About

Smart Solutions From a Skilled Team

Five Oaks Associates was founded with a focus on quality workmanship built on the client’s needs, budget and schedule. We take pride in our ability to do high quality work within our clients’ budgets and timeframes while offering great customer service. We are able to do this because of the top-notch people throughout our company and our extensive experience. From our project managers to our construction crews, we are problem solvers.

Rooted in Family. Built on Experience.

This dedication to our customers began when Gary Dorr and his daughter Kelly started Five Oaks Associates in 2000. We began in commercial construction doing mostly medical and institutional work, and added historical renovation.

No matter the project, we provide quality work done in a timely manner and within our customer’s budget. We have the experience and knowledge to help our customers to make wise decisions throughout the building process; we will work with our customers to accomplish the best possible end result. Our pricing is competitive and we bring value to every project. Over the years the team has grown along with the experience of the company. But what hasn’t changed is our commitment to serving our customers.

Gary Dorr, P.E.

Founder, Retired

Gary Dorr is a Founder and retired Owner/Manager/Project Manager of Five Oaks Associates. He has 50 years of experience in construction, including three years as a construction engineer on nuclear power plant and nuclear enrichment projects. He worked 22 years as a Project Manager for a Mid-Missouri construction company before spending the last 25 years at Five Oaks Associates. Gary holds a Bachelor of Science and Masters of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Missouri in Columbia and is a Registered Professional Engineer in the state of Missouri.

He co-founded Five Oaks Associates with Kelly Hawkins in 2000. Gary enjoys seeing projects through from start to finish and takes pride in meeting customer needs and building quality facilities. He is married to his wife Sandra, a retired teacher and public school principal. They have three children. Gary is active in his local church fellowship and has traveled to Brazil more than a dozen times for evangelistic mission work in remote areas. His faith guides how he serves customers and treats workers, suppliers, and subcontractors.

Kelly Hawkins, P.E.

Manager

Kelly Hawkins is a Founder, Owner, Manager and Project Manager of Five Oaks Associates. She is a Registered Professional Engineer in the State of Missouri. Kelly holds Bachelors of Science degrees in Civil Engineering and Environmental Engineering from the University of Missouri, Columbia as well as a Masters in Business Administration.

After establishing Five Oaks she left to gain experience with other companies. During that time, she served as a Construction Inspector, Technical Service Manager, Marketing Manager, and a New Products Development Manager before returning to Five Oaks in 2020. Kelly also holds five patents.

Kelly thrives when solving problems and meeting the expectations of a challenging project. She values her team and family. She is married to her husband, Joe and they have three children: Tyler, Rachel and Jared. In her free time, she enjoys helping with her community, school, and church.

Katie Pruitt

Project Manager

Katie Pruitt is a Project Manager at Five Oaks Associates. She holds Bachelors of Science degrees in Civil Engineering and Architectural Engineering from the Missouri University of Science & Technology in Rolla, MO. She has worked full-time at Five Oaks since 2019, following two years as an intern. She began her internship in November 2016 after being introduced to Gary through connections in her department at Missouri S&T.

Katie enjoys being a construction project manager because it allows her to take the lead, solve problems, and stay involved in all aspects of a project. She values working with a team, the variety of challenges, and being part of a smaller company where her work has a clear impact. She finds it rewarding to see projects grow from paper to completion. She is married to her husband Brent, who also works at Five Oaks, and they have two children, Henley and Hansen. Katie enjoys serving her church and community. Katie’s love for construction was sparked early on when she volunteered for two mission trips with Habitat for Humanity.

Dena Cox

Assistant Project Manager

Dena Cox is the Assistant Project Manager at Five Oaks Associates. She began working part-time in 2001 with no prior experience, growing into her current role. She left in 2017 to start her own catering company, which she operated until 2024. In January 2025, she returned to Five Oaks Associates. She enjoys working for a company that is honest and customer- focused.

Dena values the supportive environment at Five Oaks and the care shown for employees and their families. She enjoys working with the Project Managers and taking on detail-oriented tasks that challenge her and give her a strong sense of accomplishment when a project is completed. Dena and her Husband, Lonnie, have three children and twelve grandchildren.

Join Our Team

At Five Oaks Associates, we value integrity, teamwork, and a commitment to quality. Whether you’re just starting out or bringing years of experience, you’ll find a place where your work matters and your growth is supported. Come build something meaningful with us.

Join Our Team