Springfield Roofing Named Back-to-Back Michigan Platinum Contractor of the Year by Duro-Last®

Written by weekszmacMay 14, 2025

For Immediate Release

KINGSLEY, MICH. — Springfield Roofing, a leading commercial roofing contractor provider in Michigan, is proud to announce it has been recognized for the second year in a row as the Duro-Last® Michigan Platinum Contractor of the Year.

This back-to-back recognition cements Springfield’s position as Michigan’s top-performing Duro-Last installer for flat, low-sloped, and metal retrofit commercial and industrial roofing systems.

“We are honored to receive the Michigan Duro-Last Platinum Contractor of the Year award for the second consecutive year,” said Nick Jacqmain, President and CEO of Springfield Roofing. “This milestone is a direct reflection of our team’s drive for excellence and commitment to quality. We’re on track to have our best year yet, and we’ve got some incredible projects in the works. The momentum is real – and we’re just getting started.”

In addition to this statewide honor, Springfield was recognized earlier this year at the Duro-Last National Sales Seminar with Both the Platinum Contractor and Chairman Awards, solidifying its reputation as a top-tier commercial roofing contractor nationwide.

“Year after year, Duro-Last contractors raise the bar for the commercial roofing industry,” said Jason Dark, Vice President of Commercial Operations at Duro-Last. “Springfield Roofing continues to exemplify what it means to lead with quality, integrity, and outstanding service. It’s a privilege to recognize them once again for their exceptional work.”

About Springfield Roofing

With over 30 years of experience, Springfield Roofing is a trusted leader in commercial roofing services across Michigan. From flat roofs and low-sloped roofing systems to metal retrofit roofs, Springfield’s expert crew deliver durable, energy-efficient solutions tailored to Michigan’s climate. Based in Kingsley, Springfield proudly serves businesses across Traverse City, Cadillac, Gaylord, Petoskey, Big Rapids, and surrounding areas – installing long-lasting Duro-Last® roofing systems. For more information call 231.263.5300 or visit springfieldroof.com.

About Duro-Last

Duro-Last is a leading manufacturer of custom-fabricated thermoplastic single-ply roofing systems based in Saginaw, Michigan, with seven manufacturing locations across the United States. Known as the “World’s Best Roof®,” Duro-Last is the world’s largest manufacturer of custom-fabricated, thermoplastic single-ply roofing systems. Factory controlled custom-fabrication can eliminate up to 85% of field seams, resulting in lower on-site labor costs and easier installation. Duro-Last’s roofing systems are sustainable and durable. More than two billion square feet of Duro-Last membrane has been installed throughout North America. Duro-Last is a division of Holcim Solutions and Products US, LLC. For more information on Duro-Last, call 888.301.7712 or visit www.duro-last.com.

CONTACT INFORMATION
Springfield Roofing
McKenzie Weeks
231.263.5300
mckenzie@springfieldroof.com

The Value of Apprenticeships for Small Businesses

Written by SpringfieldMay 20, 2024

*Article originally published in Small Business Association of Michigan’s May/June 2024 FOCUS magazine.

Every business owner knows the drill: hiring is hard. This rings especially true in the trades, where finding skilled labor feels like searching for a needle in a haystack.

At Springfield Commercial Roofing, our journey to attract the right talent has not only been exhaustive but inventive. From creative billboard campaigns to boosting job board postings, we’ve left no stone unturned in our recruitment efforts. Despite our best attempts, the uniqueness of commercial roofing has often been overshadowed by the likes of higher education and more mainstream career paths – much like many of the trades.

About five years ago, this predicament led Springfield to a pivotal moment in transitioning from traditional hiring strategies – a hiring headache in which we simply couldn’t find any relief. Springfield partnered with Northwest Michigan Works, a beacon for businesses across the state seeking to recruit and retain a solid workforce. This collaboration marked the inception of Michigan’s (and that nation’s!) first commercial roofing apprenticeship program.

Recognized by the United States Department of Labor, this apprenticeship program is designed as a five-level system, where apprentices begin at level one and can work their way to foreman by level five. Specific tasks and skill sets are associated at each level and completed at the apprentice’s pace. Importantly, compensation is aligned with each level mastered, ensuring a fair and motivating pathway to professional growth.

This article not only shares an innovative approach to recruitment and retention but serves as a compelling case for why businesses should consider establishing an apprentice program.

Value and Benefits of Apprenticeships

The advantage of apprenticeships lies in creating a symbiotic relationship between employees and the employers. When implemented effectively, they align the growth and skill advancement of employees with the business’s profitability, leading to enhanced efficiency and consequently, increase profitability. Beyond this mutually beneficial partnership, there are many advantages for the employees and employers respectively.

From a Candidate's Perspective

Paid Education. One of the biggest selling points of an apprenticeship program is that it is a paid program. Unlike having to take out a high-interest education-related loan, or pay dues to be a part of something, apprentices are typically paid throughout their training.
Universal Skill Set. The good thing about apprenticeships is they offer value beyond a particular industry or trade. Many skill sets learned through apprenticeships can be applied to several settings, and more importantly, can be used anywhere in the United States. For example, a Springfield employee, who has been with the company for over 15 years, started his career in residential trades and after two years of commercial training, he is now a foreman!
Maintain an Active Lifestyle. It is no secret that trade work can be demanding on your body. Thankfully, there have been many tools developed to alleviate these pains. Coupled with these tools, apprenticeships and careers in the trades are a fantastic way to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle – rather than being sedentary.
Empowerment. Apprenticeship accreditation makes candidates feel empowered. The truth is the field needs employees more than employees need the field. Depending on an apprentice’s willingness to learn, compensation will follow and increase as the skill set increases.

From a Business Owner's Perspective

Build a Foundation of Good People. Apprenticeship programs help build a committed workforce by allowing businesses to identify and nurture dedicated talent. This process effectively filters out those less suited, enabling business owners to focus on growing individuals who are genuinely engaged and motivated.
Employee Retention. Investing in an employee’s professional growth can translate into building a stronger, more committed team, reducing turnover rates. Apprenticeships can foster a sense of loyalty and belonging among coworkers as they develop their skills within a company.
Perceived Size. By having a formal apprenticeship program, your organization displays a level of organizational and professional maturity that shows you are building for the future.

Common Misconceptions

Apprentice Programs Take Too Much Work

There is a common misconception that apprentice programs can be laborious and resource-intensive, often overshadowing a vital truth: your team already harbors the knowledge and expertise – it just might not be written.

At Springfield, our venture into formalizing a program revealed the challenge of capturing tribal knowledge within our team. While a seemingly large task, it fostered an environment for innovation. The team documented our processes and enhanced our workforce development approach, paving the way for continuous improvement and growth.

Additionally, there are many resources and materials already available in your industry – adjust them to fit your business needs. Reach out to your vendors, partners, and network to see what exists so that you do not need to reinvent the wheel.

Apprenticeships Take Too Long to Complete

It’s crucial to manage expectations regarding the pace of progression through an apprentice program. Typically, there is no deadline to complete the program and allows for the apprentice to transition through levels at their own pace. The challenge is ensuring that an apprentice doesn’t get too comfortable at a certain level and is not progressing.

Transparency and communication about the program’s duration helps set realistic goals and move through the program. It’s important to establish a series of mini goals, making the journey more manageable and rewarding. This approach not only clarifies the commitment needed but also helps apprentices celebrate incremental achievements, keeping motivation high throughout the program.

Where to Begin

Establishing any formal program can seem like a daunting task. When you are looking to attract talent and get job seekers to consider your business, it can seem even scarier.

Steps to Get Started:

Define Your Goals and Needs

In this process, you will want to identify any skill gaps that are hard to find and work to establish them in the program. These goals and needs should directly correlate with your long-term business goals.

Research Regulations in Your Trade or Industry

Not only do business owners have specific skill sets and requirements they look for in recruiting and training, but apprenticeship programs are also subject to national and local regulations. Look into industry associations, legal entities representing your industry, and determine what jurisdiction your program might fall under.

Develop the Framework

First, determine who is spearheading the apprenticeship on the leadership team. Ideally, this team member should have gone through the program (even if not formalized) and serve as a mentor to future apprentices. Then, determine the structure of the apprenticeship. This might include on-the-job training, technical certifications or instruction, and the duration. Define what skill sets and competencies apprentices should complete by the end of the program.

Partner with Resources

Once you feel comfortable with your framework, reach out to your local Michigan Works liaison. They will review your program, help you find and fill the gaps in relation to federal requirements, and assist in the completion of the necessary paperwork. Additionally, they can help you find grants and other funding sources to help support your program.

Launch Your Program

Once you’ve implemented your program, kick it off internally for current employees and externally for new candidates. Regularly assess the program for its overall effectiveness. Be ready to adjust based on feedback. Do not forget to recognize apprentices as they complete sections of the program.

Establishing apprenticeships and other related programs will identify and separate employers who are serious about retention and growing their workforce. Corporations nationwide have been mastering higher education reimbursement for decades. It is time for small businesses and the trades to follow suit.

About the Author

Nick Jacqmain is the CEO and President of Springfield Commercial Roofing and Transport. Nick joined the Springfield team in the fall of 2009 as a project manager. He purchased the business in January 2018. Nick graduated from Central Michigan University in 2007 with a bachelor’s degree in business administration and sports management. He is originally from Freeland, MI and lives in the Traverse City area with his wife, Audrey, and three kids, William, Henry, and Penelope. Springfield is a Duro-Last Platinum Contractor who installs commercial roofs of all sizes. Additionally, Springfield transports heavy equipment and materials. In 2023, Springfield opened its second location in Big Rapids, Michigan to better serve the central Michigan community. To learn more about Springfield, visit springfieldroof.com.

Springfield Named Duro-Last Michigan Platinum Contractor of the Year

Written by admin-359123210April 30, 2024

Home » News, Awards, Events

Springfield Named Duro-Last Michigan Platinum Contractor of the Year

KINGSLEY, Mich. – Springfield Commercial Roofing, a leader in flat, low-sloped, and metal retrofit roofing in Michigan, has been named the first-ever Duro-Last Michigan Platinum Contractor of the Year.

This award recognizes Springfield as a top commercial roofing contractor in Michigan, known for using Duro-Last membrane systems on commercial and industrial buildings.

“We’re honored to receive this award,” said Nick Jacqmain, President and CEO of Springfield. “It reflects our team’s commitment to quality, customer service, and continuous improvement. As we look ahead, we’re focused on setting even higher standards.”

Earlier this year, Springfield also received the Duro-Last Platinum Contractor and Chairman Awards at the Duro-Last National Sales Seminar.

“Springfield leads by example,” said Jason Dark, Duro-Last Vice President of Sales. “Their dedication to quality workmanship and exceptional service makes them a standout among commercial roofing contractors. We’re proud to recognize their success and look forward to seeing what they accomplish next.”

About Springfield Commercial Roofing and Transport

For over 30 years, Springfield Commercial Roofing and Transport has been a nationally recognized, locally trusted source of commercial roofing, building maintenance and repairs, and transport services provider. Springfield has built a reputation for its unwavering commitment to quality and customer satisfaction through its team of experts and Michigan-made Duro-Last products. For more information about Springfield, call 231.263.5300 or visit their website at www.springfieldroof.com.

About Duro-Last

Duro-Last is a leading manufacturer of custom-fabricated thermoplastic single-ply roofing systems based in Saginaw, Michigan, with seven manufacturing locations across the United States. Known as the “World’s Best Roof®,” Duro-Last is the world’s largest manufacturer of custom-fabricated, thermoplatic single-ply roofing systems. Factory controlled custom-fabrication can eliminate up to 85% of field seams, resulting in lower on-site labor costs and easier installation. Duro-Last’s roofing systems are sustainable and durable. More than two billion square feet of Duro-Last membrane has been installed throughout North America. Duro-Last is a division of Holcim Solutions and Products US, LLC. For more information on Duro-Last, call 888.301.7712 or visit www.duro-last.com.

Nick Jacqmain, CEO of Springfield Commercial Roofing in Traverse City, Michigan

On Top of Northern Michigan with Nick Jacqmain of Springfield Roofing

Written by SpringfieldSeptember 12, 2023

As seen in the September 2023 issue of the Traverse City Business News.

Finding the right commercial roofing contractor in Traverse City, Michigan isn’t always easy. Commercial roofs rarely get attention until something goes wrong, and by then the cost and stress can be significant. Springfield Roofing has spent years changing that experience for business owners across Northern Michigan, from Traverse City and Petoskey to Cadillac and beyond.

We sat down with Nick Jacqmain, CEO and President of Springfield Commercial Roofing, to talk about how they approach commercial roof replacement, what makes their process different, and why they recently expanded to serve Central Michigan from a second location in Big Rapids.

What to Expect When You Start a Commercial Roofing Project

Whether you manage a manufacturing facility, a school, or an office building, you probably don’t spend much time thinking about your roof. And that’s completely normal.

“It’s not exciting, and they only notice it if it’s not working properly,” Nick says. “It’s sort of like that referee in a sports game: you only notice them if they’re doing a bad job.”

That mindset shapes how Springfield approaches every new client relationship. Rather than adding to the anxiety of a major building expense, the team focuses on bringing clarity and calm to the process.

“Customers don’t need help to get excited during that process. They’re already worried about it,” Nick explains. “So we hope to bring the temperature down and explain what the future is going to look like and how positive that will be for them. They’re not as interested in our company’s history. They want to know what the finish line looks like and the fastest route to get there.”

Why Springfield Focuses Exclusively on Commercial Roofing

Springfield’s decision to specialize entirely in commercial work is intentional and sets them apart from most roofing contractors in Northern Michigan.

“Before my time here we did more residential work,” Nick says. “As the former owner grew the company and secured more and more commercial accounts, it became hard to be competitive in both arenas.”

Today, Springfield’s systems and processes are built around commercial applications. Their model focuses on building relationships through repair work on existing roofs, then handling full replacement when the time comes.

“We build most of our relationships by doing repair work on existing roofs until it is time to replace the roof with a new one. This model has helped us align ourselves with the right customers and growth opportunities,” Nick says.

Springfield also identified a natural extension of that commercial focus into equipment transport, helping customers with the delivery of heavy equipment like forklifts and scissor lifts to commercial facilities and job sites.

Expanding Commercial Roofing Services to Central Michigan

In 2023, Springfield opened a second location in Big Rapids to better serve the Central Michigan market, a region Nick says has been underserved for years.

“We’ve been servicing central Michigan for years, and while we have some significant clients down there, the area as a whole is underserved,” he says.

The expansion was also about community investment, not just market reach.

“We really want to not only service the area but invest in it, too, by bringing jobs to the area, supporting local events, organizations, and nonprofits, and giving back to our customers and the communities they live and work in.”

Where Springfield Roofing Works: Traverse City and Northern Michigan

While Traverse City and the surrounding Northern Michigan region remain the heart of Springfield’s business, their crews work well beyond that footprint.

“Seventy-five percent of our business is between Cadillac and the Harbor Springs/Petoskey area,” Nick says, “but we do have crews working in Lapeer, a big client in Lansing, and a project coming up on Mackinac Island.”

That reach reflects both the strength of their client relationships and their ability to handle projects of any size, from a small local business to a large regional facility.

The Culture Behind Springfield's Commercial Roofing Team

Nick is candid about the labor challenges that have affected the construction industry broadly, and about what Springfield has done differently to attract and keep good people.

“Like most businesses, it was at a crisis level for a while there,” he says. “But we learned we had to improve everything over the past two years. Not just raise hourly wages and throw money at a problem, but make this a desirable place to spend the day-to-day.”

That commitment to culture runs deeper than compensation. Nick credits Springfield’s former owner, Terry, with establishing a workplace philosophy that treats every team member equally, regardless of whether they work in the field or the office.

“Unfortunately in construction, there’s a tendency to put people in two classes: the workers and the office people. Terry did a wonderful job erasing that line, and I’ve made it my goal to ensure we continue that legacy.”

Nick describes his leadership approach as servant leadership, a philosophy shaped by mentors throughout his career and one he actively works to pass on.

“The only people who don’t make it here are those who just don’t get that.”

Ready to Talk About Your Commercial Roof in Northern Michigan?

Springfield Roofing serves commercial property owners throughout Northern and Central Michigan, including Traverse City, Petoskey, Cadillac, Charlevoix, Gaylord, and Big Rapids.

If you’re ready to start the conversation about your commercial roof, we’ll make the process straightforward. Request a free roof assessment or call us at (231) 263-5300.

Nick Jacqmain is the CEO and President of Springfield Commercial Roofing and Transport. He joined the Springfield team in 2009 as a project manager and purchased the business in January 2018. Springfield is a Duro-Last Platinum Contractor serving commercial properties of all sizes across Michigan.

In The News: Roofing Contractor Magazine

Written by admin-359123210November 30, 2020

Springfield was recently featured in Roofing Contractor Magazine as a model of success for commercial roofing in Michigan. Roofing Contractor Magazine is the Official Publication of the International Roofing Expo^®.

In the article “Contractor Profile: Springfield. Key Partnerships and Treating Customers’ Problems as Their Own are Secrets to Success for This Michigan Commercial Roofer” Roofing Contractor Magazine took the time to understand and highlight some of the keys to our success over the years.

The article provides some concrete examples of

Partnership with our clients,

“We create partnerships by taking a proactive approach with their buildings and putting their best interests first,” Jacqmain said. “We call it ‘sitting on the same side of the table as them’ and treating their problems like they are our own, and then solving them.”

and vendors.

Duro-Last also inspects the company’s roofs once they’re installed. Jacqmain said every roof Springfield installs is inspected twice by its technicians before Duro-Last takes a look. This earned its crews an average 99 out of 100 inspection score, placing it in the top 3% in the country.

The value in having the right people,

“That servant leadership has helped us attract and retain great people,” Jacqmain said. “One of our employees that has been here for 20 years was involved with replacing a roof that he installed 20 years ago. That speaks to the trust that we have built with the client and the culture that we have built to retain employees.”

as part of a plan for surviving the tough times.

“Focusing on service, roof repairs and maintenance, is critical,” he said. “When new construction and reroofs slow down during a recession, having a strong service department can pull you through.”

Read the full article online at Roofing Contractor Magazine, including a video interview Nick Jacqmain gave to the publication’s Chris Gray.

If you need commercial roofing in Michigan, (expert repair or replacement) give us a call today!

The National Safety Stand-Down: May 6-10

Written by admin-359123210April 22, 2019

The week of May 6-10, 2019 will be the sixth National Safety Stand-Down, coinciding with NAOSH Safety Week. Second only to highway crashes, falls are the leading cause of workplace fatalities. Falls are the leading cause of construction deaths. The sad reality is that these deaths are preventable.

What is the Safety Stand-Down?

OSHA is promoting a voluntary event to allow employers to take time to talk with employees about fall safety. The National Safety Council (NSC) also wants to remind you that all industries can conduct a stand-down.

Who can participate?

While the primary focus of this event is construction falls, (the largest sector of work-related fall fatalities), we would like to remind you that fatal falls frequently happen in agricultural, manufacturing, and transportation industries too. The fall height of these deaths surprises many.

In 2015, 16.9% of all fatal falls were from a height of 10 feet or less.

Your company is not too small. In previous years, roughly half of the participants in the Safety Stand-Down are companies with 25 or fewer employees.

Ways to participate

Joining the stand down is easy. Some simple things you can do include:

Conduct short and simple toolbox talks focused on ladder, scaffold, or rooftop safety
Perform safety equipment inspections with employees
Refresh fall-safety training
Hold training, show a safety video, or bring in a safety expert such as Springfield
Discuss job-specific hazards, protective measures and equipment, and any safety policies and plans
Develop, review, or amend your rescue plan

How to conduct a stand-down at your workplace

OSHA has a wealth of resources to help plan and conduct your safety stand-down. Resources include training aids, a case study, quiz, videos, infographics, posters, and much more. Every effort you make to prevent fall-related deaths is worthwhile, even simple 15-minute toolbox talks.

Certificate of participation

Employers willing to participate and provide feedback will be eligible to download a certificate of participation. The certificate pages will be active on May 6 at OSHA’s Stop Falls Stand-Down and the National Safety Council’s (NSC) webpages. Certificates will be available even after the event (until June 30th), so you can still participate even if you miss the Stand-Down Week.

Springfield

Springfield is a leader in fall safety. We’ve developed the revolutionary LadderAnchor because 24% of fatal falls (2008-2010) are related to ladders. We also regularly assist commercial and industrial building operators with developing and implementing turn-key solutions for the fall safety of their facilities. These solutions exceed OSHA requirements and offer a significant return on investment.

OSHA estimates every $1 invested in workplace safety and health returns between $4 and $6.

Springfield knows OSHA guidelines inside and out. We’re not here to replace your in-house safety team but give them all the tools and knowledge they need to succeed in saving lives. Here are some of the ways we help organizations:

Incredibly thorough safety assessments
100% custom designs for expert safety solutions to your risks
Installation of temporary and permanent safety systems
Comprehensive safety fall-protection training
Inspection and maintenance of safety systems as required annually
Our SmartLight offers a much safer daylight option than traditional skylights

See how Springfield can help you with a successful Fall Safety Stand Down, or any other time of year to help prevent tragic loss. Call us today! 231-263-5300

Duro-Last®, Inc. Honors Springfield Construction with Admission to the Admiral Club

Written by admin-359123210March 28, 2017

SAGINAW, MICHIGAN – In recognition of outstanding achievement in quality workmanship, customer satisfaction, and 2016 sales volume, Duro-Last, Inc. recently welcomed Springfield Construction to the Admiral Club. Inductees were honored during Duro-Last’s National Sales Seminar held at Loews Royal Pacific Resort in Orlando, Florida, January 29-31, 2017.

“Every year at the Duro-Last Sales Seminar, I am reminded of how our contractors are “Best in Class,” and Springfield Construction is a perfect example of that,” said Duro-Last Chairman of the Board Jack Burt. “Springfield Construction has been consistently going above and beyond for their customers with high-quality work and integrity. We are excited to see what they accomplish in the next year as an authorized Duro-Last contractor.”

About Duro-Last, Inc.

Known as the “World’s Best Roof^®”, Duro-Last, Inc. is the world’s largest manufacturer of custom prefabricated, thermoplastic single-ply roofing systems. Factory controlled custom prefabrication eliminates up to 85% of field seams, resulting in lower on-site labor costs and easier installation. This highly sustainable and extremely durable roofing system is leak-proof, virtually maintenance-free and resistant to chemicals, fire, punctures, and high winds. Over two billion square feet of Duro-Last membrane has been installed throughout North America. Duro-Last is headquartered in Saginaw, Michigan with additional manufacturing facilities in Grants Pass, Oregon; Jackson, Mississippi; Sigourney, Iowa; Carrollton, Texas; and Ludlow, Massachusetts. For more information on Duro-Last, call 800-248-0280 or visit www.duro-last.com.

Springfield Inc. Earns Prestigious “Platinum Contractor Award”

Written by admin-359123210March 17, 2017

January, 2015

Springfield Inc. is proud to announce receipt of prestigious “Platinum Contractor Award” from Duro-Last Roofing of Saginaw, Michigan. This achievement has placed Springfield in the top 3% of Duro-Last contractors in the nation. Springfield has been installing the highest quality roofs utilizing made-in-Michigan materials since 1985.

Springfield, Inc., located in Kingsley between Traverse City and Cadillac Michigan, recently was awarded the John R Burt Award at the annual Duro-Last® Roofing conference in Orlando Florida. This award was based on recognition of outstanding achievement in quality workmanship, customer satisfaction and sales in 2013. We congratulate all of our employees for their efforts to continue to give high quality results even while confronting the elements of the norhern Michigan weather based on our customers needs.

Written by admin-359123210February 22, 2017

January 29, 2017
Orlando, Florida

Loews Pacific Universal Resort in beautiful Orlando, Florida was the site for the 2017 Duro-Last Roofing National Sales Seminar and Awards banquet. Springfield Inc., a long time winner of quality contractor awards and numerous awards for sales volume climbed another run on the ladder to success with the introduction of the LADDERANCHOR.

The LADDERANCHOR is their recently patented device that attaches to roof making it impossible for a ladder to slip and fall. This product was developed by Springfield Inc. in efforts to keep their own employees safe. Duro-Last Roofing, a progressive roofing manufacturer and supply company noticed the product while doing rooftop inspections of Springfield products.

“We are honored and pleased that the LADDERANCHOR was selected as a featured product for the 2017 Sales Seminar” stated Nick Jacqmain, Springfield President. “We love partnering with Duro-Last to help keep workers safe.”

2016 40Under40 – The Region’s Most Influential Professionals Under The Age Of 40

Written by admin-359123210September 30, 2016

We our so proud of our President! The following segment was an interview with Nick cut from an article featured in the Traverse City Business news:

Nick Jacqmain

President, Springfield Inc., 31

Community involvement: TC Young Professionals – Connect Committee co-chair; Chamber ambassador.

Highlight reel from last year: The growth and job creation that our company has produced. Our fall protection department now has a general manager, professional engineer, two engineer technicians, and we have added four new field technicians who help with both the roofing and fall protection sides of the business. I am also proud of the quality we have maintained during our growth. Our roofing department had an average quality score of 98 percent out of 100 in 2015, ranking us as one of the top (if not the very top rated) Durolast roofing contractor in the nation.

Biggest need in GT region in next five years: Quality, affordable housing for young professionals. Finding a decent place that we could afford was a struggle for me and my wife when we were in our early 20s and it has become the most difficult aspect of the onboarding process for new Springfield employees.

Biggest risk/threat to GT region in next five years: The lack of middle class, which relates back to the affordable housing for young professionals.

My next big thing: Continue to experience controlled growth by adding 4-6 new employees to support the workload in the fall protection department. Company owners Terry and Terri Jo Umlor have built a business and working environment that is second to none and, as a team, we want to continue to build on that foundation.

Who knew? When I was in college, I was a wedding DJ on the weekends. The company that I worked for scheduled a lot of jobs in Traverse City and it was during those weddings that I realized this was somewhere I might want to live someday. More importantly, that job gave me experience working with people when their stress and anxiety levels are at their highest.

Biggest fan: “I’ve known Nick for about six years. I have always found him to be professional, while at the same time very personal. He has always taken care of our buildings as if they were his own. I am very happy for him to be receiving this award.” – Doug Plumstead, Graceland Fruit