Owen‑Ames‑Kimball Florida hires Cory O’Donnell as Marketing Manager

August 17, 2021

Owen‑Ames‑Kimball Florida hires Cory O’Donnell as Marketing Manager

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"Cory is a fantastic connector with the community. His depth of experience and skills in the media industry and marketing is a great asset to our growing company."
Matthew Zwack
Florida Division President, Owen‑Ames‑Kimball

Owen‑Ames‑Kimball Company (O‑A‑K), a preeminent general contractor with a longstanding presence in Southwest Florida, has announced the hiring of Cory O’Donnell. O’Donnell will serve in the role of Marketing Manager.

O’Donnell joins O‑A‑K Florida from his previous work as marketing manager for Advanced Outdoor Solutions, an outdoor hospitality firm in Cape Coral, Florida. O’Donnell began his career in the media industry working for television stations around the country as a commercial producer specializing in video and website development before moving to Southwest Florida. His 15 years of local media experience in Fort Myers and Naples include running news websites as a digital director, plus managing social media channels and digital marketing strategies for news organizations.

In eight years as an engagement editor with The News-Press and Naples Daily News, O’Donnell worked with reporters and editors to better connect with readers online and in the community. As a member of the News-Press Editorial Board, O’Donnell met with local business leaders and politicians to discuss news topics and trends in the local business community.

“Cory is a fantastic connector with the community,” said Matthew Zwack, president of O‑A‑K Florida. “His depth of experience and skills in the media industry and marketing is a great asset to our growing company.”

O’Donnell also championed young business leaders around Southwest Florida by co-founding The News-Press Young Professionals Advisory Board, meeting to discuss business impacts happening in the area. O’Donnell brought live storytelling to life onstage with the Fort Myers and Naples Storytellers Project, an event series sharing true stories told by the people that lived their experiences.

“I’m thrilled to be a part of such a great team at Owen‑Ames‑Kimball,” said O’Donnell. “O‑A‑K builds so many great projects around Southwest Florida, but it’s the trust and relationships that they build within our community that have such a lasting impact.”

O’Donnell holds a bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Central Missouri. He’s a graduate of the Cape Coral Leadership Class of 2018 and a frequent speaker and panelist at other events around Southwest Florida. He loves traveling, playing softball, singing karaoke, and learning something new every day. He enjoys the sunny Florida lifestyle with his wife Kirsten and their rescue kitten, Sparkle.

An employee-owned company, O‑A‑K Florida, Inc.’s board of directors, comprises members from the company’s Florida operations. Owen‑Ames‑Kimball Company has provided premier general contracting, design-build, and construction management services in Southwest Florida since 1982.

O‑A‑K’s Florida operation is an affiliate of its parent company located in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The Florida operation has 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.

"Cory is a fantastic connector with the community. His depth of experience and skills in the media industry and marketing is a great asset to our growing company."
Matthew Zwack
Florida Division President
Owen‑Ames‑Kimball

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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 (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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