Posted on September 23, 2024
Mike Cole, Purchasing Manager for The Dutra Group, is stepping into retirement. During his long tenure, Mike played a pivotal role in the company’s operations, expansion, and prosperity. As manager of all procurement activities, Mike is well known for his strong work ethic, his decades long personal ties with vendors, and his unparalleled industry knowledge. His signature look, a Ticonderoga pencil at the ready behind his ear, sharp wit, and booming laugh will be missed.
The Dutra Group recently honored Mike’s retirement with a special gathering at the Dutra Museum of Dredging in Rio Vista, CA, where colleagues, friends and family, including Mike’s personal guests Jenna Cole, Connie Bruns, and Pam Aikman, gathered to celebrate his career.
Bill Dutra Executive Chairman, and Harry Stewart CEO, reflected on their long and entwined careers with Mike, while coworkers Mike McFarland, Nancy LaRue and others spoke to the decades-long friendships they forged with him while working at The Dutra Group. Mike’s loyalty and deep care for his coworkers were reflected in several heartfelt and sometimes comical speeches, although numerous people cited being sworn to silence on the best stories.
“Mike’s dedication and expertise have been fundamental to The Dutra Group’s success,” said Bill Dutra. “When I think back on the years you’ve been with us, each year we grow a little bit older, and we grow a little bit wiser. It’s been quite the journey. I watched you grow the purchasing department during all the good times and bad, and no matter how to tough it got, no matter how many 911 emergencies came our way, from flood fights to Friday afternoon breakdowns, you always came through. Nature is unforgiving and so is the work we do. It’s a twenty-four hour a day job and takes selfless commitment. All too often the praise goes to the guys out in the field. You always understood that their success was your success. When they succeed, you succeed, and we all succeed.”
“Mike’s impact on The Dutra Group cannot be overstated,” said Harry Stewart. “His expertise and strong vendor relationships have significantly shaped our operations and culture. His dedication will leave an enduring legacy on our company.”
The purchasing team is often first in and last out on projects. Projects are won and lost based on the costs used to build bids. Securing those quotes, days, weeks, months in advance is multifaceted. Are the necessary materials available? Do they meet the contract specifications? Can they be delivered to the project site on time, by what means, and at what cost? Are we meeting our SBA commitments? Add the constant need to keep our equipment running and our employees safe with the proper tools and personal protection gear, and you start to get an understanding of the critical role Mike filled.
Mike expressed his gratitude to Bill and Harry in particular. “I am grateful for the opportunities I’ve had at The Dutra Group and the relationships I’ve built over the last 43 years,” Mike said. “My years here have been instrumental in shaping the course of my life and I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished together. I am confident that the company will continue to thrive.”
As Mike embarks on his new chapter, he imparts advice to current employees; “Build strong relationships with your colleagues and vendors, and always be willing to learn and grow. Take advantage of the opportunities available to you. Always make sure you have a plan in place, and most of all…no sniveling.”
