EVP of Brand Strategy
MadAveGroup
“Why?” It’s one of Michael’s favorite questions.
“As a kid, I read everything I could about marketing,” said Michael. “I tried to understand why marketers did what they did; why they chose that image or why they made that the focus of their campaign. And by asking ‘why,’ I learned.”
Just as importantly, his least favorite question is “how?”
“When we’re in the idea phase of a discussion, I don’t want to be limited by wondering how we’re going to get something done. We’ll figure that out or adapt down the road.”
It’s wanting to know “why” – and his desire to communicate the answer to an audience – that fuels Michael’s passion for working with clients. As EVP of Brand Strategy at MadAveGroup, Michael works with his clients to help them achieve their goals and internally with his teams to help solve pains and problems, while growing their expertise.
Michael says that “good marketing is about being memorable in a sea of noise. The content needs to be relatable, personable and authentic.” His strong storytelling skills and ability to create excitement about big ideas help our clients see his vision.
A former President and board member of the Toledo chapter of the American Advertising Federation (AAF), Michael also served as a national AAF board member and the two-time Governor of AAF’s Fifth District board. At the local level, he launched the organization’s Mosaic Committee on Multi-Cultural Diversity and Inclusion. He’s also a four-time recipient of AAF Toledo’s President’s Award and the 2024 recipient of AAF’s Silver Medal Award.
Michael has been recognized by the Lucas County, Ohio Commissioners for his volunteerism. He received the 2009 Junior Achievement Bronze Leadership Award, and he served on many non-profit boards and committees, including as the Chairman and a State Board Member of Prevent Blindness Ohio..
