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Industrial Building Group - Business Fortune
Industrial Building Group: Working with you every step of the way to ensure your development is built in the most efficient way possible
Industrial Building Group (IBG), established in 2020, is a premier general contractor focusing on dry distribution and large cold storage facilities. As a design-build firm, IBG delivers tailored, reliable, and collaborative services throughout every phase of construction, from planning and initial development to project finalization.
To ensure the utmost quality, care, and attention to detail, the IBG team prides itself on nurturing and strengthening the dedicated relationships within their vast network of clients, designers, and subcontractors.
The IBG Team, with their combined experience and dedication, has proudly developed more than 3.5 million square feet of cold and dry storage facilities, with that total value exceeding $500 million. Over those two decades of experience, IBG has developed an expertise in permitting, design, and construction while continually remaining dedicated to executing projects safely, within budget, and on schedule.
Recently, the Business Fortune sat down with Karl Dickman, the President and Managing Partner of Industrial Building Group (IBG) to talk about the company’s growth, its incredible team, and its stellar position in the market.
The following excerpts are from the conversation that ensued
What is the story behind Industrial Building Group? Why did you decide to start a design-build company specializing in large cold storage and dry distribution facilities?
We have consistently referred to this as the “perfect storm” scenario. The company I was with chose to cease pursuing projects outside of Massachusetts. After spending years on a cold storage project in New Jersey, I contacted the building owner when I learned about my company’s new direction. I expressed my desire and willingness to establish my own company to construct the building for him. Just two days later, we launched Industrial Building Group, and
the rest is history.
How has Industrial Building Group grown since its founding?
When our business was initially established, we started with just three individuals. After two years, our team grew to four—two working in the field and two managing operations from my basement office. In the following two years, we’ve expanded significantly, welcoming 26 new employees and establishing two fully operational offices, one in New Jersey and the other in Massachusetts.
What role does innovation play in your business model?
We continually strive to discover superior methods for constructing our buildings. What distinguishes our team from the competition is our collaborative spirit and our commitment to innovating more effective building techniques.
Can you please elaborate on how Industrial Building Group markets its services?
Our marketing efforts for IBG have been minimal, relying primarily on repeat customers and word of mouth to drive our growth.
What were some of the most memorable challenges you and the team at Industrial Building Group have overcome? How did the company learn from these challenges?
Like many expanding companies, we faced the challenge of identifying the right talent at the right moment. Two years ago, we needed around 12 individuals to support the projects we had already secured. Striking a balance between our everyday responsibilities and the search for these professionals proved to be a significant hurdle. Fortunately, we managed to recruit some of the industry’s finest talent, whose dedication to our vision has been instrumental in shaping our success today.
As we expand, we are committed to enhancing our hiring process. Now, both the Director of Cold Storage and the Director of Dry Storage must officially approve every new hire, in addition to my oversight.
We are constantly confronted with the challenge of expanding our business while maintaining that cherished “small business” atmosphere. I strive to remain involved in each of our projects and want our developers to feel comfortable picking up the phone to reach the company’s leader whenever they need assistance.
What are Industrial Building Group’s plans for the future?
We aim to establish two additional regional offices across the US to facilitate our business growth.
Would you like us to highlight something important happening in your company that we may have missed asking about?
IBG has achieved acceptance into the LEED Volume Program by the Green Building Council, making us the first general contractor to attain this distinction. This opportunity enables us to expedite the LEED certification process for our clients while significantly reducing associated costs.
Meet the President and Managing Partner
With over 30 years of hands-on experience, Karl Dickman is a passionate leader in the construction industry. Since 2020, Karl has been the President and Managing Partner at Industrial Building Group, where he leads a talented team, ensuring the successful execution of industrial projects. His approach blends strategic oversight with a deep understanding of day-to-day operations, making him a key figure in driving the company’s growth.
Before taking on his current role, Karl spent 14 years at Campanelli Construction, where he served as General Manager and Head of Construction. During this time, he oversaw a wide variety of projects, from cold storage and medical facilities to residential developments. His ability to manage everything from project estimation to on-site supervision made him indispensable in ensuring the success of these complex undertakings.
Karl’s journey in construction began even earlier, with key leadership roles. As General Manager at C. Spirito Inc., he guided civil projects, managing large crews and heavy machinery with precision. Before that, he honed his skills in environmental construction at Green Environmental Inc., overseeing Superfund cleanups and other remediation projects.
Karl earned his Master’s in Business Management from Springfield College in 1984. Throughout his career, he has built a reputation for being approachable, reliable, and deeply committed to the teams and clients he serves. His extensive knowledge and leadership style continue to inspire those around him, driving successful results across every project he touches.
“At IBG, we pride ourselves on maintaining and growing loyal relationships among our robust network of clients, designers and subcontractors to assure the utmost quality, care and attention to detail.”
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Founded in 2020, Industrial Building Group (IBG) is a design-build general contractor specializing in large cold storage and dry distribution facilities.
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