Service History

In 1972, William Bareman established Bareman & Associates, an architectural specialties sales company. From his original office in the family home, Bareman provided the architectural community with his product knowledge of such things as roof deck material, industrial sound insulation, and folding doors and partitions. Bareman began as a one man company with his wife Shirley as secretary and bookkeeper. His ‘associates’ were subcontractors that installed the products that Bareman sold. His attention to detail, product knowledge, and a growing reputation for honesty and dependability helped the company to grow beyond his imagination and in 1978 William Bareman hired his son, Mark, to install the products that he sold.

A year prior, in 1977, Bareman & Associates began representing, selling, and installing gymnasium equipment. Little did they expect that gymnasium equipment would drive continued growth in the years to come.

In 1985, Bareman & Associates added a line of coiling doors, The Cookson Company, to their growing list of offerings. Already familiar with folding partitions from years of experience even prior to founding Bareman & Associates, in 1986 Bareman took on a line of operable walls and accordion doors.

Business continued to grow and in 1986 Bareman & Associates incorporated with William Bareman and son Mark Bareman, as principals. William’s responsibilities were largely sales and administrative, while Mark’s role as an installer had become that of installation manager, coordinator, and troubleshooter. Mark’s installation experience continued to serve him well as he had ‘hands on’ knowledge that he could communicate to subcontract installation personnel.

In 1988, William’s son, Mark’s brother, Gregg was brought into the business. Gregg’s experience in dealing with customers and suppliers in previous business environments were seen as a valuable asset as William Bareman approached retirement.

In time, Gregg would become a partner and Bareman & Associates, Inc. became a partnership between a father and two sons.

Bareman & Associates, Inc. continued to expand driven by a growth in western and northern Michigan; churches and schools continued to spring up and add on. Most required gymnasium equipment, coiling doors, folding partitions, or all three.

In March of 2015, Mitch Bareman joined the staff and became the 3rd generation at Bareman and Associates, Inc. Mitch brought with him nearly 15 years of experience in the construction marketplace and now serves as Vice-President and partner with Mark.

Over the years, Bareman & Associates, Inc. has been blessed with loyal employees that have enabled them to continue their reputation as leader in the field.

The same qualities of product knowledge, honesty, and dependability that began over 40 years ago – continue today!