All Episodes

March 28, 2025 51 mins

Host Jeremy C. Park talks with Mike Pohlman, who has been a driving force at Pickering Firm, Inc. for more than 45 years, shaping the company's growth, culture and leadership. After graduating from Christian Brothers College (now Christian Brothers University) in 1979 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, he joined Pickering and quickly established himself as a leader. From his early days as an energy engineer to his transition into project management, Mike developed a deep understanding of the industry and a leadership style rooted in collaboration, humility, and purpose. His influence helped guide Pickering through transformative milestones, including its transition to an employee-owned firm and a renewed commitment to the company’s core values of Service and Good Work.

As CEO since 2002, Mike has led the firm through significant expansion and record-breaking growth while fostering an environment where employees and clients thrive. Known for his dedication to both the business and the people who make it possible, he has always viewed Pickering as more than just a company—it’s a second home. Outside the office, Mike enjoys golf, Memphis basketball, and spending time with his wife, Catherine, their four children, and six grandchildren. As he prepares for his retirement in June 2025, his legacy of leadership, integrity, and vision will continue to shape Pickering for years to come.

During the interview, Mike talks about his family's move from Cincinnati, Ohio to Memphis, Tennessee in 1962 and how they've been deeply rooted in the Mid-South ever since. He shares some of the traditions and lessons learned growing up as one of seven boys, and talks about how those experiences have shaped and continue to shape him personally and professionally. Mike discusses how he got into engineering and why he chose to start his career with Pickering Firm right out of college. He talks about his early years at Pickering Firm and how the company has grown over the years, how his career evolved through different leadership roles and positions to eventually become President and CEO, and where the company now stands as he gets ready to transition into retirement. Mike shares a number of leadership lessons and talks about the importance of community engagement and giving back, and how that focus on making a difference will continue, as he continues to serve on a number of boards. It's an interview that touches on the importance of family, faith, community service and the rare experiences of building a 45+ year legacy of leadership at one company with a heart for coaching and serving people.

To learn more about Pickering Firm, Inc. visit https://www.pickeringfirm.com.

The ChangeMakers Podcast is produced by cityCURRENT and powered by Higginbotham Insurance and Financial Services.

 

Be inspired by more positive media by following cityCURRENT here: www.cityCURRENT.com

Mark as Played

Advertise With Us

Popular Podcasts

On Purpose with Jay Shetty

On Purpose with Jay Shetty

I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!

Las Culturistas with Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang

Las Culturistas with Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang

Ding dong! Join your culture consultants, Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang, on an unforgettable journey into the beating heart of CULTURE. Alongside sizzling special guests, they GET INTO the hottest pop-culture moments of the day and the formative cultural experiences that turned them into Culturistas. Produced by the Big Money Players Network and iHeartRadio.

Crime Junkie

Crime Junkie

Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.

Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.