Simply surviving a challenging childhood would be enough for most. Faced with family dysfunction, a variety of men cycling through, a step father's suicide, gangs, truancy, and a life threatening motorcycle accident, Mike did more than survive. A series of epiphanies gradually lifted him from laborer, to college student, law school graduate, lawyer and successful business executive. He ultimately became President and Chief Operating Officer of what was then the third-largest cable television company in the US. Early in their marriage, Mike's wife, Shirley, decided they should take sailing lessons. This ignited a passion for sailing that led to Mike's early retirement and the ultimate dream of sailing over 50,000 miles around most of the world. He has since settled down with his wife and extended family on a small, organic farm near San Luis Obispo, California. Still a passionate sailor, he sails regularly on San Francisco Bay, and enjoys snowboarding when the snow flies in the Sierras. Mike serves on several non-profit boards, is active in his church, and does some angel investing. Through his book, he hopes to share some life lessons and encourage others to look back with gratitude to see what and who have played a part in lifting their lives.
