He began as a volunteer firefighter, a job he continues to hold and love. Currently, he is assistant chief of the Friendship Fire Department where he devotes countless hours.

Beginning in 1972, Mike started serving with the Anderson County Fire Department. Later, he served as chief of the Friendship Fire Department for 18 years, as chairman of the Anderson County Fire Chiefs Advisory board for 12 years, and as a charter member of the Anderson County EMS.

Mike was elected to the state legislature in 2006. For 10 years, Mike has been fighting for key issues that matter to families in his district such as education, job creation, and lower taxes.

Mike served in the SC House until 2016. He chaired the Insurance committee and served on the House Labor, Commerce, and Industry committee, which addresses all business-related legislation. He also served on the House Ethics and the statehouse committees.

In May 2016, Mike was elected to the SC Senate to serve the rest of the term left vacant by the untimely death of his good friend Sen. Billy O'Dell. In June 2016, Mike won the primary election in District 4 for a four-year Senate term running 2016-2020 In May 2016, Mike was elected to the SC Senate to serve the rest of the term left vacant by the untimely death of his good friend Sen. Billy O'Dell. In June 2016, Mike won the primary election in District 4 for a four-year Senate term