New Michigan Construction Firm Selects Executives for Leadership Team

DETROIT (May 12, 2025) — Two longtime Detroit-area construction executives, Matt Evans and Kent Jackson, have partnered to launch Invictus Builders LLC, a new commercial construction management firm in Detroit. Owners Evans, CEO, and Jackson, chief operating officer (COO), have tapped Dennis Archer Jr. (founder and chairman of sixteen42 ventures) and Mike VanGessel (founding member of Grand Rapids-based Rockford Construction and VanGessel Investments) to lead its board of directors.

With vice president- and regional director-level experience, Evans brings years of executive leadership and community development expertise to Invictus. Jackson is a 30-year construction management expert, having served as project manager, director of preconstruction and vice president for some of the area’s leading construction companies.

Located in the Central Business District in downtown Detroit, Invictus serves communities throughout Michigan and the Midwest, offering construction management, general contractor work, consulting and preconstruction estimating. 

Archer Jr. and VanGessel are joined by board members Eric A. Reeves, founder of Prospect Park LLC in Chicago, and Rachel Scott, managing member of SPARC Investments in Cleveland. VanGessel, who recently left Rockford after 38 years to form VanGessel Investments, brings knowledge of commercial construction to Invictus.

For over 20 years, Evans has been an active member within the Detroit community, where he directed programs with Detroit schools to train youth in the design and installation of off-grid photovoltaic solar panels. He is leading business strategy and client development at Invictus.

Jackson, a Detroit native, has led  a variety of client industries, including education, commercial, municipal, industrial and health care. At Invictus, he will manage all work performed during the preconstruction, procurement and construction phases to comply with Invictus’ clients’ policies, procedures and expectations.

“Our team’s experienced construction professionals and community leaders bring a wealth of knowledge and creativity in construction management, and business and community development,” said Jackson. “We are here to foster opportunities for young people — a place where a young professional can come and grow fast in the business.”

Visit invictusbuild.com.