Built to Build: Mike Kane on 40 Years of Craft, Commitment, and Changes in Construction
By RYAN CAPALBO
PEEKSKILL, NY — If you ask someone who has built a career in construction what they wanted to do when they were children, many will say they never imagined working in the field. Like most kids, they dreamed of becoming movie stars, athletes or superheroes. Mike Kane, President of Kane Contracting, Inc., was not like most kids. Construction is all he has ever known, and after more than 40 years in the business, he couldn’t imagine himself in any other line of work.
“I don’t feel that I was made to do anything else. I’ve always been into building things. God gave me ability. He gave me my hands and my eyes to see things and communicate that to others,” Mike said, sitting in the conference room of the building that houses Kane Contracting, Inc. “My mother told me all the time when I was a little kid that I was going to be a builder my whole life. I just love to build.”
Located in Peekskill, NY, the offices of Kane Contracting, Inc. occupy what appears from the road to be a small, unassuming residential building tucked behind trees and shrubbery. However, the property takes on a much grander appearance as you walk up the large stone steps leading to its entrance. Mike’s passion for construction becomes even more evident when he talks about the history of the building that serves as his company headquarters.
“This used to be a farm, and where we’re sitting was the house on the farm. I bought it from the family that built this house. This is all granite; these are two-foot-thick granite walls. I asked them how they got the stones up here. They used an old derrick with a hand crank and would crank the stones up and pin them. All the stonework is spot on and level.”
A graduate of Sleepy Hollow High School, Mike got his start in the construction industry working for his father, who owned a sales company for HVAC equipment in New York City. From there, he began doing non-union work before a family friend gave him an opportunity to become an apprentice. He eventually moved up to Shop Steward and Foreman on jobsites. He credits his time in these roles with helping him develop the contacts and relationships he believes are key to success in the industry.
Kane Contracting, Inc., a member of the Building Contractors Association of Westchester & The Mid-Hudson Region, Inc. (BCA), was founded in 1992 by Mike and three other contractors. Initially, the company worked primarily in Westchester County. However, after completing projects for Turner Construction in the 1990s, it began expanding into Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, Orange and Ulster counties, as well as parts of Connecticut.
One of the company’s largest projects, which Mike refers to as its staple, was in Western New York working on the new Buffalo Bills stadium. Kane Contracting utilized new technology during that project, including a program that showed a 3D model of the stadium inside and out, which Mike says was a huge help with being able to do a project of that size in such a short period of time. As significant as that project was, however, it isn’t Mike’s favorite. That distinction belongs to two other projects from earlier in his career.
“One of my favorite jobs was Blue Hill At Stone Barns, at the Rockefeller Estate. It was a conversion from an old cow barn into this world-class restaurant. There was just something about it with the metal framing and carpentry. I just loved the whole atmosphere. I grew up there, so it was pretty cool to see. That and West Point; we did what is called the ‘Davis Barracks’ over there. It was a pretty unique story, and I really enjoyed it. I didn’t even know who this guy, [Benjamin] Davis, was, but he was one of the Tuskegee Airmen. The story behind it was remarkable when I heard it.”
While Mike has enjoyed many of his experiences in the industry, he also acknowledges that there can be challenges. One area that particularly concerns him is money and contractors who don’t fulfill their financial obligations. Having started his business without financial backing, Mike credits hard work and determination for his success. He takes financial responsibilities seriously, and past experiences with others’ poor business practices have reinforced his belief in the importance of completing every job and doing the best possible work.
“Don’t give them a reason not to pay you.”
Mike also recognizes that the industry is changing and is optimistic about the future. His son, Mike Kane Jr., has been working with him since 2013 and is preparing to eventually take over when Mike Sr. decides to retire. In the meantime, Mike Sr. is embracing the changing culture of the construction industry. He sees the potential benefits of artificial intelligence and technology, recognizing that they will become increasingly important in future construction projects. He also discussed how useful technology was on the Buffalo Bills stadium project.
As technology has advanced, so have safety measures on jobsites, something Mike strongly supports.
“I want every man who comes to work to go home later that same day.”
Outside of work, Mike lives in Cortland Manor with his wife, Sharlene, and they also own a summer home on Long Island, which he found while working on a project near Jones Beach. He is a passionate New York Giants fan and enjoys golfing and boating in his free time.
One subject Mike spoke about with as much enthusiasm as construction was spending time with his family. Although his children are now adults, he recognizes that owning his own business gave him the flexibility to be present as they grew up. He always made it a priority to be there for them, and that remains true today with his two-year-old grandson.
After nearly 35 years of running a successful construction business, Mike remains down-to-earth and appreciates the simple things in life. His passion for building, commitment to his work and dedication to his family continue to define both his career and the legacy he is building.
Published: November 12, 2026.