Mike co-founded KeyStone Search in 2002 and through a merger with CorTalent in 2024 co-founded Strategic Talent Partners. He has over 30 years of executive recruiting/search industry experience and has led hundreds of executive level search projects over the years. Mike has developed particular expertise in leading privately held businesses through critical leadership transitions. This includes numerous CEO transitions as well as business owner exits/transitions. Mike grew up in a small family business, learning the value of hard work, customer service and treating everyone with respect. He Believes working with companies & owners who recognize and appreciate the value of their employees, customers and communities is incredibly rewarding. Mike’s passion is working with companies that deserve to grow and provide great people with great opportunities. He takes pride in playing a part in making that growth happen. Mike graduated from the University of St. Thomas with a B.A. in Psychology and Business Administration. He is a frequent public speaker on the topics of CEO transition, succession/exit planning, corporate culture, talent development, and core values. He is an active member of the ESOP Association and the National Center for Employee Ownership. Mike is also very passionate about EOS®/Traction, having run the system at KeyStone for nearly 10 years and now continuing the practice at Strategic Talent Partners. He and his wife, Brenda, live in Hopkins, Minnesota and have 3 children. In his spare time Mike enjoys fishing, home projects and spending as much time as possible in Northern MN.