2 minute read
Oke Woodsmith Building Systems
Randy, Wayne and Kevin Oke (foreground L-R), along with their talented crew and office staff (balcony), design and build quality custom homes and creative renovations.
FROM HAPPENSTANCE TO HAPPINESS
Oke Woodsmith’s success spans four decades
By Ellen Ashton-Haiste
At Christmas dinner in 1983 when Don Oke and his four sons – on the spur of the moment – decided to enter into the residential construction industry none of them imagined that 37 years later the family business would be thriving and poised to welcome new generations onboard. That decision was the launch of Oke Woodsmith Building Systems.
“My brothers had been working in Western Canada and abroad and were moving back to Ontario and Canada and needed homes,” says Randy Oke. “So, we decided to start a company.” Don, who had previously owned a construction company, brought three decades of experience to the endeavour, and the boys had grown up helping in that business.
It was a risky venture in the midst of the early ‘80s recession, Randy admits. “We jumped in headfirst, but it’s worked out quite well.” On completion of their initial build, the family team landed a contract for a high-end custom home in Grand Bend, and they were on the road to success.
Oke Woodsmith has gone on to build hundreds of homes and completed extensive renovations across the province; however, most of their work takes place along the Lake Huron shoreline. Randy says the breakdown is about 60 per cent new builds to 40 per cent renovations. But, due to municipal and conservation restrictions on some waterfront lots, many renovations are so extensive that they often result in what amounts to a new home.
While the company began with five family members, three of the brothers –, Wayne, Randy and Kevin – now head up the business. Randy is responsible for design and sales; Wayne oversees construction; and Kevin, a finish carpenter, looks after the fine details. Other relatives are involved in the day-to-day operations. Randy’s wife, Gail, is the receptionist, and Kevin’s wife, Joanne, looks after accounting. Kevin and Joanne’s daughter-in-law, Danielle, has taken on administrative duties. Most recently Kelsey, Kevin and Joanne’s daughter, has joined the team, and their son Jeremy has been running projects for years. Randy notes there are several members of the younger generation who may step up “in, hopefully, the not-too-distant future.”
He believes the family aspect is something clients appreciate. “They like knowing we are out there working on their project, and one of us is always close at hand.”
