GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Mike VanGessel, the former CEO of Rockford Construction, has been appointed to lead the board of directors of Invictus, a minority-owned construction company based in Detroit. Invictus was spun out of Rockford's Michigan operations, marking a significant step for the company’s future growth.

VanGessel, who is also an investor in Invictus, will serve as the board's chairman alongside Dennis Archer Jr., the founder and chairman of sixteen42 ventures, a Detroit-based venture capital firm.

"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 shared. He left Rockford in January after leading the company for 38 years, contributing to numerous landmark projects in the region.

Invictus, with its roots in Detroit and a commitment to minority ownership, is poised to expand its footprint in the construction industry with a focus on client-centered strategies and sustainable community development.

The leadership change at Invictus is seen as a step toward enhancing the company’s impact on urban development in Michigan, particularly in the Detroit area. The partnership between VanGessel and Archer promises to bring decades of combined expertise to the table, strengthening the firm’s vision and execution in the construction market.

Invictus has been working on several key projects aimed at revitalizing the city’s infrastructure and contributing to the economic development of underrepresented communities in Detroit.

VanGessel’s extensive experience and history of community engagement are expected to play a crucial role in shaping Invictus’ future endeavors, with a clear focus on innovative construction solutions and community-driven projects.

Originally reported by M Live.