The Original Contractor
Our story began in 1891. Four young engineers in Grand Rapids, Michigan had a vision to build a great city. Their resumés were written in the lines of their hardened, calloused hands.
Over 130 Years of Experience
Our founders cared about people, first and foremost, and established an employee-owned construction company that eventually became Owen‑Ames‑Kimball Co. (or O‑A‑K, as we call ourselves). Industry trends came and went, marketplace demands evolved, and O‑A‑K continually transformed. We believe the most successful companies are constantly adjusting to what they’ve learned. We’ve done a lot of adjusting since 1891.
Today, we manage the building process, not just the construction itself. We have carried out that vision to build a great city in Grand Rapids, and have expanded into Kalamazoo, Michigan; Fort Myers, Florida; and Castle Rock, Colorado. At our core, we are culturally humble and driven. We imagine if we met those four young engineers today – 131 years later – they would tip their hats.
OUR PURPOSE
Guided by partnership, we are determined to build the best experience.
OUR VALUES
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Choosing what's right, every time
Choosing what's right, every time
"Nate's decision-making process is always to go with his gut on what he feels is the right thing to do and the fairest for everyone involved."
-Peer nomination for Nate Zichterman, 2022 Value Ambassador -
A can-do attitude
A can-do attitude
"Every day Kayla is ready to help and lend a hand everywhere needed. No matter how busy she is, she is always ready to jump in and take time to try to understand."
-Peer nomination for Kayla Cribley, 2022 Value Ambassador -
A Personal Sense of Responsibility
A personal sense of responsibility
"On a daily basis, Pat sets the tone on site to keep people safe and respond quickly and positively to subcontractors. He takes personal responsibility for all that goes on and demonstrates the values that O‑A‑K would be proud of."
-Peer nomination for Pat Schmidt, 2022 Value Ambassador
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People who value other people
People who value other people
"Harriet has developed a step-by-step training program for the billing clerk position… and her repeated willingness to help people, especially subs, learn more about the process shows clearly that she values other people."
-Peer Nomination for Harriet Perdue, 2022 Value Ambassador
Employee-Owned
Our employees are personally vested in the success of every project.
Being an employee-owned company, we take ownership of each and every project and we treat it like our own, from all levels of the company.