DETROIT, MI — Two longtime Detroit-area construction executives, Matt Evans and Kent Jackson, have partnered to launch Invictus Builders LLC, a new commercial construction management firm in Detroit, Michigan. Owners, Evans (CEO) and Jackson (COO), have tapped Dennis Archer Jr., Founder and Chairman of sixteen42 ventures, and Mike VanGessel, Founding Member of Rockford Construction and VanGessel Investments, to lead its board of directors.
With experience at the Vice President and Regional Director levels, Evans brings years of executive leadership and community development expertise to Invictus. Jackson is a 30-year construction management expert, having served as Project Manager, Director of Preconstruction, and Vice President for some of the area’s construction companies.
Located in the Central Business District in downtown Detroit, Invictus serves communities throughout Michigan and the Midwest, offering construction management, general contractor work, consulting, and pre-construction estimating. Clients include: Wayne County Community College, Parkstone Development Partners, Back Nine, and 1515 Madison, among other private portfolios.
Archer Jr. and VanGessel are joined by board members Eric A. Reeves, Founder of Prospect Park LLC in Chicago, Illinois, and Rachel Scott, Managing Member of SPARC Investments in Cleveland, Ohio.
“Invictus was formed from a vision to create opportunities and strengthen communities while fostering a culture of excellence in performance, innovation, and inclusivity," Archer Jr. said. “With unparalleled expertise, the team takes pride in the commitment to building sustainable spaces that empower our team, clients, and community.”
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VanGessel, who recently left Rockford after 38 years to form VanGessel Investments, brings knowledge of commercial construction to Invictus.
“After being an integral part in shaping downtown Grand Rapids from where it was over 20 years ago to where it is today, I’m excited to bring proven solution-driven strategies and framework to Invictus and the clients and communities we serve,” VanGessel said.
For over 20 years, Evans has been an active member within the Detroit community, where he directed programs with Detroit schools to train youth in the design and installation of off-grid photovoltaic solar panels. He is leading business strategy and client development at Invictus.
“With the tremendous excitement and energy happening in Metropolitan Detroit, we feel that Invictus is uniquely situated to build opportunities for not only southeastern Michigan, but in communities throughout the state and the Midwest,” Evans said. “We’re excited to bring two high-level leaders from both sides of the state — Dennis Archer Jr. from the east side and Mike VanGessel from the west side — to push our vision forward and approach each project with expertise and integrity.”
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Jackson, a Detroit native, has led a variety of client industries, including education, commercial, municipal, industrial, and health care. At Invictus, he will manage all work performed during the preconstruction, procurement, and construction phases to comply with Invictus’ clients’ policies, procedures, and expectations.
“Our team’s experienced construction professionals and community leaders bring a wealth of knowledge and creativity in construction management, and business and community development,” Jackson said. “We are here to foster opportunities for young people — a place where a young professional can come and grow fast in the business.”
“We’re excited to welcome Invictus Builders to Detroit’s business community,” said Kevin Johnson, President and CEO of the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation. “Minority-owned businesses are important to creating an inclusive economy that benefits all Detroiters. Matt Evans and Kent Jackson bring vision and commitment to our neighborhoods. Their impressive leadership team will make a real difference in Detroit’s growth.”
