May 1, 2025

Construction Management grad Matt DeRose says Ferris State degree opened doors, helped him build career creating special homes

Builder Matt DeRose says coming to Ferris State University and pursuing a Construction Management degree was “the best decision of my life.” 

Graduates of Ferris State’s nationally regarded Construction Management program include professionals leading firms that build factories, hospitals and residential communities – and custom homes for people looking for something personal and special.  

Skilled alums such as DeRose, of Whitehall, focus their talent and experience on excellence in every home built, and a total commitment to customer satisfaction. 

“My father was a builder and when I came to Ferris for orientation, my plan was to enter the Criminal Justice program,” DeRose said. “A fellow I spoke with there said Ferris had a degree program in Construction Management. Then and there, I made the best decision in my life to switch majors and pursue a Construction Management degree.”

DeRose graduated in 1998 and returned to his family's firm after a year with a Grand Rapids construction company. He earned his builder’s license in 2000 and became the owner of Matt DeRose Builders LLC several years later.

“My Construction Management degree gave me great business knowledge for the successful operation of our company, along with how to pursue goals and be leaders in the marketplace,” DeRose said. “I feel it is just as important that as a team, we emphasize personal investment to cultivate our relationship with each client.”

That corporate attitude proved an important asset for Leyla Kayi of Stony Lake, in Oceana County. During her Ferris State career as a marketing and public relations manager, Kayi collaborated with University Advancement and Marketing as a point person in communications related to the Kendall College of Art and Design.  

“I left Grand Rapids a few years later to serve as my parents’ caregiver, an important 15 years for our family,” Kayi said. “I was interested in returning to the area and having my own home, so I began my search with Grand Rapids-area contractors.”

Kayi’s intended budget for a lakeshore home did not find favor with those first contacts. That prompted her to take her search for a professional closer to her property.

“My second round focused on women-owned businesses, which in a sense was most successful,” she said. “One of them recommended calling Matt to explain my project and hopes.”

DeRose read Kayi’s email with interest, pleased she was aware of his reputation in the area.

“This was not the first time a client hoped to have a hand in creating their special home,” DeRose said. “All those who propose this are made to understand their efforts must match up with our standards, and Leyla was excited by the opportunity.”

“He knew I was after a simple, affordable but attractive home,” Kayi said. “I was so impressed he wanted to get started right away. Matt certainly met all his time goals, so my neighbors would ask ‘When are you moving in?’ I still had my work to do before we closed the project.”

Time shared on the project in Stony Lake gradually brought their Ferris State pasts to the surface.

“Matt told me of his years with Ferris football, when the Bulldogs were winning a string of conference championships,” Kayi said. “He was such a proactive project manager and learning about that Ferris connection made building my dream home even more special.”

“Leyla helped me learn about Ferris’ efforts as an institution, while I was focused on my studies and campus life in Big Rapids,” DeRose said. “This was certainly an enjoyable build for myself and my staff.”

Now, Kayi’s home is a featured element of DeRose’s website (found under “Custom Homes-Cobmoosa”) and they both are pleased by the memory, while resuming their lives.

“My home exceeds my expectations when I am there, feeling warm, dry and the surroundings make me so happy,” Kayi said. “It is a simple place, but such a beautiful home to enjoy each day.”

“Ferris is on my mind most every day, as I am an assistant football coach for Whitehall High School’s varsity team,” DeRose said. “Our former offensive coordinator CJ Van Wieren had been a Bulldogs quarterback and multi-sport athlete, he is a great friend and leader. Making my choice for Ferris decades ago has opened so many doors for me.”