Author: Shania

Some lessons are learned in the boardroom. Others are learned 30 feet in the air, balancing steel in unpredictable weather with a crew that becomes more like a family. For Shawn Palmateer, Field Administrator at FED Design/Builders, every day on the job has been part of a 26-year journey shaped by grit, mentorship, and the relentless drive to grow.

Here are 10 lessons from Shawn, a veteran builder, loyal teammate, and leader who knows that technical skill means nothing without heart.

1. Fear Fades, Learning Lasts
When Shawn first heard he’d be working on the “red iron” crew, he thought he’d be handling glowing, molten steel. It turned out the “red” referred to primer, not temperature — but the moment stuck. “That was my first ‘aha’ moment,” he laughs. It’s a reminder that fear often comes from not understanding, and learning is the antidote.

2. Love What You Do and It Won’t Feel Like Work
One of the most important truths Shawn has discovered is that when you truly love what you do, it doesn’t feel like a job. “Of course there are tough days,” he says. “But when you put your heart and soul into something, the reward isn’t just the finished project — it’s the pride in how you got there.”

3. Field Life Is Built on Brotherhood
Ask anyone in construction and they’ll tell you: it’s more than just coworkers out there. The bonds formed between field crew members are like a second family. “Saying goodbye to a teammate is never easy,” Shawn says. “This is a rare breed of people. There’s a deep respect that comes from doing hard things together.”

4. Leaders Attract — and Create — Positivity
In his early years at FED, Shawn worked under exceptional leaders who shaped how he leads today. “People naturally gravitate toward positive leaders,” he reflects. “I try to be someone others want to follow — not because of my title, but because of how I carry myself.”

5. Great Teams Build Great People
Shawn credits much of his growth to being surrounded by quality people. “When you work with great teammates, you can’t help but become better yourself.” Whether you’re teaching or learning, every moment on a job site is a chance to grow through collaboration.

6. There’s Always More to Learn
Even after mastering the craft of steel erection, Shawn learned a humbling truth: technical mastery is just one part of the puzzle. “I used to think I had it figured out. Then I stepped into the technical side and realized how much I didn’t know.” Curiosity and humility have kept his career evolving.

7. Teamwork Is the Only Way It All Comes Together
A project isn’t just about who’s on-site. It’s about who schedules deliveries, coordinates equipment, manages logistics, and ensures safety. “It takes everyone doing their part, perfectly, for things to run smooth,” Shawn says. “I have deep respect for every role that makes it work.”

“It feels good to know your own skills are sharp. But it feels even better to know you helped build a team where everyone thrives.”

8. Weather Is Unpredictable. Your Attitude Shouldn’t Be.
You can’t control the weather, and field crews know this all too well. “Mother Nature can turn a normal job into a grind real quick,” Shawn says. “But no matter what the skies throw at you, you show up ready and focused. That’s the job.”

9. You Can’t Teach Passion, But You Can Lead with It
What Shawn values most in a teammate isn’t just skill — it’s passion. “You can train people on technique, but you can’t train drive. That’s something you’ve got to bring with you.” His leadership style focuses on modeling that same energy every day.

10. The Greatest Success Is Building Something Bigger Than Yourself
For Shawn, personal pride matters — but being part of a winning team matters more. “It feels good to know your own skills are sharp. But it feels even better to know you helped build a team where everyone thrives.” That, he says, is the real win.

Closing Thought
From steel beams to strong teams, Shawn Palmateer’s 26 years at FED are a testament to what happens when experience meets integrity. His lessons aren’t found in textbooks. They’re forged through early mornings, hard weather, shared laughter, and unshakable commitment.

As we continue our 45 Lessons for 45 Years series, Shawn reminds us: growth doesn’t come from knowing everything. It comes from staying open, showing up, and never forgetting where you started.

After 45 years in business, FED Design/Builders knows success is built on more than quality buildings. It’s built on leadership that adapts, evolves, and never stops learning. Brock Dennings, FED’s President, shares five lessons that shape how he leads the company into the future.

1. Work-Life Balance Is Not Optional, It’s Essential.
“As much as I love my career, it holds no value without my family,” Brock says. This mindset has shaped how he leads not only himself but his team. He knows the hard truth: nobody will remember the extra email you sent at 8 PM, but your spouse and kids will remember whether you showed up for them. Brock works hard to set the expectation that while work matters, it should never cost you the most important parts of life. He admits it is not always perfect. Some days pull harder than others. However, striving to be present and encouraging his team to do the same is a non-negotiable value at FED.

2. Perception Is Reality, Always.
Brock has learned “If a customer feels like something is incorrect or could be improved, then that is the reality.” It doesn’t matter how we think we are performing or what facts we feel back up a scenario. If a client is concerned, their concern is valid, and it demands action. At FED, this lesson drives a relentless focus on communication, responsiveness, and exceeding expectations.

3. Quality Leadership Begins With Your Thoughts.
One of the most pivotal lessons Brock learned came from his mentor, Brandon Dawson: “What you think is what you say, what you say is what you do, and what you do becomes your legacy.” This mindset changed everything. It forced Brock to realize leadership is not just about reacting to problems. It’s about proactively setting the tone through every thought, word, and action. Staying intentional, forward-looking, and clear-minded isn’t a side task for a leader. It’s the primary focus.

“What you think is what you say, what you say is what you do, and what you do becomes your legacy.”

– Brandon Dawson

4. Growth Is a Lifelong Journey, There’s No Finish Line.
Every time Brock feels like he is finally hitting a leadership stride, the world throws a new curveball. Markets shift. Teams grow. Challenges change. Instead of seeing this as a setback, Brock sees it for what it is: proof that real leadership demands constant evolution. “I’ve learned so much,” he says, “and it still feels like just the beginning. Every day is a new opportunity to learn and grow.” Leading FED means embracing the truth that every day brings a new opportunity to improve.

5. Revenue Looks Good, but Profit Keeps Business Moving
Through all the market conditions over the last 45 years, one lesson has proven itself again and again: Revenue is vanity, and profit is sanity. Flashy revenue numbers might look good in headlines, but they do not build sustainable businesses. Profitability, flexibility, and smart reaction to changing conditions are the true markers of continued success. Brock knows it’s not about chasing every dollar. It’s about building a strong business no matter what the economy throws at it.

Closing Thought:
At FED Design/Builders, leadership isn’t a title. It’s a daily commitment to be better, think bigger, and never lose sight of what truly matters. As we celebrate 45 years of success, these lessons from Brock remind us that the real foundation of FED’s future is built one decision, one relationship, and one day at a time. Stay tuned for the remaining 40 lessons we will be sharing from our team!

PEMBs are Cost-effective
PEMBs are the most cost-effective way to maximize your square footage and expand your business. Compared to traditional construction methods, these structures offer unmatched durability, flexibility, and affordability. Whether you need a new facility, an expansion to your current building, or a custom build, PEMBs provide a streamlined and efficient solution that meets your business’s growing needs.

“From design and procurement to supply and erection, we handle it all.”
Jeremy Dicken | FED Vice President

Benefits of Single Source Management

One of the most significant advantages of partnering with FED Design/Builders for your metal building project is our ability to oversee every stage of the process. From design and procurement to supply and erection, we handle it all. This comprehensive approach eliminates delays, miscommunications, and the complications often associated with coordinating multiple parties. Many customers experience these issues when they rely on separate contractors for their steel orders and on-site work, but with FED, everything is managed in-house. As a result, your project stays on track, helping you operationalize your business faster.

Choosing FED as your General Contractor (GC) for your steel structure provides significant advantages. As your GC, we have complete control over the timing and delivery of your steel, eliminating the need for subcontractors and ensuring a smoother, more efficient process. Often, customers hire an architect who designs based on their vision, but without considering the budget or material costs. This can lead to customers paying for designs they can’t afford to build. At FED, we prioritize understanding your budget first and then develop a design that works within it. Our approach saves both time and money for our customers.

Trusted Partnerships That Deliver Results

Our strong industry partnerships play a critical role in delivering high-quality metal buildings. We collaborate with trusted U.S.-based steel providers like Chief Buildings to ensure that every project benefits from the latest advancements in steel construction. As Chris Bayer, Chief Buildings District Manager, states:

“We believe in the power of collaboration and shared values. By teaming up with FED, we’ve created an environment prioritizing collaboration, problem-solving, and continuous growth. The result is successful projects and satisfied customers, leading to mutual success. This strong business relationship is critical for navigating the ever-evolving construction market in Michigan, ensuring we stay ahead of the curve and continue to deliver exceptional results.” – Chief Buildings

Why Choose FED Design/Builders?

• Expertise in PEMB Design & Construction: We understand the unique challenges and benefits of PEMBs, ensuring your project is executed with precision.
• Single-Source Accountability: With FED handling everything from design to completion, there’s no miscommunication between contractors or supply chain delays.
• Strong Supplier Relationships: Our trusted partnerships ensure high-quality materials and competitive pricing.
• Efficiency & Speed: We streamline the process and deliver projects faster by eliminating unnecessary third-party coordination.
• Commitment to Excellence: Our core values, Quality, Integrity, and Customer Service are at the heart of every project we undertake.

Let’s Build Your Future Together

If you’re considering a Pre-Engineered Metal Building for your next project, partner with FED Design/Builders to experience the benefits of a streamlined, cost-effective, and expertly managed construction process. Contact us today to discuss your vision.

At FED Design/Builders, we take immense pride in not only constructing buildings but also building relationships and supporting our community. This fundraiser serves as a special initiative that embodies our commitment to those who make FED successful: the members of our team.

One of our valued team members, Justin Morris, has been integral to our FED family for 4 years. He started in the company as a site supervisor, directing the on-site contractors in daily operations and forging relationships with our team and local contractors. Through his continued desire for learning and growth, he moved into a role as a project manager in 2021. He now has a great understanding of the site supervisors and subcontractors he manages and we often get glowing remarks from customers on their experience working with him. Justin’s dedication, expertise, and unwavering commitment continues to create a positive impact on our projects and for that we are incredibly grateful. Justin is a peacemaker, and in our office full of drivers, he can seem quieter than the rest. However, his work ethic and genuineness stand out. He has been an invaluable member of not just our team, but also our community.

As life sometimes presents its challenges, Justin and his family are facing a difficult time. Justin’s wife, Stephanee, has recently been diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma with a possible invasion in her bones and lymph nodes. Stephanee is just as much part of the FED team as Justin. Whenever we have a potluck at work, we all count on her chocolate chip cookies – they are unmatched! Justin and Stephanee have 2 young kids (3 and 6) and made the impossible decision to pick up and move to Arizona for treatment. The costs of this treatment will be over $140,000. This cost, topped with their everyday bills and living expenses in AZ, is another worry. Steph and Justin are radiating positivity and focusing on getting through this, and we want to help them however we can.

Join us as we stack up support for Justin & Stephanee through hosting a Pancake Fundraiser on May 19, 2024 at the Gladwin Arena. This event is not just about flipping flapjacks and enjoying a delicious breakfast with your family and friends. It is about coming together as a community to uplift one of our own. Whether you’ve worked alongside them on a construction site, crossed paths in the neighborhood, or simply appreciate their dedication to excellence, your presence at this fundraiser will make a meaningful difference.

The Pancake Fundraiser will be a morning filled with delicious food, camaraderie, and, most importantly, a sense of unity as we stand with the Morris family. In addition to enjoying a hearty breakfast, attendees will have the opportunity to contribute to the fundraiser through donations, with all proceeds going directly to support the Morris family.

We understand that not everyone may be able to attend the event in person, but your support in any form is greatly appreciated. Whether it’s spreading the word, making a donation, or simply keeping the Morris family in your thoughts, every gesture of kindness goes a long way in making a difference.

WHEN: May 19, 2024 8:30AM-11:30AM

WHERE: Gladwin Community Arena

ADMISSION:
$20 for adults
$7 Ages 10-4
FREE – 3 and under

At FED Design/Builders, we firmly believe in the power of community and the importance of supporting one another through life’s ups and downs. Together, let’s pour on the syrup, flip some pancakes, and most importantly, show our support for a cherished member of our FED family. See you at the Pancake Fundraiser!

Everyone was all smiles at our first quarterly FED all-staff meeting for 2024.

We enjoy getting the entire team in one room every quarter and think it is a fundamental part of maintaining and improving our communication as a company between all our trades and departments. It gives the team a chance to share their team wins, progress, and upcoming initiatives to fuel the growth of FED. As usual, we started the morning with a team-building exercise that prepared everyone for the rest of the agenda. Each team presented their ideas as a group, and we were not disappointed in the creativity showcased by everyone.

We followed the team building with a company update from our President, Brock Dennings. He shared his most significant takeaways from the previous quarter and our vision for the upcoming quarters. He takes great pride in ensuring the entire team can see where we are heading and how each of us is a critical player in getting there. Following the company address, each department head gave an update on their department’s performance last quarter and their plans to level up their departments in the upcoming year. It’s great to have this visibility of what every department is working on, as we often don’t realize everything our team is tackling as we focus on our tasks and contributions that drive the success and growth of FED.

At the end of the company updates, Brock presented awards to the team, including our safety person of the year, Billy Cutchall, for his outstanding performance in ensuring our job site safety compliance and promoting safety culture throughout FED. We also gifted our crew with their Core Value bonuses. These are great to incentivize and maintain FED’s strong culture, which bases all decisions around our core values and ensures employee alignment. Another set of awards was gifted to the top performers within each department to show our appreciation to those who went above and beyond in 2023 to boost their success and that of the teams around them.

It was a great experience, and we can’t wait to hear from our entire team again at the next quarterly all-staff meeting.