Detroit’s Legacy of Innovation

Detroit earned its reputation as the Motor City through decades of automotive innovation and manufacturing leadership. By the mid-20th century, the region was producing roughly half of all cars made in the United States, establishing itself as one of the country’s most important industrial centers. Today, that industrious spirit extends far beyond automotive manufacturing. From a vibrant art scene and a growing technology campus, Detroit is investing in its future like never before.

Finding the Right Office Location

That’s why when Andy Femminineo first got the idea for a Detroit-based DMC office, the city’s rich manufacturing past and emerging technology sector felt like a natural fit. Andy immediately started looking for spaces in the Detroit area and landed on Green Garage, an industrial coworking building in Midtown. “I wanted a space that we could just get started in with two, three, or four of us and then find a full-time lease.”

DMC has long been committed to creating workspaces where people want to be, and for Andy, that meant finding a location with plenty of natural light, architectural character, and, of course, in-office perks.

Green Garage Coworking Space in Midtown, Detroit

“I looked at about four or five places, and I knew right away that Green Garage would be perfect. The building itself was built using a lot of the reclaimed materials from the businesses that had been there before: an old manufacturing building, an automotive shop and garage.”

In addition to its sustainability focus, Green Garage is also deeply invested in the surrounding community, offering coworking residents a pantry stocked with locally sourced snacks and food. “The little market sells locally produced, Michigan-made goods. It’s very community-driven,” Andy shared.

While the team may eventually move into a larger, dedicated office of its own, Green Garage is currently providing an ideal place for the Detroit team to work in person while enjoying everything Midtown has to offer.

Establishing Office Culture

Creating a workplace people enjoy starts with culture. Through after-work activities, mentorship programs, and team lunches, every DMC office is encouraged to build relationships and connect beyond day-to-day project work. Although the Detroit team is small, they regularly explore the city’s attractions and bond outside of the office.

“Spencer was one of our first new hires, and he has been the driving force behind many of our team outings,” Andy remarked. This past summer, for example, the team spent an evening at Full Throttle, driving go-karts and playing VR games together. The team also regularly takes in Detroit sports, visiting Comerica Park for baseball games and Little Caesars Arena to watch the Red Wings (RIP, The Joe). Thanks to the office’s location, almost all of these attractions are little more than a short walk or bike ride away.

DMC’s Detroit team members at sports games, go-karting, and an archery range

“My favorite event so far has been our first Tigers game as a team,” Spencer explained. “There was a fan who wore ten jerseys to the game and took them off as different players came to bat. Then afterward we all rented scooters and zipped through the city back to the office. It was so fun getting to know the Detroit office outside of work.”

As for future events, Spencer has a few fun and very Michigan-themed ideas. “I think it would be fun to go to the Michigan/Michigan State game—preferably football, but basketball would be fun, too! There’s so much history behind that rivalry, every game is electric, and now we have University of Michigan alums and Michigan State alums on the team.”

When it’s time to collaborate on client projects, Detroit’s diverse industrial landscape provides no shortage of engineering challenges. As Andy explained, “Detroit is the Motor City, of course, but our office does a lot more high-tech work, SCADA projects, and general manufacturing because there are so many industries here, including aerospace and pharmaceuticals throughout Michigan.”

What’s Next for DMC Detroit?

Detroit’s history and momentum make it an exciting place to work, but it’s the people who have made the office feel truly special. From finding a workspace that meets the team’s growing needs to building connections through after-work events, Midtown has proven to be an excellent place for DMC to lay down roots in Michigan and continue delivering the engineering expertise and partnerships DMC is known for around the country.

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