GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- A new minority-owned commercial construction-management firm in Detroit may set up a location in Grand Rapids this year, as well.
That is according to Matt Evans, the CEO of Invictus Builders LLC. He told WOOD Radio in a telephone interview.
"As we move this forward into what we consider to be a great opportunity to bring in resources and more of a minority position into the construction industry, we feel that this is a success story and we're ready to get this moving," he said.
Mike VanGessel of VanGessel Investments will serve on the Invictus board of directors. He was a founding member of Rockford Construction before leaving the company recently after 38 years. Also serving on the Invictus Builders' board will be Dennis Archer Jr., founder and chairman of sixteen42 ventures.
Invictus was launched by Evans and Kent Jackson, two longtime Detroit-area construction executives.
Invictus is located in downtown Detroit's central business district. It serves communities throughout Michigan and the Midwest, offering construction management, general contractor work, consulting, and pre-construction estimating.
"We are exploring options in Grand Rapids currently," Evans said. "So, we are hoping to have something finalized with a lease and office space in Grand Rapids in the next several months."
Some of Invictus's clients include 1515 Madison in Grand Rapids, Wayne County Community College, Parkstone Development Partners, both in Detroit, and Back Nine in Clarkston, among other private portfolios.
Here are more details from an Invictus news release provided by Seyferth PR:
Archer Jr. and VanGessel are joined by board members Eric A. Reeves, founder of Prospect Park LLC in Chicago, and Rachel Scott, managing member of SPARC Investments in Cleveland.
“Invictus was formed from a vision to create opportunities and strengthen communities while fostering a culture of excellence in performance, innovation and inclusivity,” said Archer Jr. “With unparalleled expertise, the team takes pride in the commitment to building sustainable spaces that empower our team, clients and community.”
VanGessel, who recently left Rockford after 38 years to form VanGessel Investments, brings deep knowledge of commercial construction to Invictus.
“After being an integral part in shaping downtown Grand Rapids from where it was over 20 years ago to where it is today, I’m excited to bring proven solution-driven strategies and framework to Invictus and the clients and communities we serve,” said VanGessel.
For over 20 years, Evans has been an active member within the Detroit community, where he directed programs with Detroit schools to train youth in the design and installation of off-grid photovoltaic solar panels. He is leading business strategy and client development at Invictus.
“With the tremendous excitement and energy happening in Metropolitan Detroit, we feel that Invictus is uniquely situated to build opportunities for not only southeastern Michigan, but in communities throughout the state and the Midwest,” said Evans. “We’re excited to bring two high-level leaders from both sides of the state – Dennis Archer Jr. from the eastside and Mike VanGessel from the westside – to push our vision forward and approach each project with expertise and integrity.”
Jackson, a Detroit native, has led a variety of client industries, including education, commercial, municipal, industrial, and healthcare. At Invictus, he will manage all work performed during the pre-construction, procurement, and construction phases to comply with Invictus’ clients’ policies, procedures, and expectations.
“Our team’s experienced construction professionals and community leaders bring a wealth of knowledge and creativity in construction management, and business and community development,” said Jackson. “We are here to foster opportunities for young people – a place where a young professional can come and grow fast in the business.”
“We’re excited to welcome Invictus Builders to Detroit’s business community,” said Kevin Johnson, president and CEO of the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation. “Minority-owned businesses are important to creating an inclusive economy that benefits all Detroiters. Matt Evans and Kent Jackson bring vision and commitment to our neighborhoods. Their impressive leadership team will make a real difference in Detroit’s growth.”
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