Your Network Is Your Net Worth with Mike Baer

Mac & Bleu

Michael's journey began at the age of 12 when he started his first business in his mother's orchard in the mountains of Oregon, hiring workers to pick and process fruit for him to sell. After moving to Arizona for college, he started a manufacturers rep business selling car waxes and cleaning products to auto dealerships. This business was acquired two years later with 22 full-time employees representing over 30 manufacturers.

Michael's next investment was in a trucking company (Dump Trucks) in Ohio, which he grew into a successful asphalt paving business with over 100 employees over the course of 10 years.

In 2013, Michael and his family moved back to Arizona, where he took a position/investment with Sunland Asphalt. His goal was to invest time in something he could have an active role in developing culture, growing sales, establishing processes, and building something bigger than he felt he could do on his own. Sunland Asphalt's strategic goal was to grow the business from roughly 250 employees and $120m in revenue to over $200m in revenue with the right culture and processes so it could be marketed successfully. At the time of exit, Sunland's revenue was over $300m with over 700 employees and a culture that was known not only in Phoenix but nationally.

Michael's passion for building businesses with employees led him to make the biggest investment of his career here at TRENCH-ADE. Once again, his eye is set on developing culture, growing sales, establishing processes and building a business that multiple generations can benefit from. Michael wants to have a lifelong effect on each person he and TRENCH-ADE touch.

For Michael, his family always comes first. He is married to his wife Alisha, an Ohio State University graduate who helped build the paving business in Ohio. Together they have two children, Edward and Makena, who are the center of their world. To Michael, being a good person is measured by three simple things: being kind, honest, and working hard. He instills these values in his children and is proud of their accomplishments. Edward is in High School and runs Cross Country and spent last summer working as a lifeguard, while Makena is a National Jr honors society student, an avid softball player and started her own business last summer to earn money.

Aside from his family and Trench-Ade, Michael is an active philanthropist and community leader. He is the President-elect for Valley Guardians, a local nonprofit made up of 10 entrep

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About the Host - JJ Levenske - President & Co-Founder of Bleuwave General Contracting
JJ Levenske is a seasoned construction executive with over 30 years of experience in the commercial & industrial sectors. From pre-construction services to complex quality controls and close-outs, he brings a commitment to delivering the highest levels of professionalism and customer service. J.J.’s dedication to construction has allowed him to become an industry expert which he aims to share with customers and investors alike.