Plan Intentionally
We define goals, budgets, and delivery methods up front—so every team member understands the owner’s priorities.
About The Barton Group
With over 30 years of business and 100 years of experience.
Our Story
The Barton Group’s roots run deep in Southwest Michigan. What began with Gary Barton learning the craft from his father has grown into a team devoted to representing owners with clarity, accountability, and integrity—now 30+ years strong with 100+ years of combined experience.
Built From the Ground Up
At sixteen, Gary Barton was shoveling dirt on that very hillside for Seelye Automotive on Stadium Drive. He learned construction from the ground up and became a trusted partner to developers and organizations across the region.
Known for craftsmanship, humor, and a story for every job, Gary summed up his pride with a simple line heard on many sites: “I built that.”
Growth With Purpose
In 2007 , Amelia Barker-King joined Gary, bringing strategic leadership and tenacity. Together they guided owners through complex, meaningful projects—always aligning teams to the owner’s goals.
By 2020 , their work connected them with Jennifer Sawyer on the Dowagiac District Library project. The alignment was clear, and by 2023 Jen officially joined the team.
New Chapter, Same Commitment
In 2024 , Amelia and Jen stepped fully into leadership—purchasing Gary’s shares and charting the company’s next chapter. Their partnership pairs deep experience with fresh perspective.
Today, Gary remains connected to the team as an advisor—sharing wisdom and reminding us of the pride behind the work: “We built that.”
Rooted in Community
From municipal facilities to nonprofits and commercial programs, we represent owners with integrity, transparency, and proactive management—so projects finish strong.
Looking ahead to 2026 and beyond, The Barton Group continues to write its story—rooted in community and driven by excellence.
We are Woman
Owned.
Serving our community for 30+ years.
Over 100 years of experience.
Meet Our Leaders
The Barton Group is a Southwest Michigan leader in Owner’s Representation and Construction Consulting , with 30 years of local service and 100+ combined years of construction experience. Our team advocates for owners across municipal, education, healthcare, industrial, and commercial real estate projects— aligning scope, budget, and schedule from pre-construction planning through closeout.
Gary Barton
Founder & Advisor
Stakeholder relationships, municipal & education partnerships, client mentorship
Amelia Barker-King
Principal • Owner’s Representative • REALTOR®
Pre-construction strategy, healthcare & adaptive reuse, risk planning
Jennifer Sawyer
Principal • Owner’s Representative
Program management, budget & schedule control, industrial & nonprofit delivery
At The Barton Group, leadership means more than managing projects—it’s about guiding people and processes with integrity, foresight, and collaboration. We give owners an experienced advocate and a clear path from concept to completion. Ready to start? Contact our team.
Our Process
Every project is unique, but our approach stays consistent. The Barton Group leads with intention, communication, and accountability—helping owners make clear decisions at every stage.
Manage Proactively
We anticipate risks before they become problems—tracking budget, schedule, and quality with disciplined oversight.
Communicate Clearly
Transparent updates and focused coordination keep stakeholders aligned and decisions moving forward.
Deliver Confidently
From commissioning to closeout, we finalize details so owners take occupancy with certainty.
LET US DO THE HEAVY LIFTING.
Call us today to schedule your FREE Consultation
Who We Serve
Municipal • Education • Nonprofit & Community • Healthcare • Industrial • Commercial Real Estate
From municipal facilities to commercial developments, The Barton Group delivers owner advocacy and disciplined project leadership across every sector.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about how The Barton Group represents owners’ interests in Southwest Michigan construction projects— from pre-construction planning to on-site coordination and delivery.
What does an Owner’s Representative actually do?
An Owner’s Representative acts as the owner’s independent advocate — coordinating architects, engineers, and contractors, aligning scope, budget, and schedule, and ensuring every decision supports your project’s long-term goals.
When should we bring The Barton Group onto a project?
Early is best. Engaging us during planning or pre-construction consulting helps establish clear budgets, schedules, and delivery methods—minimizing risk and positioning your project for success before funds are committed.
How are you different from a general contractor?
A general contractor builds the project. We represent the owner — managing the team, reviewing pay applications, tracking progress, and maintaining independent oversight to protect your investment.
How do you keep projects on budget and schedule?
Through proactive project controls and transparent reporting : detailed estimate reviews, milestone schedules, and risk tracking keep your project on course and your stakeholders informed at every phase.
What types of projects do you support across Southwest Michigan?
We manage projects of any size or scope —from tenant improvements and facility upgrades to new builds and multi-site programs—across municipal , education , healthcare , and nonprofit sectors throughout Southwest Michigan.
Want to learn more about how we guide projects from concept to completion? Explore Our Process or contact our team to discuss your next build.
Partner with leaders who build confidence.
Owner’s Representation and Construction Consulting built on trust and results.
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