It isn’t often that we post a blog that features an individual, but at SPI, we are a family, and as such we feel the loss of a family member very deeply. It’s only fitting, then, that this week’s blog is dedicated to the life and legacy of our brother, friend, and mentor: Mike Feehery.

Mike was born in Houston, Texas. He grew up in a large family, surrounded by brothers and sisters whose company he treasured. He adored his wife, Alice, and the family they built together. An avid chef, Mike hosted weekly dinners and welcomed all those who stopped by to break bread with him. He enjoyed taking his talents to the HLS&R BBQ Cook-Off for over 27 years, where he made even more lifelong friends.

He was thrilled to be a grandfather and uncle, taking great joy in helping those around him. From teaching his nieces, nephews, children, and grandchildren how to deer hunt to keeping a stock of generators on hand for those in need during the unpredictable South Texas hurricane season, Mike was always ready to help lend a hand. Mike truly never met a stranger, an attitude that was always present during his career in insulation.

Mike graduated from Saint Thomas High School in 1976 and immediately started work in warehouse management, where he quickly proved himself as the capable and personable individual that his family and friends already knew him to be. Four years later, he became Director of Purchasing, Supply Chain, and Logistics for a large contractor and distributor. In 1989, Mike joined the SPI family and began his journey with us by establishing a very successful greenfield operation in his beloved hometown of Houston, Texas.

Insulation was not just a career for Mike; it was a way of life. In the 33 years he spent with SPI – with some of his beloved family and friends by his side – Mike proved that his talents extended far beyond product knowledge. He worked on geographic and product expansions through product development, leading greenfield operations, integrating acquisitions, implementing regional alignments, and brand development. Deeply strategic, he knew how to play “the long game” and was dedicated to helping everyone find mutual “wins”.

Mike was the kind of colleague that is rare to find and impossible to forget. “Our people are our greatest asset”, he’d often say, and he exemplified this tenet every single day. He was endlessly positive. Each day started with a friendly “Hola, amigo!”, and he constantly recommended apps to his colleagues to help make their jobs easier. He had an unending amount of patience and tact, able to navigate difficult discussions and resolve conflicts with ease. Never straitlaced, arrogant, or uptight, he readily shared his expertise and acumen with anyone who wanted to learn. He received new colleagues and novel ideas with open arms, firmly believing that the mission of SPI would benefit anyone fortunate enough to be introduced to it. All were welcome in his fold. He took pride in assembling, retaining, and leading a team that continues to deliver exceptional value to our customers, vendors, and stakeholders, stating that seeing their growth under his mentorship was his favorite part of his job. He relished finding the good in people and nurturing them to greatness. All of those who crossed his path at SPI – from brief acquaintances to dear friends – are undoubtedly the better for spending even a moment with him.

Learning from, growing with, and loving Mike as our brother for the past 33 years, we’ve come to realize that our lives aren’t measured just in days. We are, all of us, just a speck in the universe – a moment in the cosmos that we are given, and it is our job to make it count, however we can. In the galaxy of his family, Mike was their sun, radiating warmth, energy, and unending kindness to all of those who needed it. In the constellation that is SPI, Mike Feehery was our North Star, constantly guiding us back to our mission and our brand. Thoughtful and considerate, he brought out the best in everyone. We can only hope that we can continue to do justice to his legacy as he enters into the eternal rest that he so richly deserves.

Mike lived a life worth living and made the most of the time he was given. He will be missed by all who knew him as we strive to follow his example.