Mike has a lot of friends. Since 1981, he has worked in the staffing industry, helping make a weekly paycheck a reality for thousands of men and women in the Milwaukee and Chicago areas. As executive director of Goodwill Talentbridge LLC, part of Goodwill Industries of Southeastern Wisconsin, he provides talent acquisition services to more than 100 organizations.

“The look on the faces of those many people who get an opportunity to provide for their families, learn new skills or further their careers and set their own personal success path is incredible,” he says.

Mike, who has been in his current position since 2009, says his personal formula for success is simple.

“It starts with the team of individuals around you. The fundamental element is to let that team perform their own expectations, goals and objectives — and not mine,” he says. “The more they define themselves, the more I am defined.”

Mike is also defined by service, a byproduct of following the Jesuit tenets of “faith and heroic leadership.” He has served on the College of Professional Studies Advisory Council since 2010 and is a member of the Milwaukee Rotary Club. He is also an avid musician with plans to release another album this summer — recorded in his own professional studio.

Get to Know: Michael L. Boelter

Hometown: Milwaukee

Favorite book or quote: “Fate can’t be cheated.” and “Chance favors the prepared mind.”

Someone past or present he’d like to have dinner with: Buzz Aldrin

Most influential person in his life: His mom and dad