Get to know IPF: Mike Ouderkirk

Many of his friends call him “Tank”. To some of his older team members, he’s known as Cat Boy. Whatever you call him, Mike Ouderkirk, Metal Shop skilled trades supervisor, just wants to be known as “part of the team”. 

Ouderkirk, who started his IPF career as a machinist almost 25 years ago, has also worked as an air compressor mechanic and a nighttime skilled trades supervisor. 

“My dad was a machine shop teacher at Lansing Community College, and my grandfather was a machinist at Motor Wheel Corporation,” Ouderkirk said. “Being a ‘gear head’ myself, I’ve been able to channel that interest in my work.” 

Ouderkirk’s main responsibilities include management of the Metal Shop – taking care of workflow, budgeting, time entry and more. His team includes bench welders, boiler mechanics, fan and bearing mechanics, insulation crew, machine shop, pump and air compressor mechanics, and sheet metal mechanics. 

“I am also the vice president for MSU’s APSA union,” Ouderkirk said. 

Outside of work, Ouderkirk’s priorities are clear. 

“We have a saying…family, work, then club,” he said. “I love spending time with my family and also enjoy reading when I have time.” He added, “I have been riding motorcycles since I was five years old and have been a member of a motorcycle club for many years – if I’m not with my family, you’ll usually find me at the clubhouse working on something.” 

Involvement in his club includes more than just admiration, maintenance and riding of the big machines. 

“The club is very active in giving back to the community,” he said. “We have participated in book drives for school children, adopted a family for the holidays and even bought groceries to feed all of the homeless under the overpasses by Frandor.” 

Ouderkirk’s heart is as big as his ride. And that generous spirit extends to the admiration he has for his fellow Team IPF members. 

“We have so many talented and great people in IPF,” he said. “Honestly, I feel with the skills we have, we could build anything!”