Owen-Ames-Kimball Company (O-A-K) has been a leader in the construction industry since 1891, beginning with a vision shared by four young engineers in Grand Rapids, Michigan, dedicated to building a great city. Over the last 130 years, O-A-K has transformed and adapted, continuously improving to meet the evolving demands of the marketplace. Central to its success is the philosophy of employee ownership, which ensures that each team member is personally invested in the projects they undertake, cultivating a culture of responsibility, integrity, and dedication.
The company offers a wide range of construction services, including construction management, general contracting, and design-build, with a specialty in community-driven projects. O-A-K has extended its operations beyond Michigan into markets in Florida and Colorado, serving diverse sectors such as K-12 and higher education, government, healthcare, commercial, and aviation industries. This broad capability allows O-A-K to manage the building process holistically, ensuring clients receive not just construction but a comprehensive building experience from the earliest stages of planning to project completion.
A distinctive aspect of O-A-K’s culture is its commitment to safety and partnership. The company emphasizes the importance of people, valuing the contributions of all employees, subcontractors, and clients. With a strong focus on collective success, O-A-K aims to build lasting relationships that extend far beyond the construction sites. Their core values highlight the significance of choosing what is right, maintaining a can-do attitude, and fostering an environment where each individual is recognized for their efforts. This commitment to quality and community involvement has established O-A-K as a respected name in the construction industry.