Since its founding in 1939, Wolverine Building Group has evolved into one of Michigan’s most versatile and enduring construction companies. What began with Peter Baumann, a family-owned business focused on tiling and gas stations, has grown through generations of leadership, acquisitions, and innovation into a full-service contractor with the expertise to deliver everything from schools and hospitals to industrial facilities, multi-family residences, and community spaces.
Today, Wolverine is recognized not only for the scope of its services but also for the depth of its relationships. “We work really closely with our clients to bring their vision to life and to complete it to their satisfaction on time and on budget,” says Daniel Zilzer, Senior Project Manager for the Industrial market segment. It is an approach that underscores Wolverine’s reputation for comprehensive, holistic solutions delivered at every scale. The company has in-house design-build capabilities in-house, and also collaborates with architectural firms for larger projects. “We self-perform our own steel erection for pre-engineered metal buildings. We do it all—early planning, cost estimating, and construction management. We’re really a turnkey solution,” says Michael Beuschel, Vice President of Construction for the Industrial market segment.
The full-service capacity, however, extends well beyond large-scale developments. “There is no size limitation for the projects that Wolverine Building Group can handle,” Daniel notes. Michael adds, “We also offer facilities maintenance. When Daniel says ‘all services,’ I like to tell people that we’ll install a marker board for them if they want; no project too small.”
“There is no size limitation for the projects that Wolverine Building Group can handle.”
Wolverine is an authorized builder of Metal Buildings for Nucor Building Systems and Metallic Building Systems, giving it further strength in the industrial and commercial markets. The company’s ability to self-perform steel erection for pre-engineered metal buildings also provides flexibility and control across projects.
Wolverine’s history is punctuated by milestones that mark its steady evolution. By the 1970s, the company had become the nation’s largest builder for Butler Metal Buildings, establishing its leadership in pre-engineered structures. Ownership changed hands several times in the 1980s and 1990s, each transition adding new dimensions to the business such as the the acquisition of Fryling Construction in 1995, a move that expanded the business beyond tiling and gas stations into shopping malls and multi-unit construction. In 2018, ownership passed to Curt Mulder and Aaron Yonker, with Curt later becoming sole owner. Under their leadership, Wolverine reached new heights. In 2007, the company delivered the River House Condominiums, the tallest building in Grand Rapids at 412 feet, an achievement that remains a defining symbol of its ambition and capability.
Featured in Apeiron Media in 2023, Wolverine has only accelerated since then, with a series of major projects in southwest Michigan showcasing the strength of its industrial division. Among these is a 240,000-square-foot industrial facility in Portage, built in partnership with IPSUA (Industrial Partners USA) a group of developers from Indiana and Kalamazoo. “They get together and they have this vision to increase the industrial footprint and change the economic environment in Southwest Michigan. We became really good partners with them, and this is the first building that we did,” Daniel explains. The building, constructed with premium Pre-Engineered Steel and Insulated Metal Panels, is now home to one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in the world. “That shows a little bit of the quality of our construction, given the high standard that these companies require to take place in these buildings.”
The team also delivered Phase 2A of FCIP, a 252,000-square-foot facility with an additional 250,000 square feet of expandable capacity. “This customer was really close with Battle Creek Unlimited, which is the economic development organization in the area of Battle Creek,” Daniel says. “They have specific demands that align with what Wolverine is, which is impacting the communities and developing the areas around them. We work together to give priority and include as many local contractors as we can, and bring back to life a little bit of the market that was left behind.” Phase 2A was completed last year, and the first half is now occupied by a tier-one automotive company. Phase 2B is set to break ground soon, with completion estimated for early fall 2026.
Other industrial work includes a climate and not climate storage complex in Vicksburg, delivered alongside Porch Light Group and Honeycrisp Ventures, and a project in Greenville for Marvel Refrigeration. In Texas Township, Wolverine is completing a 100,000-square-foot facility, while in partnership with Clark Logic, it is delivering a 150,000-square-foot speculative building on Beatrice Drive. “We have developed this relationship for the past few years, and now we’re working directly with them,” Daniel explains. “It’s a 150,000 square footage speculative building, also a Pre-Engineered Metal Building, and IMP’s. Clark Logic has high standards in its offerings, so it’s a high-end type of speculative building.” The design-build project is scheduled for completion in summer 2026.
For Michael and Daniel, Wolverine’s strength lies not just in what it builds but in how it builds. “Our approach is very client-focused,” Michael says. “We listen to what the client is looking for and then create a solution around that. Sometimes we challenge the clients on what they think they want just by conversation; taking the time up front in a pre-construction phase is so much more important than just getting to build a project. It’s that upfront pre-construction relationship that we build with the clients to create that trusting relationship.
That trust has translated into loyalty. 85% of Wolverine’s clients are repeat customers, or come through referrals—a testament to the company’s reputation for care and dedication. Daniel adds, “We take pride and believe in what our customers want to do, and we show them that we care as much about their project as they do. We understand their vision, their goal. When we need to provide feedback, it’s because we show that we care, we want the best for them, and to help them accomplish their goal.”
The company’s success is deeply rooted in its culture. Drake Feekings, who handles Business Development and Community Relations, emphasizes that Wolverine is more than just a builder; it is a neighbour as well. “We take pride in being not only a builder but also an active member of the community. When we undertake a project, we make an effort to engage with the community and seize opportunities to contribute to the region. We are truly excited to increase our involvement in Southwest Kalamazoo, expand our network, and spread positivity. Our purpose is to positively impact people and communities, and we excel at it. We look forward to bringing this commitment to a new area.”
Michael emphasizes the importance of Wolverine’s workforce, half of whom are self-performing tradespeople. “Half of our company are self-performed, boots-on-the-ground trades people that are very important to us,” he says.
As Wolverine looks ahead, the focus is on growth while staying true to its client-first, community-focused ethos. Michael explains: “Our plan is to continue to grow locally and geographically and try to expand our services to other areas.”
For a company that began with tiling and gas stations in the 1930s, the trajectory has been remarkable. From River House Condominiums, Grand Rapids’ tallest building, to pharmaceutical facilities, auto-sector expansions, and speculative builds, Wolverine Building Group continues to shape the landscapes of Michigan and beyond. With nearly a century of experience, a strong client base, and a clear vision for the future, it remains dedicated to building not just projects, but lasting impact in the communities it serves.
