Cade Dammen
Director of Field Operations
Owen-Ames-Kimball
Say hello to Cade Dammen, the powerhouse behind field operations at Owen-Ames-Kimball (O-A-K)! Cade’s dedication, accomplishments, and passion for making a difference in both the construction industry and his community have earned him a nomination for the ABC Western Michigan Young Professional of the Year award.
A Journey of Growth and Dedication
Cade Dammen’s remarkable career trajectory in the construction industry speaks to his commitment to personal and professional growth. His story began at O-A-K when he joined as an intern at just 18 years old. Over the years, Cade took on new challenges and worked hard to grow his skills, showing a strong understanding of both the technical and human sides of construction. In 2019, at just 28 years old, he reached an important milestone by becoming the Director of Field Operations.
In this role, Cade oversees all field staff, including Superintendents, Assistant Superintendents, and labor teams, showcasing the trust and respect he has earned within the company. His clear, efficient, and compassionate leadership has improved field operations at O-A-K, boosting both the company’s performance and his team’s morale.
Leading with a Vision for the Future
Cade loves mentoring and guiding the next generation. He’s been amazing at inspiring young talent in the construction industry. While working as a Superintendent on a project in Portage, he took it upon himself to visit woodshop classes with trade foremen, giving students real, hands-on exposure to different trades. What started as a simple initiative has grown into a strong commitment to internships, job shadowing, career presentations, and jobsite tours—all designed to spark interest in construction careers.
O-A-K has welcomed several new employees whose journeys began with Cade’s outreach to schools and local educators. By bridging the gap between education and the construction industry, Cade is ensuring that the next wave of construction professionals is equipped with both knowledge and motivation to succeed.
Championing Safety and Excellence
As Director of Field Operations, Cade is instrumental in maintaining O-A-K’s commitment to safety. Over the past five years, he has been dedicated to strengthening the company’s safety protocols. His leadership has driven significant advancements, including the overhaul of O-A-K’s Safety Manual, making it more straightforward and accessible. Cade also led the establishment of an internal safety committee, ensuring ongoing improvements to workplace safety standards.
Cade sets ambitious goals, including achieving 1,500 safety training hours annually. He ensures these training sessions are engaging, relevant, and innovative to keep the team motivated and informed. By collaborating with a third-party safety consultant to conduct project audits in the style of mock MIOSHA inspections, Cade has helped refine O-A-K’s ability to maintain world-class safety standards.
He doesn’t just focus on keeping the construction team safe—he also makes sure the public’s safety and logistics are a priority. This is especially important for projects like schools and public facilities, where protecting students and the community comes first.
A Leader Rooted in Community Values
What sets Cade apart is his deep commitment to his community. He actively participates in various organizations and programs, including Habitat for Humanity, Kids Food Basket, Big Brother Big Sister, and the Ronald McDonald House. Cade’s work with local 4-H programs and events like “Take a Kid Fishing” highlights how much he enjoys giving back in meaningful ways.
Additionally, his leadership extends to his faith and family. Cade is an integral part of his church community and takes pride in raising his three children, Paxton, Paisley, and Payton, alongside his wife, Leah. His personal commitments mirror his values of integrity, kindness, and service that guide his professional life.
Supporting ABC’s Mission and Free Enterprise
Cade’s involvement with ABC highlights his commitment to the core values of the construction industry. As a strong advocate for free enterprise and the merit shop philosophy, he has played a pivotal role in mentoring peers at O-A-K to embrace and uphold these principles. His active participation in ABC’s Michigan Legislative Day and Emerging Leaders Peer Group further demonstrates his dedication to advancing ABC’s mission of fostering a competitive and high-quality construction industry.
A Visionary for the Decade Ahead
Cade is all about shaping the future of construction by getting young people excited about the industry and creating sustainable career paths for them. He’s passionate about supporting initiatives that bring fresh talent into construction and making sure they have everything they need to succeed. By teaming up with organizations like the West Michigan Construction Institute (WMCI), Cade is working to keep construction a thriving and exciting career choice for generations to come.
Cade has shown a strong dedication to improving education and training in construction. From leading impactful projects to organizing important events and connecting students with key resources, he’s been instrumental in creating growth and opportunities. With a focus on lifelong learning and hands-on training, Cade is helping shape the future of construction through innovation, collaboration, and by empowering the next generation of skilled professionals—one connection at a time.
Honoring a Leader and Role Model
Cade’s story is about hard work and vision. From mentoring new tradespeople and improving safety standards to supporting charitable initiatives, Cade shows what it means to be a true leader. His nomination for ABC’s Young Professional of the Year recognizes his contributions to the construction industry and his dedication to his colleagues, community, and family.
