Our History

Mike’s Inc.:
A Legacy of Excellence on America’s Waterways

Welcome to Mike’s Inc., one of the nation’s most respected and enduring marine service providers. For 60 years, Mike’s Inc. has been an integral part of the river operations on the Mississippi, America’s main artery of commerce. Based in South Roxana, Illinois, just 20 miles upstream from St. Louis, our facilities have played a pivotal role in keeping the inland waterways’ commerce flowing smoothly.

Our History

The journey of Mike’s Inc. began in 1963 when Mike Marko, a pipeline welder for Cherokee Pipeline, teamed up with his father, Jim Marko, a port engineer for Gulf Oil Co., to start a side business. From humble beginnings working out of the back of a pickup truck, they quickly built a reputation for their can-do attitude and relentless determination to tackle even the most complex challenges. By 1965, Mike and Jim officially incorporated the business, working out of a small garage in East Alton, IL, where many nights were spent with only two hours of sleep as they never turned down a client’s request.

Expanding Beyond Boundaries

Throughout the late 1960s and early 70s, Mike’s Inc. expanded its operations, relocating to a larger land-based facility in Roxana, IL. The business growth continued with the opening of a river facility in 1970 to better serve marine customers and moving to its current location in South Roxana in 1988. This location has seen multiple expansions, growing into a comprehensive repair, parts, and sales complex. Mike’s commitment to service was demonstrated vividly during the Mississippi River flood of 1993, when he and his team worked tirelessly to prevent the Alton Belle floating casino from shutting down, a vital economic entity in the Alton community.

A Legacy Carried On

Today, Mike’s Inc. continues to thrive under the leadership of Mike Sr., and his children, Mike Jr. and Amy Jo, who embody Jim’s enduring can-do, service-first spirit. The company’s recent property purchase to relocate & enlarge their shipyard facility further emphasizes its commitment to supporting the maritime industry.

As Mike always says, “Just tell us what you want, and we’ll make it happen.” At Mike’s Inc., we continue to uphold this promise, ensuring that our clients’ needs are met with the highest level of expertise and dedication. This enduring commitment has cemented Mike’s Inc. as a cornerstone of marine service on the mighty Mississippi, poised to continue its legacy for many more years to come.