Century-old builder enters next chapter by sharing long-term success with its people.

Okland Construction, a family-owned and privately held general contractor with more than 100 years of history, announced it is expanding its ownership structure to include its team members through an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). The announcement was shared with employees during Okland’s semi-annual company meeting, marking a defining moment as the firm transitions to employee ownership.

The transition marks a new chapter for the company, building on its legacy of craftsmanship and a commitment to creating remarkable experiences for its people and the communities it serves, while creating new opportunities for those shaping its future.

“What started as a family business is still a family business. That hasn’t changed and it’s not going to change,” said Bill Okland, CEO of Okland Construction. “This decision is about strengthening that foundation, not replacing it. The people who have helped us grow now have the opportunity to share in that success.”

Under the new structure, Okland will remain family-led, with its leadership team, operations, and long-term strategy unchanged. The partial ESOP introduces a way for team members to participate in the company’s future through a company-funded ownership benefit designed to build long-term value over time.

“This isn’t a sale of the company, and it doesn’t change who we are,” said Brett Okland, President. “We’re not stepping away. We’re leaning in. What's changing in who shares in our success we create together, what's not changing is the remarkable experience we strive to create for our clients, partners, and community.”

Founded in 1918, Okland has grown from a small carpentry operation into a leading builder across the Southwest and Mountain West, supported by a team of more than 1,300 professionals delivering complex projects in healthcare, advanced technology, sports, higher education, and commercial development.

The firm’s recent momentum reflects that trajectory, including recognition as Intermountain Contractor of the Year in 2025, a #4 ranking in Engineering News-Record’s
Southwest region, and repeated “Best Place to Work” honors across its Utah, Arizona, and Idaho offices. That growth, company leaders say, has always been driven by its people.

“As the work grew, it became clear we couldn’t do it alone,” Bill Okland added. “This company has always been built by people who take pride in what they do and how they do it. This is about recognizing that and carrying it forward.”

The ESOP is designed as a long-term retirement benefit, complementing existing compensation and benefits while reinforcing the company’s commitment to its team and culture.

As Okland continues to grow in both scale and capability, the company sees employee ownership as a way to strengthen its foundation while maintaining the values that have defined it for more than a century.

About Okland Construction
Founded in 1918, Okland Construction is a family-owned, privately held general contractor known for creating remarkable experiences for its clients, partners, and team members. Supported by a team of more than 1,300 employees, the firm delivers complex projects across the Southwest and Mountain West in healthcare, advanced technology, sports, higher education, and commercial development.

Across its regions, Okland partners with leading public and private clients including the City of Phoenix, the Phoenix Suns, Arizona State University, Wexford Science & Technology, Amkor Technology, ASM International, Banner Health, the University of Utah, Adobe, Intermountain Health, the State of Utah, Brigham Young University (Utah, Idaho, and Hawaii campuses), the State of Idaho, Micron Technology, and Marriott International.

Notable projects include the Phoenix Police Headquarters, Phoenix Suns Arena, ASU’s ISTB8 at the Phoenix Bioscience Core, the Utah State Capitol North Building & Campus Renovation, The Ballpark at America First Square, Asher Adams Hotel, Pelion Office Building—one of the first mass timber buildings in Utah—and multiple advanced manufacturing facilities on Micron’s Campus, as well as the Idaho State Historical Society Preservation Facility and The Athletic Club Boise.

Okland combines the close-knit culture and high level of client engagement of a smaller company with the experience, resources, and capabilities of a large, established builder, delivering a consistent, client-focused approach while continuing to build on more than a century of work.
Contact

Lisa Fernandez Director of External Relations
Lisa.Fernandez@Okland.com | 928-580-9923

Okland’s first ever Chief People Officer

Salt Lake City, UT – Okland Construction announces the hiring of Nichelle Dekeyzer as its first-ever Chief People Officer. This strategic hire underscores Okland's commitment to enhancing its people and culture, while continuing to create remarkable experiences for clients, partners, and team members.

As Okland pursues its ambitious goal of becoming one of the most sought-after companies in the industry by 2030, a key component will be fostering a strong, dynamic organizational culture. Nichelle will play a pivotal role in this journey, overseeing the company's human resources strategy, talent management, employee engagement, and overall organizational culture.

“This hire represents a major step forward for Okland. Nichelle’s expertise and vision will be instrumental in helping us achieve our goal of becoming one of the most sought-after companies in the industry by 2030,” said Bill Okland, Okland’s CEO. “Her leadership will ensure that our people and culture remain at the forefront of everything we do.”
"I am thrilled to join Okland and contribute to the company's mission of creating remarkable experiences. I am committed to ensuring that our people strategies align with our goals of creating shared success, delivering value, standing out, earning trust, and remaining humble,” said Nichelle.

Nichelle brings a wealth of experience from her previous role as Chief People Officer at CB Insights, where she led initiatives in organizational design, change management, compensation, and company culture. “With significant experience in data-driven results, recruiting, leadership development, and strategic planning, coupled with a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Organizational Change and Leadership from the University of Southern California, she is well-equipped to lead Okland's people strategy into the future.

Okland Construction is a full-service general contractor known for its construction manager at risk and design-build projects. With offices in Tempe, AZ; Salt Lake City, UT; and Boise, ID, Okland serves a diverse clientele in the Southwest and Mountain State. Okland specializes in a variety of project types including advanced manufacturing, healthcare office, higher education, municipal, and many other markets. Committed to creating remarkable experiences, Okland continues to forge strong partnerships with owners, architects, engineers, and trade partners.

After launching the scholarship program in Spring 2023, Okland has continued its commitment to diversifying the construction industry workforce. The Women in Construction Scholarship was established to recognize the significant contributions women make in the construction industry, despite representing only 10.9% of the workforce. The Diversity Scholarship highlights Okland’s belief that a more diverse construction company is a stronger one.Okland Scholarship Winners: Women in Construction 

• Katie Torbit – Katie is expected to graduate in the spring of 2025 with a Bachelor of Science in Design for Architecture and will start her master’s in Architecture in the fall of 2025. 

Diversity in Construction 

• Ahmed Al-Anbagi – Ahmed is expected to graduate in the Winter of 2024 with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Boise State University. 

The application process for next year’s scholarships will begin in Fall 2024. For more information about Okland’s scholarship program, visit Okland Slideroom or contact scholarships@okland.com. Founded in 1918, Okland Construction is a family-owned, privately held company with offices in Utah, Arizona, Idaho, and Colorado. Okland prides itself on creating remarkable experiences in all its endeavors. The company's core values are rooted in trust, distinct project execution, and shared success.  

Okland’s Inaugural Diversity and Women and in Construction Scholarships Awarded
$5,000 Dollars and Internships Awarded to the Winners

Today, Okland Construction announced the winners of their first ever Diversity and Women in Construction.  The four winners – two for each scholarship – will receive $5,000 towards their prospective accredited construction management programs for the upcoming semester, as well as a paid internship at Okland.  During this internship, the recipient is paired with an Okland mentor who serves as a resource for them throughout their time with Okland. 
After more than a year of collaboration and development, Okland launched the scholarship program in Spring 2023, aspiring to do their small part in diversifying the construction industry workforce.  The Women in Construction Scholarship was inspired in recognition of the important contributions women are making in the construction industry despite representing only 10.9% of the workforce.  The Diversity Scholarship was inspired by Okland’s belief that a more diverse construction company is a more remarkable one.

“We want to diversify our workforce, and we hope that creating scholarships that are directed toward developing the next generation of industry leaders will accelerate our goal,” said Brett and Bill Okland, President, and CEO of Okland Construction.  “We are thrilled to recognize these four students and can’t wait to welcome them to our intern class this fall!”

Okland Scholarship Winners:

Women in Construction
Carissa Edwards – Brigham Young University
Carissa is expected to graduate this upcoming April with a Bachelor of Science in Construction and Facilities Management.

Taya Bunker – Brigham Young University – Idaho
Taya is expected to graduate this December with a Bachelor of Science in Virtual Design and Construction and a Minor in Construction Technology and in Spanish.

Diversity in Construction
Rachel Martinez – Arizona State University
Rachel is working towards a Master of Architecture with a certificate in sustainability.

Javier Padilla – University of Utah
Javier is expected to graduate in Spring of 2025 with a Bachelor of Science in Construction Engineering.

Next year’s application process will begin Fall 2023.  For more information on Okland’s scholarship program, please visit  https://okland.slideroom.com/#/Login or contact scholarships@okland.com.

Okland Construction is a family-owned, privately held company. It was founded in 1918 and maintains offices in Utah, Arizona, Idaho, and Colorado. Okland prides itself on creating remarkable experiences in everything it does.  Okland’s behavior is driven by their core values – every action deserves trust, each project deserves to be distinct, and shared success should be the common goal.
 
 

Arizona – After serving as Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego’s chief of staff for the last three years, Lisa Fernandez is making the move to the private sector and joining one of Arizona’s fastest growing and top construction companies, Okland Construction.

Fernandez will come on board as an executive, working with the leadership team and CEO, Bill Okland, to help Okland continue to create remarkable experiences for their clients, their partners, their team, and their community. Fernandez will focus on high-level strategy for the company and special projects, overseeing internal and external communications as well as community relations and outreach.

“I’m excited not only because Okland’s values align so closely with my own, but because it’s a unique opportunity to bring my skills and experience to an incredible company while learning a whole new sector,” said Fernandez. “I wanted to join a team of good people, who care about their employees and community, and Okland is that company. They are passionate and driven about their people and partners, and I’m lucky to say I’m now part of the Okland family.”

“Okland is thrilled to have someone like Lisa join our team and give a new perspective and energy to the company and industry. Lisa’s extensive background and knowledge and community ties across Arizona are unmatched,” said Okland CEO, Bill Okland. “We often like to say we are a 100-year-old startup in that we’re always looking ahead on how to innovate and make our industry better. Lisa’s drive and expertise come at a key time in our growth, and we know she will strengthen our focus on community and people.”

As chief of staff, Fernandez led the mayor’s office during one of the most trying times in the city’s history—after only a year in office the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Prior to her three years in the mayor’s office, she served as Vice President at Resolute Consulting where she managed Resolute’s Arizona office where she oversaw and advised on high-level strategic planning, as well as developed and implemented communication and outreach campaigns.

Okland Construction is a family-owned, privately held company that was founded in 1918. Okland prides itself on creating remarkable experiences in everything they do.

Okland has partnered with leaders in the worlds of health care, technology, science, higher education, and many more across the Southwest region. Recent clients include Banner Health, Honor Health, RED Development, Plaza Companies, Arizona State University, Wexford Science + Technology, and Taiwan Semiconductor (TSMC). A few notable projects Okland’s Southwest office has been involved with include the Phoenix Suns Arena renovation, the Tempe Center for the Arts, The Grove Phoenix, The Watermark Tempe, Papago Gateway Center, and the Phoenix Bioscience Core.

Tempe, Arizona – The City of Tempe has moved forward with seeking the development of the city’s first biomedical and technology campus on 18 acres of Tempe land west of the Tempe Center for the Arts.On Thursday, the City Council selected a partnership of three businesses to negotiate with the city on a development agreement. The selected development team – made up of The Boyer Company, SmithGroupJJR and Okland Construction – has proposed a phased project of five, 5 to 8-story buildings totaling approximately 1 million square feet, along with two parking structures with about 2,500 spaces. It also is proposed to include a restaurant, arts-related spaces such as rehearsal space and artist workspaces, and trails connecting to the arts center and Town Lake pathways.Tempe’s Economic Development team works to attract biomedical and technology businesses because they provide high-quality jobs and contribute to community quality of life. There are approximately 15,000 technology jobs in Tempe, paying an average of $95,000 annually...

Midvale – Overstock broke ground last week on its new corporate campus, which it is calling "Peace Coliseum." The company expects to open it during the summer of 2016. Overstock officials have said that from the ground level, the building will look like a corporate glass-and-concrete version of the Roman Coliseum, but from the air, the three-story building will appear as a peace sign.

The 231,000-square-foot office building will be located in the View 72 Corporate Center on 19 acres of land at 7295 S. Bingham Jct. Blvd. (approximately 930 W.) in Midvale. In addition to the central office building, the campus will include an amenities building, open green space and a parking structure. The estimated project cost is nearly $100 million.

The campus will have a cafe, fitness center, health clinic and daycare. Overstock is also considering an on-campus greenhouse.

"It's exciting to be at a point where we can build the Peace Coliseum to unite our employees," said Overstock President Stormy Simon. "It will be the coolest place to work ever."

The project’s developer is Gardner Company, the contractor is Okland Construction and the architect is EDA Architects Inc.

The building will be constructed to the U.S. Green Building Council's LEED Silver certification with the possibility of Gold. The building's heating and cooling system will use heat from the data center to heat the building in the winter.