The Chamber is excited to announce the newest addition to our team, Michael Tolson, Vice President Small Business Services and Center Director, Small Business Development Center (SBDC). In his role, Mike will will be busy heading up the team that helps make the dream of being a small business owner a reality. If you or someone you know is looking to start a business or grow an existing operation, reach out to the SBDC here. They can offer assistance to entrepreneurs in all stages of the business lifecycle including no-charge one-on-one consulting centered on the business planning process, including financing, market research, marketing strategies, and management and cash flow analysis. Keep reading to learn more about Mike and leave a comment to welcome him to the TRCC. |
I take great pride in being the father of four amazing children: Kaitlyn, Noah, Brooklyn, and Everly. With ages ranging from 8 to 24, they keep life fun and interesting. I am also very lucky to be married to my incredible wife, Beth. I have called Northwest Ohio home for nearly my entire life, obtaining undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Toledo.
What brought you to the Chamber and the SBDC?
I have a passion for entrepreneurship, and I could not pass up the opportunity to share that passion with like-minded people in our community.
What do you hope to accomplish in your role at the Chamber/SBDC?
I will help new and existing business owners grow their businesses, develop their ideas, and achieve their goals and dreams.
What do you look forward to doing in your role?
I love working with growth-minded individuals, and I look forward to collaborating with those people to do big things at the Chamber and with the SBDC.
What is your proudest career achievement?
My proudest career achievement is starting and running my own successful businesses in the construction and real estate industries over the last 25 years.
And now to get a little more personal...
Tell us a fun fact about yourself.
I love to buy, sell, and collect vintage and collectable authentic movie theater posters. The oldest poster I have is from 1921, the rarest poster I have owned was a misprint of Return of the Jedi from 1983, and my favorite poster I own is A Christmas Story, which I acquired directly from the original studio printer in Cleveland where the movie was filmed.
What is your favorite book or movie?
My favorite business book is Outliers: The Story of Success by Malcolm Gladwell. I am very fond of the Harry Potter series, as well, which I have read with all 4 of my children. My favorite movie is Home Alone.
What is your favorite meal or food?
I consider myself among the pickiest of eaters and I love pizza, steak, donuts, and pizza.
Tell us about some of your favorite hobbies or things you are passionate about.
I love spending time with my family, which is my greatest passion. My hobbies are working on home improvement projects and building and collecting Lego with my kids. My obsessions are Detroit Tigers baseball and Ohio State Football.
You can contact Mike at [email protected] or 567.420.1232 and connect with him on LinkedIn.