A.W. Oakes & Son, a family-owned company with deep roots in the construction industry, recently shared their remarkable journey and approach to business on the latest episode of Forward With Kriete. This feature dives into the history, values, and the close partnership A.W. Oakes has developed with Kriete Truck Centers—highlighting what makes this company stand out in the field of civil contracting.
“I was born a Mack Truck guy,” said Dan Oakes, CEO (pictured above on left), reflecting on a lifetime of connection to the Mack brand. "The first truck I ever drove…even when we started the hauling and the garbage was all Mack." This connection to Mack trucks has persisted through the generations, with the company investing heavily in these reliable vehicles. Dan explained that the partnership with Kriete allows A.W. Oakes to equip their fleet with top-tier trucks, which is a cornerstone of their success. "Instead of going to a third party for our boxes, purchasing it together makes it uniform. That makes it a win-win for all of us.”
According to Max Oakes, president of A.W. Oakes (pictured above on right), quality equipment is also essential to the company’s culture. "Providing our employees with higher quality trucks, equipment, and service all across the boards... it's going to grow our culture with our employees that want to stick around," he shared. This commitment to high-quality equipment not only supports the company’s operations but also shows their investment in employee satisfaction and retention.
The partnership with Kriete has led to the integration of models like the Mack Granite, Pinnacle, and Anthem into A.W. Oakes' fleet. For Kevin Hokanson, Vice President of Operations, these trucks directly impact productivity. “If you keep a driver comfortable and safe, the driver's more productive for us," he said, emphasizing how driver comfort translates into a more efficient and motivated workforce.
For the Oakes family, fostering a work environment that respects personal and family time is essential. Dan noted, “This next generation wants to be home at night. They want to see their kids and have a little bit of family time. We build on that. We take care of the people here, and they take care of us.” This family-oriented philosophy extends to their clients, as A.W. Oakes aims to keep their projects within an hour's radius, allowing employees to be close to home while maintaining strong community ties.
Longtime employee Mark Young summed up the benefits of working for A.W. Oakes: “The ride is spectacular. I mean, you can ride in another truck—you’ll see the difference. This is a nice truck.” Having been with the company for 20 years, Mark spoke to the deep sense of pride he takes in his work, explaining that he often points out projects he’s worked on to his children. “We drive around, and over the years, I can look—we did that building, we did that road...it’s a great feeling.”
Being featured on Forward With Kriete offered A.W. Oakes & Son a platform to celebrate the values that make them unique—reliability, quality, and a deep-rooted commitment to employees and the community. Dan Oakes closed out the interview with a sentiment that resonates throughout the company: "It’s a family company. We are a family company.”
With Kriete's support, A.W. Oakes is not just building roads and structures—they’re building a legacy for the next generation.
* Images sourced from krietetrucks.com
