Founder & Lead Builder
Michael Brennan
Second-generation carpenter who started BrightForge in 2011 with a pickup truck and a promise to do things differently. Personally visits every job site at rough-in and final walkthrough.
The People Who Actually Show Up at Your Door.
Thirty-two full-time employees. Four dedicated crews. No rotating subcontractors, no unfamiliar faces, no mystery about who's running your project.
Leadership
The Core Team Behind Every Project
These are the people who design, schedule, and oversee every BrightForge remodel from first call to final walkthrough.
Director of Design
Sarah Chen
Former architectural designer with a decade of residential experience. Leads our 3D rendering and material selection process. Believes every kitchen should be designed around how you actually cook.
Senior Project Manager
David Kowalski
Oversees scheduling, trade coordination, and daily client communication for the majority of our active jobs. Known for answering his phone on the first ring — even on Saturdays.
Lead Carpenter & Kitchen Specialist
Marcus Washington
Has personally installed more than 400 kitchens since joining BrightForge in 2014. Trains every new crew member on our cabinet installation standards — a two-week process, not a two-day one.
Crew Leads
The Specialists Who Run the Trades
Every BrightForge crew is led by a specialist with deep expertise in one discipline. No generalists, no "figure it out on the job."
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Elena Rodriguez
Tile & Stone Lead
Fourteen years setting tile, six of them with BrightForge. Certified in Schluter and Wedi waterproofing systems. Her crews handle every shower pan in the company.
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Tom Erikson
Plumbing & Mechanical Lead
Licensed Michigan master plumber. Handles every rough-in and inspection. Specializes in aging-in-place conversions and below-grade ejector pump systems.
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Robert Nowak
Basement & Waterproofing Specialist
Fifteen years in below-grade work. Certified in radon mitigation and interior drainage systems. Assesses every basement before we quote a finish.
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Jennifer Park
Client Experience Manager
Your first point of contact and your ongoing advocate. Manages project portal updates, scheduling changes, and client satisfaction check-ins at week two and week six.
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Amanda Foster
Senior Estimator
Builds every line-item proposal that leaves our office. Eleven years estimating residential construction. Her estimates have a 3% average variance from final invoice.
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Daniel Costa
Electrical Lead
Licensed master electrician. Manages dedicated circuits, panel upgrades, and code compliance for every project. Coordinates all municipal electrical inspections.
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Karen Mitchell
Cabinetry & Millwork Lead
Twenty years in custom cabinetry. Oversees templating, fabrication coordination, and installation for every kitchen and vanity we build.
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Brian Schaeffer
HVAC Lead
Manages every HVAC extension, ventilation upgrade, and ductwork modification. His rule: a basement isn't finished until the airflow is right, not just the drywall.
Why Our Team Stays
Low Turnover Means Familiar Faces on Every Job
The average remodeling company loses a third of its crew every two years. We don't. Here's why that matters for your project.
W-2 Employees, Not Subs
Every carpenter, tile setter, plumber, and electrician on your project is a BrightForge employee. They're covered by our insurance, trained in our standards, and accountable to our reputation.
7.4-Year Average Tenure
Our crew leads have been with us an average of 7.4 years. That continuity means your project manager and lead carpenter have probably worked together on dozens of jobs before yours.
Continuous Training
We pay for manufacturer certifications, code update courses, and waterproofing system training every year. Our team stays current because we invest in keeping them.
Life at BrightForge
Built for People Who Care About the Craft.
We hire slowly and keep people for years. That's not an accident — it's the result of paying above market, providing real benefits, and giving craftspeople the time they need to do the job right.
Above-Market Pay
We pay our crew leads 15–25% above regional averages. Quality work deserves to be compensated properly.
Health & Retirement
Full health insurance, dental, vision, and a 401(k) match for every full-time employee — including field crew.
Paid Training
Every employee gets 40 hours of paid training annually for certifications, code courses, and new systems.
Modern Equipment
We invest in new tools, dust control systems, and material handling equipment every year. Our crews don't fight broken tools.
We're Hiring Skilled Tradespeople in Southeast Michigan
If you're a carpenter, tile setter, plumber, electrician, or project manager who cares about doing the job right, we want to hear from you.
View Open PositionsField Crew
Lead Carpenter
Full-time position running kitchen and bathroom installs on residential projects across the tri-county area.
Field Crew
Tile Setter
Experienced tile installer for shower pans, floors, and large-format wall tile. Waterproofing experience required.
Office
Project Coordinator
Manage schedules, client communications, and material ordering for active projects. Construction background preferred.
Want to Meet the Team Before You Commit?
Book a free consultation. You'll meet your project manager and designer in person during the in-home measure.