IS OUR LEGACY

Family-founded on the farm and raised to work hard, to be the best at what we do, and to do it right the first time.

Steve Swartz built his first shed in 1988. He was a farmer with 5 kids and had barely 2 pennies to scrape together but had grown up building things from scratch in a “trade-happy family,” and as a farmer, he knew barns. Steve and his brother partnered together to attend the 1992 WCUZ Home and Garden show by putting all their savings together - it was fly or die. They attended the show with just 2 buildings. Thursday they spoke to many people, but no sales. Friday was the same. When Steve woke up Saturday morning he had little hope for the day, but as he and his brother arrived at the show, there was a line of people at their booth and they sold over 30 sheds that day.

Throughout the 90’s the craftsmanship and quality of Michigan Dutch Barns backyard sheds garnered more and more attention and by 1998 they had easily outgrown Steve’s small workshop and needed a larger production facility. So they built it.

In January 2000 the brand-new production building and showroom (as seen in the photo above) caught fire from a welding accident and the whole thing was gone in less than 30 minutes.

The entire surrounding community showed up for MDB, pulling together to rebuild the structure.

The tragedy and stress of losing the building put tension between Steve and his wife April. Navigating that difficult time together would eventually propel them into their marriage counseling ministry, Haven of Hope. Meanwhile, Steve continued to build sheds and brought on many apprentices to help with production and delivery.

When the 2008 recession hit, impacting everyone, Steve felt called to give his time more fully to Haven of Hope and prepared to sell Michigan Dutch Barns. His son, Jesse Swartz, approached him and said “Dad, you’re making a mistake.” Soon a succession plan was drafted and in 2010, Jesse took on ownership.

Michigan Dutch Barns’ history and legacy of quality and perseverance continues today. Jesse leads a team of over 12 people who are dedicated to honest hard work and committed to providing the highest quality products and services. Friendly, caring, and inclusive masters of what we do, we believe that everyone needs a chance to make their lives better, so we make sure they get that chance and more.