O‑A‑K Welcomes Eight New Employees

January 16, 2020

O‑A‑K Welcomes Eight New Employees

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Owen‑Ames‑Kimball Co.(O‑A‑K), local professional construction firm, announces the additions of Bryce DeYoung, Ryan Bramer, David Matelski, Travis Fairbanks, Jane Leahy, Gregory Park, Jordan Potter, and William Smitley.

Bryce DeYoung, Project Manager, is a West Michigan native with 11 years of construction management experience. Recently moving back to the state, he specializes in educational and mixed-use construction, ranging from $10 million to $100+ million project costs. He holds a bachelor’s degree in construction management from Ferris State University and is OSHA 30-hour certified. Bryce and his family are eager to reestablish West Michigan roots.

Ryan Bramer, Preconstruction Engineer, is a recent graduate of Michigan State University’s construction management program. Prior to graduation, he served as a full-time intern in O‑A‑K’s preconstruction department. Ryan holds his OSHA 10-hour construction certification.

David Matelski, Project Superintendent, has eight years of commercial construction experience, specializing in community, retail, and healthcare projects. He is OSHA 30-hour certified and is currently on-site at the Michigan State Police Grand Rapids Consolidation Project, in Walker, Michigan. Dave has also served as a volunteer firefighter for over 25 years.

Travis Fairbanks, Project Superintendent, has 25 years of experience in construction. He has a strong background in carpentry and site leadership, and has worked in an array of projects, including commercial, industrial, and educational, and civil. He is also OSHA 10-hour certified.

Jane Leahy, Assistant Project Superintendent, is a recent graduate of Ferris State University’s construction management program. She held multiple internships in northern Michigan, gaining on-site and office experience in both residential and commercial construction. She is also OSHA 10-hour construction certified.

Gregory Park, Assistant Project Superintendent, is a recent graduate of Ferris State University’s construction management program. Greg has held multiple internships with construction management firms, gaining field experience in educational, commercial, and multi-family commercial construction projects. He also holds his OSHA 10-hour construction certification.

Jordan Potter, Carpenter, has three years of carpentry experience, specializing in trim work, millwork, and framing. He has experience in both residential and commercial construction, and is OSHA 10-hour certified. He is currently performing carpentry work at Amway Corporation.

William Smitley, Corporate Recruiter, brings 25 years of experience and holds a master’s degree in human resource management and a bachelor’s degree in sales and marketing. Prior to joining O‑A‑K, William ran his own talent placement firm. He specializes in full-circle recruitment. This new position was developed in response to O‑A‑K’s current and anticipated growth.

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.

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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