Built from Within: Mike Delin

Meet Mike Delin, one of the driving forces behind our Interior Product Solutions team. In this edition of our People Spotlight, we shine a light on Mike’s journey as he marks an impressive 20 years with CS this July. As a business development manager, Mike leads a dedicated team of seven—discover what motivates him and how his leadership shapes our success.

 

I started as a project coordinator, then moved into estimating, followed by regional sales manager for Acrovyn® Doors, national sales manager, and, finally, business development manager for our Interior Product Solutions—overseeing all our interior wall protection, flooring, and STYX® —each step bringing new challenges and opportunities for growth.

 

My current role, hands down. I’ll admit, I wasn’t a natural manager at first, but over time, I’ve learned how to bring out the best in each individual. The biggest lesson? Manage people the way they need to be managed, not the way I would want to be managed. I think I’ve really grown into that.

 

That’s the beauty of my job—no two days are ever the same. Some days, I’m empowering my team, clearing roadblocks, or stepping in to cover for someone when they are out. Other days, it’s all about clear communication and keeping us focused on the bigger picture. My mantra: stay ahead of our goals and keep our eyes on the prize.

 

Believe it or not, my journey started in restaurants—I even went to culinary school and purchased a deli when my dad retired. After seven years, I realized it wasn’t my true calling and returned to school to study English and sociology. While working part-time at a car service, I connected with CS through one of our clients. That led to a role focused on doors, and soon I helped build what became a hugely successful division of CS. I even helped shape some of the messaging we still use today about durability, replaceability, sustainability, and designability.

 

Being a part of a company that has such great engagement and that is consistently pursuing solutions for our customers. It’s the constant transformation. 

When I look back, the difference in facilities now versus 20 years ago is incredible—and CS is often the one setting the pace. We introduce innovations that become standards, like Acrovyn Doors by Design®. Interiors transform because of our ability to imagine them.

 

Being a part of that and seeing things transform, being on the forefront and leading the transformation, leading to Better buildings…especially the curved door. I’m especially proud of leading the team that developed the curved door solution, born from real collaboration with architects, designers, and nurses at UVA.

I think there’s a video about that. Being at the forefront of change and knowing we’re making a difference keeps me inspired every day.

 

Hands down, it’s an authentic Cuban sandwich. The recipe from my old deli came from the previous owners, who were Cuban, and we smoked our own pork—nothing else compares!

 

The year we had a national sales conference in Manhattan, because of our relationship with a contractor, we got to go up to the 55th floor and get a tour of the Freedom Tower. Just to see the rebuild of that project from the perspective of those who built it—it was so moving. 

 

What is your go-to midnight snack?

Peanut M&Ms. That’s also my family’s favorite—we get the extra-large resealable bags.

 

After a couple of false starts in my career, I’m genuinely grateful to have landed at CS. The people here make all the difference—it truly feels like family. I’ve built lasting relationships and worked alongside some of the smartest, most inspiring colleagues. It’s made all the difference in my journey.