Mike Headrick’s career began with a passion for engineering, sparked by his fascination with water and its dynamics. After earning a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering and a Master of Science in Agricultural Engineering from the University of Minnesota, he realized his true passion lay in management and construction. “Leading people is what I’m passionate about and what I’m good at, but I also like building things,” says Headrick. “The stars aligned in a way that drew me into construction.”

Today, Headrick oversees PCL’s operations in Southern California, encompassing offices in Los Angeles, Orange County and San Diego. In this role, Headrick focuses on fostering strong relationships with clients and consultants while ensuring a positive market presence. He is dedicated to having the right leaders in place to uphold PCL’s high standards of excellence. Throughout his career at PCL, Headrick himself has held various leadership positions, which have fueled his ongoing professional growth.

“Every few years I’ve experienced a change in position or experienced a different level of responsibility and that has kept me engaged and made me want to stay,” says Headrick. “I thrive in learning and teaching people what I’ve learned. If that’s what life is all about, I’ve found it at PCL.”

To Headrick, the real success of his career lies in creating lasting bonds with clients and subcontractors, as well as colleagues. These relationships, some of which have endured from early in his career, are a testament to his commitment to people. While many may focus on the large, high-profile projects that define a career in the construction industry, Headrick views his most significant accomplishment as the teams he’s built over the years.

“When people ask about my career at PCL, they want to know about the big projects that I’ve been on, the mega projects that make the news,” says Headrick. “Honestly, the most important part of my career hasn’t been the projects; it has been making sure my team ran cohesively, we finished on time, and we enjoyed ourselves and each other's company.”

Reflecting on his 25-plus years at PCL, Headrick is most proud of the growth he’s witnessed in the people he’s worked with. “When you’ve been at a company as long as I have, you get the chance to see a lot of projects get built, and more importantly, see careers and families grow,” says Headrick. “When I have the chance to reflect on my passion for people, I see I’ve had a direct and indirect influence on this growth. That brings me a lot of joy.”

Outside of PCL, Headrick sits on the board of the Flintridge Center,  a California organization dedicated to supporting at-risk and previously incarcerated youth and adults. The center provides various forms of assistance, from academic support to life skills training and mental health services. It also runs an apprenticeship program that prepares formerly incarcerated individuals for careers in the construction industry, reflecting Headrick’s dedication to giving back and fostering growth in others.