Michael "Mike" Westafer is the CEO and founder of Roger & James, a holding company uniting acclaimed agencies Roger West, Digital Brew, and Acquired Taste. With over 25 years in marketing and business strategy, Mike transformed Roger West from a startup into a nationally recognized agency. Now leading Roger & James, he extends this success across its agencies, driving specialized, impactful solutions for healthcare, tech, and restaurant brands, with a renewed focus on the restaurant industry through Acquired Taste. Mike holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Savannah College of Art and Design and a Master’s in Computer Information Systems (MCIS) combining creative vision with technical expertise. Known for his affable and approachable style, he fosters a collaborative environment where innovation and client success take center stage. This client-centered approach has cultivated strong, enduring partnerships, including some for over a decade. Since founding Roger West, Mike has led the agency to earn multiple accolades, including ADDY, Davey, Emmy, and W3 awards, along with consistent recognition as a Best Place to Work and an INC 5000 honoree. In addition to his professional accomplishments, Mike is passionate about mentoring emerging talent and supporting the business community. He serves on the Board of the CEO Council of Tampa Bay, where he shares insights and collaborates with other leaders to drive local economic growth. With Acquired Taste, Mike’s commitment to the restaurant industry deepens. This new agency combines specialized expertise in content, digital strategy, and brand engagement to empower restaurant CMOs and marketing teams with innovative, scalable growth strategies.