For Michele King, construction was never just a jobsite—it was a proving ground. As president of Rhinotrax Construction Inc., she carved her path in a male-dominated industry with grit, precision and a clear sense of purpose. From her early days running crews in the field to now leading a certified woman-owned civil construction company, King’s rise has been powered by resilience and a hands-on leadership style that continues to defy industry expectations.
King’s story began in her teens, working for her father’s construction business. She developed an early appreciation for the discipline, strategy and technical knowledge the work demanded. Over time, she transitioned from operations to ownership, merging practical expertise with an entrepreneurial mindset. Rhinotrax Construction was born from her desire to create a company where both excellence and equity were standard.
The past three years have been transformational. King consolidated operations, strengthened financial infrastructure and implemented digital systems to increase transparency and efficiency across all project phases. Her company now supports a growing portfolio of commercial and municipal clients while maintaining an exceptional safety record and exceeding compliance standards.
What sets King apart is her approach to workforce development. At Rhinotrax Construction, the future of work is built on skill-sharing, mentorship and empowerment. She invests in training programs tailored for women and underrepresented groups in construction, believing that a stronger, more diverse pipeline benefits the entire industry. Her team is not just taught how to build—they’re encouraged to lead.
King finds her drive in the daily challenges of the business. She thrives in the complexity of schedules, site coordination and regulatory compliance. But more than logistics, it’s the opportunity to create lasting impact—visible structures that serve communities—that fuels her. Her commitment extends beyond projects to people. She is involved in every layer of operations and believes in building trust as diligently as she builds roads, bridges and infrastructure.
If she could acquire any skill instantly, King would become an expert in leveraging artificial intelligence to streamline field reporting and predictive maintenance. She sees emerging technology not as a disruption, but as an ally that could elevate precision, reduce costs and keep her crews safer on the ground.
King’s recognition as a First-Year Titan 100 Honoree is a powerful statement of what leadership looks like in construction today. She’s grown Rhinotrax Construction into a thriving enterprise without sacrificing quality or culture, earning accolades and industry recognition along the way. Yet, she is quick to share credit—highlighting her team’s tenacity, adaptability and commitment to getting the job done right.
Of all her accomplishments, King is most proud of creating a workplace where people feel seen, valued and capable of thriving. She has redefined success in construction—not just by what gets built, but by who gets to build it. Her story is not about breaking barriers for the sake of it, but about building something better on the other side.
