O‑A‑K Welcomes Nine New Employees

November 3, 2023

O‑A‑K Welcomes Nine New Employees

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(Grand Rapids, MI) November 3, 2023 – Owen‑Ames‑Kimball (O‑A‑K), local professional construction firm welcomes nine new employees, including Brayden Blackburn, Thomas Creg, Mandy Ebels, Craig Eby Jr., Jacob Hitson, Keishawn McCoy, Bruna Ngassa, Megan Wilson, and Timothy Zupancic.

Brayden Blackburn, Billing Specialist, is a graduate of Hope College where he studied Business Administration, Accounting, and Leadership and played collegiate lacrosse. He enjoys the outdoors and spends his time fishing, hunting, and backpacking. During the fall and summertime, you can find him up north at his cabin.

Thomas Creg, Assistant Project Superintendent, is a graduate of Ferris State University and has seven years of construction experience, mostly in the Deep Foundation side of construction. He enjoys problem-solving, learning new things to further his knowledge, and working on vehicles.

Mandy Ebels, Assistant Project Manager, has 15 years of experience in the retail and architecture industry. She holds an Associate of Applied Science degree in Architectural/Mechanical design from ITT Technical Institute. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, kayaking, camping, and spending time with her family.

Craig Eby Jr., Assistant Project Superintendent, holds a degree in Criminal Justice from Grand Valley State University. He has nine years of experience in commercial construction as an electrician and earned his journeyman license in 2019. In his free time, he enjoys being outdoors with his wife and kids, geocaching, cooking, and grilling. He is currently working on the Rockford North Middle School Additions and Renovations project.

Jacob Hitson, Benefits Specialist, is a business professional with over fifteen years of front-office experience. He obtained his BBA in Human Resource Management from Grand Valley State University and his MBA in Management from Western Michigan University.

Keishawn McCoy, Laborer, attended Innovation Central High School in Grand Rapids and has two years of construction experience. He is CPR and OSHA Construction Safety Certified. He hopes to one day own a home.

Bruna Ngassa, Marketing Assistant, joins the O‑A‑K team as a recent graduate of Grand Valley State University and holds a bachelor’s degree in Writing and Advertising/Public Relations. She loves writing stories, antiquing, and playing tennis in her free time.

Megan Wilson, Assistant Project Superintendent, is a graduate of the University of Michigan with a degree in Civil Engineering. She started at O‑A‑K as an intern where she worked at Kelloggsville Central Elementary and in the office as an Assistant Project Superintendent for several projects. She is currently working on-site as an Assistant Project Superintendent at Hudsonville High School.

Timothy Zupancic, Assistant Project Superintendent, holds his bachelor’s degree in Corporate Finance from the University of Akron. He has 20 years of construction experience with a background in framing and general trades. His hobbies include hunting and fishing with his four brothers along with smoking meats and competing in BBQ competitions.

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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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