Born and raised in Northern Virginia, Michael discovered his love for the outdoors through Boy Scouts and backpacking trips throughout the Mid-Atlantic. He spent much of his youth exploring the trails of the nearby Appalachian Mountains. While earning his Eagle Scout Award, Michael led multiple overnight trips throughout the United States including trips in the boundary waters of Northern Minnesota, the Florida Keys, the Bahamas and two trips in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains of New Mexico. Michael found a true passion for the outdoors in college while pursuing an Outdoor Education degree from Colorado Mountain College. After college, Michael completed a 50-day outdoor leadership course through the Outward Bound Outdoor Leadership School in Asheville, North Carolina. He managed an outdoor retailer for two years, operated a bed and breakfast, guided kayaking tours on the Pamlico River, and even found himself in The Last Frontier managing a hotel in Denali National Park.
He now calls Arizona home and prior to working for EXP, Michael guided hiking and paddling tours in Antelope Canyon and on Lake Powell. Through his endeavors, Michael has earned his Wilderness First Responder Certification as well as his ACA level 1, 2 Certification. He now lives in Phoenix and when he isn’t preparing for his next adventure, you can find Michael exploring the Superstition Mountains, hiking, biking, paddle boarding, working on his artwork, and playing pickup soccer.