Jackson Allaire (FGCU), Jose Santos (FIU), Williams Ramos (FGCU), Bruno Smith (LSU), and Blake Ware (FGCU). -COURTESY PHOTO

Owen-Ames-Kimball Company (O-A-K), an employee-owned construction firm with a strong and growing presence in Southwest Florida, is pleased to welcome six college students to its 2026 Summer Internship Program.

This year’s internship class includes:

• Jackson Allaire – Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU)
• William Ramos – Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU)
• Jose Santos – Florida International University (FIU)
• Blake Ware – Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU)
• Bruno Smith – Louisiana State University (LSU)
• Ian Miller – Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU), returning intern

Throughout the summer, interns will be assigned to active construction projects across Southwest Florida, working alongside experienced project managers, superintendents, engineers and field teams to gain firsthand experience in commercial construction management.

“O-A-K’s internship program is designed to give students meaningful, real-world experience that simply can’t be replicated in a classroom,” said Jim Hopper, Florida Division President of O-A-K. “Our interns become valuable members of project teams, participate in problem-solving, interact with clients and trade partners, and gain a deeper understanding of what it takes to successfully deliver complex construction projects. We are proud to help develop the next generation of construction professionals.”

An example of the program’s impact is returning intern Ian Miller, an FGCU student who first joined O-A-K in May 2025 and worked on the renovation of the FGCU Cohen Student Union. During his internship, Miller experienced the project from active construction through closeout, gaining exposure to multiple phases of the construction process. Returning this summer, he will continue building on that experience while working on a new project and expanding his understanding of the industry.

O-A-K’s internship program has become one of the company’s strongest talent pipelines. Over the past decade, at least 14 former interns have transitioned into full-time positions with the company, pursuing career paths that include project management, field operations, preconstruction, business development and marketing. Many interns choose to remain with O-A-K in part-time roles while completing their degrees, allowing them to continue gaining valuable industry experience before joining the company full-time after graduation.

Several former interns have gone on to build long-term careers with the employee-owned firm.

Former intern Brian Filipek joined O-A-K in 2015 and now serves as a Project Manager. “When I started as an intern, I was still figuring out what direction I wanted to take in the construction industry,” said Filipek. “O-A-K gave me the opportunity to learn from experienced professionals, gain hands-on project experience, and see every aspect of the construction process. The company’s reputation initially attracted me to the internship, but it was the people and culture that convinced me to stay. Everyone was willing to share their knowledge, answer questions, and invest in my growth. More than a decade later, I’m proud to have grown from intern to Project Manager, and I can honestly say the internship program helped launch my career while introducing me to a company where employees are genuinely supported and encouraged to succeed.”

Other former interns have advanced into positions such as project superintendent, assistant project superintendent, assistant project manager, bid coordinator and marketing coordinator, helping lead projects and support operations throughout Southwest Florida.

“One of the things we’re most proud of is seeing interns build lasting careers with O-A-K,” Hopper said. “The internship program gives students valuable hands-on experience, but it also allows them to experience our culture, our employee-owned philosophy and the relationships that make this company special. Many of our former interns choose to stay because they see opportunities to grow both professionally and personally.”

Beyond daily project responsibilities, interns participate in a variety of professional development opportunities throughout the summer. These include jobsite tours, client and subcontractor workplace visits, lunch-and-learn sessions that explore different facets of the construction industry, and exposure to the latest construction technologies and best practices. Every intern also completes the requirements necessary to earn a Procore Student Certification, a valuable credential recognized throughout the construction industry.

The internship experience is intentionally designed to expose students to multiple aspects of the business. Former interns have gained experience in project management, estimating, scheduling, field supervision, business development, marketing and operations, helping them better understand the many career opportunities available within the construction industry.

As Southwest Florida continues to experience significant growth, O-A-K remains committed to developing the skilled workforce needed to build the region’s future. Through its internship program, the company provides students with meaningful opportunities to gain hands-on experience, build professional relationships and launch successful careers in construction.

About Owen-Ames-Kimball

Owen-Ames-Kimball is a nationally recognized construction management firm with offices serving Collier and Lee counties for more than four decades. With headquarters in Florida, Michigan, and Colorado, O-A-K delivers unmatched construction management expertise, leading complex projects through strong partnerships and proven project leadership. Learn more about O-A-K at www.owen-ames-kimball.com or call (239) 561-4141.