Jeffrey Ihnen

As the youngest of four kids on a farm, Jeff started working and earning money at a young age. While in college, he worked long weeks in the summer and during winter and spring breaks. Like his current role with Michaels, there were always more things to improve and get done.

Jeff enlisted in the Navy as he finished his senior year at South Dakota State University. Upon graduation, he was commissioned as an officer and spent six weeks at officers’ school in Newport, RI. He was a reactor plant fluid systems engineer for most of his stint with the Navy. He spent several weeks at shipyards observing submarines in overhaul, refueling, and under construction.

Jeff started on the ground floor with Michaels in January 1996, doing energy audits and feasibility studies. He worked his way into managing the energy efficiency practices and for the last five years, the entire company. Jeff’s current responsibilities as Chief Executive Officer include program, evaluation, proposal, and sales strategies, and discovering the next big thing.

Jeff earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering from South Dakota State University. In the Navy, he earned a Master’s in nuclear engineering (classified). Later, he earned a Master of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.