Our Story Since 1966

Who we are

For over 60 years, Roncelli has delivered high-impact construction solutions across North America.

Roncelli was founded in 1966 in Detroit, built on grit, trust, and craftsmanship. What began as a family trenching company evolved into a construction manager in the 1980s, focused on serving the automotive industry of Southeast Michigan.

In 1995, Roncelli was first recognized by Crain’s Detroit Business as one of the region’s largest general contractors, a recognition of both our scale and our quality of work. In 2009, we expanded to Ontario, Canada, and in the years that followed, we became a leader in healthcare construction, trusted by some of the most respected health systems in the Midwest.

In 2020, we entered the energy sector in a significant way, advancing toward utility-scale solar projects and further diversifying our portfolio. Today, Roncelli is a regional construction manager, operating across multiple states and two countries, with a portfolio that spans nearly every sector of the built environment including Advanced Manufacturing, Education, Energy, Entertainment and Hospitality, Governmental, Healthcare, Mixed-Use and Multi-Family, Office and Tenant Improvement, and Parks and Recreation.

Through it all, we have remained true to our Detroit roots. Our grit, integrity, and relentless pursuit of excellence have carried us forward. We are proud of what we have built, and even prouder of the way we have built it: with great people, operational excellence, and an obsession with delivering an unmatched customer experience.

Our mission is to build what matters by delivering exceptional construction that strengthens people, partnerships, and communities.

Story behind the company

1966

In 1966, Raymond “Skip” Roncelli, John Patrico, and Nick Ritz founded Roncelli Trenching in Sterling Heights, Michigan. The company began as a small, hands‑on operation focused on doing the work right and earning trust one project at a time.

1980

By 1980, the firm became Roncelli, Inc. and expanded beyond trenching into construction management. As the automotive and manufacturing sectors grew, Roncelli began supporting larger, more complex projects that required planning, coordination, and long‑term execution.

This period marked a shift from specialty work to broader construction services, laying the groundwork for the markets and capabilities that continue to define the company today.

1995

By 1995, Roncelli had grown into one of Metro Detroit’s largest general contractors. That year, the company ranked among the top firms in Crain’s Detroit Business, reflecting its expanding presence, project volume, and reputation for reliable delivery.

This recognition marked an important moment for Roncelli as a trusted construction partner across the region and set the stage for continued growth in the years ahead.

2006

In 2006, Roncelli marked its 40th anniversary during a period of sustained growth. Over the prior seven years, the firm had more than tripled in size to meet increasing demand across its markets.

To support this growth, Roncelli completed a 25,000 square foot, two‑story expansion at its headquarters. The project quadrupled the company’s office space and reinforced its long‑term commitment to scale, stability, and operational capacity.

2016

In 2016, Roncelli marked its 50th anniversary by establishing an office in Detroit, Michigan, reinforcing its long‑term commitment to the city and the region. That same year, the company became certified as a Detroit‑Based Business.

This milestone reflected Roncelli’s support of Detroit’s continued revitalization and its intent to be an active, accountable partner in the communities where it builds.

2026 

Roncelli aims to expand in renewable energy, enhance self-perform capabilities, and strengthen community partnerships.

The company will continue prioritizing safety, diversity, technology, and customer experience while delivering impactful construction projects with excellence and innovation.

Growth & Markets

Founded in Detroit in 1966, Roncelli remains proudly headquartered in Southeast Michigan. Our roots are here  and so is our long-term commitment to the industries and institutions that drive this region forward.

From Family Roots

Roncelli began as a family trenching company in Detroit and has grown into a family-led, employee-owned construction company built on long-term relationships and performance.

To Larger, More Complex Work

With more than $10B in construction delivered and 1,000+ projects completed, Roncelli has earned opportunities to build larger, more technical projects across critical industries.

Across Diverse Markets

Our portfolio now spans automotive, industrial, healthcare, energy, mission critical, education, mixed-use, and public-sector work across the U.S. and Canada.

Family of Companies

Founded in Detroit in 1966, Roncelli has grown from a family trenching company into an ENR Top 250 contractor and one of Michigan’s largest construction firms. Today, our work has spanned more than 1,000 projects across the U.S. and Canada, with experience in the markets that shape the future of our region and beyond.

Leads projects across diverse markets with construction management solutions built around planning, accountability, and a strong client experience.

Brings valuable self-perform and trades capabilities that enhance coordination in the field and support safe, efficient project execution

Extends Roncelli’s construction management expertise into Canada with the same focus on trusted partnerships, operational excellence, and quality delivery.

Advances Roncelli’s commitment to people and community through charitable giving, outreach, and efforts that create lasting local impact.