Mike grew up in Piedmont, California, in the San Francisco Bay Area. He graduated from Northwestern University with a degree in Civil Engineering. In lieu of entering the professional ranks of engineering or large scale construction, Mike felt deeply compelled to become a carpenter. He wanted to know how things got built in real life, not just in the classroom or on paper. In particular, the intimacy and complexity of residential remodels have always captivated Mike. He moved to Boulder to enjoy the mountains and to seek work in residential construction. Along the way, Mike met his wife and they now have two wonderful girls and one amazing yellow Labrador dog, Mabel, who frequently accompanies Mike to work.