The 1828 Project, sponsored by Citizens Energy Group, is a civic leadership tract for Indy’s young leaders with the goal of fostering intentional relationships with a cross sector of Indianapolis’ thought leaders and decision makers. Mike is a part of 1828’s Class IX– learn more about him below!
How do you spend your days?
I help small businesses with their digital marketing strategies and food blogging. Each day is different but they usually start with a cup of coffee at a local coffee shop, meetings across town throughout the day, eat a good meal that I can review and write about, check on my clients and the cycle continues.
Where are you originally from?
I’m from East Chicago, Indiana.
If you aren’t from Indianapolis, what made you choose Indy?
IUPUI is why I chose Indianapolis. I wanted to stay in state and go to a university that I could be connected to a city and not just a college town.
You’re off the clock. What are your favorite things to do when not at work?
Never not working.
When thinking about the future of Indianapolis, what are you looking forward to the most and why?
The thing I am looking forward to most in the city of Indianapolis is for individuals to become more connected as more people move into the city and it grows. I feel that as new people move to the city they are unbiased to how things have been and want to find ways to enjoy their lives here. I think things like the Red Line and Bottleworks are the start of challenging natives and exposing new people to things that can make us all a bit more connected.
Are there any local causes that you support? What are they and how might others learn more or get involved?
There are no specific causes I support but I do my best to support as many local businesses I can on a daily basis. This is achieved by attending local coffee shops, eating at local restaurants, shopping with small businesses and retail stores, etc.
Do you have a favorite local spot that you love going to? Where and why?
If I had to choose one favorite local spot I would say Quills coffee shop. It has a great vibe, perfect for coffee, meetings and getting work done. The added bonuses are that it is always easy to find free parking and it is a few steps away from The Canal.
Which is your preferred way to get around our city?
I like to drive. My days are always pretty hectic and I’m never on just one side of town. Always on the go, so being able to get around when I need/want with my car works best for me.
What’s something underrated about Indy that more people should know about?
Commissary specialty coffee drinks.
What’s a movie that has impacted your life most to date?
BLOW because of this quote “Sometimes you’re flush and sometimes you’re bust, and when you’re up, it’s never as good as it seems, and when you’re down, you never think you’ll be up again, but life goes on.”
If you had to remove all the apps from your phone except for 3, which would you keep?
Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.
Do you have a special talent?
Is golf considered special?
If you had to listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
I’d have to choose an album and that would be Kanye West’s My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy or Jay Z’s 4:44
Pancakes or waffles?
Waffles
