Todd Schrader

Todd Schrader is the chief executive officer of Hardman Construction, Inc., a heavy highway and civil contractor headquartered in Ludington, Michigan. After graduating with a degree in civil engineering from Michigan Technological University in 1989, Schrader joined Hardman Construction and steadily advanced through the company, serving as project engineer, project manager, vice president, and president. Now as CEO, he guides Hardman Construction’s expertise in Michigan’s bridge-building industry and in specialized geotechnical construction. 

Hardman Construction builds four to five bridges each year for the Michigan Department of Transportation and also performs deep foundation and earth retention work across the Midwest. Its projects span many sectors — public, industrial, commercial, healthcare, education, energy, environmental, sports and entertainment. Notable work includes the I-94/ US-31 design-build bridges, the M-231 bypass bridge, Traverse City’s FishPass, Ford’s new Hub headquarters, Michigan Tech’s H-Stem Complex, C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital, Little Caesars Arena, and stadiums for the University of Michigan, Michigan State University and Notre Dame. The company is proud to employ numerous Michigan Tech graduates and supports future engineers from Mason County through its endowed scholarship at MTU. 

Beyond his leadership at Hardman Construction, Schrader also serves as a board member of the Michigan Infrastructure and Transportation Association and the City of Ludington Marina Board, and he participates in several industry associations. He has served as a church deacon and remains active in a variety of community organizations and initiatives. 

Schrader lives in Ludington with his wife, Julie, and enjoys traveling, boating, hiking, saltwater fishing, skiing, and spending time outdoors. They are proud parents of two Michigan Tech graduates plus an MTU Husky son-in-law, and they recently welcomed their first granddaughter. Deeply committed to community service, Todd and Julie have established two charitable funds through their local community foundation—the Love Ludington Fund and the Schrader Family Fund—which support a wide range of local needs and causes.

From the CEGE Academy Induction October 2025