"I have known Mike professionally and personally for 23+ years. He has been a customer, a peer, and a friend. Let's start with customer. Mike is wicked talented.  I have witnessed first hand his ability to create. Ideas just fly out of him with ease.  He has the unique ability to see a situation, a challenge, or a positional statement need, and rock out extremely tight creations and strategies to conquer the need with ease.  It's amazing!  So, being extremely creative is a good thing, right? But wait, couple that with his ability to communicate with others, and pow, now we come to Mike the leader. Due to his incredible mix of relational abilities, he has also been tapped over the years to lead others. I had the privilege to see him in action, leading his team of folks, fearlessly, towards a common goal, time and time again. I have seen people be motivated by Mike, to do great things.  His technique is simple, lead by doing and lead by example! It comes natural to Mike and is apart of his DNA. 

Peer, mentor, confidant.  This is what Mike has become for me over the years.  He is wise and caring, always willing to listen, advising when asked, but willing to just listen if that's the call of the day. Sounds simple, right? I have worked with literally thousands of people in my 28 year career, and this part of Mike, is a rare find. He's my personal and professional "go to guy"!

Friend. The best way to explain Mike here is with that word. I know it seems very anticlimactic, but if you think about it, you really have only a very few number of people in your sphere, that are true friends. Everything I've outlined about Mike, illustrates why he is in my sphere. He is trustworthy, caring, and loyal.

In closing, I will leave you with one, short thought. If Mike is pulling the wagon, (and I know he will be) not only do I want to be in the wagon, but I am sure he will motivate me get out and pull, as well!"

Keith Marcks
Sr. Account Director/ Business Development
Nies/RR Donnelley & Sons