Rail-served industrial and manufacturing development in Ottawa, Ohio

Professional Oversight for Putnam County Development

Why Ottawa Projects Need Independent Oversight

Ottawa and Putnam County offer exceptional infrastructure for manufacturing and industrial development. The Leipsic Community Rail provides access to triple rail service through G&W I&O, Norfolk Southern, and CSX, making this one of the most competitive rail-served industrial locations in Ohio. Ottawa sits at the intersection of SR 65 and US 224, with access to US 30 just 15 miles south and I-75 within 20 miles.

The Putnam County Community Improvement Corporation and local organizations invested over $4 million in the Main Street Corridor Project, securing a $1 million Vibrant Community Grant from JobsOhio to restore the historic DuMont and DeFord buildings downtown. In 2025, a leader in specialty semi-trailers announced significant expansion at its Northwest Ohio facility, and RMS of Ohio opened a new 3,500-square-foot location in the Annandale Complex.

Whether you're developing rail-served industrial facilities, expanding manufacturing operations, or renovating commercial property in this infrastructure-rich market, Ottawa projects benefit from experienced oversight. An independent Owner's Representative ensures that transportation advantages translate into on-budget, on-schedule project delivery.

What an Owner's Representative Does

In the traditional construction model, Architects focus on design, General Contractors focus on execution and their own profitability, and the Owner is left hoping everyone else protects their interests. They rarely do. This creates the Leadership Vacuum where no one is accountable exclusively to the owner's budget and schedule.

DeVore Consulting fills this vacuum. We serve as your dedicated advocate throughout the construction process, from pre-design planning through final closeout. We attend every critical meeting, review every pay application, scrutinize every change order, and ensure that contractor performance meets your expectations.

Our Approach to Protecting Your Investment

We bring disciplined methodology to industrial and commercial projects in Putnam County.

Financial Rigor

Industrial projects demand precise budget control. We verify that contractor bids are complete and comparable, review pay applications to ensure you're only paying for completed work, and analyze change orders rigorously.

Mid-Market Focus

We specialize in projects from $500K to $50M, the range where most commercial and industrial development occurs. Your project receives dedicated attention.

Conflict-Free Advocacy

We never hold trade contracts or self-perform work. When we identify a problem, it's because it affects your bottom line, not because it impacts our margin.

Projects We Support in Ottawa

Our expertise spans the project types leveraging Putnam County's infrastructure advantages:

Rail-Served Industrial

Manufacturing and distribution facilities leveraging triple rail access for efficient logistics.

Manufacturing & Assembly

New construction and expansion for production operations serving regional and national markets.

Downtown Commercial

Renovation and adaptive reuse projects participating in Main Street revitalization.

Warehouse & Distribution

Facilities capitalizing on Ottawa's transportation access and central Northwest Ohio location.

We serve communities throughout Northwest Ohio including Napoleon, Findlay, and Lima.

The Right Time to Engage an Owner's Rep

The single most expensive mistake owners make is waiting until construction begins to hire an advocate. By the time a shovel hits the ground, 80% of your project's costs are already locked in.

The ideal time to engage DeVore Consulting is during site selection and pre-construction planning. We provide Fatal Flaw Analysis that evaluates rail access, utility capacity, and site conditions before you commit.

Contact DeVore Consulting to discuss your Ottawa project.

Services Overview

Services For Small Business Owners

We provide comprehensive project oversight for business owners and developers who need expert guidance through the construction process. With 20+ years overseeing the design and construction of residential and commercial, we know where problems hide and how to prevent them.

Black construction hard hat with scratches and a blue geometric elephant logo on the side.

FAQs

Is Your Project on Your Mind?

These FAQs are a starting point, but your project has specific goals, risks, and financial stakes. My role is to be your trusted guide.I protect your time and money by simplifying the process, providing experienced oversight, and preventing costly mistakes before they happen.

What downtown revitalization is happening in Ottawa?

The Putnam County Community Improvement Corporation and local organizations invested over $4 million in the Main Street Corridor Project, securing a $1 million Vibrant Community Grant from JobsOhio. This investment restored the historic DuMont and DeFord buildings downtown. The revitalization creates opportunities for commercial renovation and adaptive reuse. We help clients navigate downtown development requirements and historic building considerations.

What makes Ottawa's rail infrastructure unique for industrial development?

Ottawa and Putnam County offer one of Ohio's most competitive rail-served industrial locations. The Leipsic Community Rail provides access to triple rail service through G&W I&O, Norfolk Southern, and CSX. Combined with highway access via SR 65, US 224, and proximity to US 30 and I-75, this creates exceptional logistics capabilities. Industrial projects here benefit from this infrastructure while requiring coordination with rail operations.

Can I get a free consultation with an owner's representative firm?

Of course. We'll provide you with all the free advice you can handle. But to get started formally, we'll have to make sure our services align with you needs. We'll get to know your project aspirations and put together a proposal. Until we have an agreement no payment is expected.

Are there owner's representative services that offer post-construction and facility management support?

Yes. Our service doesn't end when the contractor hands over the keys. Our "Phase 4: Closeout" process includes comprehensive warranty management and post-occupancy support to ensure your building functions as intended. We ensure all final documentation and manuals are collected, which is the foundation for your long-term facility management.

What are the typical fees for owner's representative services in construction?

Depending on scope, fees typically range from 0.5% to 1% of the total construction cost, depending on the project's complexity, timeline, and the specific scope of services you need . Studies have shown this investment typically saves clients 3-5% on total construction costs through rigorous contractor management, change order review, and problem prevention, meaning the service more than pays for itself.

Can an owner's representative help secure financing for a construction project?

Yes. An owner's rep with a strong financial background is invaluable here. With an MBA in Real Estate Finance, we help you prepare the realistic, bank-ready documents lenders need to see. We create defensible pro formas, validate construction budgets, and manage the loan draw process, which builds essential trust and credibility with your lender.

Are there owner's representative services available for small business construction projects?

Yes. While some firms only focus on large institutional projects, we specialize in guiding small business owners and first-time developers. The need for an owner's rep depends more on your project's complexity than its size. A complex $2M restaurant renovation often has more risk than a simple $5M warehouse. We can help you assess if professional oversight makes financial sense for your specific project .

Can I hire an owner's representative for a single phase of my construction project?

Absolutely. While we add the most value by being involved from pre-construction through closeout , we can tailor our services to your specific needs. We are often brought in just for pre-construction planning, to help with contractor selection, or to get a troubled project that's already underway back on track.

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