John Mihaiu, Freelance Graphics & Web Design
Mr. Mihaiu began his career as a credit manager with Westinghouse Electric Supply Company (WESCO) headquartered in Pittsburgh, PA. He was immediately indoctrinated to the automotive industry and given responsibility for all of the Big Three Automotive accounts. Ironically, his first day on the job at WESCO (1980) saw Chrysler's filing of Chapter 11 bankruptcy when Lee Iacocca had just taken the helm. In the mid-nineties Fife Electric was purchased by WESCO, where Mr. Mihaiu used both his credit and IT experience to help co-lead the computer conversion from Fife's computer system to WESCO's.
While at Fife Electric, John worked full time as Credit Manager and attended night school at Wayne State University in Detroit, MI. He earned his bachelors degree in 1986 with a major in Marketing and minor in Sales Management. Mr. Mihaiu continued his education at Control Data Institute where he earned a certificate in computer programming, which allowed him to move to an IT position at Fife Electric. John was instrumental in implementing the first electronic data communications systems (EDI) between Fife Electric and each of the 'Big Three' auto companies. These systems played key roles in allowing Fife Electric to be awarded two major 'blanket orders' and in 1993, Fife Electric was recognized as a Q1 supplier to Ford Motor Company. Mr. Mihaiu's efforts towards that achievement earned him the Presidents' 'Commitment to Quality' award.From 1999 to 2009, Mr. Mihaiu continued his career in the IT field after accepting an offer as EDI computer specialist with McNaughton-McKay Electric Company in Madison Heights, MI. His expertise helped McNaughton-McKay to manage five computer data conversion projects that integrated all 24 branch locations onto the same ERP system. McNaughton-McKay has branches located in Michigan, Ohio, NC, SC, and Georgia. Serving as EDI coordinator, John was instrumental in establishing EDI trading partner relationships with customers and vendors, testing, troubleshooting, and debugging of internal ERP modifications.
In the past several years, Mr. Mihaiu has expanded his horizons and began working in Web & Graphic Design. He is currently mentoring his son, Nick, who runs his own company 'Nick's Photo Editing', teaching him how to use creative imaging applications such as Dreamweaver, Flash, and Adobe Photoshop, among others. John maintains several websites, including the site of international maritime consulting firm, Maritime Advisors, based in Fort Lauderdale.
He soon began working with brother George on GMStrategic projects, creating print display ads and online banner ads for the Rio Vista and Seabreezes Websites, and his growing expertise and experience has put him in the position of expanding his graphic design and website pursuits.
John is married to Betty Mihaiu and they celebrated 26 years together this past June. Betty is a special education teacher with a Masters degree from Wayne State University in Detroit and has over 32 years in the field. They have two grown children, Katie and Nick.
Katie is a recent graduate of Central Michigan University and is beginning her Masters program in Health Administration at Morehead State University - Morehead, KY. She was a two time state high school championship cheerleader. At CMU she was a member of the cheer squad that took 10th place in the 2005 Division 1 NCAA national championships. Katie will be cheering on scholarship for Morehead State this coming season.
Nick is currently working to grow his company and continues to work at improving his golf game. He recently competed in the U.S. Open, U.S. Publinx, and Michigan Amateur qualifiers. Nick currently is the only two time Macomb County champion.
