How We Got Here
Our Story
"CQI First is what happens when two proven operators stop referring each other and start building together."
The People Behind CQI First
Meet the Founders
Ethan
Co-Founder — Tree Work & Storm Response
Ethan has spent 25 years in tree work and storm response across Collinsville and the Metro East. That experience includes assessing difficult tree conditions, coordinating urgent work, and understanding how storm damage can quickly become a larger property problem.
His role in CQI First begins with the conditions on the property and the immediate response. From there, the larger team can help determine which construction work, professionals, trades, documentation, and follow-up belong in the recovery plan.
Mike D
Co-Founder — Construction Since 1988
Mike D started his first business at eighteen and has spent decades building companies, managing projects, solving problems, and serving clients across the Metro East. His experience includes hands-on construction, new homes, renovations, commercial work, estimating, consulting, and project management.
Before construction became his full-time focus, Mike served as a firefighter, paramedic, police officer, and police chief. Those roles taught him how to lead under pressure, manage complex situations, communicate clearly, and protect the people depending on him. Those same principles guide every project he takes on.
Mike is also the founder of Black Cloud Wood & Steel LLC — named in honour of his grandfather, a World War II Marine whose CB handle was "Black Cloud." The company provides construction, consulting, estimating, project management, and selected workshop services.
The Road Here
How CQI First Came Together
A Career Begins in Construction
Mike begins working in construction while still in high school. The years that follow include hands-on construction, new homes, renovations, commercial work, estimating, business ownership, consulting, and project management.
Ethan Enters the Trade
Ethan starts his career in tree work — trimming, removal, and storm response across the Collinsville area. Over 25 years he develops an intimate understanding of what severe weather does to properties and what it takes to make them whole again.
Two Operators, One Standard
For years, Ethan and his partner referred each other's clients. A homeowner needing tree work after a storm became a construction client. A new-build customer needed a trusted arborist. The referrals kept flowing because the standard was always the same: show up, do it right, stand behind it.
CQI First Is Born
After years of referring work and solving connected property problems, Mike and Ethan formalize the partnership. CQI First brings tree and storm-response experience together with construction judgment, planning, and project coordination.
What We Stand For
How We Operate
We Show Up
Sounds simple. It is not. We communicate what is happening, state what we can and cannot do, and take responsibility for the commitments we make.
We Tell the Truth
If the facts change the scope, cost, or timing, that needs to be discussed while there is still a useful decision to make—not hidden until the end.
We Stand Behind It
Our name is attached to our responsibility. We document what remains, address legitimate concerns, and do not declare a project complete merely because people have stopped talking about it.
We Know Who to Call
A useful network is not a public directory. We consider the scope, the trade responsibility, relevant experience, credentials where required, availability, and how the person works with others.
The Broader Network
Affiliated Companies
CQI First doesn't operate in isolation. Mike D's work spans multiple Metro East businesses — all built on the same foundation of craftsmanship, accountability, and local ownership.
Black Cloud Wood & Steel LLC
Construction · Consulting · Estimating · Project Management
Founded by Mike D and named in honour of his grandfather, Black Cloud Wood & Steel helps owners understand, plan, estimate, coordinate, document, and complete construction work. Its Workshop remains a secondary craft division for selected custom work.
Visit blackcloudwoodandsteel.comBroom & Sage Cleaning Co.
Metro East — Post-Construction & Residential Cleaning
A trusted cleaning partner in the CQI First and Black Cloud network. Broom & Sage handles post-construction cleans, move-in/move-out services, and residential cleaning across the Metro East — the final step that makes a finished project truly finished.
Learn About Broom & SageReady to Work With Us?
Start with what is happening. We will help determine what belongs next.