Michael is a serial entrepreneur who has built and sold businesses in diverse areas such as real estate, healthcare, retail, and youth sports. He originally started his career in the financial services industry before taking hold of the entrepreneurial bug. Michael has spent the last decade working in economic, community, business development, and partnerships, leading business operations and growth initiatives. With a passion for helping business leaders grow, he leverages his experiences to provide a rare perspective on overcoming operational challenges and properly aligning partnerships to meet needs. A veteran of business growth, Michael joined Elevate by Principal in 2023 after spending time as a senior business consultant for the Small Business Administration (SBA) serving the Texas market. Throughout his tenure with the SBA, he assisted his clients in creating more than 2,500 new jobs, launching 200 new businesses, and guided clients in accessing and raising over $107 million in capital. Michael is a graduate of Illinois State University with a Bachelor of Science in Finance and a minor in Real Estate. He also holds the Mastering Strategy: Strategic Management Performance Certification from The George Washington University Center for Excellence in Public Leadership. Furthermore, Michael can often be found in various basketball gyms throughout the Dallas Metroplex, where he coaches and trains athletes at multiple levels. His commitment and passion for youth sports runs deep. For over a decade, Michael volunteered his time to lead sports programs, training, and practices for Park Districts, Community Centers, Church Organizations, Schools, and Club Teams. Many of his athletes have continued their careers playing college basketball.