The Management Team at Mid-Continent is a talented group of professionals chosen for their experience, expertise, and dedication.
CEO
Jeff Ahrstrom joined Mid-Continent Engineering as the CEO in March 2025. Jeff is a highly experienced business leader and veteran of the machine tool industry and US Military having served as a United States Marine.
Jeff has served as the CEO of Ingersol Machine Tool and recently led USACH Grinders. He began his career with Cincinnati Milacron (now MAG/ Fives Machining Systems) and progressed through the ranks building industry knowledge and skills. He has held various positions including VP & GM America’s Advanced Systems and Director, International Business Development. During this time, Jeff completed his MBA from Xavier University. Jeff held two President & COO positions outside the industry with BLM Group and Berndorf Industries leading both organizations thru a period of growth and acquisition. During this time, Jeff completed his Doctor of Business Administration from Phoenix University. He has strong beliefs in continuing education and self-development.
Jeff’s range of experiences and leadership roles are a fantastic fit to lead Mid-Continent Engineering to consistent growth and increasing profitability.
VP of Finance and HR
Jodi joined Mid-Continent Engineering in 2011, as Controller & HR Manager. She has grown with the company into her current position as VP of Finance & HR. She has over 40 yrs of experience working in finance and human resources depts. She is an executive level leader able to successfully lead finance, accounting, human resources, IT, and operational administration functions for Mid-Continent Engineering. Jodi has continued commitment to continuous improvement and growth of the company with the following points: operational efficiencies that contain costs through streamlined workflow and documented processes, built a successful work environment for diverse employees through talent acquisition management/development, works effectively & cross functionally throughout the organization, readily identifies and resolves issues. Excellent communication and interpersonal relations. In her personal time, she enjoys spending time with family, crafting, and quilting.
VP of Operations
Chris started his journey at Mid-Continent Engineering in 2004, he took a 2-year break from Mid-Continent Engineering in 2023 and recently returned in March of 2025, as the VP of Operations. Chris has held several roles including Paint Technician, Assembly, Supervisor, Safety/Quality/CI Coordinator, Manufacturing Mgr., and Operations Manager. Also, with that break, he was a Director of Supply Chain and Manufacturing at a capital equipment manufacturer. Chris has extensive experience in operations management, passionate about customer success, team culture, and continuous improvement. Chris also enjoys spending time with his family as well as being around niche and specialty cars.
VP of Sales
+ Z man/Harley-Davidson rider
+ Customer-focused
+ Practical
+ Best golfer at MCE
Out of the frying pan and into the fire! Z loves a challenge. In 2012, Z (who has been with MCE for 5 years) moved from his Quality Manager/Operation Manager role into Sales. While it was a big departure from his previous experience, it was where the company needed his skills and expertise most. And he is having a blast! The operations team at MCE is thrilled as well, they finally have an ally on the sales side of the business.
He received his BS in Business Management from Montana State, earned his Six Sigma Black Belt and has been a key member of the MCE team since 2007. Z has earned a high level of trust and respect from the customers he comes into contact with. His eye for detail and constant drive to improve processes which effect quality and cost are cited by customers on a regular basis.
Estimating
Engineering
Manager
+ Calm, cool, collected
+ Dedicated
+ Golf & fishing diehard
At age 15, Jason began a career in manufacturing working for a former Mid-Continent employee�his father. Richard Thom left Mid-Continent as an estimator in 1976 to start his own machine shop, where Jason worked until joining Mid-Continent in 1981. Since that time Jason has held positions in many areas of the operation, including Cell Lead, Supervisor, Project Manager and, today, Estimating Engineering Manager. Jason also maintains credentials as a Certified Project Manager and Six Sigma Green Belt.
Manufacturing is in Jason’s blood and he possesses the natural engineering skills of analysis and attention to detail. Using these attributes, coupled with his dedication, commitment and willingness to do what it takes, Jason emulates the high standards on which Mid-Continent has been built.
Expertly employing a “Win-Win” approach to his work, Jason continues to raise the bar, in terms of excellence with our customers, by achieving unprecedented results in quality, delivery and pricing. His practical, results-driven approach and ‘get ‘er done’ attitude have clearly demonstrated his ability to help transform an organization for continued success.
