Local entrepreneur puts RCC studies to work
When he was studying at Rogue Community College, Mike Wilson didn't realize just how useful the skills he was learning would prove. "Every day I have to write up contracts and estimates for pool and construction jobs," said Wilson, a 2005 RCC graduate who works for a local pool company and owns and operates a construction company and a pool-cleaning business. "RCC instructors gave me the tools and showed me how to sharpen them."
A member of the Northern Cheyenne tribe and originally from Montana, Wilson joined the Marine Corps right out of high school. He served five years as a jet mechanic, and then moved to the Rogue Valley with his family in 2001. Wilson was drawn to RCC partly because of affordability but also because he encountered caring instructors.
"I took an interest in construction technology when I met Ralph Henderson, RCC Construction Technology department head. He took my life and family needs into consideration because he wanted me to have a degree." Wilson also gained writing skills and confidence from Academic Skills instructor Leslie Bryan. "She put a whole new light on writing and had a huge impact in my keeping on. She just made me enjoy it," he explained.
Graduating in 2005 with a degree in construction management, Wilson continued working for Suntym Pools in Talent, where he's incorporated his construction talents into the business by building fences and decks. He also owns and operates Northern Cheyenne Construction and N.C.C Pools, specializing in cleaning.
