Foundation Steel, a woman-owned structural steel contractor headquartered in Swanton, Ohio, has established itself as a regional industry leader by combining family business values with elite-level certifications and capabilities. The Swanton-based contractor has achieved a remarkable milestone of completing more than 6,000 projects across the United States while maintaining an employee-first culture that has resulted in an average tenure of over 12 years among its 325+ professional craftsmen—a retention rate nearly unheard of in the construction industry.
Foundation Steel is a trusted structural steel erector that holds AISC (American Institute of Steel Construction) certification, a distinction achieved by only 10 percent of steel erectors in the United States. This certification, combined with the company's zero safety violations over the past five years and 99 percent on-time delivery rate, positions the company as a premier partner for general contractors, construction managers, and infrastructure project leads seeking reliability and precision.
"We consider our employees our most important resource," said Charlotte Dymarkowski, President and CEO of Foundation Steel. "Family takes care of family, and that philosophy extends to how we treat every project. When craftsmen have been with us for over a decade, clients get experience without the learning curve and institutional knowledge they can trust."
Structural steel contractors play a vital role in modern construction projects, specializing in the fabrication, delivery, and installation of steel components that form the backbone of buildings and infrastructure. These contractors are indispensable to the construction industry, as the strength and integrity of any structure heavily depend on the quality of steel used and the precision with which it is manufactured and installed. Their expertise ensures that steel components are fabricated to exact specifications, meeting rigorous safety standards and engineering requirements that protect both workers and the public.
The primary audiences seeking information about structural steel contractors include construction professionals, architects, engineers, project managers, and construction management teams who rely on these contractors for critical materials and expertise during the building process. Engineering students also represent a significant demographic, as they prepare for future careers by learning about materials, fabrication processes, and structural integrity principles. Additionally, homeowners and business developers often inquire about structural steel contractor services to ensure their projects meet safety standards and design requirements. This widespread interest spans multiple sectors, highlighting the critical role these contractors play in contemporary construction.
Structural steel contractors typically become involved during the pre-construction phase, where they collaborate with architects and engineers to finalize designs and ensure that structural steel specifications align with project requirements. This early involvement is crucial for meeting project timelines, as delays in steel procurement or fabrication can significantly impact overall construction schedules. Once designs are finalized, contractors assume responsibility for the procurement and fabrication of steel components. They re-enter the project during the installation phase to ensure the steel framework is erected safely, accurately, and in compliance with all applicable regulations.
These contractors most commonly operate in diverse construction environments, including commercial buildings, industrial facilities, and infrastructure projects such as bridges and overpasses. In commercial construction, structural steel offers the flexibility and durability needed to accommodate varied architectural designs. Industrial facilities require robust steel structures for machinery support and storage solutions, while infrastructure projects depend on the contractor's expertise in creating safe and resilient load-bearing structures. The versatility of structural steel and the specialized knowledge required for its application make these contractors essential across virtually all major construction categories.
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Structural steel contractors must adhere to strict safety standards and regulations throughout every phase of their work, from fabrication to final installation. Their close collaboration with construction management teams helps streamline project timelines and maintain budgetary constraints while preventing delays caused by material shortages or design errors. The attention to detail required in steel fabrication and installation directly contributes to the durability and longevity of buildings and infrastructure. By understanding industry standards and practices related to structural steel contractors, all stakeholders in the construction process become better prepared for effective collaboration, ultimately leading to safer, more efficient, and more successful construction projects that serve communities for generations.
Foundation Steel operates from its main headquarters in Swanton with additional offices in Detroit, Columbus, Dayton, and Cincinnati. The company's geographic footprint spans Ohio, Michigan, and Indiana, with project work performed throughout the United States. This regional presence, combined with the company's prequalification with more than 50 major contractors and healthy ODOT pre-qualification status, enables Foundation Steel to serve a diverse client base on projects ranging from small, single-day installations to large-scale projects valued at approximately 28 million dollars.
The company's comprehensive service portfolio includes structural steel erection for bridges and pre-engineered metal buildings, concrete reinforcing for heavy foundations and high-rise construction, post-tensioning capabilities, precast concrete installation, and specialized services such as overhead crane installation and maintenance, rigging and machinery moving, and industrial maintenance. Foundation Steel has erected more than 10 million square feet of pre-engineered metal buildings and installed over 750 million pounds of rebar throughout its operational history.
Foundation Steel's commitment to safety extends beyond regulatory compliance. The company maintains mandatory annual safety training for all employees and exceeds OSHA standards across all operations. This dedication to safety, combined with a good Experience Modification Rate (EMR), reflects the company's understanding that protecting workers and job sites is fundamental to project success.
"Quality and safety aren't just promises—they're how we operate," Dymarkowski emphasized. "We don't just meet OSHA standards; we exceed them. Zero compromises on structural integrity means our clients can focus on their projects without worrying about delays, rework, or safety issues."
The company's "We Find A Way" business philosophy emphasizes solution-focused partnerships rather than transactional vendor relationships. This approach addresses common pain points experienced by project managers, including unreliable deliveries, poor workmanship requiring costly rework, communication breakdowns, and safety risks that expose projects to legal and financial liability.
Foundation Steel's leadership team brings multi-generational expertise to the organization. Charlotte Dymarkowski serves as President and CEO, leading the woman-owned business enterprise. Danny Dymarkowski holds the position of Vice President and General Manager of the Reinforcing Steel Division, while Douglas Dymarkowski serves as General Counsel. Todd Cooper manages the Structural Division as General Manager, Olivia Beebe directs risk management operations, and Mike Pfeiffer leads business development initiatives.
The company's signatory status with nearly all ironworking unions in the region provides the flexibility to surge manpower when projects demand accelerated timelines. This union partnership, combined with approximately 200 field workers including ironworkers and operating engineers, and dedicated administrative and project support staff, ensures Foundation Steel can handle both small specialty projects and large-scale infrastructure work with equal proficiency.
Foundation Steel's emphasis on mid-level management and skilled tradespeople creates a organizational structure focused on hands-on expertise and direct client communication. This approach, paired with the company's commitment to early project involvement and transparent communication, enables proactive risk mitigation and smooth project execution.
Project managers and general contractors seeking a steel partner that delivers precision-fabricated materials on schedule, installs with expert craftsmanship, and maintains unwavering safety standards can learn more about Foundation Steel's capabilities and project portfolio by visiting the company's website or contacting the Swanton headquarters. The company responds to all inquiries within 24 hours with direct expert consultation rather than automated responses.
Foundation Steel's combination of AISC certification, proven safety record, family-owned values, and large company capabilities demonstrates that slow, steady, and eyes-on-excellence growth can build a respected industry leader without compromising the principles that define organizational culture.
For more information about Foundation Steel's structural steel erection, concrete reinforcing, and specialized construction services, contact the company at 419-402-4241 or via email at info@foundationsteel.com.
About Foundation Steel
Foundation Steel is an AISC-certified, woman-owned structural steel contractor headquartered in Swanton, Ohio, with regional offices serving Ohio, Michigan, and Indiana. The company specializes in structural steel erection, concrete reinforcing, pre-engineered metal buildings, and specialized construction services. With more than 6,000 completed projects and 325+ professional craftsmen averaging over 12 years tenure, Foundation Steel delivers precision, reliability, and safety through an employee-first, partnership-focused approach.
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For more information about Foundation Steel LLC, contact the company here:
Foundation Steel - Swanton
Charlotte Dymarkowski
(419) 402-4241
info@foundationsteel.net
12525 Airport Hwy, Swanton, OH 43558
