We initially asked Mike these questions for our internal newsletter – but we enjoyed his responses so much we asked if we could share publicly!
Can you briefly describe your role at Integris and what excites you the most about your work here?
My official title is President of the [Integris Financial Institution Division] FID. However, I do a little bit of everything, from monitoring service metrics, looking at financials, meeting with customers, attending business development events, and occasionally making the morning coffee. What excites me most is seeing people grow personally and professionally.
What’s one hobby, skill, or talent you possess that your colleagues might not be aware of?
I think most people who know me are aware that I play basketball. However, one skill or passion that I have that many people may not know about is landscaping. I thoroughly enjoy maintaining and caring for a lawn. From fertilizing to aerating to properly watering to mowing and trimming, I take a lot of pride in doing that myself.
Can you tell us about a mentor or role model who has influenced your career and why?
I would say that Brent and Will (the founders of CalTech) were my biggest professional mentors. They taught me not only how to run a business effectively but also how to be a better human being and a servant leader. I am forever grateful for the opportunities they have given me. Currently, I work with Nick Nelson, Rashaad, and Glenn quite a bit; they are both my colleagues and mentors.
Personally, my biggest mentor and hero is my grandmother. I was not blessed with a stable set of parents, and she adopted me early on in my childhood. She taught me many lessons, most of which are common sense, but helped me become a better man, husband, and father than I would have been. In all honesty, I would have wound up in jail or worse if it was not for her. There were times when I thought she was too hard on me or too strict, but I know now that is what I needed to break the generational curse that I was born into. She is still alive today and I enjoy talking to her daily.
If you could give one piece of advice to someone just starting their career, what would it be?
My main advice to anyone is to be 100% committed to being the best at whatever job/role you are currently doing. Work ethic will push you further in life than talent, intelligence, or many other qualities. If you find something that you are passionate about and like doing, go all in, and success will manifest itself. A wise professor told me that once you graduate, the world does not owe you a living. Whether you are folding towels, answering phones, or mopping floors, be #1, and you will
get promoted. I’ve lived my life by that philosophy.
