About Mikan Custom Homes

Mike grew up the son of a Navy Senior Chief moving several times throughout his childhood. His family finally settled down in Big Lake, MN where Mike graduated from high school. Mike always enjoyed architecture and the building industry. After high school, he went to Northwest Technical Institute and received a degree in Architectural Drafting. After graduating college he took a job with Wausau Homes/ Sterling Building Systems and moved to Wausau, WI where he learned more about the structural and construction process. He designed wall panels and floor systems and eventually moved into designing trusses. After a few years, he decided to move back to Minnesota taking a sales position with Sterling Building Systems. A short time later, he was offered a Project Manager position with a local builder. He worked with this small company for a couple of years before taking a Project Management position with another local builder. He worked for this company for 18 years where he was a Project Manager for New Home Construction as well as Remodeling initially and then he moved to a Sales position. Mike really enjoyed this company and the team there but always dreamed of owning his own building company and creating a family business. In October 2019 the start of this dream began with a partnership with Ryan and the formation of Mikan Custom Homes LLC.
At Mikan Custom Homes, Mike’s roles include sales and project managing both new construction and major remodels. The most rewarding part of the job is working with the client from the beginning to end and building relationships throughout the process. He is very excited about the team that we have built, including some of the industry’s best subcontractors and suppliers. It is definitely a family atmosphere where everyone is committed to looking out for each other. We have a very rewarding job building people’s dream homes but also have made many lifelong friends along the way.

Mike has been married to his wife Lisa since 2000. He has 4 children, Austin, Nick, James, and Kaila. 2 of which he gets to work with every day. He enjoys traveling, fishing, and a variety of different sports. But mostly spending time with his family and friends.

Born in Southwest Ontario, Ryan started his building career at a young age in damage restoration. It was here he first saw how a remodel can transform a house.  Following his apprenticeship in damage restoration, Ryan went on to attend Miami University. He graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Health and Sports Studies with a Minor in Business Management. While at Miami, Ryan captained the Redhawks to several championships yet always found himself spending each off-season working in the construction industry.
Following college, Ryan had an 11 year professional hockey career in the NHL and Europe.  During this time, Ryan built his investment real estate portfolio which involved numerous remodels and the experience surrounding the progression of a job site. Ryan now applies his leadership, business education and hands-on construction management knowledge in his duties at Mikan Custom Homes. On top of that, Ryan takes pride in making the construction process as enjoyable as possible for Mikan’s clients.

Ryan is a loving husband (Jamie) and caring father of two boys (Lincoln and Carter). When not on a job site Ryan is an avid outdoorsman.  He can usually be found on the water chasing walleye, in a ground blind or on the links. 

James was born in Buffalo, Minnesota. While he was growing up, his dream job was to build houses, just like his dad. James began working in the remodeling industry after graduating from high school, securing a job at Custom Design Wood Products. After getting some experience in the cabinetry field, James was approached with the opportunity to work for his dad. James has been getting his hands dirty on the job sites and learning the tricks of the trade since mid-2019.

James is not quite the ‘avid outdoorsman’ that Ryan and Mike are but he is always dragged on fishing trips.

Joe was born in Waconia, Minnesota, before moving to Norwood Young America, where he spent his formative years. After marrying, he built their home in Hamburg, Minnesota, where he resides. At the age of 15, Joe embarked on his carpentry journey, taking up an opportunity with a family friend where he acquired skills and a wealth of knowledge in the trade.

After graduating high school, Joe joined a prestigious company specializing in new home construction. His dedication and craftsmanship earned him multiple awards for his exceptional trim work. After several successful years in this role, he transitioned into independent contracting. During this period, he formed a strong friendship with Mike and Ryan.

Joe married in 2002 and has three wonderful children: Emma, Luke, and Cole. When he's not at a job site, Joe enjoys spending time outdoors. He's often found fishing on a boat, hunting, or spending time with his family.

A native of Tonka Bay, Minnesota, Jamie is a proud Minnetonka High School Alumni. She went on to receive her bachelor’s degree in Health and Sports Studies with minors in Business Management and Coaching from Miami University. It was at Miami where she met her husband, Ryan. Little did she know she would spend the next decade following Ryan’s career across the globe. Tasking her with creating spaces that felt like home in Nashville, TN, Edmonton, Alberta, Cologne, Germany and finally planting roots back in Excelsior, MN.

Jones began her professional career with USA Hockey, where she served as the organization’s Coordinator of Marketing and Events. She then went on to work as a Board Member for the Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation. She spent three years as the Director of Hospitality and Events at Lucky Club Entertainment. There she would oversee three restaurants and four event spaces.

Jamie brings a high level of business operations and logistics to the Mikan Team. Her work ethic, meticulous attention to detail, and ability to work on projects at the same time have elevated our customer experience.

Jamie is the wife of Founder, Ryan Jones. Mother to two wild boys, Lincoln and Carter. When not working on projects she can be found coaching baseball, in the stands at a hockey game or chasing sunsets on the lake.

Ashlyn was born in Portland, Oregon, moved with her family across the States before settling in Minnesota in 2006. She has accumulated over 8 years of experience in management, supervision, and administration. At the young age of 17, Ashlyn was offered her first opportunity to manage a retail store, which inspired her to pursue a career in business administration within the cosmetology industry. This journey ultimately led her to her current role at Mikan Custom Homes, where she oversees the day-to-day administrative operations. Ashlyn's passion for art, attention to detail, and love for home development stems from her travels. With the skills she's acquired, she assists Mikan Custom Homes in developing and implementing policies and procedures, record management, financial management, and more.

In Ashlyn's spare time, she enjoys outdoor activities, including paddle boarding, hiking, and traveling. As an eager foodie, she loves trying cultural food and wants to experience her first international trip to Thailand. Above all, her true happiness comes from caring for and returning home to her two four-legged pets.

Nick was born in Buffalo, MN, and has spent most of his life living on the outskirts of the Twin Cities. His primary focus in his career has always been tech-related, and he is nearing the completion of his bachelor's degree in computer science. Nick has worked in both the restaurant and tech industries, where he gained experience managing teams and meeting short- or long-term deadlines. Seeking a change in scenery, he's joined our Mikan team while he completes his degree. He oversees job sites from start to finish, maintains site organization and cleanliness, and handles various tasks.

Like his brother James, he may not be an 'avid outdoorsman,' but enjoys biking through towns and various trails.