From Juvenile Detention to Data Center Leadership: A Story of Redemption and Resilience 💪

The construction and technology industries are filled with unconventional success stories, but few are as powerful as Mike Hastings' journey.

At 15, Mike found himself in the juvenile detention system—far from the traditional path to success. But his story didn't end there. It was just beginning.

In the latest episode of Hands On Heroes, host Valerie Crafton sits down with Mike to explore his remarkable transformation from a warehouse worker at StorageTek to a sales leader at IES Communications, specializing in data center infrastructure.

Mike's journey teaches us:

• Success doesn't require a perfect start—just persistence and a willingness to learn
• Seeking out mentors and volunteering your time can open doors you never imagined
• Getting knocked down is inevitable; getting back up is what defines you
• True gratification comes from seeing the tangible impact of your work—and helping others find their path

Mike navigated company acquisitions, earned his degree while working full-time, survived a layoff during COVID, and found his calling in an industry where you can literally point to the infrastructure you built and say, "I did that."

Today, Mike is dedicated to giving back—mentoring the next generation and helping others discover the same opportunities he found in the construction and technology fields.