I am a certified FocalPoint Business Coach and Executive Coach helping business leaders improve their profitability and achieve their personal and professional goals. Upon graduation from the United States Military Academy with a Bachelor of Science in Engineering, I spent nearly 5 years leading Infantry units in the United States Army. Following this service to our country, I joined Michelin North America. Over my 35-year career at Michelin, I held managerial roles in continuous improvement, manufacturing, training & development, and recruiting retiring from Michelin in May 2020. Mike also has an MBA from Clemson University.
In addition to my work as a Business and Executive Coach, I am a Founder of the Industry 4.0 Club with the purpose to engage the power of diverse worldwide talent to accelerate the global evolution to Industry 4.0. I co-chairs the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committee for the Greenville Society of Human Resource Management and am a member of the Workplace Advisory Council with the Tanenbaum Center for Interreligious Understanding. I am also a Board member for the Upstate Veterans Business Network.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I am married to Mindy. Our son Matthew is married to Christie, and they have one daughter Eliana. Our daughter Melissa is married to Cameron and they have two children, a son named Grant and a daughter named Kendall.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I had the privilege of serving in the US Army for almost 5 years. When I left the military, I joined Michelin where I worked in continuous improvement, operations, finance and human resources. I retired from Michelin in May of 2020 and became a FocalPoint Business Coach and Executive Coach. I enjoy coaching because it gives me the opportunity to help business leader improve their profitability and achieve their personal and professional goals.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
We enjoy Arizona Steakhouse and Hibachi House.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
We became residents of Simpsonville when we moved from our home in Greenville in 1998.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
I would travel back to Germany, France, and Austria. I have lived in Germany and France and enjoy their cultures. My father was born in Austria and it is always fascinating to walk where my ancestors walked decades ago.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
We all face significant challenges in our lives. When you are under stress, stay true to who you are and keep a sense of humor.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Our grandkids are 4 years old, 10 months old, and 2 months old. I look forward to seeing them graduate from college and start families.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
I think I miss Bonnie Brae golf course in Mauldin. While I am not a great golfer, the course was beautiful and a lot of fun to play.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
I would enjoy having lunch with Coach K from Duke University.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
I appreciate the focus our community has on creating family-oriented venues and events.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
I hope to still be coaching individuals to be able to achieve their personal and professional goals.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I enjoy science fiction movies.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
The island of Mainau in Lake Constance in Switzerland.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My family.
Q: Describe what “neighbor” means to you?
A neighbor is someone who is there for you in a crisis, someone you talk with when you meet on the street, and respects who you are.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Comfortable, Relaxing, Stress-free
