The University of Iowa Government Relations Office publishes Hometown Hawkeye -- a series of profiles featured alumni and faculty members who have succeeded in the state of Iowa after their graduation. Hometown Hawkeye profiles are sent out via email by UI Government Relations to subscribers who are UI alumni, state and federal government officials, and other influential people associated with the college and university.

Mike Traetow probably knows more about the diversity of Iowa manufacturing than most.  Since earning a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering at the University of Iowa in 1999, he already has contributed his engineering talent and experience in Iowa’s window and door manufacturing, agricultural and industrial equipment production, and wind energy industries.

Traetow is the director of technical services at TPI Composites, a global manufacturer of advanced composites products. In his role, Traetow manages the Engineering, Quality and Continuous Improvement teams at TPI’s Newton, Iowa, wind blade manufacturing facility.

Before joining TPI in 2015, Traetow worked for Vermeer Corporation, Kinze Manufacturing, and Pella Corporation in various engineering, product development and operations leadership roles. At Vermeer, he led the Underground Division operations team, which includes production, engineering safety, quality, and continuous improvement. While at Kinze, Traetow led the implementation of all major product initiatives, coached and mentored all personnel on the benefits of a process-based strategy, and transformed a culture to one of repeatable success, and exceptional results. His Pella experience—starting after college graduation—included serving as a project engineer, planning manager, and engineering team leader/manager for three major areas.

Traetow proudly gives back to the UI, currently serving on the advisory board for the mechanical and industrial engineering departments. He also serves as the president of the advisory council for Western Illinois University’s Department of Engineering Technology, and was a founding member of the Engineering Technology Advisory Council in 2010.

Traetow and his wife Jenny, have three children, Brayden, Carter, and Emry. He enjoys spending time coaching his children in various sports in Newton, Iowa, as well as spending time boating with his family. During his free time, he enjoys running, weight lifting, and church activities.