Michael graduated from Oshkosh North High School and attended UW-Oshkosh. Michael's entrepreneurial spirit continued to grow, moving into his adult career as a stock broker for Carl Henning Investments at the age of 21. He later became an investment advisor at Robert W. Baird. Michael taught investment classes at Fox Valley Tech and at the age of 27 became the owner of Leon's Frozen Custard in Oshkosh. Michael has started and sold a number of other businesses and also currently operates an online retail automotive business on Ebay. Michael understands the value and challenges of small business ownership within a community.

Michael is an Executive board member of the Winnebago County Republican Party, an associate member of the Winnebago CRW, member of the NFIB (National Federation of Independent Businesses) and WIB (Wisconsin Independent Businesses), and is a member of the NRA. Michael believes in giving back to the community and was a member of the Jaycees and The Exchange Club and is a current member of Oshkosh Southwest Rotary. Michael is also a member of the Wisconsin Wing of the Civil Air Patrol Legislative Squadron, rank of Major.

Michael raced Late Model Stock Cars for several years at Kaukauna, Slinger and Madison. He enjoys watching the Brewers and Packers. Other interests include gardening and making his children laugh. Michael is Pro Life, Pro Family, and Pro Liberty.

Michael was raised in Oshkosh, Wisconsin and is married to Christine. They have three daughters, Lauren, who graduated from Spring Arbor University in Michigan, with a major in Social Work, Carly, who graduated from UW-Madison, with a Master's degree in Social Work, and Annalise, who and attends Lourdes Academy in Oshkosh.