Employee Spotlight

Mike Mistruzzi graduated in 1997 from the University of Windsor with a Bachelor of Applied Science in Civil Engineering. After four years of education and making his way onto the Dean’s list, as well as managing his own paving stone business, Mike was motivated to make a move to begin a career in Michigan working in heavy construction.

Mike’s first major construction project was working for Renaissance Precast on-site at Comerica Park in 1998. It was there where he fostered a relationship with the Ideal Steel team and eventually took a position with the company as a project manager in 1999.

Mike had a vision for construction and engineering and quickly realized how they coincide. He decided to begin the journey towards earning a Michigan Professional Engineering (PE) license, knowing it would be challenging yet motivating and would add value to the company. In 2000, Mike took the first step in becoming a PE by successfully completing the Michigan Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam.

During Mike’s time at Ideal Steel, Ideal Contracting, LLC. was incorporated and in 2004 he took a position as Project Manager / Estimator with Contracting working on various steel and precast projects. His time with Ideal was put on hold when he temporarily returned to Canada to help his wife raise their newborn children. Back home, he worked as a structural steel detailing job captain and spent a period of time working for a road reconstruction firm. A few years later he returned to Ideal Contracting as a full-time estimator working on various Design-Build and EPC (Engineer-Procure-Construct) steel projects.

Today, Mike is a Chief Estimator overseeing all steel opportunities. Never giving up on his goal of becoming a licensed PE, Mike completed the Michigan PE exam this year and successfully passed. Mike’s tenacious attitude is a reflection of his work ethic and drive, which has made him an asset to the Ideal family. “The hard work, time, and effort that Mike put into getting his PE license is no different than how he approaches every day. Mike is a huge asset to the company and someone I have a great deal of respect for,” says Nick Luxon, Vice President.

Throughout this journey, Mike learned that hard work and determination pays off. His best advice is to never give up, pursue your dreams, make friends, never burn bridges, and always strive to make yourself a better person while helping others around you!

“My journey and success would not be possible without the support of Ideal Contracting and I truly believe that a PE License brings value to the company and furthers my professional growth,” Mike Mistruzzi.

The Ideal team congratulates Mike on his great achievement of becoming a licensed PE!