Company History

A Foundation of Excellence

Kent Companies is built upon values that endure: leadership, innovation, quality, service and safety. We know a strong, stable foundation enables building structures to stand the test of time. Thus, Kent Companies continues to grow today, surrounded by the very communities which we've built.

John VanderLaan founded Kent Concrete in 1957 as his hometown community blossomed throughout the post-war era.  Kent Concrete specialized in pouring residential flatwork, laying a strong foundation for the homes that mark Michigan's communities today.

In the late 1970's, John's sons, Al and Roger, assumed leadership of the company.

What began as a residential concrete company grew to serve additional markets and customers.  Kent diversified its services to include concrete pumping, floor underlayments, concrete polishing and staining, facility services, mudjacking, foundation restoration, excavation and masonry.  Innovation and leading project management became Kent's trademark on the job.

By the late 1990’s, Kent Concrete became Kent Companies to reflect the full range of services offered to its breadth of commercial clients.  Kent Companies expanded to Detroit, Lansing and Traverse City, Michigan as well as Elkhart, Indiana to better serve clients throughout the region.  In 2000, Kent Companies acquired what is now Kent Companies, Texas, in Dallas, Texas.  Kent Companies Texas serves clients throughout the United States' southern tier, including Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma and Missouri.

Unwavering commitment to excellence in building practices propelled Kent Companies to further growth.  In 2008 and 2011, Kent added offices in Charlotte, North Carolina and Central Ohio to provide concrete construction services to its increasingly national customer base. 

Third-generation company leadership began in 2009 as Al’s son Jeff and Roger’s son Chris took ownership of Kent Companies.  Today, Kent Companies is building for future generations.  The company continues to grow and diversify with additional construction-related services.  Our heritage of service, quality and innovation in the concrete construction industry remain our true foundation.