Welcome to O‑A‑K, Part 3

June 4, 2020

Welcome to O‑A‑K, Part 3

Play Video
""
,

Check out the final post of our new employees and summer interns series featuring Ryan Ruiter, Levi Overway, Travis Schepers, Blake Gabler, Peter Wyatt and Caleb Cuneo.

About Ryan Ruiter, Intern

I am from Dewitt, Michigan; but, I am currently living in Holland, while attending Hope College. I became interested in O‑A‑K because I wanted to experience the daily “ins” and “outs” and problem-solving that happens within Construction Management. I felt there was no better place to do this than O‑A‑K. I enjoy spending my free time hiking and fishing.

Ryan is spending his summer on-site at Hope College.

About Levi Overway, Assistant Project Superintendent

I am from West Olive, Michigan, and attended Grand Haven Public Schools. Recently, I graduated from Ferris State University with a B.S. in Construction Management. O‑A‑K has a reputable history of construction in Michigan, with many large projects in the area; that really stuck out to me. Also, all the people I met in the hiring process, as well as those I have met so far, have been great. Being employee-owned is also a big perk. In my free time, I love to hunt and fish.

Levi is spending the summer on-site at Kentwood Public Schools.

About Travis Schepers, Intern

I am from Byron Center, Michigan; this is my third summer interning with O‑A‑K. Construction is something I have always wanted to do, and I am eager to spend another summer on the jobsite. In my free time, I enjoy hunting, fishing, and spending time with friends and family. An interesting fact about me is that I am a thrower on the track and field team at Northwood University.

Travis is spending the summer on-site at Byron Center Public Schools.

About Blake Gabler, Assistant Project Superintendent

I am from Romeo, Michigan. When I was looking at jobs in the area, many things about O‑A‑K stood out to me, especially that the company was founded in 1891. In my free time, I love to play golf and hockey. I also enjoy cooking out with my friends.

Blake is spending the summer on-site at Hudsonville Public Schools.

About Peter Wyatt, Intern

I am originally from Rockford, Michigan. I went to Rockford High School, where I graduated in 2017. From there, I moved to Florida, and am currently studying construction management at the University of Florida. When looking for an internship, I reached out to several companies and felt O‑A‑K was the best fit for me. An interesting fact about me is that my favorite activity is skiing. I'm not sure how I ended up in Florida with this interest.

Peter is spending the summer on-site at Rockford Public Schools.

About Caleb Cuneo, Intern

I am from Rockford, Michigan. Everyone at O‑A‑K has been willing to help me learn. In my few weeks here, there has been a lot of opportunity to grow in the field and gain experience. An interesting fact about me is I surf the Great Lakes year round.

Caleb is spending the summer on-site at Rockford Public Schools.

""

Related Stories

Tour Prein&Newhof's Water Testing Laboratory

Take a look inside Prein&Newhof’s new water testing lab, a space designed to support advanced testing and continued innovation.

February 18, 2026
Learn More

Cory O’Donnell of Owen‑Ames‑Kimball Named to Cape Coral Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors

Cory O’Donnell, Marketing Manager at Owen‑Ames‑Kimball (O‑A‑K), has been appointed to the Board of Directors of the Cape Coral Chamber of Commerce, further strengthening the company’s long-standing commitment to the Cape Coral business community and regional partnerships.

O’Donnell brings more than 20 years of experience in communications, marketing, and community engagement in Southwest Florida. In his role at O‑A‑K, he leads storytelling, brand strategy, and community outreach efforts, helping connect the company’s projects and people with the communities they serve.

His involvement with the Chamber extends beyond board service. O’Donnell currently serves on the Chamber’s Education Committee and has been a visible advocate for student achievement, acting as emcee for the 33rd Annual Cape Coral Chamber Excellence in Education Awards in 2025 and returning in May 2026. He also serves on the Board of Directors for the Cape Coral Mayor’s Scholarship Fund, supporting local students in pursuing higher education.

In addition to his Chamber leadership, O’Donnell has played an active role in regional development and professional organizations. He previously served on the management committee for ULI Southwest Florida and co-chaired its Communications Committee, helping shape conversations around smart growth and community development across the region. He is a former member of The News-Press/Naples News Editorial Board, the founder and former chair of The News-Press Young Professionals Advisory Board and a Leadership SWFL and Leadership Cape Coral alumni.

“Cory’s appointment reflects both his personal dedication to this community and O‑A‑K’s belief in being more than a builder — we are partners in the places where we work,” said Jim Hopper, Florida Division President, Owen‑Ames‑Kimball. “His passion for education, communication, and community connection aligns perfectly with the Chamber’s mission to strengthen local businesses and our regional economy.”

O’Donnell was officially sworn in alongside fellow board members and trustees during the Cape Coral Chamber’s Chairman’s Gala on January 31. At the same event, O‑A‑K was honored as a finalist for Large Business of the Year — a recognition that underscores the company’s continued investment in Cape Coral and its support of local businesses and community initiatives.

Through O’Donnell’s leadership and service, O‑A‑K continues to deepen its roots in Cape Coral, reinforcing its commitment to building not only high-quality facilities, but also lasting community relationships.

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.

February 17, 2026
Learn More

Owen‑Ames‑Kimball Welcomes Keri Looker as Business Development Manager for Collier County

Owen‑Ames‑Kimball (O‑A‑K) Florida Division, an employee-owned construction firm serving Southwest Florida since 1982, is pleased to announce that Keri Looker has joined the team as Business Development Manager for Naples and Collier County.

Looker brings more than 20 years of marketing, business development, and client-focused experience in the Southwest Florida architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry. In her new role, she will lead growth initiatives and expand O‑A‑K’s presence in the Collier County market, with a focus on cultivating long-term relationships and new opportunities across sectors including education, healthcare, aviation, government, and private development.

She most recently served as Director of Marketing for Naples-based RWA, Inc., where she led strategic business development, branding, and client engagement efforts for civil engineering and land planning projects throughout Collier and Lee counties.

“Keri’s deep understanding of the Southwest Florida market, combined with her strategic mindset and relationship-driven approach, makes her an excellent addition to our Florida Division,” said Jim Hopper, President of Owen‑Ames‑Kimball Florida Division. “She brings energy, insight, and a genuine commitment to community that aligns perfectly with our values. We are excited to have her on board as we continue to grow our presence in Collier County and the region.”

As Business Development Manager, Looker plays a vital role within O‑A‑K’s Business Development & Marketing department and works closely with the Sr. Director of Business Development & Marketing, Client Relations, Preconstruction, and Operations leadership to position the firm as the builder of choice in Southwest Florida. The role goes beyond traditional sales, offering a strategic opportunity to influence market direction, strengthen community partnerships, and support O‑A‑K’s long-term growth.

Looker holds a Master of Business Administration from Florida Gulf Coast University and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of North Florida’s Coggin College of Business. She is actively involved in the Collier Building Industry Foundation, the Collier County Community Land Trust, and Urban Land Institute Southwest Florida, reflecting her commitment to responsible growth and community building.

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 Collier County office is located at 5100 Tamiami Trail North, Suite 103, Naples, FL 34103. To learn more about O‑A‑K, visit www.owen‑ames‑kimball.com or call (239) 304-9746.

February 12, 2026
Learn More