From NFL Lineman To Civil Engineering Titan: 7 Ways Blaze Contracting Dominates Detroit's Multi-Billion Dollar Construction Landscape
Blaze Contracting, Inc. stands as a premier example of a successful transition from professional sports to heavy civil engineering, currently driving some of the most significant infrastructure and development projects across Detroit and the broader Midwest. As of late 2025, this Detroit-headquartered company continues to solidify its reputation as a full-service prime contractor, specializing in complex, large-scale site development that is critical to Michigan’s economic revitalization. By leveraging deep local knowledge and a national-level capacity, Blaze Contracting has become synonymous with reliability in the challenging fields of site utilities, earthwork, and intricate brownfield remediation.
The firm’s rapid ascent is directly tied to its foundation and leadership, particularly its founder, former Detroit Lions offensive guard Kerlin Blaise, whose discipline and teamwork ethos are clearly embedded in the company's operational structure. From multi-billion dollar automotive campus expansions to essential public infrastructure like the M1 Rail, Blaze Contracting is not just a participant in the Detroit construction boom—it is a foundational force, consistently delivering the heavy-duty groundwork that makes modern development possible.
The Founder’s Playbook: Kerlin Blaise Biography and Transition to Construction
The story of Blaze Contracting, Inc. is inextricably linked to the personal and professional journey of its founder, Kerlin Blaise. His background as a professional athlete provides a unique narrative foundation for a heavy civil contracting firm, emphasizing strength, strategy, and execution. The company was incorporated in December 2000, shortly before or around the end of his NFL career, showcasing a swift and decisive pivot into the business world.
- Full Name: Kerlin Blaise
- Born: December 25, 1974
- Professional Sports Career: National Football League (NFL)
- Position: Offensive Guard
- Primary Team: Detroit Lions
- Years Active (NFL): Played for five seasons with the Detroit Lions.
- Games Played: Appeared in 38 regular-season games.
- Transition: Founded Blaze Contracting, Inc. in Detroit, Michigan, transitioning the discipline of a professional athlete into the demanding world of construction management and execution.
- Co-Owner/Key Personnel: Gayl Turk is also listed as an owner/license holder, indicating a strong leadership team beyond the founder.
Blaise’s experience as an offensive lineman—a role demanding precision, power, and coordination—translated seamlessly into the complexities of heavy civil construction. The company’s focus on large-scale mass earthwork and site utilities requires the same level of strategic planning and physical execution that defined his time on the gridiron. This unique leadership perspective has been a core component of the firm's identity and success in the competitive Michigan market.
7 Core Services That Define Blaze Contracting’s Heavy Civil Expertise
Blaze Contracting, Inc. is recognized as a heavy civil prime contractor, meaning they take on the primary responsibility for the largest and most complex aspects of site development. Their comprehensive service offering allows them to manage projects from initial ground-breaking through to the final installation of essential infrastructure. The company’s Detroit headquarters at 5640 St. Jean serves as the operational hub for these diverse activities.
The firm has developed specialized skill sets that are essential for Michigan infrastructure projects and major commercial developments:
- Mass Earthwork and Grading: This is the foundation of their work, involving the large-scale movement and shaping of soil (land balance) to prepare a site for construction, a crucial step for any major industrial or commercial build.
- Site Demolition: Safely and efficiently clearing existing structures to pave the way for new development, often a prerequisite for Detroit redevelopment projects.
- Site Remediation and Environmental Cleanup: A critical service, especially on brownfield projects like the award-winning Cardinal Health Distribution Center, where they self-performed the cleanup of contaminated soil, making sites usable again.
- Site Utilities Installation: Installing the unseen, yet vital, infrastructure, including new water main installations, sanitary sewer systems, and storm drainage, which are essential for public and private facilities.
- Excavation and Trenching: Performing precision digging for foundations, basements, and utility lines, a core competency for any excavating contractor.
- Roadway and Paving Construction: Developing and building access roads, parking lots, and internal site roadways that connect major facilities.
- General Site Preparation: Encompassing all logistical and preparatory work necessary to transition a raw piece of land into a fully buildable construction site.
Shaping the Skyline: Blaze Contracting’s Landmark Projects and Clients
Blaze Contracting’s project portfolio is a testament to its capacity to handle high-stakes, multi-million and multi-billion dollar contracts across diverse sectors. Their work is often a key enabler for major corporations and public institutions looking to invest in the Southeastern Michigan region.
The firm consistently works with some of the largest entities in the United States, demonstrating their ability to meet stringent quality and safety standards. Their dedication to safety is an internal mandate, with a commitment to constantly implementing new procedures to maintain a safe working environment.
Automotive and Industrial Powerhouses
The automotive sector is a cornerstone of the Michigan economy, and Blaze Contracting has played a significant role in its modernization. They have performed extensive earthwork and site utilities for several projects within the multi-billion dollar General Motors Tech Center in Warren, Michigan. This work often involves complex civil engineering to support massive building expansions and new data centers. Other major clients include Ford Motor Company and Daimler Chrysler, positioning Blaze as a trusted partner in the automotive construction landscape.
Gaming and Entertainment Infrastructure
Blaze Contracting has also been instrumental in developing Detroit’s thriving entertainment and hospitality sector. Notable projects include site work for major gaming venues like the MGM Casino & Hotel and the Greektown Casino. These projects require meticulous planning due to their high-profile urban settings and tight construction timelines.
Educational and Public Works
Further demonstrating their versatility, the company has completed projects for major educational institutions, including the University of Michigan, Oakland University, and McTigue High School. Furthermore, their involvement in public infrastructure is highlighted by their work on the M1 Rail project and various water and sewer projects in areas like Auburn Hills, showcasing their commitment to improving public services and Michigan infrastructure. The firm’s recent activity, including a project event as recent as early 2023, confirms their ongoing involvement in critical regional development.
The Future of Blaze Contracting: Regional Expansion and Civil Engineering Leadership
As a nationally recognized contractor, Blaze Contracting is not limited to its Detroit roots. The company holds licensing in other key states, including Nevada and Florida, signaling a strategic ambition for geographic expansion beyond the Midwest. This regional reach allows them to bring their expertise in complex site development to new markets, competing against other national construction firms.
Blaze Contracting’s success is a case study in how a specialized focus on heavy civil engineering—particularly site remediation and mass excavation—can lead to sustained growth and topical authority. Their ability to handle difficult sites, such as brownfield developments, makes them an invaluable asset for urban renewal and industrial expansion across the country. The blend of athletic discipline from founder Kerlin Blaise, a large, well-maintained fleet of equipment, and a dedicated team including key personnel like their Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Vice President of Operations, ensures they remain a dominant force in the high-stakes world of heavy construction.
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