Acknowledgements & Recognitions

• Featured speaker – Leading with Courage (November 2022)
• Featured panelist – Builders Expo (October 2022)
• Featured speaker – Commercial Bankers Forum (August 2022)
• Featured speaker - Commercial Bankers Forum (June 2022)
• Direct Steel and Construction featured speaker in Goldman Sach’s podcast (October 2021)  Read More
• Direct Steel and Construction Awarded USDA project in Peoria, IL (September 2021).
• Direct Steel's Federal Government work recognized by CBS News.  Read More
• Crain's Business Chicago names Rosemary Swierk as one of 2021's Notable Women in Construction and Design. Read More
• Morrie Bender Award - In honor of the person who mentored DEAN KLASSMAN, ChFC, CLU, we honor the contributions of a member for making a big difference for another member. Read More
• Direct Steel and Construction recognized during Iron Mountain VA Medical Center $12M addition opening (October 2020) - (IRON MOUNTAIN, MI) The Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center in Iron Mountain dedicated the newest addition to its facility October 28 with a ribbon cutting ceremony on their main campus. The $12.1M project adds 12,300 square feet to the facility, renovates nearly 4,000 square feet of the existing Community Living Center, and provides 11 more single-occupancy rooms for residents. The build also provides a more homelike environment with more space for dining and recreation, as well as a barber shop and living room area. “(The addition) will give eleven Veteran residents a new, single room in which to live while receiving care,” said Rebecca Strini, associate medical center director. “There are also four spacious and accommodating hospice rooms with walk-out garden views.” The architect and engineer of record is Berners-Schober Associates of Green Bay, Wisc., and the general contractor for the build is Direct Steel, LCC of Crystal Lake, Illinois.
• Direct Steel and Construction interviewed and recognized in Tasty Trade (February 2020)  Read More
• Direct Steel and Construction President recognized by the Genesee Business Center – March 2020
• Direct Steel & Construction President, Rosemary Swierk, was recognized with Women of Influence Award (November 2019) Read More
• Direct Steel & Construction recognized as State of Illinois Rising Star Award recipient (March 2019)
• Direct Steel & Construction Attends Ribbon Cutting at Olmstead Lock & Dam Project (August 2018) Read More
• Direct Steel & Construction highlights Crain's Chicago article "Will Chicago's Building Boom boost Women in Construction?" (August 2018) Read More
• Direct Steel & Construction invites you to meet the President, Rosemary Swierk (Oct 2017) Read More
• Direct Steel & Construction recognized during Chicago Sky’s Inspiring Women Night (August 2017)
• Direct Steel & Construction Featured in Women Impacting Public Policy
• Direct Steel & Construction Featured in NAWRB Magazine (June 2017) - Read More
• Direct Steel & Construction Featured in EW Magazine (June 2017)
• Direct Steel & Construction is recipient of the Leadership Award presented by Chicago Sky (June 2017)
• Direct Steel & Construction Featured in Chicago Women Magazine (May 2017)
• Direct Steel & Construction Featured in the Daily Herald Business Ledger (March 2017)
• Direct Steel & Construction President, Rosemary Swierk, was recognized with Women of Influence Award (March 2017) - Read More
• Direct Steel & Construction Awarded USACE Contract (February 2017) - Read More
• Direct Steel & Construction Published in Enterprising Women Magazine (Winter 2017) - Read More
• Direct Steel & Construction is the recipient of the Women’s Business Development Center (WBDC) award (November 2016)
• Direct Steel & Construction Featured in Value Drivers BLOG (October 2016)
• Direct Steel & Construction Published in Enterprising Women Magazine (Summer 2016)
• Direct Steel & Construction Project Highlighted in Metal Construction News (August 2016)
• Direct Steel & Construction Project Highlighted in Chicago Tribune (May 2016)
• Direct Steel & Construction is awarded the Varco Pruden Building’s 2016 Hall of Fame Winner (March 2016)
• Direct Steel & Construction earned the 2016 Enterprising Women of the Year Award (prestigious awards program recognizing the world’s top women entrepreneurs, Entertaining Women Magazine, January 2016)
• Direct Steel & Construction Featured Contractor in the McHenry County Business Journal Book of Lists (January 2015)
• Direct Steel & Construction President featured in “Lessons Learned” BLOG on Today’s Chicago Woman’s website (September 2014)
• Direct Steel & Construction President, Rosemary Swierk, awarded Women’s Business Development Center (WBDC) 2014 Entrepreneur of the Year (September 2014)
• Direct Steel & Construction recognized for the 10th anniversary as an authorized Varco Pruden Buildings Builder (June 2014)
• Direct Steel & Construction wins the Varco Pruden Buildings 2014 Hall of Fame award (March 2014)
• Direct Steel & Construction celebrates 10th anniversary (January 2014)
• Direct Steel & Construction Recognized by the Chicago Sun Times (September 2013)
• Direct Steel & Construction is the recipient of the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) – Dorothy B. Brothers Scholarship to attend the 2013 Tuck WBENC Executive Program sponsored by IBM (August 2013)
• Varco Prudent presents Direct Steel & Construction with Builder Sales Volume Award (May 2013)
• Direct Steel and Construction recognized by Small Business Administration’ Regional Director (SBA) for accomplishments (March 2013)
• Direct Steel LLC recognized in the Business Journal’s PowerBook 2013 Book of Lists (January 2013)
• Direct Steel & Construction has been selected as one of 102 small businesses Sam’s Club is helping during the 2012 holiday season. Along with SCORE Foundation (Small Business Association), Sam’s Club is supporting customized training and providing $1,000 in merchandise to help us grow our small business (December 2012)
• Direct Steel & Construction recognized as Honoree at Athena International convention (October 2012)
• Direct Steel & Construction received a Certificate of Registration for U.S. Trademark of “Direct Steel” (October 2012)
• Direct Steel & Construction awarded the Small Business Association SCORE Mentor program (September 2012)
• Direct Steel & Construction participates in Groundbreaking for Dorr Township’s new office (August 2012)
• Direct Steel & Construction was presented the Varco Pruden Buildings Hall of Fame plaque (August 2012)
• Direct Steel & Construction president, Rosemary Swierk, presented Athena Powerlink Award (June 2012)
• Direct Steel & Construction earned the Varco Pruden Buildings Hall of Fame award (April 2012)
• Direct Steel & Construction nominated as Small Business Association’s SCORE Women-Owned Small Business of the Year (March 2012)
• Direct Steel & Construction is authorized by American Institute of Architects to provide pre-engineered metal building presentations for educational credit (February 2012)
• Direct Steel & Construction highlighted within the DexOne produced video (October 2011)
• Direct Steel & Construction recognized in Today’s Chicago Woman’s magazine (May 2011) - Read More
• Direct Steel & Construction receives the Department of Commerce and Economic
  Opportunity (DECO) contract (January 2011)
• Direct Steel & Construction is awarded the Women’s Business Development Center WBE of the Month (November 2010)
• Rosemary Swierk wins Women Stem Entrepreneurs Award (June 2019) - Award Link

• Direct Steel and Construction featured speaker in Goldman Sach’s podcast (October 2021)  Read More
• Featured Speaker – Ask the Experts - Read More
• Featured Speaker - Tastytrade, Bootstrapping in America - Read More
• Featured Guest - Glen Eagle Advisors - Read More
• Represented as featured panelist for USACE; Louisville District Conference (August 2019) - Photo Here
• Challenge HER Success Story: Rosemary Swierk, President, Direct Steel and Construction - Read More
• Presented during EPA, SBA & WBDC Women’s History Event as Featured Panelist (March 2018)
• Featured panelist at the National Association of REALTORS Conference (November 2017)
• Featured panelist at WIPP Conference sponsored by Department of Defense (July 2017)
• Featured panelist at WBDC/PTAC sponsored event (April 2017)
• Featured panelist at Procurement Technical Assistance Center & Women Business Development Center event (March 2017)
• Featured panelist at the 5th Annual Middle Market Manufacturing Investment Conference (February 2017)
• Featured panelist for the Secrets of Successful Women Entrepreneurs (September 2016)
• Featured panelist for the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce (September 2015)
• Featured panelist for the Illinois Diversity Council (May 2015)
• Featured speaker at Indiana University Business Forum (March 2015)
• Featured presenter at NSEN event (November 2014)
• Featured panelist for the Small Business Administration Contract Connections and ChallengeHER event (August 2014)
• Featured panelist for WBDC: Business Success
• Featured panelist for the Indiana University Chicago Advancement; Risk and Reward Event (May 2014)

• Direct Steel and Construction represented at 10KSB Summit in Washington, DC (July 2022) Read More
• Represented at the WBENC Dallas Summit & Salute Conference (March 2018)
• Represented amongst the over 2,200 Alumni from Chicago & across the country attending the first-ever 10KSB National Alumni Summit in Washington, DC (Special Guests Included Warren Buffet, Lloyd Blankfein, Michael Bloomberg, Sara Blakely, Tyler Perry & many more)
• Represented at Capitol Hill (February 2018)
• Represented Small Business during SBDC Advisory Board Meeting (September 2017)
• Direct Steel & Construction President was appointed to Advisory Board (June 2016)
• Metal Builder Manufacturers Association (MBMA) Contractor Task Group Appointment (June 2015)
• Appointed to the State of Illinois Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) Advisory Board (October 2014)
• Small Business Administration (SBA) hosts round table at Direct Steel & Construction offices (April 2013)

• Direct Steel and Construction President Graduates from the SBA Emerging Leaders Program (October 2018)
  
  
• Direct Steel & Construction President graduates from the Dartmouth/Tuck Executive Program II (October 2017) - Read More
• LEED Green Associate Accreditation Renewed (April 2015)
• Dartmouth/Tuck Executive Program (October 2013)
• LEED Green Associate accreditation earned (June 2011)
• Awarded the Athena Power Link Program (May 2011)
• Represented as Founding Member of the Varco Pruden Buildings Green Advisory Board (May 2011)

Direct Steel and Construction is privileged to serve a multitude of clients in achieving their construction goals. Since 2004, Direct Steel has worked tirelessly to ensure the best experiences for businesses and government agencies. We take great pride in our work and are humbled by the many positive endorsements received over the years.

• "The communications throughout the project are second to none. With a dailyonsitemanager, I NEVER found myself looking for answers, rather the onsite manager was approaching me daily with updates/changes before a question would present itself. This was truly a TEAM effort. Knowing the Direct team was handling our rebuild relieved an inordinate amount of stress so I could stay focused on my job at hand and not left to worry about the building of the new terminal. I could not recommend Direct Steel, LLC enough. Having managed numerous facilities over the years from very small up to multibillion dollar operations, I could not imagine hiring anyone else for my properties/construction needs as nothing is too small, or too large for these folks. "
  – Craig Eugene, The Kenan Advantage Group
• "I have done 3 major construction / remodeling projects in my 21 years of business and had less than stellar experiences. My current project with Direct Steel is going so smoothly that I have to pinch myself to remind myself this is real. Direct’s team has been a true advocate for me and my project. They’ve listened and learned what I really need, they have given great advice, brought great partners to the table and executed everything in a timely, cost conscious and professional manner. I highly recommend Direct and would not dream of doing another project with anyone else!"
  – Andrea Herrera, Amazing Edibles Gourmet Catering
• "It’s been a pleasure working with Direct Steel on both of our major renovations in the last 7 years. Their attentiveness, communication and integrity is second to none. We look forward to working with them on our next major project, the complete renovation of Martin Chevrolet in Crystal Lake."
  – Todd Martin
• "The team at Direct fully understands our goals. Their services facilitated real and substantial contributions to all goals being met."
  – Mike, Fleetech Inc.
• "Direct Steel provided thorough and invested service. Accommodating unique design and coordination conditions with the metal building package was undertaken with enthusiasm and resourcefulness."
  – Tom Meyer, Aspen Group Architects
• "Direct Steel was a godsend on this project. Thank you sincerely for the help you provided me. I doubt whether we could have wrapped up the project successfully without your good work early on. I will be looking for future opportunities to partner with you again."
  – Rob McElroy
• "While one may not initially think of construction as being a personal heartfelt experience, it is very personal when building a space you have dreamed of for years. To have your own plan become a reality, needs the attentive ear of the company doing the construction to not just build, but to create your masterpiece with their skill and work intertwined. The quality and confidence that working with Direct Steel… offered, is an invaluable resource when embarking on a project where success has such a personal value"
  – Drs. Preston and Liesl Kaye, Kaye Eyecare of Huntley, Ltd
• "I’m grateful to have the opportunity to work with a team like yours and watch you succeed."
  – Tom Mazur Sr.
• "I heard many many compliments about your presentation. I mentioned that one person said that you were the best speaker we have ever had at our group. Well done! Erik Hultman.""
  – UberBlue Digital Media
• "It is always a great experience to work with Direct Steel on projects. They are very competitive and their proposals are detailed. They go the extra mile to assist when opportunities arise. With their knowledgeable Project Managers, I know the project will be completed right. I would highly recommend Direct Steel.""
  – Marc Gilman, JJ Henderson
• "Big “Thank you” for the thoughtful, quality work you and your team did! Your commitment to the project and to helping us achieve our goal of a beautiful facility at a reasonable price was noteworthy!"
  – Denise Nash The Josselyn Center
• "Direct’s knowledge of the industry and up front communication style saved us time and money. We highly recommend Direct’s services.""
  –Maud Borup, Inc
• "Faced with budget and time constraints, Cobblestone sought the services of Direct Steel. With the building design in hand and as an authorized VP distributor, Direct Steel, LLC worked closely with Varco Pruden Buildings to provide structural design, which was quoted, supplied, delivered in only four weeks, and erected in a timely manner. Direct Steel provided professional and knowledgeable service for our Sports City Academy. The staff’s attention to our needs and detail allowed our goals to be accomplished. I readily recommend Direct Steel’s services."
  – Jack Porter, Cobblestone
• "I just wanted to let you know that I am very pleased with the workthat — Direct Steel performed for our redesign. The space looks terrific. It is an amazing transformation. Thank you for your expertise and work with us. If you ever wish to use me as a reference, please do. We made the right decision in choosing you for our project!""
  – Nichols Aluminum
• "We have been fortunate enough to do a number of post construction cleans for Direct Steel over the years. They have their projects well thought out and orchestrated. They give us great notice of when the job will be done, so we can schedule and do our job in a professional manner. They are not a “last minute- rush to get it done” company. They do quality work and they are one of the most professional companies we have worked for in our 28 years in business. Working with them makes us look good. They are great." "
  – John Pletz, President, ServiceMaster by Pletz
• "Provides great customer service and hands on management expertise."
  – Jim Austgen
• "Direct Steel, …was very responsive in meeting challenges during both the design and the construction phases of this complex project."
  – Frega Associates, Ltd. Architect
• "Very positive experiences working with Direct Steel and Construction. Responsive, knowledgeable, and a top-notch firm.""
  – Roseanne Park- Jones
• "Because of Direct's commitment to delivering above and beyond contract requirements, it continues to sustain and fuel growth.""
  – WDBC, Freida Curry
• "The team at Direct Steel and Construction is competent, experienced, and motivated to meet and exceed their customer's expectations in a timely, efficient, and professional manner.""
  – Mike Ralph
• "Simply put, a unique atmosphere where a tremendous amount of effort is put fourth towards humbly sharing knowledge. A true team environment, completely committed to each and every customer!" "
  – Dave Mata
• "The team at Direct fully understands our goals. Their services facilitated real and substantial contributions to all goals being met. Direct Steel provided thorough and invested service. "
  
• "Accommodating unique design and coordination conditions with the metal building package undertaken with enthusiasm and resourcefulness”"
  – Tom Meyer, Aspen Group Architects
• "Thank you for your continued excellent products and services.""
  – Bob Moser, Unilock Chicago, Inc
• "Direct offers refreshingly impressive holistic approach to construction projects. I’ve witnessed the substantial benefits of this approach. My clients were certainly the beneficiaries of aligned scope, budget, schedule, quality and safety.""
  – Brian LeVay, Latimer LeVay Fyock LLC
• "“I have nothing but good things to say about working with Direct Steel and would be happy to say record to anyone.”"
  – Eric Cann
• "Direct Steel LLC provided exceptional results and went above and beyond to address our needs. The project was fast tracked from the start. Short deadlines and difficult deliverables were met continually to start and complete the project. Direct Steel started by helping to finalize permit, find tax savings, organize vendors, contracts, and timelines. During the project, Direct Steel managed multiple competing priorities, constant adjustments, helped trouble shoot, and organized numerous subcontractors. This included working on weekends, extended hours, and at times overnight. All of this was done with excellent communication and customer service. Direct Steel is helping us to find savings and potential tax credits. The whole process of working with Direct Steel LLC has been great.""
  – Medline Industries, Inc.
• "I highly recommend Direct Steel as they helped my business purchase and remodel our new building. They have tremendous experience; not just in construction but with helping find the right building, coordinating with our realtor and looking out for our best interests. They are reasonably priced, but you need to look past the money because the time they save you is huge. The amount of money they have saved us with the purchase negotiation and throughout the project was huge. A great company.”"
  – Financial Strategies Group, LLC
• "WOW this is beautiful, nice work by your crews!!!! ""
  – Laura Franz, Transitional Living Services (TLS Veterans)
• "After working on a multitude of industrial and corporate projects across the U.S. over the years our team can’t say enough about the added-value the Direct Steel team brings to the table. From smaller tenant improvement projects, to Build "
  – Mike Hawryluk Managing Principal ICG Chicago
• "Direct has always been extremely professional and dedicated to their business. The business has always been run efficiently and with incredible dedication to the industry. You will always get an honest assessment, a fair discussion and eventually a true friend. " "
  – Ed Dernulc
• "Really great company, extremely experienced, very knowledgeable, great communication, attention to detail. Has been smooth sailing all along. Highly recommend!!"
  – Andrius Petkunas
• "Several people stopped me to tell me how impressed they were with Direct Steel and all the subs. I don’t often get compliments on contractors, so I wanted to pass this on."
  – The USDA

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