Mike Horan

Mike Horan is currently the Owner and CEO of Ajax Paving Industries of Florida, LLC, headquartered in Venice, Florida. Horan's career started in 1976 with Ajax Paving Industries, Inc. in Jackson, Michigan, as an estimator and field engineer. He became an area manager in the Brighton/Ann Arbor Michigan Division in 1978. In the fall of 1981, Horan was chosen to start a new company in Florida. With humble beginnings, the Florida Company has grown from a few men and one asphalt plant to over 500 employees, eight high-capacity asphalt plants, quarries, recycling operations, paving, grading, and concrete construction crews.

Horan became the Vice President and General Manager for the Florida operations in 1985. He became the President of Ajax Paving Industries of Florida in 1993. At this time, Ajax had grown to four asphalt plants and over 100 employees. In 2001, Horan became a minority owner of a newly formed company, Ajax Paving Industries of Florida, LLC. The Jacob family sold all their shares to Horan 2015. 

Due to Horan's strong leadership and professional staff, Ajax is proud to have received numerous project awards, plant awards, and safety awards throughout the many years. Ajax has won well over 75 road-paving awards from the FTBA, ACAF, and NAPA, including such prestigious awards as the A.P. Bolton Award, Larry H. Lemon Award, and 2010 Sheldon G. Hayes Award – Finalist.

He is a registered Professional Engineer in Florida and carries certifications as a Florida Class "A" contractor. He is Past Chairman of the Florida Transportation Builders Association, and a Past President of the Asphalt Contractors Association of Florida. He was awarded the 2019 prestigious Soap Box Award from FTBA. Horan is also committed to promoting the road building industry to the young people of Florida. Ajax hosts plant tours for local high schools and universities and developed a patch program for Girl Scouts called "Rocks to Roads". Ajax participates in County and City Construction Days donating time and material to keep construction a viable opportunity for young folks.

Horan says that his loving wife of 49 years, Carol, is his most influential person that has kept him grounded while raising their four children and grandchildren all these years. He attributes his company’s success to the good people that have worked for him throughout the years. He says, "I can never thank them enough. I am so fortunate to have been associated with such fine people."

From CEGE Academy Induction October 2025