MIKE RIPPER

 

       It is rewarding to build on Cree Lighting’s rich history in the LED lighting market – a true innovator that customers, partners and employees trust and rely on.

Mike comes to IDEAL Industries with substantial experience in transforming businesses; addressing difficult cost and strategic challenges while steering the business toward spots in the market where it can grow profitably.    Most recently he was the President & CEO of a $400M global manufacturer, Vari-Form Group, where he and his team addressed commercial issues and operating inefficiencies to stabilize 2 of the unprofitable divisions.  Mike has also held executive and advisory positions with L-com Global Connectivity, American Axle & Manufacturing, Mistequay Group, and Collins & Aikman Corporation.  Mike is a graduate of University of Michigan, with an MBA in Corporate Strategy & Finance, and a BS & MS in Mechanical Engineering from Michigan Technological University. 

Mike is a native of Traverse City, MI and currently resides in Brighton, MI with his wife, Wendy, who works part time as a civil engineer.  His daughter, Veronica, is a 2020 graduate of MIT and works at Raytheon Technologies in their Intelligence and Space division based in Dulles, VA, and his son, Keegan, is a Sophomore at Michigan Tech pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering.  In his free time Mike enjoys the company of his family and friends, biking, skiing, ice hockey and woodworking.