Devon Industrial Group

Intern Spotlight: Devin – Project Engineering Intern

This year, DIG had the pleasure of welcoming Devin as a Project Engineering Intern. In his first year with us, Devin has made a significant impact on our construction sites. His role involved overseeing the day-to-day operations, ensuring that every detail was meticulously recorded, and keeping both our internal team and subcontractors updated on the project's progress.

Through this experience, Devin quickly learned the importance of organization and proper documentation, skills that are vital in maintaining the smooth flow of construction processes. He also honed his ability to communicate effectively with subcontractors and architects, ensuring that Requests for Information (RFIs) were handled efficiently.

Reflecting on his time at DIG, Devin shared that this internship has been an eye-opening experience. "I’ve learned more about construction management in the first week of my internship than in the two years I’ve been attending school for it," he said. The hands-on experience provided him with insights that textbooks simply can't offer.

This internship didn’t just expand Devin’s technical knowledge; it also helped him gain a broader understanding of the diverse roles within a construction management team. It has guided him toward discovering which aspects of the field resonate most with him, shaping both his career goals and academic pursuits moving forward.

We’re incredibly proud of Devin’s growth and contributions during his time with us. His dedication and eagerness to learn are exactly what makes being an intern at DIG so rewarding.

From concept to reality! Check out this stunning before and after shot of the vibrant staircase we constructed for the University of Michigan Robotics Lab. It's amazing to see how a pop of color can transform a space.

Earlier June, DIG attended the Winning Futures Award Celebration!

Winning Futures is an award-winning organization empowering Metro Detroit students through a seven-year Workforce Prep program. This initiative includes mentoring, life skills, goal setting, job readiness, and career exploration, helping students become self-reliant and productive adults.

Since 1994, Winning Futures has positively impacted over 50,000 students and awarded more than $2.1 million in scholarships.

Congratulations to all the scholarship recipients! Your hard work inspires us all.

We had an amazing time at our Annual Safety Barbecue!

Our team came together for a day of delicious food, fun games, music, and prizes to kick off a safe and productive summer season.

The event was a fantastic opportunity to reinforce our commitment to safety while enjoying some well-deserved downtime. Let’s continue to prioritize safety in all that we do and make this summer our safest yet.


Thank you to our food trucks Seoul Rolls on the Go and Sunset Ridge BBQ and Frozen Treats

On June 13th we had the honor of hosting NAMI-METRO (National Alliance on Mental Illness) at our DIG Allen Park Office. About 40 of us gathered to listen and learn, marking the second consecutive year that NAMI has shared their invaluable insights with our team.

With some incredible generosity, we were able to present a $5000 check to support NAMI’s vital work.

Together, we’re raising awareness and breaking the stigma surrounding mental health.

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, call or text 988 to get in contact with the Su***de & Crisis Lifeline.

We are thrilled to announce that DIG has been honored with the Outstanding Achievement Award for Building Design and Construction for the Bagley Mobility Hub at the Engineering Society of Detroit Award Ceremony!

This recognition reflects our commitment to innovative and sustainable building solutions. We’re incredibly proud of our team’s hard work and dedication that made this achievement possible.

Last night, we had the honor of attending The Engineering Society of Detroit's Annual Dinner and accepting the Construction & Design Award for the Bagley Mobility Hub! 🏆

The Hub is a standout project that combines innovative design and functionality with key features such as:

🔷 1,253 car parking deck designed to meet the area's mobility needs
🔷 Advanced parking space identification system with LED lights to minimize time spent searching for spaces, reducing carbon emissions
🔷 Rainwater harvesting system with three 27,800-gallon cisterns for efficient irrigation and other non-potable uses
🔷 Electric vehicle charging at 35% of spaces, with plans to extend to all spaces
🔷 Transformers using FR3, a natural ester from renewable vegetable oils, reducing carbon emissions by 56 times compared to mineral oil
🔷 Three art installations by local artists, including a 97-foot mural, water cistern depictions of Michigan bodies of water, and a kinetic light sculpture
🔷 Heating and cooling systems for optimal comfort in all weather, including heater lights for those waiting for buses or elevators

Congratulations to all team members who helped make this project possible, including:
Owner: Michigan Central
Construction Manager: Devon Industrial Group
Architect of Record: Rich & Associates Parking Consultants
Design Architect: ROSSETTI
Civil Engineer: Giffels Webster

Fatalities from falls continues to be a top concern in the construction industry.

To mark National Safety Stand Down Week, DIG’s Ford Rouge team planned a toolbox talk to focus on fall hazards to reinforce the importance of fall prevention along with discussing topics like ladder safety, scaffolding safety, and roofing work safety.

Together, let’s build a safer future in construction.
 

Swing into Spring! The golf season is officially underway, and last week we attended the FrostBite Open! What a fantastic day on the green, all for an incredible cause — Penrickton Center for Blind Children.

Every putt and every drive made a difference!

What a success! Our Supplier Diversity Open House was filled with networking, laughter, and fun!

Thank you to everyone who joined us and let’s continue to foster new partnerships!

A day filled with mini hard hats, construction paper, and loads of fun!

On April 26th, Bring Your Kid to Work Day was an absolute blast! From safety moments to watching educational videos to diving into workbook adventures with word searches and coloring pages. But the real magic happened when they put their imaginations to work crafting their very own candy dispensers! It was a day of learning, laughter, and loads of creativity.

Here’s to inspiring the next generation of builders and dreamers!

In the spirit of Earth Day, we’re ramping up our green initiatives. From using sustainable materials to promoting energy-efficient construction practices, we’re dedicated to building a greener future.

We’re proud to share that our Co-CEO and General Manager, Stephanie Burnley-Hemphill, has been elected to the Board of Directors at Winning Futures!

This renowned nonprofit empowers teens to succeed in their chosen career paths through mentoring, training, and scholarships. Stephanie’s passion for education and leadership at Devon Group makes her a perfect fit for this role!

Join us in congratulating Stephanie on this incredible achievement and in supporting her mission to empower students! Read more here: https://winningfutures.org/uncategorized/stephanie-burnley-hemphill-co-ceo-and-general-manager-at-devon-group-joins-our-board-of-directors/

Congratulations Stephanie

Stephanie Burnley-Hemphill, Co-CEO and general manager at Devon Group has joined our Board of Directors. Read more: https://winningfutures.org/uncategorized/stephanie-burnley-hemphill-co-ceo-and-general-manager-at-devon-group-joins-our-board-of-directors/ “My heart told me, ‘This is it.’ I love the fact that Winning Futures helps students throughout their high school and college paths. I look forward to jumping in and supporting their mission and students.” Welcome aboard, Stephanie! Devon Industrial Group , Wayne State University , Dartmouth , Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council, Stephanie Nicole

We came, we saw, we celebrated!

Last week was a total blast as DIG open the doors to our newly renovated space! From fresh paint to sleek designs, we were thrilled to show off our revamped office. Thank you to everyone who came to celebrate at our Open House!

Come check out our new office!

We’re starting this month off strong by honoring Robert Robinson Taylor!

Taylor was a trailblazer and visionary in the world of architecture. He made history as the first academically trained and credentialed Black architect in America.

His journey began as a carpenter and foreman, but his passion and talent led him to MIT, where he honed his skills and embarked on a groundbreaking career. He designed and constructed several iconic structures on the Tuskegee Institute campus, contributing to its rich architectural legacy that stands tall today.

As a minority-owned construction company, we’re proud to recognize and celebrate Black History Month. We continue to acknowledge the power of diverse perspectives in creating a brighter tomorrow.

Each week in February we will highlight innovative trailblazers in the Black community who have shaped our world. Join us in recognizing the profound impact Black individuals have made throughout history. Their resilience, creativity, and courage continue to inspire us.

Such an honor to celebrate with Rhonda Walker Foundation as they celebrate 20 years!

David Burnley – Hall of Famer.

The Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council recently awarded David Burnley as a 2023 Ace Award Hall of Fame recipient, highlighting men and women who have significantly contributed to minority supplier development in Michigan and beyond.

As DIG’s president and CEO, he spoke about the sacrifices needed to succeed as a business owner and the firm’s growth opportunities during his leadership. He thanked all who have supported DIG’s as a constructor and minority firm, expressing gratitude to all the team members, partners and customers who’ve supported DIG.

As the fall season approaches, it's important to keep construction safety top of mind. Falling leaves can create slippery surfaces, while changing weather conditions can increase the risk of accidents. Remember to always wear appropriate personal protective equipment, keep your work areas clean and well-lit, and communicate effectively with your team.

Let's stay vigilant and prioritize safety as we continue to build and improve our communities in the cooler months.

It’s both Construction Su***de Prevention Week and Su***de Prevention Month – a time to discuss su***de in the construction industry. Having open, honest conversations about mental health with friends, families and colleagues is one way to support one another.

The 988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline is a free, confidential support line and resource for those in need. With trained counselors available at all hours of the day, they’re known for people in need or those worried about a loved one who may need crisis support. ***dePreventionMonth

As environmental processes change across the country and in every industry, Devon Industrial Group’s team continues to work directly with customers to be at the forefront of these changes.

This week, our team met with customers Ford Motor Company and Ford Land to discuss their current environmental and sustainability protocols and have continued dialogue about these efforts in constructing their facilities.

We are more than halfway through our annual program!

Each week, our teams have a different safety topic to review – highlighting different aspects of DIG’s safety program to keep it at the forefront of everyone’s mind! This week, it’s the reminder to identify fall hazards and prevention methods.

The University of Michigan's Ford Robotics Building is a 34,000-square-foot, four-story building with classrooms, offices, a cafe, and a startup-style open collaboration area – and now is The Engineering Society of Detroit (ESD) Outstanding Achievement Award Winner.

Our team and partners HED recently celebrated the award and amazing project at the ESD’s Annual Dinner and Awards.

The Bagley Mobility Hub looks oh-so spectacular.

Located just a quick walk from Michigan Central and the Book Depository in Detroit’s Corktown, DIG constructed this state-of-the-art center with more than 1,200 parking spots. It also connects to the beautiful Greenway project.

It's the perfect addition to the area, with electric vehicle charging stations, exterior artwork, public plazas, and green space. The project includes three 25,000-gallon tanks for rainwater collection for landscaping the green areas.

Started with rain and ended with sunshine! ☀️

Today we hosted our annual safety BBQ to show appreciation for the trades and team members working hard on our project sites in Dearborn.

We provided everyone with some Zukin's Rib Shack BBQ followed by some sweet treats from Frozen Dreams and tons of raffle prizes!

Thank you to all of our for your diligence and dedication to keeping our jobsites safe!

We are so grateful for all of the dads on our DIG team for the many roles that they play – cheerleader, coach, protector and more. You mean so much to your families and those around you!

Wishing all dads and father-figures love and happy memories this weekend! 🙂

Please help us congratulation our Founder, President & CEO, David Burnley, Sr., on receiving the Michigan Chronicle Men of Excellence Award!

This award celebrates outstanding men who unselfishly give of themselves to make our community a better place and to say that David deserves this is an understatement. Thank you, David, for all that you do for our team and the community and beyond.

For us, family comes first and is so important. We truly appreciate all of the moms on our DIG team for their hard work and dedication to getting the job done, while also balancing their own families. We know that balance isn’t easy, but you mamas have the strength to manage it all! Wishing you love and happy memories this weekend!