Born in San Diego, California, to a French-Irish father and a Filipino mother, Michael was raised in Portland, Oregon, after his father fulfilled his military contract. Michael's parents struggled with their own financial, mental, and moral demons to maintain a stable home. As he progressed through school, his penchant for juvenile delinquency grew, a byproduct of befriending bullies to avoid becoming a target during his formative years. This absence of bullying was exchanged for exposure to alcohol and substance abuse as a socially acceptable practice. Realizing high school graduation required much more than the efforts made in his first two years, Michael decided the best option for a decent future would be to join the Marines, following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather. To join the Marines, his high school career was shoved into two years as he increased his attempts to gain enough credits to graduate by getting a job at Portland State University as a custodian, participating in cross-country and basketball, and completing additional high school course packets on top of his everyday classes. Michael successfully graduated from Fir Ridge Campus High School in 2003.
Michael enjoyed being 18 for exactly a month before being inducted into Marine Corps boot camp. During his service, many of his high school friends made decisions that resulted in extended prison incarcerations or turned to hard drugs, which sadly ended their correspondence. His enlistment as an artilleryman, convoy gunner, and detainee specialist included action-filled combat tours in Iraq. After the military, Michael fell into plumbing, where he was able to meet people and have experiences that inspired him to take action to create Paragon Charitable Home Care. Today, Michael is a two-time divorcee who enjoys spending time with his two sons, calisthenics, and comedy improv with the LAComedyConnection every Sunday.
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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