Every time we run a superhero spotlight, I’m once again humbled by what amazing coworkers I have. This one is extra special for a few reasons. First, Michael and his wife Samantha have an amazing story and we’re lucky to have both of them working here in the corporate office at StorageMart. But the patience Michael shows with the many help tickets put in by marketing has earned him the title of superhero around here!
How long have you been at StorageMart?
I’ve been with StorageMart for a little over 11 years.
Have you always worked at this location?
I started my StorageMart journey in the SRC as sales rep then later moved into a coaching and supervisor role. A couple of years ago I transferred into the IT department.
Tell us about a typical day for you.
My day can vary greatly depending on the projects going on at the time or when someone needs help. I spend a majority of my day helping with random technical support issues in the home office and in the field.
What is the consistent highlight of your day? Workday highlight? Off-work highlight?
My workday highlight is anytime I get a chance to help someone. It’s a good feeling to be able to take a frustration someone is having and resolve the issue.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced in your life? How did you deal/How are you dealing with it?
The biggest challenge I’ve probably faced was raising my brothers. They moved in with our family when they were 14 and 16. Already having 2 younger children I thought it would get easier as they get older, not so much. They are now graduated and moved out. They and I are really thankful to my wife Samantha, who really stepped up to become a mother figure to them.
Name a person that has changed your life in a positive way? What did they do for you to make you feel that way about them?
I would have to say my foster parents Amy and Jacob Kingery really changed my life in a positive way. They took me in at 15 during a really tough time in my life. When you’ve experienced a lot of bad you can sometimes become hardened. Their examples have made me always work to be a better person, do the right thing and help others when I can.
Name an important thing that you are, or would like to be, involved in that makes the world a better place.
Coyote Hill is my important thing. They make our community and world a better place by helping children in need.
Do you like sports? Which are your favorites? Do you play any?
I enjoy watching football and basketball. I don’t play sports now, but I do coach my son’s basketball and baseball teams.
If you had a farm and could raise any animal you wanted what would you raise?
We actually do have a hobby farm where we have chickens, turkeys, goats and have had pigs (they are now in our freezer lol).
Are you happiest on country roads or living the big city life?
I’m definitely happiest on country roads. I enjoy the quiet of the country, the open space and being able to see all the stars at night.
Is there anything you wished we asked about?
When I was 10 my mother was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer and she passed away a year later. Things soon went downhill in our home life. When I was 15, my brothers and I were placed in foster care and moved to Coyote Hill Christian Children’s Home. They helped me process what was going on and guided me through graduating high school, then transitioning into being on my own.
A few years later my brothers came to live with us after abuse was found in their adoptive home. Having 2 young teenagers at 24 was eventful to say the least. They would refer to my wife as mom (which often got her some crazy looks in public) and they jokingly called me Brad (brother/dad). They are both now graduated, 1 working full time and the other serving in the Army.
Since they took me in at 15, Coyote Hill and my foster parents have always been there for us not just for help and guidance but to also help us celebrate things going on in our lives. My foster parents stay in regular contact and come to celebrate and cheer on our kids at their events.