Consulting & Construction
Black Cloud Wood & Steel
Planning • Estimating • Negotiating • Project Management
Black Cloud Wood & Steel helps property owners, investors, businesses, and organizations plan, evaluate, manage, and complete construction and redevelopment projects.
Our Story
Where the Name Comes From
Black Cloud Wood & Steel LLC is named in honor of my grandfather, whose CB handle was “Black Cloud.” He was a World War II Marine — quiet by nature, modest in stature, but known for his unwavering work ethic, exceptional standards, and a heart of gold. He believed quality mattered, integrity was non-negotiable, and a person’s word was their bond. Those values became the foundation of this company.
Construction has been part of my life since I could hold a hammer. My uncles taught me how to do DIY projects, new additions, and new home construction — I’ve been officially working in construction since high school in 1988. That’s over 35 years of hands-on experience behind every project we take on. My uncle Bruce once told me: “Finish strong. Most contractors fail because they can’t follow through. It’s not how you are when things go right — it’s how you stay in the project and do the right thing while seeing it through.” That lesson has never left me.
Our Principles
How Do You Know What You’re Actually Getting?
Craftsmanship
What does it mean to do the work right? It means every cut, every joint, every finish is held to the same standard — whether anyone is watching or not. That's what craftsmanship actually looks like.
Quality
Most contractors cut corners when the pressure is on. We don't. Proper planning, honest budgeting, and professional execution aren't extras — they're the baseline. Every time.
Integrity
My uncle Bruce put it plainly: "Finish strong." Most contractors fail because they can't follow through. It's not how you are when things go right — it's how you stay in the project and do the right thing while seeing it through.
Construction Consulting
Construction Consulting
Black Cloud Wood & Steel helps clients understand the condition, feasibility, cost, risks, and practical next steps involved in construction and redevelopment projects.
Construction & Project Management
Construction & Project Management
Black Cloud Wood & Steel can help organize and manage projects from early planning through completion — coordinating architects, engineers, trades, and contractors so the project stays on track and on budget.
Construction Services
Construction Services
Black Cloud Wood & Steel supports residential, commercial, and redevelopment work — from remodeling and rehabilitation to new construction and property improvements.
The Black Cloud Difference
Most construction problems do not begin with a hammer.
They begin with incomplete information, unclear responsibility, and decisions made before the situation is fully understood.
We start by listening, inspecting the property, organizing the facts, and identifying what is known, what is assumed, and what still needs to be verified. We are not here to sell the biggest project. We are here to help the owner make the right decision.
Built on Trust. Managed with Transparency.
Our work is guided by a straightforward set of principles.
Trust is built by consistently doing what we said we would do.
Specialty Workshop
Custom Work for Selected Projects
Black Cloud Wood & Steel also maintains specialty workshop capabilities for selected custom projects — including custom furniture, trim and millwork, signs, etched glass, and custom wood components.
View Workshop Services →Partnership
One Call. Any Project.
Mike D. — the founder of Black Cloud Wood & Steel — co-founded CQI First last year alongside Ethan, who brings 25 years of tree and storm work. Mike’s construction career, which started in 1988, is the backbone of that joint venture. Together, they operate out of Collinsville, IL with over 50 years of combined experience.
Storm damage, new construction, remodeling, roofing, commercial build-outs — when the scope calls for it, CQI First means you still make one call. The same standard. The same accountability. No shortcuts.
Visit CQI FirstCraftsmanship
Every nail, beam, and finish reflects decades of hands-on experience — built the way we'd build our own homes.
Quality
Every trade partner is held to the same standard we hold ourselves. No exceptions, no shortcuts.
Integrity
We show up, we follow through, and we tell you the truth. That's been the reputation for 30+ years.
We investigate first. We organize the facts. We build the plan.
Then we help move the project forward. Our estimates are built using National Costbooks — the same pricing database used by the insurance industry and major corporate builders. Honest numbers, clear scope, milestone-based payments. No surprises.