First Companies Inc.

09/02/2026

Some people leave their mark on projects. Others leave their mark on people.

Glenn Kroll has done both. And after 11 years of service with First Companies, Glenn is retiring.

As Manager of Construction Quality and Warranty at First Companies, Glenn was the kind of leader who never sought the spotlight. He was a servant leader in the truest sense, always willing to help wherever needed for the good of the team, the client, and the project.

One of the many things we'll remember is the way he breathed life into projects and gave vision. During construction of the Ada Hotel, Glenn posted renderings of the finished space around the jobsite so our hardworking (and tired) trade partners could see what they were building and to inspire a push to the finish. He wanted them to know it was going to be a special place. And they were a part of it.

While Glenn's work can be seen in projects across West Michigan, his greatest contribution is the impact he made on the people around him. He had a gift for teaching, motivating, and helping others see the bigger picture, leaving a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to work alongside him.

Glenn, as you begin your retirement, we want to say thank you. We are grateful for your leadership, your humility, and the legacy you've built. First Companies is better because of you.

08/25/2026

Most interns expect to shadow. Our interns are allowed the opportunity to lead…

Construction Intern, Nathan Diephouse, gives a glimpse into his summer and reflects on a few things he’s taking with him from his experience at First Companies.

“What stands out most from my time at First Companies is being handed a project to manage myself. Getting that kind of trust as an intern wasn't something I expected, and it changed how I approached the whole job. I wasn't shadowing anyone. I was the one running the meetings, writing the RFIs, tracking the submittals, and answering questions from owners and subcontractors. That ownership gave me the chance to learn quickly, from looking for the next step instead of asking what to do next, to staying organized across six projects at once, to picking up the phone even when I wasn't certain I had the answer. I'm proud of the moments where the details mattered, like catching an installation issue before it went in, finding a cheaper alternative on a material we had already spec'd, and building a procurement log the team can keep using after I'm gone. What surprised me most is how much of this job is relationships rather than tasks, with the trades, with the internal team, and with owners, and how willing everyone at First Companies was to teach me that side of it and not just the everyday work. I'm leaving First Companies with a lot more confidence, a real sense of what good project management looks like, and the reminder that growth happens when you say yes to unfamiliar responsibilities.”

We're proud of all that Nathan accomplished during his time with us and thankful he chose to spend part of his journey here. Watching interns grow into confident professionals is such a rewarding part of summers like this.

08/19/2026

The greatest luxury today may be something simple: the chance to unplug, unwind, and reconnect with what matters most.

That luxury can soon be found at Frieden Saugatuck. Frieden, which means “peace” in German, is a unique cabin resort where nature, wellness, and connection come together through thoughtfully designed accommodations and shared spaces.

As the construction manager for this project, First Companies was honored to help bring this dream into fruition. From the cabins to the community spaces, every element was created to support a slower pace and a more intentional experience.

Boutique hospitality firm ACRE Holdings' Frieden Saugatuck is a collection of private cabins and event spaces.

08/11/2026

Back-to-school season is here, and that makes us think of two things…

1. The smell of freshly sharpened pencils
2. The spaces where we learn shape us more than we realize

With the start of school just around the corner, we celebrate a project that had a profound impact on everyone who was a part of it.

St. Robert of Newminster Catholic School in Ada, MI was growing leaps and bounds. Its campus was feeling the strain of serving an expanding school and parish community. Classrooms were at capacity, staff lacked space to collaborate, and students and families often traveled off-site for athletic and community events.

Recognizing the need to invest in the future, St. Robert partnered with First Companies and AMDG Architects to create a campus built for generations to come. Through the addition of a new two-story classroom wing, a Parish Activity Center, and renovations to existing spaces, the project added more than 32,000 square feet designed to integrate learning, faith, and intentional community.

We love partnering with organizations that are creating environments where people can learn, grow, connect, and flourish. See how this project came together and the impact it's having on the St. Robert community. Read the full case study: https://na2.hubs.ly/H070BKd0

08/06/2026

We're excited to share that First Companies has officially entered the multifamily property management space!

As we begin this new chapter, we're honored to serve the residents who call Lofts on Grove, Lofts on Ionia, and Lofts on Michigan home. Our team is committed to providing exceptional service and creating a positive living experience for every resident.

We're also thrilled to have David Arkema and Arielle Larazov leading the way on-site, caring well for residents and building strong community connections.

We look forward to serving and supporting these communities for years to come.

07/29/2026

A few weeks ago, we had the privilege of celebrating the grand opening of Tous les Jours - Grand Rapids, MI, the first West Michigan location of this beloved bakery café. It was an exciting milestone and a rewarding moment for everyone involved.

As construction manager for the buildout, First Companies was honored to help make the owners' dream a reality. Years of planning and waiting have led to a welcoming bakery café that the Grand Rapids community can enjoy every day.

From the inviting interiors to the thoughtful details throughout, it's rewarding to see the space filled with customers, fresh pastries, and plenty of excitement.

Thank you to the Tous les Jours team for trusting us with this project. We're grateful to have been part of the journey and look forward to seeing your continued success.

07/22/2026

There’s nothing quite like a project tour to bring the team together.

Recently, our team had the opportunity to tour a mass-timber medical office building project, and it was a great experience to connect with one another outside our day-to-day responsibilities.

For many of our team members, these tours provide a rare chance to spend time together, share insights, and learn from each other’s experiences. Every commercial construction project comes with its own successes, challenges, and opportunities, and seeing those lessons firsthand sparks valuable conversations that help us all grow.

07/04/2026

Happy Fourth of July!

America’s birthday is here, along with all the best parts of summer: juicy watermelon, perfectly grilled hot dogs, afternoons by the pool, and long days at the lake.

Whether you're soaking up the sunshine, manning the grill, floating on the water, or counting down to the fireworks, today is all about enjoying the simple things that make this holiday a favorite. Add in a few sparklers, some great food, and time with your favorite people, and you've got the recipe to enjoy every minute of red, white, and blue fun.

Wishing everyone a fun, safe, and relaxing celebration of our stars and stripes!

07/02/2026

A sweet celebration!

We were excited to help celebrate the soft opening of Tous les Jours - Grand Rapids, MI, the first Tous les Jours location in West Michigan.

As the construction manager for the buildout, First Companies loved partnering with a family looking to fulfill a dream that was years in the making. What a joy to watch it become a reality.

A few members of the First Companies team stopped by to celebrate the occasion, sample some of the delicious offerings, and congratulate the owners on this exciting new chapter.

Thank you for trusting us to be part of the journey. We can't wait to see the Grand Rapids community enjoy everything Tous les Jours has to offer. Congratulations on a successful soft opening! We're honored to have helped make it happen!

07/01/2026

Big accomplishments deserve big recognition...

Our team is committed to personal growth and development because we know it's one of the best ways to serve our partners and build stronger relationships with those we work alongside. Today, we're recognizing a major achievement that reflects that commitment.

Join us in celebrating Jon Moorman, who has officially earned his Certified Property Manager (CPM) designation through the Institute of Real Estate Management! This is the highest certification in property management and a true testament to Jon’s dedication, discipline, and commitment to excellence.

Jon is now the fourth CPM on our First Companies team, further strengthening our ability to serve owners and tenants with even greater expertise and confidence.

We're incredibly proud of the way Jon continues to invest in his profession and represent First Companies so well. Congratulations, Jon!