Early 1950's
James Bouwman, son of Peter Bouwman, joined the company. Under his leadership, Wolverine was one of the first in West Michigan to construct buildings using pre-engineered steel.

1957
Wolverine Tile Company became Wolverine Building Products, Inc.

1958
The company was incorporated in Michigan on April 17th.

NEW LEADERSHIP

1973
Stan Cheff was hired as a Sales/Project Manager. At the time, Wolverine Building Products, Inc. consisted of 20 employees and produced about $17 million in volume a year.

Mid 1970's
Wolverine developed it's Design/Build capabilities and soon branched out into general contracting.

1980
Mike Kelly was hired after graduating from Ferris to head up Wolverine's drafting department.

1983
The word "Products" was dropped from the name and the company carried on as Wolverine Building, Inc.

Mid 1980's
Stan Cheff and Jeff Ridings join forces as the new owners of Wolverine Building, Inc. Under their leadership, Wolverine Building becomes the premier industrial builder in West Michigan.

1988
Dick VanderZyden is hired as a Project Manager.

A TIME FOR EXPANSION - The 1990's

1993
In 1993,Wolverine Construction Management was developed under the leadership of Stan Cheff. This division was created to provide construction management services with a focus on the healthcare, education, and institutional markets.

1995
The Wolverine companies acquired Fryling Construction as a means of diversification. Fryling brought with it an established reputation as one of the premier multi-unit and commercial retail builders in West Michigan.

1997
Dick VanderZyden was named President of the Wolverine Construction Management division.

1998
The company becomes Wolverine Building Group with a new logo and a new location as we moved to our current corporate headquarters at 4045 Barden SE in Kentwood.

THE COMPANY TODAY

2001
Mike Kelly and Richard VanderZyden took on the ownership of Wolverine Building Group and continue to lead its success.

2002
Joe Ypma is the first employee to celebrate 50 years of employment. Joe began working for Fryling Construction after graduating from High School in 1952. Through his career he has served Fryling Construction and Wolverine Building Group as a knowledgeable field employee and Superintendent as well as a mentor for many employees.

2006
Wolverine Building Group announced a fourth division, created in response to clients' requests for our staff to follow them outside of the Michigan area. Wolverine North America has been established to provide program management and construction services throughout the nation.