Mike Thorn

Owner, project manager

Thorn Construction Group 

Age: 32

Current city of residence: Pasco 

Briefly describe your company:

We are a commercial general contractor, with areas of expertise in the commercial office, restaurant, multifamily, retail and fuel station construction. We will also take on select custom residential projects. 

Briefly describe your job and what you do. Tell us how you got into it. 

I am the owner and project manager for Thorn Construction Group. I meet with the clients, review plans, prepare estimates, and ensure the work is properly performed to a high level. 

How long have you worked there?

2 years 

Tell us about your work history.

I’ve grown up in the construction industry, with a drill in my hand since I was 6 years old. My professional experience includes years of HVAC installs, carpentry work, a project engineer position for a large general contractor in the cold storage and food processing space, and a project manager, and vice president of another local construction company. 

Tell us about your first job.

My first job was installing residential HVAC equipment and ductwork for a local heating and air company. It was a summer position that I took on in between going to school. 

What advice would you give to your younger self about achieving success?

Trust the process and have faith. 

What was your dream job as a child?

I either wanted to be a pilot, or build skyscrapers in Seattle. 

Who are your role models – and why? Tell us what you learned from them. What do you consider your leadership style to be?

My role models especially are other Christian contractors. I feel there are others who have shown more faith than I’ve had at times, and I’ve learned that’s what it takes to be successful in this business. My leadership style is to do whatever it takes to get the job done, and done right. I feel that we are growing a culture of people who all believe the same and will do what it takes while enjoying the process. Employee freedoms should be equal to their responsibilities. 

What would be your top three priorities to make our community a better place?

Support your local nonprofits that you believe in, go to church for healing, and do more for those that have less.

Tell us about your community involvement/community service:

We support a number of local nonprofits around town, and we believe in giving back to the best of our ability. 

What else should we know about you?

I enjoy golfing, working on classic cars, camping and taking my kids out to Juniper Dunes to ride. 

How do you achieve work-life balance?

Occasionally I’ll find time to have breakfast with my kids before work or might take an afternoon off for a round of golf. 

Do you have family? Pets? Tell us about them.

I have been married for nine years, and have a beautiful family of five children.

How long have you lived in the Tri-Cities? If you didn’t grow up here, what brought you here? 

I was born and raised here in Tri-Cities. I moved away to be in Spokane for four years and have since been back since 2019. 

What’s your dream vacation?

Hawaii 

Planner or procrastinator?

I’ll plan where I need to, but also know that I work well under pressure. 

First car?

1990 Honda Accord 

Introvert or extrovert?

Depends on the subject or environment 

What would people be most surprised to learn about you?

A good friend of mine drives a hydroplane.

Would love to take it for a lap one day! 

Favorite Tri-City restaurant?

Rattlesnake Mountain Brewing Co.

Favorite day of the week?

Every day that ends in Y. 

Text, email, phone call?

Phone call is always best.

Would you rather travel back in time or to the future?

Back in time for sure.