Michael Hickel

I’m Michael Hickel, the Owner and CEO of Coeur d’Alene Builders Group. While my title today involves leading the company and managing operations, my life in the trades began long before I ever stepped into an office.

My education in this industry started when I was just eight years old. I began by working alongside my father in his small business, C&H Painting. My earliest memories involve drywall patching, home repairs, and painting. It wasn’t just about doing the chores; it was an early lesson in the value of hard work and the satisfaction of seeing a job finished right.

By my teens, I knew I wanted to go deeper into construction, so I attended the Prosser School of Technology for Operating Engineering. This experience gave me a distinct advantage that many general contractors don’t have. I didn’t just learn how to build a structure; I learned how to properly develop the land it sits on. Mastering heavy equipment operation and land development gave me a "ground-up" perspective on construction that I still rely on today.

My early adulthood was defined by hustle. I started out doing odd jobs, excavation work, and handyman tasks—taking on whatever projects I could to prove myself. Slowly but surely, word got around. My reputation for reliability grew, and that handyman work evolved into my own small renovations company.

Over the years, I’ve transitioned from being a craftsman with tools in hand to a business leader focused on the big picture. Through years of refining my skills, I learned that a great build isn’t just about lumber and concrete; it’s about proper management, clear communication, and customer relations. Today, I pride myself on delivering a high-quality product where the process is as smooth as the finish.

I’m fortunate to have a strong team around me. With Ron Mettler supporting me as a Senior Advisor and Bryan working right by my side, we have a leadership team that covers every angle of the business. My goal for Coeur d’Alene Builders Group is simple: to help build our community responsibly, ensuring we create beautiful homes while preserving Idaho’s natural beauty and wildlife.