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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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.

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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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