Mike is an experienced public servant. He worked for former Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad as an advisor, legal counsel, and as chief of staff. Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds appointed Mike as Budget Director and Director of the Iowa Department of Management.

Mike is a businessman. Mike graduated from Davenport Central High School and attended the University of Iowa for undergraduate and master's degrees in accounting. After graduation, Mike worked at Deloitte and Touche before moving to Des Moines to attend Drake University Law School. He has worked in law, agriculture, and financial services before starting his own land and real estate businesses.

Mike is one of us. He has made his life, business, and public service here in Iowa. He serves on the Board of Directors of the Iowa Sports Foundation, which hosts the Iowa Games, co-founded Professionals for Charity, and is an active member of St. Luke the Evangelist Catholic Church in Ankeny. Growing up in Davenport, both of Mike's parents came from farm families, working for and retiring from John Deere.