What Ideal Contracting, LLC does

Ideal Contracting, LLC is a Detroit-based, family-owned union general contractor founded in 1998 that delivers preconstruction, general contracting, design-build, self-perform trades, construction management, structural steel erection, precast erection, steel fabrication, and facility maintenance services to enterprise clients across the United States. The firm operates through three specialized service groups — Construction Group (comprehensive general contracting with self-perform capabilities in steel, concrete, civil, and carpentry), Steel Group (AISC- and PCI-certified structural steel and precast erection, miscellaneous steel installation, and steel fabrication), and Special Projects Group (blanket service agreements, facility maintenance, and emergency repairs). It serves eight named market verticals: automotive and EV manufacturing, distribution and warehousing, higher education, commercial, sports and entertainment, power and energy, heavy industrial, and mission-critical/data centers.

Revenue is generated through project-based contracts priced on a competitive-bid or design-build basis, supplemented by long-term blanket service agreements on anchor accounts. Go-to-market relies on direct enterprise sales, competitive bidding, design-build partnerships, and trade-partner subcontracting, with an established subcontractor prequalification system. Named anchor customers include General Motors (over $1 billion in cumulative work, 20-time Supplier of the Year, 18-year service agreement across 13 Southeast Michigan locations), Ford (Blue Oval SK Battery Plant, Dearborn HQ, BOSK Battery Plant), University of Michigan, Amazon, Pratt & Whitney, LG Energy Solution/Honda, DTE Energy, Air Products, Aramark, CBRE, the Federal Reserve, and the City of Detroit. The disclosed technology stack centers on 3D Building Information Modeling for constructability validation and LEAN construction methodology; certifications include MBE, AISC, and PCI.

Ideal Contracting operates from a Detroit headquarters at 2525 Clark Street and an Ann Arbor office at 802 Phoenix Drive, with active project deployment across the Midwest, Southeast, Southwest, and West regions of the United States. The company is led by Frank Venegas (Founder & Chairman), Loren Venegas (CEO), Jesse Venegas (President, Ideal Group), Richard Brown (President, Ideal Contracting), and Matthew Hickey (CFO, Ideal Group), and is part of The Ideal Group of Companies family enterprise. In 2018, Ideal Contracting bought out founding partner Barton Malow's 49% interest, achieving full independence. The firm reports a workforce of approximately 620+ personnel — 450+ union self-perform tradespeople and 170+ full-time staff — and stated annual revenue of $500 million on its About Us page.

Name

Ideal Contracting, LLC

Legal name

Ideal Contracting, LLC

Website

https://idealcontracting.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1998

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

251–500 employees

Short description

Ideal Contracting is a Detroit-based, MBE-certified union general contractor delivering general contracting, steel erection, and facility maintenance services to enterprise clients across automotive, manufacturing, higher education, and industrial sectors throughout the United States.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Construction Services

NAICS

Nonresidential Building Construction (2362), Structural Steel and Precast Concrete Contractors (238120), Structural Steel and Precast Concrete Contractors (23812), Specialty Trade Contractors (238)

SIC

General Bldg Contractors - Nonresidential Bldgs (1540)

akta.pro primary industry

Design-Build / EPC General Contracting (IMAFAAAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Self-Performing General Contractors (IMAFAAAI), Industrial/Process Plant General Contracting (IMAFAAAH), Commercial General Contracting (New Build) (IMAFAAAA)

Keywords

• General contracting services
• Structural steel erection
• Design-build construction
• Precast concrete erection
• Facility maintenance services

Headquarters

HQ city

Detroit

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Supply Chain, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. General Contracting Services: Comprehensive general contracting services including preconstruction, construction management, design-build, and design-assist delivery methods. Revenue is generated through project-based contracts for construction services across diverse market sectors including automotive, manufacturing, higher education, and commercial projects.
2. Steel Erection Services: Structural steel erection, precast erection, miscellaneous steel installation, and steel fabrication services. AISC-certified steel erector with over 25 years of experience delivering complex steel projects nationwide. Revenue from steel erection contracts.
3. Special Projects / Facility Maintenance: Blanket construction maintenance service contracts and special projects for facility maintenance and emergency repairs. Includes long-term service agreements with major clients like General Motors, Aramark, and CBRE.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Ideal Contracting is a union, minority-owned general contractor providing comprehensive construction services across three groups: Construction Group (preconstruction/BIM, general contracting, design-build, self-perform trades, construction management), Steel Group (AISC-certified structural steel erection, PCI-certified precast erection, miscellaneous steel installation, steel fabrication), and Special Projects Group (facility maintenance, emergency repairs, blanket service contracts). The company serves enterprise clients nationwide across automotive, manufacturing, distribution, higher education, commercial, power/energy, heavy industrial, and mission-critical sectors.

Product overview

Ideal Contracting, LLC is a premier general contractor organized into three specialized service groups: Construction Group, Steel Group, and Special Projects Group. The Construction Group provides comprehensive general contracting with preconstruction/BIM, general contracting, design-build, self-perform trades (steel, concrete, civil, carpentry), and construction management. The Steel Group offers AISC-certified structural steel erection, precast erection (PCI-certified), miscellaneous steel installation, and steel fabrication. The Special Projects Group delivers facility maintenance, emergency repairs, and service agreements. These groups work collaboratively across diverse market sectors including automotive/manufacturing, distribution/warehousing, higher education, commercial, sports/entertainment, power/energy, heavy industrial, and mission-critical/data centers.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Construction Group: Comprehensive general contracting services delivering solutions throughout Southeastern Michigan and surrounding states with self-perform capabilities and a reliable network of experienced trade partners.
• Steel Group
• Special Projects Group

Products and services

• Construction Group Comprehensive general contracting solutions including preconstruction/BIM, general contracting, design-build, self-perform trades, and construction management services for enterprise clients in Southeastern Michigan and surrounding states.
• Steel Group AISC-certified steel erector providing structural steel erection, precast erection, miscellaneous steel installation, and steel fabrication services for projects of all sizes across the country, with over 25 years of experience.
• Special Projects Group Delivers ground-up construction solutions, facility maintenance, emergency repairs, and blanket construction maintenance service contracts covering small to medium-sized projects with quick response capabilities.
• Design-Build Design-build project delivery approach involving all project stakeholders to streamline delivery and keep customer vision front center through close collaboration and proven coordination strategies.
• Construction Management Construction management services partnering with customers, architects, and subcontractors to develop innovative approaches that drive value and deliver exceptional results on complex projects.
• Structural Steel Erection Structural steel erection capabilities delivering high-quality projects across diverse market sectors using design-assist, reinforcing, MEP support, and modular construction methods.
• Precast Erection PCI-certified precast concrete erection services offering time-saving, versatility, and quality advantages for durable structural solutions.
• Construction Maintenance Service Agreements Blanket construction maintenance service contracts covering small to medium-sized projects, including long-term agreements with clients such as General Motors, Aramark, CBRE, and the Federal Reserve.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over $1 billion in work put in place for General Motors over 20+ years
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers11 records

Segments8 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature2 records

Partnerships

28 partnerships are on record, tiered former, core and minor.

• Barton MalowformerStrategic or Co-development PartnerIdeal Contracting was founded as a 51%/49% partnership with Barton Malow in 1998. In 2018, Ideal Contracting bought out Barton Malow's interest, fulfilling the vision of its founding members.
• WalbridgecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWalbridge serves as general contractor with Ideal Contracting as steel trade partner on multiple projects including University of Michigan Center for Innovation, Ford Blue Oval Battery Park Michigan, and GM Orion Assembly.
• Cives SteelcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSteel fabrication partner collaborating with Ideal Contracting on complex steel projects including University of Michigan Center for Innovation.
• Merrill SteelcoreTechnology or IntegrationSteel fabricator partner for Ford Blue Oval Battery Park Michigan project.
• SteelFabcoreTechnology or IntegrationSteel fabrication partner for Ford Blue Oval Battery Park Michigan project.
• ANJcoreTechnology or IntegrationSteel fabrication partner for Ford Blue Oval Battery Park Michigan project.
• VancocoreTechnology or IntegrationSteel fabrication partner for Ford Blue Oval Battery Park Michigan project.
• Prospect SteelminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerClient awarding Ideal Contracting as structural and miscellaneous steel erector for distribution center project in Rossford, Ohio.
• Oliver/Hatcher ConstructioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGeneral contractor partner on Ashley Capital Crossroads Building 6 project in Van Buren Township, MI.
• Oliver Hatcher ConstructioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner on Bedrock Detroit LuxWall project as steel trade contractor.
• Motor City ElectricminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner with Ideal Contracting on DTE Castle Solar Park project delivering 40-acre solar field on reclaimed brownfield site.
• Air ProductscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-term partner for hydrogen and industrial projects including Hydrogen Reformer MEGA Module, Hydrogen Plant Control Lab, and HYCO facility projects.
• DLZcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerArchitecture/engineering firm partnering on Jason Hargrove Transit Center project.
• NORR ArchitecturecoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerArchitecture firm partnering on Jason Hargrove Transit Center project.
• Detroit Building AuthoritycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOwner representative for Jason Hargrove Transit Center project.
• DeMariaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner on Henry Ford Health West Bloomfield Parking Deck project.
• Gala & AssociatesminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerEngineering/architecture partner on Ford Blue Oval Battery Park Michigan project.
• Associated General Contractors of AmericacoreOthersIndustry association membership supporting construction industry standards and advocacy.
• Lean Construction InstituteminorOthersMembership in organization promoting lean construction principles and practices.
• The Association of Union Constructors (TAUC)coreOthersIndustry association membership for union construction companies.
• American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC)coreOthersIndustry certification body; AISC-certified steel erector with certified quality standards.
• Ironworker Management Progressive Action Cooperative Trust (IMPACT)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership allowing Ideal to draw quality skilled union ironworkers for projects nationwide.
• National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC)coreOthersMinority supplier development council membership supporting MBE certification and supplier diversity.
• Michigan Hispanic Chamber of CommerceminorOthersRegional chamber membership supporting Hispanic business community.
• National Maintenance Agreements Policy Committee (NMAPC)minorOthersIndustry committee supporting maintenance construction standards and labor agreements.
• Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council (MMSDC)coreOthersRegional minority supplier council supporting MBE certification and supplier diversity initiatives.
• Hubbell, Roth, & Clark (HRC) EngineeringminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerEngineering partner on General Motors Milford Proving Ground Building 16 Battery Lab project.
• The Ideal Group of CompaniescoreOthersParent company - family-owned enterprise delivering innovative solutions in construction services, manufacturing, and indirect material management.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• AECOM: Global infrastructure firm with a major construction services arm serving transportation, industrial, and energy markets. Comparable to Ideal's industrial, energy, and heavy-industrial project profile and represents a major competitor on larger pursuits.
• Gilbane Building Company: Providence, RI-headquartered national GC with strong presence in higher education, healthcare, and commercial. Directly competes with Ideal on higher-ed (U-M) and commercial work; represents the type of broader incumbent Ideal would encounter in pursuit of larger contracts.
• Clark Construction: Bethesda, MD-based national GC with deep coverage in commercial, healthcare, K-12/higher-ed, and sports venues. Comparable end-market mix to Ideal and a typical competitor in the same RFP pool.
• Bechtel: Reston, VA-headquartered global EPC and heavy industrial contractor. Overlaps with Ideal's industrial/process plant work (hydrogen, energy, heavy industrial segments) and the largest end of Ideal's plant-construction pipeline.
• Turner Construction: One of the largest U.S. general contractors (>$15B revenue) with broad commercial, healthcare, education, and sports/entertainment coverage. Overlaps with Ideal's commercial, higher-ed, and sports/entertainment verticals and competes for the same enterprise bid pool.

Direct peers

• Barton Malow: Southfield, MI-based national construction firm focused on commercial, industrial, sports, and energy markets. Barton Malow was Ideal Contracting's 49% founding partner (1998) before Ideal bought out their stake in 2018 — directly comparable in scope, geography, and end markets.
• McCarthy Building Companies: St. Louis-based national GC with strong self-perform capabilities across industrial, healthcare, higher-education, and commercial. Comparable to Ideal in delivery methods (design-build, CM-at-risk), self-perform scale, and vertical breadth.
• Gray Construction: Kentucky-based design-build general contractor specializing in automotive manufacturing, food/beverage, and distribution facilities. Closely aligned with Ideal on automotive-plant + battery-plant + distribution-center verticals — particularly EV/battery plant work where both have established deliveries.
• Holder Construction: Atlanta-based national GC specializing in data centers, mission-critical, and commercial. Holder overlaps directly on Ideal's data-center/mission-critical and large-scale industrial pursuits, with comparable self-perform steel and preconstruction depth.
• Walbridge: Detroit-based general contractor serving industrial, automotive, and federal clients. Walbridge serves as GC with Ideal Contracting as steel trade partner on multiple projects (Ford Blue Oval Battery Park MI, GM Orion Assembly, U-M Center for Innovation), making them a co-delivery peer with near-identical automotive exposure.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubevimeo.com/idealcontracting
• Facebookfacebook.com/idealcontractingllc
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/ideal-contracting
• Instagraminstagram.com/idealcontracting
• Xx.com/idealdetroit

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles13 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Ideal Contracting, LLC