What Would It Mean to Have a Contractor Who Actually Finishes?
Most projects don’t fail at the start. They fail somewhere in the middle — when the pressure is on and the contractor stops showing up. That’s the problem we were built to solve.
+1 (618) 280-3202Our Story
Where the Name Comes From
Black Cloud Wood & Steel LLC is named in honor of my grandfather, whose CB handle was “Black Cloud.” He was a World War II Marine — quiet by nature, modest in stature, but known for his unwavering work ethic, exceptional standards, and a heart of gold. He believed quality mattered, integrity was non-negotiable, and a person’s word was their bond. Those values became the foundation of this company.
Construction has been part of my life since I could hold a hammer. My uncles taught me how to do DIY projects, new additions, and new home construction — I’ve been officially working in construction since high school in 1988. That’s over 35 years of hands-on experience behind every project we take on. My uncle Bruce once told me: “Finish strong. Most contractors fail because they can’t follow through. It’s not how you are when things go right — it’s how you stay in the project and do the right thing while seeing it through.” That lesson has never left me.
Our Principles
How Do You Know What You’re Actually Getting?
Craftsmanship
What does it mean to do the work right? It means every cut, every joint, every finish is held to the same standard — whether anyone is watching or not. That's what craftsmanship actually looks like.
Quality
Most contractors cut corners when the pressure is on. We don't. Proper planning, honest budgeting, and professional execution aren't extras — they're the baseline. Every time.
Integrity
My uncle Bruce put it plainly: "Finish strong." Most contractors fail because they can't follow through. It's not how you are when things go right — it's how you stay in the project and do the right thing while seeing it through.
What We Do
What Does Your Project Actually Require?
Most people don’t know what they’re missing until a project goes sideways. Whether you’re planning a remodel, building new, or commissioning custom work — the difference between a good outcome and a bad one usually comes down to who’s managing the details and whether they’re willing to see it through.
Specialty Workshop — Wood, Steel & Custom Craftsmanship
What if the piece you need doesn’t exist yet? Our specialty workshop handles custom furniture, architectural millwork, custom gunstocks, and steel fabrication — each built to order, each held to the same standard as every job site we run.
Featured Custom Items
Custom Furniture, Architectural Millwork, Quality Trim Work, Stock Fitting, Custom Signs, Etched Glass, Specialty Wood Projects, Custom Gunstocks, and Wood & Steel Fabrication — if you can describe it, we can build it.
Why Clients Choose Us
What Happens When Things Get Hard?
That’s the question worth asking before you hire anyone. When a project hits a snag — and they always do — what does your contractor do? Do they disappear, deflect, or dig in? In addition to a lifetime in construction, I have served as a firefighter, paramedic, police officer, and police chief. Those roles don’t teach you how to build — they teach you how to stay calm when things go wrong, protect the people depending on you, and see the job through no matter what. That’s what you get with Black Cloud. Most of our work comes from referrals. We think that says more than anything we could write here.
Partnership
One Call. Any Project.
Mike D. — the founder of Black Cloud Wood & Steel — co-founded CQI First last year alongside Ethan, who brings 25 years of tree and storm work. Mike’s construction career, which started in 1988, is the backbone of that joint venture. Together, they operate out of Collinsville, IL with over 50 years of combined experience.
Storm damage, new construction, remodeling, roofing, commercial build-outs — when the scope calls for it, CQI First means you still make one call. The same standard. The same accountability. No shortcuts.
Visit CQI FirstCraftsmanship
Every nail, beam, and finish reflects decades of hands-on experience — built the way we'd build our own homes.
Quality
Every trade partner is held to the same standard we hold ourselves. No exceptions, no shortcuts.
Integrity
We show up, we follow through, and we tell you the truth. That's been the reputation for 30+ years.
What Would It Take to Get Your Project Moving?
We’re not going to push you toward a decision. What we will do is have a real conversation — about your project, your concerns, and what a good outcome actually looks like for you. That’s how every engagement starts.
Our estimates are built using National Costbooks — the same pricing database used by the insurance industry and major corporate builders. That means you get honest numbers, a clear scope of work, and milestone-based payments. No surprises, no guesswork.