Building from the Ground Up: Mike Cooke on Entrepreneurship, Construction, and Growing with Greensboro

What does it take to leave an established career, start from scratch, and build a construction company of your own?In Episode 7 of Mill Talk, host Kathleen Prokesch sits down with Mike Cook, founder of Cook Contracting, whose offices are located at Revolution Mill. Mike shares the unexpected path that took him from graduating from UNC-Chapel Hill with a political science degree to managing major construction projects—and eventually launching his own company.Mike discusses learning the construction business from the field up, moving into pre-construction and sales, and later joining a smaller contractor where he learned to estimate, sell, manage, and complete projects from beginning to end. Those experiences ultimately gave him the confidence to take the entrepreneurial leap and launch Cook Contracting in 2021.Today, Cook Contracting has developed a strong niche in quick-service restaurant construction, working with brands including Cook Out, Biscuitville, Zaxby’s, Popeyes, Freddy’s, Five Guys, First Watch, and Panera, while also completing commercial upfits, medical projects, light industrial work, and renovations throughout Revolution Mill.Mike also shares how Biscuitville became one of his first clients, why he chose to build the company without startup debt, and how a conversation with Revolution Mill General Manager Nick Piornek eventually brought Cook Contracting’s offices to the Mill.In this episode:Mike’s unexpected path from political science into constructionLearning construction from field operations through pre-construction and project managementThe decision to stop talking about entrepreneurship and take the first concrete stepHow Biscuitville helped Cook Contracting get startedBuilding a company without taking on startup debtDeveloping a specialty in quick-service restaurant constructionWhy experienced project leadership matters to clientsSolving a project challenge that saved a client approximately $250,000Scaling a construction company while maintaining its culture and qualityWhy trust matters throughout a construction projectMike’s outlook for downtown Greensboro, aviation growth, and the future of the TriadWhether you’re an entrepreneur, commercial property professional, developer, or simply interested in the continued growth of Greensboro, this episode offers a candid look at what it takes to build a company while helping build the community around it.About Mike CookMike Cook is the founder of Cook Contracting. After more than 15 years in construction, pre-construction, estimating, project management, and business development, Mike founded the company in 2021. Cook Contracting provides hands-on construction management with an emphasis on experienced leadership, competitive pricing, problem-solving, and strong client relationships.About Mill TalkMill Talk is a podcast about the people, stories, and connections that make Revolution Mill one of Greensboro’s most inspiring communities. Hosted by Kathleen Prokesch, each episode introduces listeners to the entrepreneurs, artists, business owners, neighbors, and dreamers helping bring Revolution Mill to life.Mill Talk is proudly brought to you by The Health Insurance Shoppe, helping individuals, families, and retirees navigate health insurance with clarity and peace of mind.