In 1987, Mike co-founded El Dorado Holdings, Inc., a Phoenix-based land and development company, with Monty Ortman and a total staff of one, Deb Bricker. Over the years, Mike and El Dorado have faced numerous challenges and economic downturns, but the company has weathered each and every storm and is one of the area's largest private landholding companies, with assets exceeding $1 billion. Mike attributes his success to his faith in God, his ability to surround himself with people smarter than himself, his strong relationships (both business and personal), and his solid belief in the words of his friend and mentor, Zig Ziglar: "You can get everything in life you want, if you help enough other people get what they want."Mike is extremely passionate about giving back to his community and his country. He is committed to a number of business and civic organizations, including the Arizona Commerce Authority, Arizona-Mexico Commission, Barrow Neurological Foundation (emeritus), Translational Genomics Research Institute, C. M. Russell Museum, Shikar Safari Club International, and the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum. He is also actively involved with the International Order of T. Roosevelt. Mike's other involvements include the National Rifle Association, the Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation, Safari Club International, the World War II Museum, and the Gary Sinise Foundation. He also served at the pleasure of the secretary of interior on the International Wildlife Conservation Council.Mike is an avid sportsman who enjoys hunting and fishing in the great outdoors while promoting the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation. A fact that few people are aware of is that funding for most, if not all, of the states' conservation programs, is paid through an excise tax on hunting licenses and associated hunting equipment. The public reaps the benefit of being able to enjoy this country's bountiful wildlife through fees paid by hunters and fishermen. Mike believes we enjoy more wildlife today than ever before in North America, due to the great conservation management programs carried out by the game and fish personnel in every state. He is quick to give thanks to those in the field who serve and protect.
