Mike is passionate about making work and life a more enjoyable experience for others. He currently works in product for a small entertainment company. Commissioned as a military intelligence officer in the US Army, Mike’s military career was cut short by an injury. Following his service, Mike was an engineer for Connecticut based Sikorsky Aircraft before pursuing entrepreneurial opportunities in Ohio. For the last decade, Mike has built product startups in the advanced materials technology and e-commerce/payments industries - one of which was recognized as top 10% on the Inc 5000 list of fastest growing companies in the U.S. In all his spare time, Mike has started dozens of side businesses and media projects, from bestselling books to mobile games. Mike has degrees in History and Systems Engineering from West Point and frequently contributes to the spirited Army/Navy rivalry through his humor publication named ‘Center Stall.’ He was the organizing chair for Columbus Startup Week and was appointed by the US Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker to serve on the National Advisory Council on Innovation and Entrepreneurship.