Chairman Emeritus, StressCrete Group
Distinguished Fellow
Michael S. Schwenger spent his career building an international manufacturing company.
After graduating from university, he joined StressCrete Ltd., a manufacturer of spun concrete utility poles. Soon he became General Manager and purchased the company in 1981.
Originally employing eight people, Michael expanded the company through market growth, acquisitions, and start-ups to create a group of companies covering most of North America. Today, StressCrete Group has nearly 500 employees in five locations across Canada and the US. Focusing on residential street lighting, utility poles, and sports lighting, StressCrete Group has become one of the major players in the North American industry.
Today, Michael remains Chairman Emeritus of the group of companies, while his son oversees operations of the company.
As his business expanded, so did Michael’s philanthropic involvement with the community. He has served as Board Chair of the Royal Botanical Gardens, Hamilton Health Sciences, the Art Gallery of Hamilton, and the Carpenter Hospice. He also spent time on the boards of the Burlington Community Foundation, Burlington Hydro, and Dr. Kemp Hospice.
In 2015, the Schwenger family established the Schwenger Family Foundation, with a mission to support children and the local community. Today the Schwenger Family Foundation supports many worthwhile endeavours including Mohawk College’s City School program.
Michael graduated from the University of Western Ontario in 1974, obtaining an Honours B.A. in Business Administration.