding opportunities where I could bring value. As my career progressed, that naturally evolved into new business development. I found that I really enjoyed opening doors, making connections, and turning those relationships into long-term partnerships and business growth.
What's changed most about how owners choose a construction partner since you started in this business?
One of the biggest changes I've seen is that owners are looking beyond just the numbers when choosing a construction partner. Cost will always matter, but it's not necessarily about choosing the lowest bid anymore. Owners want to work with people they like, trust, and know will do the right thing when challenges come up. They're looking for a true partner, someone who communicates openly, understands their goals, follows through on commitments, and is invested in the relationship beyond a single project. At the end of the day, construction is still very much a relationship business, and I think trust and reputation have become just as important as price. That's why working here at O-A-K was an easy decision for me, because I believe they are the best, especially here in West Michigan.
Kylee Haywood
Kylee brings more than 25 years of sales and business development experience to O-A-K, with a track record built across security services, commercial construction, manufacturing, and workplace design.
She has generated more than $2 million in annual sales, secured $30 million in new business, and earned President's Club honors twice, along with recognition as a top sales performer.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Advertising and Public Relations from Grand Valley State University and stays active in the West Michigan community through CREW West Michigan, where she serves as a board delegate.
How did you get your start in business development?
I really got started in business development through sales. Early in my career, I learned that my strength wasn't just selling a product, it was building relationships, connecting with people, and finding opportunities where I could bring value. As my career progressed, that naturally evolved into new business development. I found that I really enjoyed opening doors, making connections, and turning those relationships into long-term partnerships and business growth.
What's changed most about how owners choose a construction partner since you started in this business?
One of the biggest changes I've seen is that owners are looking beyond just the numbers when choosing a construction partner. Cost will always matter, but it's not necessarily about choosing the lowest bid anymore. Owners want to work with people they like, trust, and know will do the right thing when challenges come up. They're looking for a true partner, someone who communicates openly, understands their goals, follows through on commitments, and is invested in the relationship beyond a single project. At the end of the day, construction is still very much a relationship business, and I think trust and reputation have become just as important as price. That's why working here at O-A-K was an easy decision for me, because I believe they are the best, especially here in West Michigan.
