Swells Enterprises
Swells Enterprises is property developer and general contractor with a focus on workforce development. We work to transition those within the trade pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship programs as a continued partner of the workforce development process by developing and contracting work related to the field of related training or with placement with our partner institutions.
Swells Enterprises
We are a licensed and bonded class C General Contractor in the city of Chicago and we develop student-built project properties for the purpose of affordable housing, completing training requirements and employment of the students with an experienced trade team they are partnered with to complete work in 11 different trades.
Our model of business is paired with our sister company EDDR workforce development who provide pre-apprentice graduates who work through our rank in study and at work to Journeyman status within the Trade Union as of within a Swells Enterprises for independent contractor programs.
Our commitment is to delivering quality construction and create community. We look forward to hearing from you and how we can work together.
Explore Swells Enterprises' capabilities
Swells Enterprises is the developing and general contracting arm of EDDR workforce development. This company was created by our founder Goldie Fleming to provide opportunities for people who have graduated from the EDDR trade pre-apprenticeship program and are continuing their trade education as apprentices under Swells Guidance.
At Swells we work hand in hand with developers, builders and other general contractors to provide labor, specialized trade and construction services.
General Construction Labor
We can provide general labor with general liability and workman's compensation insurance for general contractor and reality partners.
Skilled Tradesmen
We employ skilled carpenters, painters, electricians, plumbing and Heating and Air Conditioning tradesmen and would love to bid on your project.
Construction Management
Our team of skilled and experience project managers are ready to guide you from conception to finish on any construction project you may have.
Material Take off Service
We specialize in managing back of house material management process for trade contractors and general contractors needed assistance with their ordering and take off process.
Design and Rendering Services
We can create renderings and deliver design consultation work for our clients if needed.
Architectural Measuring Service
Our field team uses measuring technologies to provide accurate site measurement and 3d capture of a jobsite.
Submittal Service Management
Our highly skilled team provide submittal management and architectural engagement services for trade contractors and general contractors.
Construction Grant Management
Our team is highlight experience with working with public work projects and grants and can provide guidance to completing the required documents and help plan out the grant.
Empowering people. Building community.
Behind every project is a person. Behind every person is a story of growth. Meet the apprentices, tradespeople, and community members who make Swells Enterprises what it is.
Stronger Together
Our apprentices don't just learn a trade — they gain a community. From day one, they're surrounded by mentors invested in their success.
Hands That Build Futures
Every nail driven, every wire run, every wall framed — it's more than work. It's a step toward Journeyman status and lifelong career stability.
Neighborhoods We Call Home
We build affordable housing in the very neighborhoods our team comes from — turning local pride into local progress, block by block.
Building Generations of Builders
From pre-apprentice to journeyman to project lead — we walk every step of the journey alongside our people, because their success is our mission.
Watch the build come together
As you scroll, the structure builds itself. Hover the glass windows to explore our core services.
Construction & Development
Licensed and bonded Class C General Contractor developing student-built properties for affordable housing across Chicago.
Apprenticeship Pathways
Partnered with EDDR to provide pre-apprentice graduates who work toward Journeyman status within the Trade Union.
Building people while building places
At Swells we work hand in hand with developers, builders and other general contractors to provide labor, specialized trade and construction services.
- ▣General Construction LaborGeneral labor with liability and workman's comp insurance for GC and reality partners.
- ◈Skilled TradesmenCarpenters, painters, electricians, plumbing, and HVAC tradesmen ready to bid.
- ◉Construction ManagementExperienced PMs ready to guide from conception to finish on any project.
- ◎Material Take Off & DesignBack of house material management plus renderings and design consultation.
Are you looking to develop a property?
Find out how Swells Enterprises can support your next project — from concept to completion.
Do you have a concept and are looking for a property to develop?
Swells Enterprises with our network of developers and realtors are able to help you find a property to meet your project needs.
Do you own a property you are looking to develop?
Our company can provide a construction, pre-construction and development plan for your site.
Do you have the property and need a general contractor, architect and MEP contractors?
Swells Enterprises is a State of IL and City of Chicago certified general contractor. We work with self certified architects and have many licensed MEP contractors within our network who can help with any project size.
Do you need a trade contractor to execute a scope?
Swells Enterprises can provide a quote on your project.
Do you need help as a contractor on your project?
Swells Enterprises can provide supplementary labor for general labor, flagging, material handling, build carpentry, finish carpentry and MEP contractors from our staff to contractors in need.
Embracing Every Moment
A day in the life — our everyday journey. See what it's like to build careers and communities from the inside.
On the Jobsite
Our apprentices work alongside experienced trade teams completing work in 11 different trades — learning through real projects every day.
Building Futures
Pre-apprentice graduates work through our ranks — from study to Journeyman status within the Trade Union or within Swells Enterprises for independent contractor programs.
"Our commitment is to delivering quality construction and create community. We look forward to hearing from you and how we can work together."SWELLS ENTERPRISES · Chicago, IL
Browse our projects across Chicago
Click the pins to explore completed projects in neighborhoods across the city.
North Side Refresh
Modern refresh with improved layout, updated finishes, and clean detailing throughout.
Learn the trade. Build your future.
This company was created by our founder Goldie Fleming to provide opportunities for people who have graduated from the EDDR trade pre-apprenticeship program and are continuing their trade education as apprentices under Swells Guidance.
Carpentry Apprentice
Learn jobsite fundamentals — measuring, cutting, framing, and finish standards — while working alongside experienced carpenters completing work across 11 different trades.
Electrical Support
Assist with safe, code-compliant electrical work — tool handling, site organization, and structured learning under direct supervision toward Journeyman status.
Project Support
Develop skills in planning, documentation, scheduling, and communication — the backbone of every successful construction project managed by our experienced PMs.
Let us know about your projects
Whether you're looking to develop a property, need a general contractor, or want to join our apprenticeship program — we look forward to hearing from you and how we can work together.