Owner/Founder

About Mike

Mike is a founder and co-owner of Pivotal Advisors. He's dedicated to improving sales force effectiveness by building sales leadership. He brings unique experiences and perspectives to the topic of Sales Growth.

Over the past 30 years, Mike has been a Salesperson, Sales Leader, Sales Trainer, Executive Leader, Human Resource Consultant, Sales Consultant, Executive Coach, Business Owner, Behavioral Scientist, and everything else. In addition to this eclectic set of roles, Mike has worked with hundreds of organizations across various sizes and industries.

Mike has done everything, from working with small, privately-owned companies to massive Fortune 500 companies. Mike specializes in strategy, family-owned businesses, broad perspectives, and professional services. He has sold through all kinds of channels: direct, distributors, catalog, outsourced, etc. Mike loves when his clients have "oh, I get it" moments and seeing them reach their goals.

Previous Experience

Mike has worked extensively in financial services, technology, education, contractor, and professional services. His 30-plus years of experience include senior leadership positions in general management, sales, and marketing, as well as consulting at companies such as Pearson and Organizational Concepts International (OCI) and emerging start-up ventures.

He is experienced in small businesses' and corporations' practical and unique challenges. His work includes implementing strategic initiatives, conducting selection assessments, and executing sales and management fundamentals with a focus on increased performance. He has assisted various organizations in implementing improvements and understanding their unique challenges, as well as the dynamics present in leading people through the change process.

Education +

• Wharton School of Business, U of Pennsylvania – Executive Development
• Kellogg, Graduate School of Management, Northwestern University
  • Sales force sizing and structuring
  • Sales incentive plan design
  • Improving sales productivity
• University of St. Thomas, M.B.A.
• Dakota State University, B.S., Business Administration
• ASTD, American Society of Training & Development, past member
• Manufacturers Alliance, past member
• Guest Speaker:
  • University of Minnesota
  • MN Quality Council
  • ASTD – MN Chapter

Interests

Mike loves hanging out with his three grandgirls. He's also a certified golf instructor, so he knows what and how to do it but isn't always doing it himself. You can catch him at a Vikings game or on a boat in the summer if he isn't golfing or with the grandkids. However, come wintertime, Mike is happy to find a plane to somewhere warmer for a while. One of his favorite vacation spots is Hawaii; ask him about his favorite day there.