Born in South Texas to a family of educators and farmer/ranchers, Mike was raised with a firm foundation in practical thinking, cause and effect, and logical process. Growing up in school sports gave him a strong belief in the importance of teamwork and communal purpose, and the realistic understanding that no one is ever truly defeated, provided they are willing to learn and try again. Rooted in these values, it was natural that he chose to attend Texas A&M University after high school, where his life and business skills were tested and improved, and his sense of community deepened.
Not long after graduation from A&M, Mike became a real estate agent, and practiced in both the Bryan/College Station and Houston areas for many years. During that time, he represented many investors and was fortunate to learn from his client’s experience. After years as a realtor, Mike met Diego Melo, a mortgage lender at the time, and a profitable business relationship became a valued friendship, which laid the foundation for StratiVentures, Inc.