Ryan Schmidt's path to the construction industry was shaped by his upbringing on a farm, where hands-on projects and the influence of his father, a civil engineer, sparked his interest in the built environment. This early inspiration led him to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering at the University of Saskatchewan. After graduating, Schmidt began his career at PCL as a field engineer – a role that marked the beginning of a nearly three-decade-long career fueled by his passion for building and PCL's commitment to its employees and partners.
Today, as vice president and district manager out of PCL’s Denver office, Schmidt oversees the building operations in the region. His leadership is centered on strengthening client relationships, expanding PCL’s presence in Colorado, and fostering a culture of collaboration and growth.
Throughout his career at PCL, Schmidt has embraced opportunities for both professional and personal development. From the beginning, he benefited from strong mentorship and took on challenges that helped lay a solid foundation for his advancement.
What distinguishes PCL, in Schmidt’s view, is its deep-rooted commitment to both its people and its clients. The company’s approach to building emphasizes understanding each client’s business and cultivating meaningful, long-term partnerships. As an employee-owned organization, PCL fosters a culture where teams are equally invested in the success of their clients and their own.
Living and working in Colorado, Schmidt appreciates the opportunity to build projects that are iconic to the culture of the region, such as the 16th Street revitalization project. 16th Street is a 12.5-block pedestrian and shuttle bus mall in the heart of Denver. Intended to revitalize downtown Denver, Schmidt cites initiatives like this – those that create lasting positive change in the city – as key sources of motivation for PCL’s continued presence in the region.
Outside of PCL, Schmidt is actively involved in several community organizations, including serving on the board of Judi's House, a nonprofit organization that provides comprehensive grief care services for young people and families experiencing loss. In October 2022, PCL completed construction on the organization’s new headquarters. Additionally, he is a board member of the Downtown Denver Partnership’s Denver Civic Ventures group, which focuses on community planning and economic development to support the heart of the city.
Education:
- Bachelor of Science, Civil Engineering, University of Arizona