O‑A‑K Welcomes 12 New Employees

June 26, 2020

O‑A‑K Welcomes 12 New Employees

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(Grand Rapids, MI) June 26, 2020 – Owen‑Ames‑Kimball Co. (O‑A‑K), local professional construction firm, announces the additions of Dale Austin, Gabe Baumann, Rebeckah Blair, Jeff Diemer, Dan Eaton, Ashley Elo, Blake Gabler, Levi Overway, Josh Rondeau, Carl Smith, Jacob Vroon, and Nate Zichterman.

Dale Austin, Project Superintendent, is a Rockford resident with over 30 years of experience in both residential and commercial construction, specializing in healthcare, commercial, and multi-family projects. He is a Licensed Builder in the State of Michigan and is OSHA 30-Hour Construction Certified.

Gabe Baumann, Assistant Project Superintendent,is a recent graduate from Northern Michigan University’s construction management program. Prior to this, he also attended Kent Career Tech Center’s construction program. He is OSHA 30-Hour Certified.

Rebeckah Blair, Accounting Assistant, has 17 years of experience in both accounting and administrative roles. She holds a bachelor’s degree in business management from Cornerstone University and is a Workforce Development Certified Professional.

Jeff Diemer, Project Superintendent, brings 22 years of experience leading commercial construction projects, ranging from $5 to $22 million. He holds a bachelor’s degree in architecture from the University of Michigan and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in architectural engineering, with a construction focus. He is OSHA 30-Hour Construction Certified and LEED AP BD+C Accredited.

Dan Eaton, Project Superintendent, has 24 years of experience in the construction field. He brings senior-level knowledge in managing multi-million dollar projects, specializing in commercial, medical, and industrial renovations and new builds. He is also OSHA 10-Hour Construction Certified.

Ashley Elo, Marketing Assistant,recently graduated from Grand Valley State University’s College of Business with a bachelor’s in marketing and management. She joined O‑A‑K as a marketing intern in August 2019 and has been with the company part-time until completing her coursework.

Blake Gabler, Assistant Project Superintendent, recently graduated from Ferris State University with a degree in construction management. While attending Ferris, he held multiple internships, gaining hands-on field experience. He is OSHA 10-Hour Certified.

Levi Overway, Assistant Project Superintendent, is a graduate of Ferris State University’s construction management program. While attending Ferris, Levi held multiple commercial construction internships. He is OSHA 10-Hour Certified.

Josh Rondeau, Project Superintendent, holds a bachelor’s degree in construction management from Ferris State University. He has 17 years of experience in commercial construction and facility management. He is also a Licensed Builder in the State of Michigan and OSHA 10-Hour Certified.

Carl Smith, Project Superintendent, brings 38 years of experience, specializing in multi-million dollar commercial and educational projects. He is OSHA 30-Hour Construction Certified and a Licensed Builder in the State of Michigan.

Jacob Vroon, Assistant Project Superintendent,recently graduated with his bachelor’s in construction management from Ferris State University. While attending Ferris, he was a member of the American Society of Construction Engineering. He is also OSHA 10-Hour Construction Certified.

Nathan Zichterman, Project Superintendent, is a Kalamazoo native with 22 years of experience in construction. He has a strong background in carpentry work for both residential and commercial projects. He is also OSHA 10-Hour Construction Certified.

ABOUT O‑A‑K

Founded in Grand Rapids in 1891, Owen‑Ames‑Kimball Co. (O‑A‑K) is the longest-standing commercial construction management company in Michigan. We specialize in community-driven construction projects. As a 100% employee-owned company, we provide accurate, intentional, and all-inclusive construction services.

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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.”

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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.

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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.”

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“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.

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