Kentwood construction group finally finds its own space

Kentwood construction group finally finds its own space

Since February 2011, Troy Yarbrough built his construction business, Preferred Construction Group, out of his basement. This month, he moves into a new space. Courtesy Preferred Construction Group

It’s been a busy three years for Troy Yarbrough.

Since February 2011, Yarbrough, the CEO and director of Preferred Construction Group LLC, has been building his construction business out of his basement in Kentwood. But this month he and his growing company are finally getting a home of their own in Grand Rapids.

In February, Yarbrough purchased the former fire station at 1945 Kalamazoo Ave. SE. Yarbrough and his team renovated the two-story, 4,200-square-foot building and will be moving into approximately 2,000 square feet on the second floor on Sept. 10.

“In the beginning, I actually started out three years ago with just a laptop and some files in a crate,” he said. “(To finally have our own space) feels exhilarating. It’s beyond excitement.”

Yarbrough plans to lease out the first floor to a business with a mission that will coincide with Preferred Construction Group’s. In three years, however, he’d like to expand his business to the point where it would fill both floors of the building.

As for his business, which he said currently features two full-time employees and several part-time subcontractors, Yarbrough has plans to add estimators, project managers and an in-house architect in the next three years, he said.

Yarbrough, who grew up in Grand Rapids’ inner city, said it was an honor to be living out his dream and giving back to the community.

“My goal is to continue to increase opportunity for those in the community, especially giving minority contractors the opportunity to perform in their field and profession,” he said.

A grand opening celebration for Preferred Construction Group’s new space will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Sept. 10, at its new headquarters. The community is welcome to attend.