Owen‑Ames‑Kimball Florida’s Matthew Zwack Named as Successor to President David Dale

November 30, 2020

Owen‑Ames‑Kimball Florida’s Matthew Zwack Named as Successor to President David Dale

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"We have laid out a vision for the company that will guide O‑A‑K Florida for many years to come, and with Matthew Zwack as president and the rest of our core team in place, I have great confidence about the future success of O‑A‑K."
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Owen‑Ames‑Kimball (O‑A‑K) Company, a preeminent general contractor with a longstanding presence in Southwest Florida, announces that Matthew Zwack, currently vice president of operations for O‑A‑K Florida, will assume the role of president in January 2021. Zwack will succeed current president David Dale. Dale will remain with the company through the end of 2021 to facilitate the transition.

Dale joined O‑A‑K in 1989 and was promoted to the Board of Directors in 2004. In 2008, he became president of O‑A‑K Florida. The Business Observer named O‑A‑K Florida 63rd in the top 500 companies from Tampa to Naples in 2019. O‑A‑K reported $290 million in revenue, up 7.41% from 2018.

Dale grew O‑A‑K Florida into the go-to airport contractor in the region. O‑A‑K has worked on numerous aviation projects ranging from runway extensions to terminal construction at Southwest Florida International Airport in Fort Myers, Naples Municipal Airport, Marco Island Executive Airport, Immokalee Regional Airport, Labelle Municipal Airport and Page Field in Fort Myers.

High-profile projects under the direction of Dale include the new Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU), the transformation of the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad depot in Fort Myers into the Southwest Florida Community Foundation’s Collaboratory, the construction of the 62,000-square-foot Family Health Centers medical building in Lehigh Acres, the construction of the 164,000 square foot Lehigh Middle School, the 36,000 square foot Heights Early Learning and Education Center, Sam Galloway Ford Sales & Service improvements and additions, and the construction of the 77,800 square foot Scanlon Auto Group dealership.

"I have enjoyed the 31 years with a great company, and am grateful to have had the opportunity to lead it for the last thirteen,” said Dale. “I am very proud of what my team has accomplished. Being an employee-owned company, our employees are the most vital and essential asset. We have laid out a vision for the company that will guide O‑A‑K Florida for many years to come, and with Matthew Zwack as president and the rest of our core team in place, I have great confidence about the future success of O‑A‑K,” said Dale. “Matthew, stepping into the role as my successor is part of our multi-phase succession plan. His leadership, personal style, and experiences across our business qualify him to step into this role. He is well-respected by our clients and employees, and he embodies the company's core values.”

Zwack joined O‑A‑K Florida in 2005 as an assistant superintendent and was promoted to job site superintendent, overseeing both public and private work. He served as the chief safety officer and general superintendent, overseeing all superintendents within O‑A‑K Florida. He was appointed to the O‑A‑K Florida board of directors in 2016. In 2019, Zwack was named Vice President of Operations. Zwack has been responsible for the overall safety, schedule, quality and on-site activities of every O‑A‑K Florida project for the past five years. He is a LEED Accredited Professional Certified for Building Design and Construction.

"I am humbled and excited by this opportunity to lead O‑A‑K Florida,” said Zwack. “At a time of extraordinary growth for our 129-year-old company, I am committed to working alongside our talented employees to uphold our values and serve our clients with teamwork and integrity. I am energized by this challenge and look forward to guiding O‑A‑K Florida’s continued success.”

An employee-owned company, O‑A‑K Florida, Inc.’s Board of Directors is comprised of 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, established in 1891. The Florida operation has offices in Collier and Lee counties. Its headquarters are in Lee County, located at 11941 Fairway Lakes Drive in Fort Myers. Learn more about O‑A‑K at www.owen‑ames‑kimball.com.

"We have laid out a vision for the company that will guide O‑A‑K Florida for many years to come, and with Matthew Zwack as president and the rest of our core team in place, I have great confidence about the future success of O‑A‑K."

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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.

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“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.

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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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