Author: Mallory

When building a large metal building, financing can be one of the biggest concerns. Commercial construction projects involve a significant amount of money, and owners often face common worries. At FED Design/Builders, we have years of experience working with businesses to address these concerns and guide them toward the best solutions.

Budget Management Solutions

One of the first things on every owner’s mind is staying within budget. When we meet with a customer, we start by discussing their vision for the building and the budget they’ve set to make that vision a reality. But what happens when unexpected surprises arise, like a subcontractor mistake, weather delays, or a change in the building’s design?

At FED, we understand that sticking to the budget is a priority. That’s why we provide detailed and accurate budgeting from the start, factoring in potential issues and unforeseen circumstances. We also implement a structured change order management process to handle any changes along the way. By staying in close communication and being transparent about costs, we help minimize any budget surprises. We’ll also work with you to find cost-saving opportunities and make sure you’re confident in the financial side of the project.

Avoiding Delays and Timeline Uncertainty

Another common concern is project delays. Delays can lead to extra costs and penalties for missing deadlines, which no one wants. These delays could be caused by anything from bad weather to labor shortages or supply chain issues.

Our solution? At FED, we use our experience to provide realistic timelines that you can rely on. We break the project down into clear milestones and regularly update you on progress. We use project scheduling tools and software to help track timelines, so you always know where things stand. We share weekly updates on the progress and schedule updates of the build to maintain real-time communication. Plus, we’re proactive about identifying potential risks early on, so we can avoid major delays before they happen.

Fixed Costs for Materials and Labor

When working on a large commercial project that spans several months or even years, the cost of materials and labor can fluctuate, which often raises concerns for owners about rising costs over time. To manage this, FED takes proactive steps by ordering long-lead items, such as the metal building package, early on. By doing so, we can lock in pricing for key materials. Additionally, we closely control the design process to ensure that it aligns with the building’s needs, and finalize the remaining costs once the design is complete.

Why Choose FED Design/Builders?

At FED, we take a proactive, transparent, and solution-focused approach to every project. By offering clear communication, careful planning, and attention to detail, we help commercial project owners manage their financial concerns with confidence. Our goal is to build trust and make sure your project stays on track, both financially and in terms of timeline, so you can focus on what matters most: a high-quality build and a successful business.

Call (989)246-9122 or email info@fedcorp.com to get started with FED. Whether you would like to talk through financial concerns or construction questions in general, we want to work with you!

At FED Design/Builders, we believe that great construction isn’t just about steel, concrete, and blueprints. It’s about the people who bring projects to life. As we celebrate Women in Construction Week, we want to recognize the incredible women on our team who play a vital role in shaping the success of every project we take on.

The Impact of Women at FED Design/Builders
Women in the construction industry bring expertise, leadership, and dedication to every stage of the process. From financial management to project coordination, marketing to human resources, these professionals ensure that projects stay on budget, operations run smoothly, and client relationships remain strong. At FED, we are proud to have a team of women who drive excellence in commercial construction.

Insights from the Women of FED
In honor of Women in Construction Week, we asked the talented women at FED Design/Builders to share their experiences and insights. Their words highlight the diversity of roles in the industry and the impact they make every day:
Breaking Stereotypes – “Break the stereotypes, be a leader, and be confident. The construction world needs every personality to complete a project.” – Rachael Worpell
Project Development – “The most rewarding part of my job is seeing projects come to life from an idea to a finished building that people use.” – Amanda Lambdin
Building Relationships – “The construction industry is all about relationships. I love being out in the community, sharing our team’s work, and helping businesses find the right building solutions.” – Mallory Soulliere
Financial Stewardship – “Financial management ensures that projects stay on budget, deadlines are met, and resources are used efficiently.” – Sarah Sisco
Employee Growth – “HR is about more than hiring. It is about mentoring employees, helping them grow, and ensuring they have a clear path to success.” – Laura Maveal
Marketing & Communication – “Our marketing efforts inform customers that they don’t need to settle for anything but an exceptional building experience. I also love sharing insights on our team; I think there is a lot of value in our customers knowing who they are working with beyond the surface level.” – Shania Hopkins
Embracing the Industry – “Embrace the unknown and be comfortable with not having all the answers. The construction industry has its own language, and that is perfectly fine. You will learn something new every day.” – Taylor Vasher
Continuous Learning – “Always be ready to learn from someone! Everyone has a different perspective: younger, older, more experienced, or less. The more of those you can store in your ‘databank,’ the more successful you can be.” – Alisha Grove
Recognizing Every Role – “Don’t be discouraged by the title ‘construction.’ There are many pieces to the puzzle that make up and run a construction company. Everyone from the receptionist to the field crew is what makes the construction industry successful.” – Lacy Woodruff
Shaping the Future – “Women belong in construction, and their skills, leadership, and innovation are essential to the industry’s future.” – Rheanon Blair

The Future of Women in Construction
The construction industry is evolving, and more women are stepping into leadership roles, breaking barriers, and redefining what it means to build. At FED Design/Builders, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment where all team members can thrive. As we celebrate Women in Construction Week, we extend our gratitude to the women who contribute their expertise, passion, and leadership to our projects. Their impact is felt in every building we construct, every client we serve, and every challenge we overcome together.

Are you interested in a career in construction? Whether in project management, administration, finance, marketing, or the field, there’s a place for you in this dynamic and rewarding industry. Join us in shaping the future of commercial construction!

Thank you to the women of FED Design/Builders – your hard work and dedication make all the difference!

Protecting Your Metal Building Through Michigan’s Harsh Conditions

Michigan’s unpredictable winter weather can be tough on commercial metal buildings. With heavy snowfall, sudden thaws, and ice buildup, it’s crucial to take preventative maintenance steps to protect your steel building. Regular upkeep extends the lifespan of your metal structure, prevents costly repairs, and ensures it remains energy-efficient throughout the season. Use this metal building maintenance checklist to keep your facility in top condition during harsh winter months.

Inspect the Roof Regularly
Clear off snow buildup safely using a roof rake or professional service to prevent overloading. If snow removal is necessary, remove approximately half the snow depth in a balanced pattern to prevent structural stress—progress from each end wall toward the center and clear snow from the eave toward the ridge.
Avoid metal shovels or scraping the roof down to the panel’s surface, as this can damage fasteners and lead to roof leaks.
Watch for ice dams along edges and gutters, which can cause leaks and structural damage. Use a rubber mallet to break thick ice, avoiding metal tools that might puncture the roof. Inspect the roof system for unusual deflections in frames, purlins, or joists.
Periodically check roof fasteners to ensure a proper seal and replace any that are missing, stripped, or broken.

Maintain Gutters and Drainage Systems
Keep gutters, downspouts, and roof drains clear to prevent water backup and ice formation.
Ice damming is more likely on the north side of a building and in shaded areas. Consider installing heat tape in gutters and downspouts to reduce ice buildup.
Walk the building exterior and repair any clogged or dislodged downspouts.
Ensure proper water drainage away from the building foundation to prevent erosion and structural issues.

Check Doors and Windows for Proper Sealing
Inspect weather stripping around doors and windows to prevent drafts and moisture infiltration.
Repair or replace damaged seals to maintain energy efficiency and reduce heating costs.
Remove ice buildup around doors to prevent warping or operational issues.

Assess Structural Integrity
Check for new dents, cracks, or shifts in the metal structure caused by ice expansion or heavy snow loads.
Tighten loose fasteners and bolts, as extreme temperature fluctuations can cause them to loosen over time.
Inspect metal flashing and sheeting lap joints to ensure a proper seal and prevent leaks.
Make sure all support beams and framing are in good condition.
Remove salt accumulation on base trims to prevent corrosion and rusting.

Prevent Condensation and Moisture Issues
Ensure insulation is in good shape to reduce condensation buildup inside the building.
Use dehumidifiers or proper ventilation systems to maintain interior moisture control.
Inspect metal surfaces for rust or corrosion and treat them immediately to extend the lifespan of your metal building.
Remove overhanging tree branches, as well as piles of leaves or pine needles, which can trap moisture and accelerate metal corrosion.

Check and Maintain Heating Systems
If your building has a heating system, ensure it’s running efficiently to prevent freezing issues.
Clear any obstructions around vents or exhaust areas to maintain airflow and ventilation.

Plan for Emergency Weather Events
Have a snow removal plan for driveways, entryways, and parking areas to keep the property safe and accessible.
Stock up on salt or sand to maintain non-slip walking surfaces around the building.
Watch for extreme deflections in the roof structure and listen for unusual noises when snow and ice accumulate.
If a roof leak occurs, address it immediately to prevent further damage and water infiltration.

Stay Proactive, Stay Protected
Following these commercial metal building maintenance guidelines, you can protect your steel structure from Michigan’s harsh winter conditions and maximize its longevity. Preventative maintenance saves money on future repairs and ensures your facility remains safe, energy-efficient, and fully operational.

If you need professional assistance with metal building upkeep, roof inspections, or structural repairs, FED Design/Builders is here to help.

Contact us today for expert advice and tailored solutions for your commercial building maintenance needs!

Our first quarterly all-staff meeting set the stage for an incredible year ahead.

These meetings are a great way to keep our team aligned with our goals and initiatives. This quarter, we focused heavily on teamwork. We kicked off the meeting by introducing our newest team members. It is exciting to see the growing number of employees attending each meeting as we expand our services for our customers. As we develop, we look forward to adding even more like-minded, driven individuals to the FED team.

 Once introductions were finished and everyone got the chance to enjoy a cup of coffee, we dove right into some high-energy team-building activities. These activities are always unique, thought-provoking, and fun. We broke out into separate teams, and our competitive nature came out as we collectively tried to build our projects with the hope of winning. Once all the projects were complete, we all came back together and reviewed our team’s work. We always vote on our favorite in a follow-up survey and announce winners at the next Wednesday morning meeting. We all enjoy working together on these activities and each team always strives to come in first. It’s quite the spectacle to witness.

Honoring our focus in teamwork, Brock also revealed this quarter’s Team Player award winners: Bobby McKowen (Office), Shawn Palmateer (Office & Field), and Brandon Bruner (Field). Congrats to all!

Last week, we gathered for our final all-staff meeting of the year, a meeting to reflect on our journey and look ahead to the future: facing forward. These meetings are always filled with energy—whether it’s team-building, updates from department heads, awards, or core value bonuses, every moment is designed to celebrate our progress and align us with our shared vision. But this time, there was something especially impactful about Brock’s company update.

Brock shared an inspiring vision for the future: to transform FED into a $100 million dollar company in the years to come. It’s not just about reaching a financial milestone, it’s about creating a company where every employee thrives, and every customer feels valued. We’ve put in the work—establishing clear policies, defining standards, setting key performance indicators, and refining our customer experience. Each of these steps is a building block to reaching that ambitious goal.

But what truly resonated during Brock’s address was his deeper WHY he wants FED to soar to these new heights. It’s not just about success in numbers—it’s about creating a culture and a legacy where our people, customers, and communities feel the power of what we’re building. Brock shared a vision of what it will feel like when we reach these milestones: a company that excels in business and uplifts and inspires everyone it touches.

As we move into the new year, we’re more ready than ever to meet the challenges ahead. With Brock’s leadership and our commitment, we are going to achieve every goal we’ve set, both as a company and as individuals. Together, we are on the path to something extraordinary, and we will continue to rise to the occasion, fueled by purpose, passion, and a shared belief in what’s possible.

The third all staff meeting was a great opportunity to gather and share our progress for the year and celebrate our wins. Each quarter we choose a theme for these meetings.

For our Q3 All Staff, we decided to celebrate our three core values: Quality, Integrity, and Customer Service

We kicked off the meeting with a team-building activity to get everyone awake and focused for the updates to follow. First, we were divided into five teams randomly, then each team was given a bag of materials to build a boat that had to race down the Cedar River. The rules were that we had to use every item in the bag, the boats needed to be named and inspired by our core values, and every team member needed to offer input on the design and construction of the boat. The first boat to cross the finish line was the winner. These team building events have the tendency to become very competitive and whoever wins carries bragging rights until our next activity. Each team brought their A-game. After a few twists and turns and even boats flipping over and colliding, Team 5 took the prize. Dustin and Iziac showed their commitment to the activity as they dove in to capture the boats when they neared the finish line.

After we celebrated the race winners, we all met at our warehouse, where each department gave an update on its progress towards their 2024 goals. Brock shared the Customer Engagement Model with the team as well, which highlights the entire journey each FED customer goes through. These meetings are the perfect place to bring up any questions and share new initiatives we are working on so everyone is aligned with our efforts. Each team member was gifted with fresh Core Value themed FED apparel to support our overall vision and company branding. We wrapped up the meeting with certificates of achievement, awards, and Core Value bonuses.

It’s always a pleasure to get the team together and celebrate our progress as a whole. Looking to join our team and experience the culture? Check out our open positions below.