GR construction firm's workforce grows to over 200; more jobs on horizon

By: Deborah Johnson Wood

Rockford Construction has hired 13 project superintendents since February, and expects to add more jobs later this year as part of their strategic growth plan. Eight of the new hires are working in West Michigan; the other five are working at construction sites in Texas, Ohio, and Indiana.

"They're on site running the job, so they're the link between the site and the Grand Rapids office," says Jason Wheeler, public relations coordinator. "We think of them as the backbone of Rockford Construction."

In addition to hiring experienced construction workers, Rockford often hires recent graduates from Ferris State University's construction curriculum. While Wheeler declined to divulge wage amounts, he says that compensation is above the industry standard and often includes car allowances or company vehicles for workers who are required to travel.

"We try to look into the future to make sure the new people will have work after a project is done so we're not hiring and laying off," Wheeler says.

Wheeler explains that Rockford has construction licenses in 18 states, and long-term clients they follow from state to state as that client's business expands. Family Video is one of those clients, employing Rockford to build 40 retail projects in eight states, thus far.

The growth plans of those clients somewhat affects Rockford's growth. Even so, about 55 percent of Rockford's growth comes from West Michigan projects.

Source: Jason Wheeler, Rockford Construction

Deborah Johnson Wood is development news editor for Rapid Growth Media. She can be contacted at

[email protected].
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