Since 1987, Rockford Construction has been more than just builders, developers and property managers — we’ve been a force for change, a partner in building communities and a relentless driver of progress. What started as a small venture with a bold vision has transformed into a nationally recognized leader, with thousands of projects across the country. Now, as a well-known and trusted name in the industry, we’re evolving once again with a refreshed brand that reflects our continued commitment to innovation, excellence and the communities we serve.
At our core, we’re still the same Rockford, committed to building a better world. And as we enter this new chapter, we are bringing all of our expertise together under a more cohesive and unified brand. As we look to the future, we’re embracing our evolution by aligning our construction, real estate development and property management services under a unified identity while also reflecting both on our deep history and the values that have guided us since 1987. While our look maybe changing, our mission remains the same.
The Early Years: A Bold Beginning
When John Wheeler and Mike VanGessel founded Rockford Construction, they had a singular mission: To revitalize West Michigan through strategic partnerships and community engagement. It didn’t take long for their vision to take shape. In 1992, Rockford Construction secured its first major contract with Meijer, remodeling a store in Jenison, Michigan. That initial project led to a partnership that’s thrived for decades, with over 450 Meijer projects completed across the Midwest.
As Rockford Construction grew, so did our ambition. By the late ’90s, we expanded into property management and real estate development, founding Rockford Development Group in 1995 and Rockford Property Management in 1996. In 1998, Inc. 500 recognized our team as one of the fastest-growing companies in the nation. Some of our proudest moments, however, came from transforming our hometown. Our work in Grand Rapids’ Arena District and Monroe Center breathed new life into the city, turning forgotten buildings into vibrant spaces and laying the foundation for the city's revitalization.
A Commitment to Sustainability and Innovation
We believe that great buildings do more than just stand the test of time; they improve the world around them. That’s why sustainability is a core value of our team. In 2007, ENR named Rockford Construction as one of the Top 50 Green Contractors in the country, and today, we’re one of the few ABC Certified Green Contractors in the nation.
We’re also dedicated to staying at the cutting edge, pushing the boundaries of the industry through innovation. Whether it’s Lean Construction strategies, advanced BIM manage mentor delivering high-performance buildings, we adapt and grow to provide unmatched results for our clients and communities.
Expanding Beyond Michigan
While our roots remain deeply planted in Grand Rapids, our impact extends far beyond Michigan. In 2011, we opened an office in Estero, Florida, bringing our expertise to new markets. Then, in 2017, we opened our Detroit office to better serve our many clients in the region, more formally establishing our presence in Southeast Michigan.
One of our most meaningful projects was the transformation of our own headquarters in 2013. What was once a vacant manufacturing building on Grand Rapids’ West Side became a modern, LEED Platinum-certified office space. More than just a new home for our team, this project sparked new energy on the West Side, paving the way for new residential units, office spaces, restaurants and even an urban food market.
A Legacy of Excellence
Our commitment to excellence remains unwavering. From education and health care to commercial, industrial, municipal and retail, we've forged strong relationships with clients across industries. Our portfolio now includes over 7,000 projects valued at nearly $9 billion, earning us a spot among the Top 400 contractors in the nation and cementing our position as one of the largest and most trusted firms in West Michigan.
In 2024, Rockford Construction was honored as one of the Best & Brightest Places to Work for the 25th consecutive year. This achievement speaks to our ongoing commitment to fostering a culture where employees thrive and grow professionally and personally.
A New Chapter, Same Rockford
After nearly 40 years of visionary leadership, Mike VanGessel has entrusted the role of CEO to Shane Napper. Shane, who has been with Rockford for much of its journey, has held several key roles within the company, most recently serving as president and COO. His leadership and insight will carry forward Mike’s legacy of exceptional service while driving the company’s future success.
As we move into the future, we’re excited to unify our brand under a cohesive identity: Rockford. This new chapter brings construction, real estate development and property management together under a single banner, allowing us to serve our clients and communities better than ever.
For nearly 40 years, Rockford has been a partner, a problem-solver and a catalyst for positive change. And with our unwavering commitment to innovation, sustainability and community engagement, we’re just getting started.
