O-A-K Florida Division Announces Leadership Transition to Strengthen Future Growth

January 5, 2026

O-A-K Florida Division Announces Leadership Transition to Strengthen Future Growth

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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.

"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."
Frank Stanek
CEO, Chairman of the Board of Directors
Owen-Ames-Kimball Co.

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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.

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Held at the future campus site on Helms Road, formerly orange groves owned and farmed by the Hansen family, the ceremony honored both the community’s agricultural roots and its forward-looking investment in education.

The program included a presentation of colors, an invocation by Reverend Preston Long Jr., remarks from district, school leadership, a LaBelle High School student, and the Mayor of LaBelle followed by the official ceremonial groundbreaking.

Attendees enjoyed a performance by the LaBelle High School Vaquero Jazz Ensemble and refreshments prepared by the school’s culinary students. Additional student groups represented included the Public Service Academy, Future Farmers of America, and Student Government, highlighting the diverse opportunities available to students.

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“This project represents a major milestone for Hendry County,” said Michael Swindle, Superintendent of Hendry County School District. “While our team had not previously built a new high school, Owen-Ames-Kimball has been an outstanding partner, guiding us through every step of the process with expertise, transparency, and a true commitment to our community. We are deeply grateful to our state legislators, School Board members, County Commissioners, and City Commissioners for working together to make this new campus a reality.”

“Owen-Ames-Kimball is proud to partner with the Hendry County School District on a project that will have a lasting impact on students, families, and the entire LaBelle community,” said Jim Hopper, President of O-A-K’s Florida Division. “This new campus is more than a building—it represents opportunity, growth, and a commitment to preparing students for the future through modern learning environments and hands-on career pathways.”

Notably, three members of the O-A-K project team are graduates of LaBelle High School, bringing a personal connection and deep sense of pride to the project as they help build the future of their hometown.

“This is not just a construction site—it is the foundation of our future and the beginning of a new era for our community,” said Tammy Bass, Principal of LaBelle High School. “Our students are dedicated, hardworking, and incredibly talented. They will excel in an environment that reflects their potential—a professional setting that matches their ambition. They are absolutely worth it.”

Construction management for the project is being led by Owen-Ames-Kimball, in partnership with Grace Design Studios, LLC, and Rock Enterprises, LLC. The collaborative team will deliver a campus designed to support both academic excellence and workforce readiness.

The new LaBelle High School is anticipated to finish construction at the end of 2027, providing generations of students with a modern, safe, and inspiring place to learn and grow.

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