Born in San Diego, California, to a French-Irish father and a Filipino mother, Michael McVey was raised in Portland, Oregon after his father fulfilled his military contract.
Michael's parents, who struggled with their own financial, mental, and moral demons, found it difficult to maintain a stable home. As he progressed through school, so too did his penchant for juvenile delinquency, largely as a result of befriending bullies to avoid becoming a target during his formative years. This absence of bullying came with exposure to alcohol and substance abuse as a socially acceptable practice.
Realizing that high school graduation would require far more effort than he had invested during his first two years, Michael decided that the best path toward a better future would be to join the Marines and follow in the footsteps of his father and grandfather. To qualify, he compressed his high school career into two years by working as a custodian at Portland State University, participating in cross-country and basketball, and completing additional coursework on top of his regular classes. Michael successfully graduated from Fir Ridge Campus High School in 2003.
Michael entered Marine Corps boot camp at 18 and later served as an artilleryman, convoy gunner, and detainee specialist during combat tours in Iraq. After the military, he entered the plumbing industry, where experiences helping people in need inspired him to create Paragon Charitable Home Care; today, he enjoys spending time with his two sons, calisthenics, and comedy improv with the LA Comedy Connection.
IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN:
- How personal adversity can become the foundation for a purpose-driven mission that serves others.
- That meaningful community change begins when individuals choose action over frustration and criticism.
- Why generosity and empathy create stronger neighborhoods without requiring extraordinary resources.
- How trade skills can be used to restore homes, dignity, and hope for vulnerable families.
- That leadership is most effective when built on trust, service, positivity, and leading by example.
- How one person's commitment can inspire neighbors to work together toward a shared purpose.
- Why investing in youth mentorship and skilled trades strengthens future generations and communities.
- That setbacks, obstacles, and uncertainty are often part of building a mission worth pursuing.
- How creating opportunities to serve others can lead to deeper fulfillment and lasting impact.
- Why striving to become your best self is more important than achieving perfection.
They served their country, and now they’re building something just as powerful.
They led with discipline, purpose, resilience, and have turned their next chapter into a mission.
But in today’s noisy world, even the most dedicated veterans struggle to get the recognition they deserve.
Operation CEO is a groundbreaking TV series that honors the next chapter of America's heroes.
These entrepreneurs, leaders, and innovators have served their country and are now building businesses with purpose.
Each episode highlights a veteran who transitioned from military service to entrepreneurship, showcasing the same grit, discipline, and mission-driven mindset that continues to define their journey today.
From startups to seven-figure brands, these stories prove that the warrior spirit doesn’t fade after service…
It evolves!
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