Author: Spire Advertising

Public construction projects carry high stakes. Between fixed budgets, strict procurement laws, and the watchful eyes of elected officials and community members, the way you structure your project from day one determines its ultimate success.

Many municipalities still rely on the traditional Design-Bid-Build process. In this model, architects finalize plans before a contractor ever sees them. While this method is traditional, it often separates the designers from the builders, creating silos that lead to misunderstandings, budget overruns, and scheduling delays.

Design-Build is changing that narrative. By bringing construction expertise into the planning room from the start, municipalities can create more efficient, cost-effective, and transparent projects.

What Is Design-Build?

In a traditional model, design and construction are siloed. A municipality selects an architect, develops plans, and bids the project. By the time a contractor joins, the project team has often already locked in major design and budget decisions. This can lead to costly surprises if the design is impractical or exceeds budget projections.

Design-Build consolidates this entire process. Architects, engineers, contractors, and suppliers form a single, coordinated team. This allows for real-time feedback on constructability, site conditions, and material availability while the design is still fluid, not after it has been finalized. It shifts the project dynamic from adversarial or segmented to collaborative and transparent.

Instead of managing the architect and contractor separately, the municipality engages with one team who is responsible for the project from the initial concept through final delivery.

“Design-Build is Clouse’s specialty. We like the team-oriented approach, full of feedback from many groups involved with tons of construction experience. All groups, including Clouse, the architectural firm, engineers, site and MEP contractors, and suppliers, give feedback from their respective viewpoints on what they would suggest for the customer’s best project result,” said Brian Clouse, Vice President of Clouse Construction.

Why Early Contractor Involvement Matters

When teams bring in construction expertise late, issues like budget overruns or supply chain delays often don’t surface until expensive revisions become unavoidable.

Involving a contractor early allows your team to evaluate critical factors during the planning phase, including:

• Budget Alignment: Ensuring the design matches the available funding before it is fully priced. This prevents the need for value engineering later, which often means cutting features to save costs.
• Constructability and Material Lead Times: Identifying design features that might be unnecessarily expensive or difficult to build, and selecting materials that are actually available. This prevents the redesign cycle that often happens when contractors identify problems after drawings are complete.
• Site Conditions: Proactively addressing potential physical challenges, like soil issues or utility placement, before they become project delays.
• Simplified Communication: Instead of managing multiple disparate conversations, the municipality works with one team that shares information across the board. This transparency keeps stakeholders informed and reduces meeting fatigue.

A Proven Approach to Public Transparency

Municipalities are uniquely accountable to their constituents. Every dollar spent must be justified, and every timeline must be respected. Design-Build is uniquely suited to this environment because it emphasizes transparency.

Because the Design-Build team joins the project during the conceptual phase, they estimate costs more accurately. By the time they finalize the design, the team has already vetted costs and constructability to create a more predictable budget. This predictability is a vital tool for public officials who need to explain project costs to town councils, taxpayers, and grant agencies.

Addressing Common Misconceptions

Design-Build is a proven model, but it is normal for public entities to have questions about control and oversight. Below are the most common questions we hear regarding this delivery method:

Do we lose control?

No. The municipality remains in the driver’s seat regarding goals, priorities, and requirements. Design-Build simply gives you a more comprehensive set of data from both design and construction professionals before you make final decisions. You define the needs and the aesthetic; we provide the expertise to execute them efficiently.

Are architects and engineers still involved?

Absolutely. Design professionals remain the heart of the project. The difference is that they can now design with greater awareness of construction costs and site realities. A collaboration between architect and builder leads to a better finished product because the design is grounded in buildable, cost-effective solutions.

How does this save time?

By identifying potential problems sooner and coordinating phases effectively, you significantly reduce the risk of major mid-construction revisions or shutdowns. Design-Build allows for fast-tracking, where construction can begin on specific phases while others are still being finalized. This can shave months off a typical project schedule.

Is it more expensive?

Not at all. Because Design-Build eliminates the redundancy of re-bidding and reduces the frequency of change orders caused by design errors, most municipalities find that the final total project cost is more predictable and often lower than traditional delivery methods.

How is quality maintained?

Quality is built into the process through constant collaboration. When the architect, engineer, and the builder are on the same team, there is no cutting corners to save budget. Instead, the focus is on selecting the right materials and systems that meet the municipality’s long-term performance needs.

What if I have a specific project vision?

Design-Build is highly flexible. Whether you are planning a municipal facility, a fire station, a public works warehouse, or an administrative office, we tailor the process to your unique requirements. We work with your vision to ensure it translates into a functional, durable facility.

Municipal Design-Build in Action: City of Findlay STRICT Training Center

Municipal Design-Build in Action: City of Findlay STRICT Training Center

The City of Findlay’s STRICT (Simulated Tactical Response & Incident Command Training) Center is a strong example of how the Design-Build process can work for a public entity.

The City envisioned a dedicated training facility where fire, EMS, and law enforcement personnel could prepare for real-world emergency situations. After a thorough interview and selection process, the City chose Clouse Construction to bring that vision to life.

From the early stages of the project, Clouse worked closely with City representatives to keep them informed and involved. The team provided guidance on design ideas, building codes, energy efficiency, preliminary and final pricing, scheduling, and other decisions that would ultimately affect the facility.

That ongoing communication allowed the City to understand how design choices connected to construction costs and long-term functionality while the project was still taking shape. Architects, engineers, contractors, suppliers, and City representatives were able to contribute their expertise throughout the process instead of working through major decisions independently.

The completed STRICT Center now provides a dedicated facility for fire, EMS, and law enforcement training, including opportunities for multiple public safety agencies to train together in realistic scenarios. For the City of Findlay, the collaborative process resulted in a facility designed around both the community’s public safety needs and the practical requirements of those who will use it.

Your Partner in Public Construction

At Clouse Construction, we understand that municipal projects are about more than just concrete and steel. They are about providing the community with the facilities needed to thrive. Every job benefits from our decades of experience, Butler Manufacturing regional expertise, and a top-rated commitment to safety.

We bridge the gap between concept and completion, ensuring that we realize your vision on time and within budget. We understand the complexities of public funding and site development, and we are ready to guide your team through the process.

Is Design-Build Right for Your Next Project?

Every municipal project has unique requirements. Before committing to a path, it is worth determining whether Design-Build aligns with your specific goals. If you are considering a new facility, renovation, or administrative space, early contractor involvement can provide the insight needed to move forward with confidence.

Planning a municipal project? Contact Clouse Construction to discuss whether Design-Build is the right approach for your next facility. We would be happy to walk through the process and help you determine if this model fits your goals.

At Clouse Construction, we believe a job should lead somewhere.

For us, that means creating real opportunities for people to learn, grow, and build a long-term career, not just fill a role. Whether someone is just getting started, exploring the industry during school, or ready to take the next step into leadership, we’ve built a path that supports that growth every step of the way.

And one of the best ways to see that in action is through the people on our team.

Starting the Journey

There’s no single path into the construction industry, and we see that every day at Clouse Construction.

Some of our employees come to us through high school trade programs. Others are college students working during breaks. Some are simply looking for a career where they can work with their hands, learn something new, and see the results of their effort at the end of the day.

That was the case for Jacob Warnement.

“I actually started in nursing for a year,” Jacob said. “Then I switched to construction management. I was mowing yards in the summer, and someone I worked for knew Clouse Construction and helped me get connected.”

What started as work during school breaks turned into something more.

“When COVID hit, and I wasn’t going back to school in person, they hired me full-time,” he said. “That’s how I got here.”

Learning While Doing

At Clouse Construction, learning doesn’t happen only in a classroom. It happens on the job, side by side with experienced team members.

Our nationally accredited apprenticeship program is one example of that commitment. Employees gain hands-on experience while also building technical knowledge, earning certifications like welding and a CDL along the way. It’s a structured path, but it’s also practical, focused on what people actually need to succeed in the field.

But beyond formal programs, a lot of growth happens through day-to-day mentorship.

Mentorship That Builds Confidence

Eric Magers has been part of Clouse Construction for over 20 years and has more than 30 years of experience in construction. He also leads our apprenticeship program and has spent years training the next generation of skilled workers.

Jacob was one of those apprentices.

“We started in the classroom,” Eric said. “He went through the apprenticeship program, and I got to see how he worked and how he thought.”

Over time, Eric recognized something more.

“I could see he had leadership skills,” Eric said. “So when the opportunity came up, I asked to bring him onto this job so I could help develop him into a supervisor.”

Today, the two are working together on a large, complex job site—one that requires coordination across multiple buildings, crews, and subcontractors.

The mentorship is not theoretical. It is built into the work itself.

“When he first got here, I started with the basics—logistics, paperwork, safety, how the job runs,” Eric explained. “Then, as he got comfortable, I gave him more responsibility. And then more.”

Now, Jacob is handling daily reports, coordinating documentation, and fielding calls from subcontractors.

“That’s part of the process,” Eric said. “You don’t just tell someone what to do. You show them, you explain it, and then you let them take ownership.”

A Different Kind of Leadership

For Eric, mentorship is closely tied to how he views leadership.

“I am not anybody’s boss,” he said. “I am their leader. There’s a big difference.”

To him, leadership means taking responsibility.

“If something goes wrong, it’s my fault,” he said. “That means I didn’t give them the right information or set them up the right way.”

That mindset shapes how he works with Jacob and others on the team.

Jacob sees the impact of that approach every day.

“He’s patient with everybody,” Jacob said. “There’s no such thing as a stupid question with him. He’ll take the time to explain it and make sure you understand before you go back out there.”

That kind of support builds confidence, especially for someone stepping into a larger role.

Growing Into the Next Role

Jacob has already begun that transition.

Recently moved into a supervisor role, he is continuing to build his skills while gaining experience in leadership.

“There were definitely things at the beginning where I thought, how does he know that right off the top of his head?” Jacob said. “But over time, you start to pick that up just by being around it and doing it.”

That progression is intentional.

At Clouse Construction, we believe strong leaders are developed through experience, not rushed into position.

“I like being out on the job site,” he said. “I feel like I’m too young to be sitting behind a computer all day. I still want to learn what’s going on out here.”

That decision reflects something we value as a company: taking the time to learn the work from the ground up.

“It makes him more well-rounded,” Eric said. “He’ll understand the field, the people, and how everything actually comes together. That makes a better leader in the long run.”

Building the Future from Within

At Clouse Construction, developing employees internally is not just about individual success. It is about the future of the company.

Years ago, Eric recognized what many in the industry are facing now: experienced workers will eventually retire, and companies need to be ready with the next generation.

“We knew we needed to bring younger people in and start developing them,” he said. “You can’t wait until you need them. You have to build that pipeline ahead of time.”

That is exactly what Clouse Construction has done.

Through programs like Draft Day, apprenticeship opportunities, and on-the-job mentorship, we are creating a clear path for people to enter the industry, build skills, and grow into leadership roles over time.

And for many, that path does not stop with their own success.

“I’d like to be a mentor someday,” Jacob said. “Like he is.”

A Place to Build More Than a Career

At Clouse Construction, we are proud of the work we build. But we are just as proud of the people behind it.

Because when someone joins our team, they are not just taking a job. They are stepping into an environment where they can learn, grow, and build something lasting—for themselves and for the future of the company.

If you are looking for a place where you can develop your skills, take on new challenges, and grow into a leadership role, we invite you to explore a career path at Clouse Construction. Whether you are just getting started or ready for your next step, there is an opportunity here to build something meaningful.

And we are building that future every day.

Learn More »

Across Northwest Ohio, we’re seeing steady growth in light industrial and mid-size commercial construction. For many businesses, this isn’t about massive developments; it’s about smart, strategic expansion that supports long-term growth.

At Clouse Construction, this segment represents a significant portion of our work, and it continues to be one of the strongest indicators of a healthy local economy.

What’s Driving Growth in This Segment

We’re seeing increased demand for projects such as:

• Manufacturing
• Warehouse additions and expansions
• Food Industry
• Service and maintenance facilities
• Medical and professional office spaces
• Municipal facilities and upgrades
• Tenant improvements and adaptive renovations
• Commercial and agricultural sector

These projects are often driven by companies that are growing, evolving, or reinvesting in their operations — and they require a construction partner who can move quickly and plan carefully.

Why So Much of This Work Comes From Returning Clients

One of the things we’re most proud of at Clouse Construction is that nearly 90% of our light industrial and mid-size commercial projects come from repeat customers.

That tells us two important things:

First, it shows that our clients are doing well. They’re expanding, adding space, opening second locations, or upgrading facilities to meet new demands.

Second, and just as important, it shows that clients come back because they were satisfied with the process and the outcome the first time around. Repeat business is one of the clearest signs that our customers trust our abilities.

Design-Build That Keeps Projects on Time and on Budget

Many of these projects benefit from a design-build delivery approach, where one team is responsible from early planning through final construction.

At Clouse Construction, our design-build process allows us to help clients with:

• Site selection and property evaluation
• Feasibility and early budget planning
• Design coordination
• Permitting and approvals
• Construction through turnkey delivery

Because we’re involved from the beginning, we can identify potential challenges early, control costs more effectively, and keep schedules realistic. That’s a big reason we’re known for delivering projects on time and on budget, especially in this mid-size range where efficiency matters.

Recent Light Industrial & Mid-Size Commercial Projects

We’ve helped many businesses and organizations successfully expand or upgrade their facilities. Below are a few recent projects that reflect the types of work driving growth in this sector:

Charter Steel 
TH Plastics 
Tiell Financial Group
Tiffin University Center for Innovation and Learning

Expansion Incentives Are Part of the Conversation

As manufacturers and production-focused businesses consider expanding, one important factor shaping decisions right now is the availability of tax incentives tied to facility investment.

Through recent federal legislation, manufacturers may be eligible to take advantage of Qualified Production Property (QPP) provisions, along with bonus depreciation, to enhance tax savings tied to facility construction or expansion. For qualifying projects, these provisions can create meaningful financial advantages when planning a new building, addition, or significant upgrade.

For businesses investing in production space, warehouse capacity, or facility improvements, timing and structure matter. Certain incentives may depend on how a project is designed, categorized, or placed into service.

At Clouse Construction, we believe these conversations should happen early. When we’re involved during site selection and feasibility planning, we can help ensure your building approach aligns with both operational goals and potential financial opportunities.

While every situation is unique and should be reviewed with your tax professional, understanding how programs like QPP and bonus depreciation may apply can significantly impact overall project economics.

When growth makes financial sense, it becomes much easier to move forward with confidence.

👉 [Learn More]

What Growth Looks Like in Practice

In our experience, successful light industrial and mid-size commercial projects share a few things in common:

• Early planning and clear communication
• A realistic understanding of budget and schedule
• A team that can guide decisions instead of just reacting to them

That’s where Clouse Construction focuses our role, not just as a builder, but as a guide throughout the process. From evaluating a site to handing over the keys, our goal is to make growth feel manageable and predictable.

Planning Your Next Phase of Growth

If you’re considering:

• Expanding your warehouse or operations
• Building a new service or office facility
• Renovating for a new tenant or use
• Investing in municipal or community infrastructure

Clouse Construction can help you understand your options and move forward with confidence.

Growth doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right planning and the right partner, it can be a smooth next step.

Start the conversation by filling out our Get Started form, and a member of our team will be in touch to talk through your goals and next steps.

👉  [Get Started]

Findlay, Ohio-based Lighthouse Church had an 11-acre lot and a dream of an 18,000-square-foot ministry center. 

More than that, the church wanted a building that could be easily expanded in the future. 

After a prolonged capital campaign to fund construction, Lighthouse hired Clouse Construction to transform its dream into a reality.

“Clouse Construction has built tons of buildings all over the region—they’re well known as a quality contractor,” church elder Larry Seawell says. “Before we hired them, we talked to a few different contractors. Then we put the plan in front of Clouse and concluded they had a good network of local contractors and the best capacity to finish the building on time.”

Seawell interfaced with the company throughout the process, serving as the church’s spokesperson and project manager for the build. 

“When we began, we had a plan for the building, and we hired an engineering firm to convert that into engineering drawings,” he says. “Clouse Construction entered into that process, and they offered thoughtful suggestions for alterations as the plan was being engineered. When we got to the actual building phase, we had a good plan in place.”

The plan continued to evolve during the build. 

“Clouse Construction made revisions or suggestions throughout the process,” Seawell explains. “For instance, they recommended spray foam insulation inside the walls. You can’t see it, and it didn’t cost a lot of money, but it made an enormous difference in the energy efficiency of the building.”

During the process, the church also indicated that it needed guidance regarding the audiovisual aspects of the worship space in the building. 

“We were interested in acoustics and clear sound,” he says. “So Clouse Construction recommended an outside firm with expertise in audio, visuals, and lighting, and we hired them. Then they were a part of the process—working with Clouse Construction and working with us.”

But the firm was not alone in advising the church about acoustics.

“Clouse Construction suggested we install eight inches of loose, unfaced insulation above perforated sound panels on the ceiling for sound deadening, and with the right R value for insulation,” Seawell says. 

As the project progressed, Clouse Construction and its subcontractors worked together—sometimes with as many as 40 workers onsite—to complete the build.

“It’s a really solid team,” he says. “There were plumbers over here and HVAC guys over there, and then electricians over there—and somehow they stayed out of each other’s way. It’s like making a big puzzle. You have to get all the right pieces going at the right time in the right places, and they are masters at it.” 

When it came to deadlines, Clouse Construction hit its projected target with no trouble.

“They told us it would take 11 months, and it took 11 months,” he says. “We had our first service in the building on the 29th of January this year.”

While the build is done, the church plans to expand the ministry center in the future. 

“This building was intended to be easily expandable,” Seawell says. “That was part of the design plan. When we are ready to expand, we’ll bring Clouse Construction in for design and construction. That’s what we’ll do next time.” 

When reflecting on the project as a whole, Seawell says, “We ended up with a building we’re really happy with. Clouse Construction listens well, and they were so attuned to our dream for the building. They’re just a really, really solid partner in construction for us.”

If you are searching for a knowledgeable, local design-build contractor for your next project, reach out to Clouse Construction. Click “Get Started” at the top of this page so we can transform your dream building into a reality. 

We are ready to help you realize your vision and use our expertise to make it even better than you imagined. Let’s talk—your dream build awaits!

When Grace Community Church wanted to open a large indoor playspace for families in Seneca County, Lead Pastor Zach Pinkerton turned to one of the people in his pews for help. 

“The project supervisor for Clouse Construction attends one of our campuses, so we know him from church, and we’ve gotten to know the owner, too,” he says. “We’d used Clouse Construction on a couple of projects before—they do really well.” 

The church had a specific four-story playground in mind for the space and needed a building to house it. They would name the finished project the Hangar Playspace because of the church’s proximity to the Seneca County Airport. “It’s just something we wanted to offer our community,” Pinkerton explains. “It’s free, and it’s been a hit!”

When it came to choosing a contractor, the church had hired Clouse Construction in 2007 and 2018 for projects and decided to enlist them again for this undertaking. “We just feel comfortable with them,” the pastor says. “They’ve given us great prices, and they’re good guys, so we appreciate them.” 

To move the project from concept to reality, the church met with Clouse Construction multiple times to hammer out the details. “They took a lot of time to meet with us, figure out our needs, and learn more about our wishlist for the project to make it happen,” explains Pinkerton.

While many builders would have required the church to partner with an architect to design the structure, Clouse Construction offered a more streamlined approach thanks to its expert in-house designers.   

“We needed the building to be designed around the playground we had in mind, and they did a good job with it,” he continues.

In addition to the playground, the church plans to open a café area in the building someday. Working with Clouse Construction meant being able to plan for future additions like this one in advance. “We wanted to put all the plumbing in for that area so we don’t have to dig anything up down the line,” Pinkerton says.

The church knew the build had the potential to disrupt Sunday morning operations because it would involve the existence of an ongoing construction zone in front of the building’s main entrance.

“We said we want the front doors open on Sunday morning,” he says, “and you guys will have to figure out how to make that happen.” Ultimately, Clouse Construction moved the entrance 15 feet from its original location to accommodate the church’s needs—a transformation the contractor completed in one week.

As the project proceeded from design to build, the church met with the builder once every three weeks. “Clouse Construction would have their electrical subcontractor and their HVAC and plumbing people there,” Pinkerton says. “It was really good having everybody in the room as they walk through what they’re going to do.”

The pastor describes these meetings as a “refining process” that improved the build over time through adjustments to the design. Construction began in March of 2024. The church hoped to open the Hangar Playspace in October, and Clouse Construction completed the build in the final week of the month. Reflecting on the finished product, Pinkerton says, “I feel like we ended up with a really good building. We were able to make it as useful as possible, and it looks great from the road. It went really well.”

Since opening, the Hangar Playspace has become a magnet for kids and parents alike. “Over the last three months, we’ve had over 2,000 kids who are not connected with our church sign in and be a part of it,” he continues. “We want the kids to hang out with each other and socialize. It’s good for them physically and mentally. If they come to our church on Sunday morning, it’s good for them spiritually, too.”

The parents benefit from the Hangar Playspace as well. “They’re getting to know each other. Moms are meeting other moms, and dads are meeting other dads—it’s kind of a community thing. We have hundreds of people here on any given day.”

By partnering with Clouse Construction, Grace Community Church was able to advance its mission to minister to the residents of Seneca County by offering a unique playspace that brings people together and gives them joy. 

“They did good,” Pinkerton says of Clouse Construction. “They got it done on time, and for the price they said they would do it for, too.”

If you would like to follow in Grace Community Church’s footsteps for your construction needs, contact Clouse Construction by clicking “Get Started” on the company’s website or by calling (419) 448-1365. 

Clouse Construction will use its expertise as the leading design-build general contractor in Northwest Ohio to deliver a finished product that honors and exceeds your expectations.

Clouse Construction Corp. was named Central Region Dealer of the Year by Butler Manufacturing™ for superior sales, design services and erection.

Atlanta, Georgia — Clouse Construction Corp. received an award for over 80 and 85 million in cumulative sales of Butler Pre-Engineered Steel Buildings. They were also awarded the High Performance Builder and the Outstanding Regional Builder of the Year award for the Central Region. Butler provides design-build construction solutions and innovative building technology to the
nonresidential market. This designation is awarded to Butler Builder ® dealers who meet or exceed annual territory sales goals and demonstrate superior marketing, design, and erecting Butler ® buildings.

Founded in 1975, Clouse Construction Corp. has been an authorized Butler Builder for over 45 years. Current and recent projects in the Tiffin area include; Tiffin University Innovation Learning Center, Grace Community Church, Tiffin Community Kitchen, Heavenly Pizza, Tiffin Community Kitchen, Seneca Co. Fair Livestock Facility, Tiffin Metal, TH Plastics, Sonoco Products, Arnold Machine, Tiffin Ford, Church and Dwight Expansion, Charter Steel, Owens Corning, Taiho Corp., Webster Manufacturing, American Fine Sinter, Tiffin Aire, Baumann Auto Group, Tiffin University Heminger Center, North Central Ohio Educational Service Center, Laminate Technologies, Coppus Motors, Sunrise Co-Op, Palfinger, Good Shepherd Nursing Home, Clouse Electric, 2 Seneca EMS Facilities, Clinton Fire Department, NCE, Aldridge Electric, Schreiner Mfg., and Midwest Tournament.

About Clouse Construction Corp.
Clouse Construction Corp., located in New Riegel, Ohio, is Northwest Ohio’s leading design-build general contractor. Established in 1975, Clouse Construction provides all services from Concept to Completion.

Pictured left to right:

Christen Funk – President of Butler Mfg., Kyle Balliet – Project Manager at Clouse Construction, Adam Wines – Project Manager at Clouse Construction, Aaron Luzader – General Superintendent at Clouse Construction, Nate Dentinger – Project Manager at Clouse Construction, Lenny Clouse – President of Clouse Construction, Bruce Shook – Project Manager at Clouse Construction, Brian Clouse – Vice President at Clouse Construction, and Cameron Schrader – Vice President of Sales for Butler Mfg.

Clouse hosted its annual “Draft Day” for this year’s summer hires

In a remarkable initiative aimed at developing the next generation of builders, Clouse Construction recently hosted a group of enthusiastic students for an immersive orientation, aptly named “Draft Day.” The event was designed to provide these young minds with a firsthand experience of the construction industry. All students will be employed at the start of this summer, providing them with hands-on experience in a full-time role.

“Draft Day” was more than just an orientation—it was a bridge connecting the aspirations of young minds with the opportunities of a thriving industry. Clouse Construction’s commitment to education and mentorship stands as a testament to its vision for a brighter, more innovative future, built by the very students it inspired.

Clouse Ironworker Apprenticeship Program

Our exclusive and nationally-accredited ironworker apprenticeship program and incredible career-building opportunity. Some of the benefits are:

• Paid CDL w/5-year commitment to Apprenticeship
• Classes run for 3 years – January through April on Fridays
• Apprenticeship is a paying program
• Earn certification in welding
• $1/hr raise with both CDL and welding, another $1/hr raise when you finish the Apprenticeship

Clouse Construction is thrilled to be celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. We will host an open house for all past, present, and future customers, employees, friends, family, community supporters, sub-contractors, and suppliers. The event is on Friday, April 25th from 3-9 PM at the shop at 4382 West TWP RD 90, New Riegel, OH 44853. Join us for food, beverages, and door prizes.

To commemorate this milestone, we asked our founder, Lenny Clouse, to share about the company’s history. The Clouse family has deep roots in New Riegel and Seneca County, reaching all the way back to 1833. According to some family research, construction seems to be in the Clouse DNA, so maybe it’s no surprise that Lenny ended up in construction!

The Founding of Clouse Construction

“As a small child, I always liked building things,” Lenny shared. “I believe God gives everybody different talents and things that they enjoy doing—could be a painter, mechanic, banker, whatever—and I just always liked building.”

Lenny’s parents were a major influence in his life. He grew up one of 10 kids on a 120-acre dairy farm. His parents instilled in him the values of caring for each other, discipline, and hard work, all of which he still applies to this day.

Lenny’s love for construction began early.

“I remember before I went to grade school, our neighbor, Don Bishop, who was an excellent craftsman. He helped my dad build a livestock shed on our dairy farm,” Lenny said. “I was following Mr. Bishop around. I liked how he was doing things and loved watching what he was doing.”  Don always gave me small jobs to keep me busy and encouraged me often.  At New Riegel High School, the principal left me in the shop instead of study hall; he thought it would be better time well spent.

“After graduation from high school, I started working for Paul Kramer, a local home builder. Paul was a good builder and I learned a lot. After four years, I planned on getting a factory job and helping dad farm.  Jobs were scarce, and my parents always wanted to attach a garage to their home, so I told myself, ‘while I’m trying to find a job, I’ll just get Mom and Dad’s garage built.’ Before I finished the garage, other nice folks in the New Riegel area were calling wanting projects completed.”  Betty Lauer hired me to build a 24’ x 32’ garage with an overhead door, concrete floor, and electric, all for $5,000.00.  Betty couldn’t say enough good things about us.

It was March 1975. So much of the Clouse business has been built on solid relationships, trustworthiness, and respect, stretching back to the beginning. 

In 1976, Lenny hired Jerry Kirian and Mike Boes. Both of them had just graduated from high school and were good workers with a lot of talent. The first home the team built was a split-level house for Kenny Tiell.  Ken recommended us for many other jobs.

With the Help of Healthy Relationships, Clouse Shifts toward Commercial Builds

Clouse Construction began to shift into the commercial realm in January 1980, when they secured the Butler Manufacturing dealership. Several more commercial projects took off that year, including our first Butler building, a 20’ x 30’ garage for Lenny Theis of New Riegel, Don Stover’s 40’ x 60’ Butler Steel Building, and Carl Murray’s 80’ x 120’ shop building, both in Old Fort.

“Carl and Don were very well respected, and I believe a lot of people thought that if Carl and Don trusted me, I’d be a good contractor to hire if they ever had a need,” said Lenny. “I really enjoyed working for them and their families.”

There have always been ups and downs in construction, and Lenny faced his fair share of challenges throughout the years. But he kept going, thanks to the support and belief of family and friends, especially Lenny’s wife, Lynn.

In the early 1980s, interest rates were 18% and not many new building projects were going on.  Once, when business seemed to be drying up, Lenny felt like he’d had enough. “I talked to Lynn about it, and she just said, ‘Oh, something will come through.’ A couple of days later, I got a call, and they wanted a whole bunch of work done at the Armory in Tiffin, where the Salvation Army is now. We poured all that concrete out and finished the build. By the time we got done with that, things started picking up a little bit.”

Lynn’s support extended far beyond her belief in Lenny’s work.

“I can’t thank her enough. She was a beautician by trade, and then somebody had to take care of the books. She didn’t know much about it, and she dug in and found a way to get it done. She was helping with the invoicing and billing and all the employee forms. She just did a remarkable job raising the kids and everything at the same time.”

Throughout all these years, the company has remained true to its original beliefs and values.  Clouse stayed with Butler since 1980 and will soon have sold 90 million with Butler; their products and roof system can’t be matched.

“I was always adamant that we do a first-class job. And if something doesn’t work out right, let’s try to make it right—there are a million things that can go wrong in construction, and things aren’t always going to go according to plan or as well as you hope they are. Our view has always been, ‘Hey, we’re going to fix it, the best we can.’  Let’s do a great job today so we have another job tomorrow.”

There will always be a need for construction in the community, and Clouse Construction plans to continue following the same values and delivering excellence under Lenny and Lynn’s son Brian’s leadership.

“Brian has done an excellent job,” Lenny shared. “He has a lot of engineering experience and is more structured than I’ve ever been. We’re doing three times the business that we were when I was running things by myself.”

Looking into the future, there are only two things that Lenny hopes will remain true about Clouse: “I hope that our legacy is that we will always be remembered as a good contractor and a kind and loving and caring group of people. We enjoy supporting our communities and nation whenever we can.”

We hope you’ll join us at our 50th Anniversary open house on April 25!

Lenny would personally like to take a moment to thank all our military personnel who have helped to shape our country as it is today.  His parents for instilling all the great values it takes to become successful. His older brothers and sisters who had to give up a lot to help watch over the younger ones in the family.  His wife, Lynn, for her understanding of all the meetings and late suppers.  Their kids Brian, Nicole, and Lindsey, for all the appreciation and help.  All the great employees, like Jerry Kirian, Roger Fredritz, and Terry Shank Clouse Construction has had over the years.  All the great customers they’ve had to support them. Especially God for all the miracles He’s performed for us over the years, looking over our health and safety and well-being.  Thank You, Thank You, Thank You!

50th Anniversary Invitation

When searching for solutions to problems, people often overlook the one that’s right in front of them—the one staring them in the face. 

Not so with Jason Heaster, District Manager for Fastenal in Findlay, Ohio, who needed a builder to construct a fulfillment center in Bowling Green in Wood County. Instead of searching far and wide for a contractor, he hired one of his longtime customers. 

“Clouse Construction had been our customer for years, so Lenny was the first person I thought of when it came to building and leasing a building,” Heaster explains, referring to company President and CEO Lenny Clouse. “So he’s our customer, builder, and landlord, too.” 

For some people, playing this many parts might prove challenging. When it comes to Heaster and Clouse, however, it’s been smooth sailing from the get-go. 

“There have never been any issues that we haven’t been able to overcome easily between the two of us,” says Heaster, who has served Fastenal for 29 years. “Lenny does quality work, and he’s straightforward, very down to earth, and easy to work with on projects.”

Perhaps OSHA awarded Clouse Construction its “preferred partner” rating, at least in part, because of these qualities. The company was the first general contractor in northwest Ohio to receive this honor, which is bestowed upon companies with superior safety training, management, and performance.

In addition to the fulfillment center in Bowling Green, Heaster hired the company to build three more in Findlay, Fremont, and Upper Sandusky. 

“They’re sales and distribution offices,” Heaster says of the buildings. “We sell to local manufacturing plants and house products specifically for their needs, whether that be nuts and bolts, power tools, or safety supplies. Then we deliver those products from these buildings to customers.” 

When Heaster approached Clouse to build and lease these four buildings, he provided designs and then trusted Clouse and his team to work their magic. 

“On each of those four occasions, they’ve taken our design and improved it a little bit and then agreed to lease the building back to us once they’ve completed the build-out,” Heaster explains. 

When asked how Clouse Construction improved Fastenal’s designs, Heaster mentioned alterations to office layout and location, as well as strategic placement of overhead doors. The goal of these changes? To idealize the use of space in the buildings.

While Fastenal brought its own designs to the table, Clouse Construction brands itself as northwest Ohio’s premier design-build contractor. In other words: No design? No problem. The company transforms concepts into designs and designs into buildings that satisfy clients.  

Clouse Constructions has developed projects through the design-build process for a variety of clients, including DS Brown, the North Central Ohio Education Service, Legacy Farmers, TH Plastics BG, Charter Steel, Union Bank, Cygnet Sod, Vehtek, Ag Pro BG, Historical Construction & Equipment, and Sunrise Co-op, to name a few.

Any companies in Northwest Ohio interested in joining this growing list of satisfied clients can contact the experts at Clouse by clicking “Get Started” here. 

Of course, Clouse Construction is not limited to general construction and design-build projects. The company’s services include site selection/feasibility, construction management, steel erection, design/engineering, site development, flood mitigation, demolition/fire restoration, and more. 

When considering Clouse Construction for any of these services, anyone hunting for high praise for the company might want to listen to Jason Heaster. When asked if he would recommend the company to others, he responds without hesitating, “Absolutely.”