Mike was recruited by the company’s founders in 2000. When Mike joined the firm, he brought with him a wealth of experience in both operating management and corporate finance roles. He has been heavily involved in the investment of Marathon Funds IV and V and working with the management of their portfolio companies.
Mike currently serves on the board of GHJ&M portfolio company Specialty Commodities.
Mike is now the Chairman and CEO of Steinway Musical Instruments, Inc. (NYSE-LVB).
Prior to his international corporate leadership experience with Starbucks Coffee Company (UK) Ltd. in London, Mike spent several years as an entrepreneur developing the businesses of Blockbuster Video and later Papa John’s Pizza in Minnesota. He had the opportunity to work closely with GHJ&M when it became the lead investor in the Blockbuster business. Mike’s early career in corporate finance also includes Merrill Lynch in New York and Phoenix and a boutique investment banking business he launched, built and sold.
He also holds board positions at the Guthrie Theater and the Walker Art Center. Mike is also a director at First Solar Corporation (NASDAQ-FSLR) and The Star Tribune Company.