O‑A‑K MI Welcomes 20 New Employees in 2022

January 26, 2023

O‑A‑K MI Welcomes 20 New Employees in 2022

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(Grand Rapids, MI) January 24­, 2023– Owen‑Ames‑Kimball Co. (O‑A‑K), local professional construction firm, announces the additions of Danielle Becklin, Eugene Blesing, Shane Crow, Dan Dennis, Sandy Dyer, Jeremy Fron, Josh Hoch, Lucas Kleyn, Josh Kwiatkowski, Joe Lighthart, Alyson Lloyd, Dennis Loveland, Robert Miller, Nick Morrissey, Tatiana Parsons, Chase Pattison, Ryan Pendrick, Ryan Ruiter, Nate Stader, and Wayne Vandawater.

Danielle Becklin, Marketing Manager, joins O‑A‑K’s Marketing department and holds a Bachelors in Communication from Michigan State University, alongside 10+ years of specialized construction marketing experience.

Eugene Blesing, Project Superintendent, has over 30 years of experience in the construction industry. He holds a grade 5 Water Operator license and is First Aid/CPR certified. He is currently on-site at Byron Center Intermediate 5/6 School.

Shane Crow, Project Superintendent, joins O‑A‑K with over 15 years of industry experience and an impressive portfolio of work that spans across various markets. He is currently on-site at Tri County Elementary School but will be moving to Lakeview Schools soon.

Dan Dennis, Project Superintendent, joins O‑A‑K’s team with 25 years of experience. He is a certified Licensed Residential Builder and a Private Pilot in his free time. He is currently working on-site at Rockford’s Crestwood Elementary School.

Sandy Dyer, Accounting, joins the accounting department in the Grand Rapids office. She has an associate degree from Grand Rapids Community College. In her free time, she loves to travel and do a variety of crafts.

Jeremy Fron, Carpenter, has 21 years of construction experience. He has his OSHA 30-Hour and is currently on-site at Van Andel Institute. In his free time, he enjoys hunting and fishing.

Josh Hoch, Project Superintendent, has 20 years of experience in the trades as a structural steel worker. He is currently working at Kenowa Hills Middle School and the turf field and track resurfacing project.

Lucas Kleyn, Assistant Project Superintendent, graduated from Ferris State University with a bachelor’s in construction management. After completion of his summer internship with O‑A‑K, Lucas has officially joined the O‑A‑K team and can now be found on-site at Godfrey-Lee Middle/High School. He holds his Michigan Builders License and is First Aid, CPR, AED, and Procore certified.

Josh Kwiatkowski, Project Superintendent, brings over 10 years of experience in the construction industry and is both OSHA 30-Hour and CPR/First Aid certified. He is working on-site at the Kent County Correctional Facility. Josh is both OSHA 30-Hour and CPR/First Aid certified. He is currently on-site at Kent County Correctional Facility.

Joe Lighthart, Assistant Project Superintendent, has over 20 years of experience in residential construction and previously owned and operated his own tiling company. Joe is currently on-site at Rockford Public Schools Aquatic project.

Alyson Lloyd, Project Superintendent, officially joins our Grand Rapids team after being an intern for the summer and finishing her Bachelors degree in Construction Management from Ferris State University. She is currently on-site at Kent Intermediate School District Lincoln campus.

Dennis Loveland, Project Superintendent, backed by over 41 years of experience and an extensive resume that spans across various market sectors.

Robert Miller, Project Superintendent, joined O‑A‑K with 40+ years of construction experience and has served a variety of roles within the industry, including carpenter, mechanic, and Forman. He is currently on-site at Elk Rapids middle school project.

Nick Morrissey, Project Superintendent, graduated from Ferris State University with a bachelor’s in construction management. He has 13 years of construction experience, including eight years as an Engineer in the United States Army. Nick is currently on-site at East Kentwood High School Culinary Arts addition.

Tatiana Parsons, Billing Specialist, joins our Grand Rapids office after graduating with her masters from Grand Valley State University. With her employment, she has acquired her public notary license and become a member of the Construction Financial Management Association (CFMA).

Chase Pattison, Project Superintendent, graduated from Grand Valley State University with a B.B.A. in Supply Chain Management and supervising construction at Elk Rapids Cherryland Middle School. Chase has acquired an impressive list of certifications including; OSHA 30-Hour, MI Stormwater Management Operator, Aerial Lift/All Terrain Certified, Masonry Fall Zone training, Lead/Asbestos Awareness training and CPR/First Aid certified.

Ryan Pendrick, Assistant Project Manager, joins the team as a recent graduate and former hockey player of Ferris State University. He has earned both an associate’s degree in Architectural Technology and a Bachelors in Facility Management.

Ryan Ruiter, Assistant Project Superintendent, served as intern for the last two consecutives summers with O‑A‑K and became an official team member following his graduation at Hope College. Ryan is currently on-site at Forest Hills Administration Building.

Nate Stader, Project Superintendent, comes with 13 years of experience in a variety of construction field and a Bachelors in Science, in Construction Management from Ferris State University. He is currently on-site at Kentwood Public Schools, Endeavor Elementary School.

Wayne Vandawater, Project Superintendent, joins the Grand Rapids team with over 37 years of industry experience along with a handful of qualifications, including OSHA-30 Hour certified, Aerial and platform lift certification as well as CPR/First Aid certified. He is currently on-site at the new Rockford Elementary School.

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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.

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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.

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