Michelle Patrick: Redefining Leadership in Mechanical Contracting

In an industry long dominated by male voices, Michelle Patrick stands as a force of change—an unshakable leader, a resilient entrepreneur, and the co-founder of Mainline Mechanical Systems Inc., one of Northern Ontario’s fastest-growing mechanical contracting companies. Her recognition in the Women in Leadership – Top 100 – 2025 awards is more than a personal achievement—it’s a milestone for women across the trades and construction sectors.

This is not just a business story. It’s a story of starting from the bottom, leading through crisis, and proving that leadership isn’t about gender—it’s about grit, strategy, and execution.

From the Office Desk to the Boardroom

Michelle’s journey into the construction world began humbly. In 1990, she started her career as an administrative assistant—a role often overlooked but foundational. By 1993, she had become the Controller of a general contracting business, a rare feat in an industry where women are still massively underrepresented in leadership roles.

Over the next two decades, she co-founded a mechanical contracting business with her husband and a business partner. That company went on to become one of the largest in Northern Ontario. But in 2020, everything changed. A business split coincided with the announcement of the COVID-19 pandemic—two seismic events that could have crushed even the most seasoned business owner.

Michelle saw an opportunity. In April 2020, she launched Mainline Mechanical Systems Inc., with no safety net, no government support, and no guarantee of success.

“COVID hit in March. We split the business in April. We didn’t qualify for any government support, and we were starting from scratch,” Michelle explains. “But we kept moving. We had no other choice.”

Building Under Pressure

The early days of Mainline were defined by resilience. With no eligibility for government aid during the pandemic, Michelle and her team had to build with sheer determination. They focused on quality work, professional service, and building trust in a market that had no room for mediocrity.

Five years later, Mainline has grown to a 30-person team and is widely recognized as one of Northern Ontario’s most capable and respected mechanical contractors. From industrial installations to commercial builds, Mainline is now a go-to name for quality mechanical construction.

Leading Where It Matters

But Michelle’s impact goes beyond business metrics.

“Since my twenties, I’ve worked almost exclusively with men,” she says. “I had to fight to be heard. But over time, I learned to lead. And now, I want other women to see that they can too.”

Michelle believes in showing—not telling—what female leadership looks like in this field. Her leadership style blends firm accountability with deep empathy—qualities that set the tone for the company culture at Mainline.

“You don’t have to change who you are to lead. You just have to be strong in what you believe and consistent in your actions,” she says.

Breaking the Bias

Throughout her 30-year career, Michelle has witnessed the slow evolution of gender dynamics in construction. But the pace has been far too slow.

“There’s still a long way to go,” she says. “But I’ve seen progress. And I want to keep pushing that progress forward.”

Her message to women in the trades is clear: don’t wait for permission. Show up. Speak out. Stand your ground.

This feature in the Top 100 Women in Leadership is part of that mission—to inspire confidence in the next generation of women looking to build careers in spaces where they’ve been historically excluded.

The Next Chapter for Mainline

Looking ahead, Michelle is focused on growing Mainline strategically—expanding its presence in Northern Ontario and continuing to deliver high-quality mechanical contracting services with professionalism and pride.

“We’re not interested in being the biggest,” she says. “We want to be the best. That means hiring great people, building lasting relationships, and never compromising on standards.”

Mainline’s growth is a reflection of that philosophy. Every project is handled with care, precision, and accountability—hallmarks of a business built to last.

Why This Matters

Michelle’s story isn’t just about business. It’s about leadership in the face of adversity. It’s about choosing to build when everything around you says to fold. And most importantly, it’s about creating space for others to rise.

Her journey proves that women can lead at the highest level in any industry—even one as tough and traditionally male-led as mechanical contracting.

Final Word

For anyone struggling to find their place in a male-dominated field, Michelle has a message:

“Stay strong. Don’t back down. And never let anyone tell you that you don’t belong.”

For commercial, industrial, or institutional mechanical contracting projects across Northern Ontario, partner with a company built on values, vision, and verified results. Contact Michelle and the team at Mainline Mechanical Systems Inc.

🔗 www.mmsi.ca

📧 michelle@mmsi.ca