News + Insights

Meet MaryAnn Mandel, assistant project manager, Associate of Construction Management – Oakland Community College. "Women in construction tend to be underrepresented, especially when working in the field. It takes patience and effort to garner the respect of fellow trade contractors.

Meet Marissa Alverson, safety coordinator at Rockford, Bachelor of Science Occupational Health & Safety – Grand Valley State University. "There is a misconception that construction jobs are too strenuous for women and that we are not capable of performing in this industry. However, there are so many different jobs in this industry that women excel at, such as drywaller, electrician, plumber, welder, engineer, architect, safety – just to name a few. Companies need to be more conscientious of advertising to both men and women. The skills and talent of a construction worker shouldn’t be based on their gender but their willingness to be a team player, learn and lead.

In February 2023, job openings in construction jumped by 129,000. However, despite the number of available jobs, the industry continues to have a labor shortage. This shortage is expected to continue into 2024, and it is estimated that 342,000 new workers

STEM curriculum is at the forefront of district, educator, and parent minds. While the emphasis on these programs is not novel, how education space facilitates STEM learning and teaching has become the subject of scrutiny.A recent study suggests that the f

The West Michigan Construction Institute (WMCI) offers training, education and national certification for students interested in a career in construction. WMCI provides both classroom and hands-on learning, connecting students with industry experts. This s

Rockford has long been committed to diversity, equity and inclusion in the construction industry throughout West Michigan. As leaders in DEI, we have established several intentional programs and initiatives that support an array of underrepresented populations, including our flagship program, Dimensions, which we launched in 2017.

Construction ProcessThe design of the Complex was inspired by the refraction that occurs when light hits water. The 46,287 sq. ft. building will consist of concrete foundations, precast wall panels, precast roof double T’s that are 97’ long and weigh 120,0

Anchoring the end of Monroe Center, GRAM has been key to the transformation of the once neglected street. Since the city’s founding, Monroe Avenue has unofficially served as Grand Rapids’ main street, seeing much transformation including the Monroe Avenue

Alex Beck has always been a problem solver. Since he was a kid, he loved completing puzzles, taking things apart to see how they worked and putting them back together again. From those curious roots, Beck has come to work at Rockford Construction after beginning his career as a mechanical engineer.

Designing and building a new K-12 athletic facility requires careful planning and consideration to ensure functionality, safety and sustainability. Athletic facilities are significantly more complex to construct than typical classrooms and common spaces, and partnering early with an experienced construction manager can make all the difference in your project outcome.

From hospitals to research labs, pharmacies, dental facilities and more, engaging a design-build professional at the onset of a project significantly benefits the project owner. A design-build approach results in added value through collectively working wi

A career in construction is one that can be extremely rewarding, as the building process allows workers to see concepts brought to fruition while having an impact on the community. However, the field can also be challenging. Like many jobs that involve physical labor, construction firms focus on safety and protecting their team members from physical injuries. Now, more companies like Rockford are taking steps to help construction workers with their mental health as well.