Ryan Schmidt's path to the construction industry was shaped by his upbringing on a farm, where hands-on projects and the influence of his father, a civil engineer, sparked his interest in the built environment. This early inspiration led him to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering at the University of Saskatchewan. After graduating, Schmidt began his career at PCL as a field engineer – a role that marked the beginning of a nearly three-decade-long career fueled by his passion for building and PCL's commitment to its employees and partners.

Today, as vice president and district manager out of PCL’s Denver office, Schmidt oversees the building operations in the region. His leadership is centered on strengthening client relationships, expanding PCL’s presence in Colorado, and fostering a culture of collaboration and growth.

“PCL has provided me with so many opportunities for both professional and personal growth,” says Schmidt. “Right from the start, I’ve been fortunate to learn from great mentors and take on challenges that have built a strong foundation for my career."

For Schmidt, what sets PCL apart is its deep-rooted commitment to its people and clients. “Our approach to building is centered on understanding our client’s businesses and creating meaningful, long-term relationships,” he explains. “As an employee-owned company, we have a culture where our teams are just as invested in our clients’ success as they are in their own.”

Living and working in Colorado, Schmidt appreciates the opportunity to build projects that are iconic to the culture of the region, such as the 16th Street Mall revitalization project. 16th Street Mall is a 12.5-block pedestrian and shuttle bus mall in the heart of Denver. “This project will have a long-term positive impact on the city,” says Schmidt. “It's going to be a real catalyst to help revitalize downtown Denver.”

Outside of PCL, Schmidt is actively involved in several community organizations, including serving on the board of Judi's House, a nonprofit organization that provides comprehensive grief care services for young people and families experiencing loss. In October 2022, PCL completed construction on the organization's new headquarters. Additionally, he is a board member of the Downtown Denver Partnership’s Denver Civic Ventures group, which focuses on community planning and economic development to support the heart of the city.