Leaving his hometown of Jackson, Missouri in 1985, Mike came to Nashville to complete a Music Business degree at Belmont University. Upon graduation, he became the Professional Manager at New Clarion Music Group, a small independent publishing company.

Though a new company, Mike soon made his mark as a song plugger when he pitched "Country Club" to Travis Tritt. Not long after, Alan Jackson had "Midnight In Montgomery". From that point on Mike was responsible for recordings on Willie Nelson, Kenny Rogers, Charlie Daniels and others.

In 1992, Reba McEntire's Starstruck Writers Group offered Mike a position at their newly formed company as Creative Director. Responsible for pitching songs as well signing new talent, he signed Troy Martin and pitched the new song "She Can't Say I Didn't Cry" to Sony Records artist Rick Trevino. Continuing to develop new writers, he placed such songs as "It's Your Call" and "And Still" for Reba McEntire.

When MCA Music Publishing, offered Mike a position as Creative Director in 1994, he decided to take the opportunity to work at one of Nashville's most successful music publishing corporations. "The opportunity to see world wide publishing at it's best and to work with some of Nashville's greatest writers, was too appealing" comments Mike. "I saw it as a great place to learn more about publishing". Working with such writers as Gary Burr, Russell Smith and Byron Hill, Mike was soon getting songs recorded like "Can't Be Really Gone" by Tim McGraw, "I Try To Think About Elvis" by Patty Loveless and "Rebecca Lynn" by Bryan White. It was during this time that Gary Burr went on to become ASCAP's writer of the year.

In 1997, Starstruck Writers Group offered Mike the opportunity to return and run the publishing division. Upon his return, he signed producer/writer David Malloy, writer Byron Hill as well as re-signing Liz Hengber, Sunny Russ and Rick Bowles. It was during his tenure as Vice President, that Starstruck had ASCAP song of the year "No News" by Lonestar and written by Mark D. Sanders.

Upon the sale of Starstruck Writers Group in October of 2000, Mike started the new publishing company Blacktop Music Group, co-owned by artist Clint Black and legendary business manager, Charles Sussman. Begun in February of 2001, Blacktop Music Group is now home to 11 writers and has had recordings by numerous artists inlcuding Diamond Rio, Rascal Flatts, Tracy Byrd, Kenny Chesney, Blake Shelton, Billy Currington as well as # 1 singles "Some Beach" & "Must Be Doin'Somethin' Right" Blacktop Music Group, Inc., though a new company, is well on the road to success.