Jeffrey Ihnen, P.E.

Chief Executive Officer, Owner

Resource preservation has been in my blood since my days growing up on the farm, where I urged my father to reduce tillage to minimize fuel consumption and preserve topsoil. I landed in engineering and was selected by Michaels to harness that passion as a career.

As the youngest of four on a farm, Jeff learned hard work early—earning money and improving systems wherever he could. In college, he filled summers and breaks with long workweeks, a mindset that still defines his approach at Michaels. After earning a mechanical engineering degree from South Dakota State University, Jeff enlisted in the Navy and was commissioned as an officer. He served as a reactor plant fluid systems engineer, gaining hands-on experience with complex systems and leadership.

Jeff joined Michaels in 1996, starting with energy audits and feasibility studies before advancing to lead the company as Chief Executive Officer. He now oversees strategy, innovation, and growth, driving the pursuit of “the next big thing” in energy efficiency.

Jeff holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from South Dakota State University, a classified master’s in nuclear engineering from the Navy, and a Master of Science from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. A dedicated runner, he has completed twelve marathons—including six Boston qualifiers—and enjoys time outdoors, yard work, and writing his blog, The Energy Rant.