Mike is the man!

This post is part of a series of short posts where I highlight just a few attributes of the E-g partners.

Mike inspires.  He has a gift for writing and speaking.  I don’t define that as somebody who is able to use big words and sound important.  My definition is that the communication is thoughtful, sincere, humble and of course full of good content.  That’s Mike.  From company meetings, to emails to blog articles, Mike puts words together so that you walk away feeling better having received what he has to say.  An added bonus is that he’s also funny!  He will get an occasional blank stare from me though, because I stink at picking up on movie references unless it’s the Emperor’s New Groove, then I’m good.  Not that leverrrrrr!

Mike sees a need and figures out how to fill it.  About a year ago, Mike led a charge to empower folks with the gifts to think strategically about digital content strategy.  He did what we love to do, which is stand back and let our people do their thing, stepping in at the right time to spur innovation and imagination.  Mike has done a wonderful job in translating the vision into the platform that is e-gineering.com.  One part that I love most about the whole process is that he had his son Justin working alongside him.  It just doesn’t get much better than that! Watching Mike observe Justin’s fantastic creativity and technical skill was just a joy.  It shouldn’t really be a surprise, though 🙂  Also, this is just the beginning as Mike has a plan for continuous improvement with lots of cool ideas on the runway.

Mike plays a key role in E-g operations.  He’s been spending time making E-g work smarter.  He has a pulse on what it’s going to take for E-g to scale and does a great job of thinking strategically to make that happen along with all the other folks that are involved.  We want to improve in many areas and it just doesn’t happen by hoping.  You have to have a strategy and then you have to make it real by filling it in with tangible action.  Mike is like a tank:  he will keep driving towards the goal, gaining ground with each revolution of the belt, until the goal is met.

Mike loves the Lord.  Mike is one of the best spiritual leaders I know.  There have been seasons where Mike has poured much into what God called him to do.  During those times, he’s always had our support and love.  He’s an extremely talented musician, worship leader, leader leader, father, elder and speaker.  The impact God has had through Mike taking risks and following His calling just can’t really be measured – not in this realm anyway.  Mike’s knowledge of God’s word is impressive and inspiring.  It’s not because he has a great memory (he does) that he can recall passages that fit the moment, it’s because he’s done time with the Word and has allowed it to sink in deep.  I’m a better man from watching and listening to Mike and I’m truly blessed to know him.