After more than 40 years in the construction industry and nearly 20 years with Granger, Senior Superintendent John Bretz will retire on April 24, leaving behind an extraordinary career defined by leadership, craftsmanship, and dedication. Over the course of his career, John has influenced not only a long list of successful projects, but also the many colleagues, trade partners, and clients who have had the privilege of working alongside him.
John began his construction career in 1986, gaining hands‑on experience across a wide range of project types that shaped his deep understanding of the industry. Throughout his career, he has delivered K–12 and higher education facilities, healthcare and mission critical data centers, office buildings, and complex multi‑story concrete structures. This breadth of experience equipped John with a rare perspective and problem‑solving ability that consistently added value to every project he touched.
In April 2006, John joined the Granger team and established himself as one of the firm’s most respected and experienced superintendents. Over the past two decades, his deep technical knowledge and attention to detail have set a high standard for jobsite excellence. John is widely known for his calm, organized approach and his ability to anticipate challenges before they arise, contributing to projects that are safe, well‑coordinated, and delivered with the highest level of quality.
Most recently, John played a key role on several significant projects, including the Trinity Health Livingston Hospital Expansion & Renovation in Brighton, the Huron Schools 2019 Bond Program, and Wayne State University’s STEM Innovation Learning Center, where he helped transform an existing building into a modern, advanced learning environment with specialized laboratory spaces.
Beyond the projects themselves, John’s lasting impact is reflected in the people he has mentored and the relationships he has built. His commitment to clear communication, thoughtful planning, quality control, and trade partner coordination has earned the trust of teams across every site.
“John exemplifies what it means to be a builder,” said Granger President Dennis Carignan. “His deep experience, calm presence, and attention to detail have shaped countless successful projects and strengthened our company in lasting ways.”
As John begins his well‑earned retirement, Granger extends its sincere gratitude for his years of service and his contributions that have helped shape the company’s success.
