Michael grew up in West Central Minnesota with four sisters and one brother . He went to college for two years and met the love of his life , Peggy . According to Mike , she was the one with money , so he paid for the marriage license and she bought everything else . They now live in Hendersonville , NC , have four boys , five grandchildren and have been married for 51 years .
“ It was the second-best decision of my life ,” Mike says . “ Number one was accepting Christ as my Savior .”
Before Mike was saved , he enjoyed his job with the Minnesota Twins and Vikings and working rock concerts . But one day , he felt miserable and realized he was empty . The next day , he went down to the Billy Graham Association and everything changed .
Then in March 1973 , at the age of 22 , Mike began working in Christian retail . His first job was managing a small Christian store , but he soon realized he didn ’ t have the knack for it . In God ’ s perfect timing , he was offered a sales rep job in Seattle . Instead of working in a Christian store , he would now be selling to them . “ I knew if I didn ’ t accept that , I would probably be living under a bridge with a cardboard sign ,” Mike jokes .
Today , Mike has been a sales rep with Christian Art Gifts for almost 20 years .
Christian Art Gifts has been the best friend to the retailer more than any other vendor I have sold for in my entire career
“ Christian Art Gifts has been the best friend to the retailer more than any other vendor I have sold for in my entire career ,” Mike says . They offer great products and services , such as free freight and deep discounts , but they also understand retail since they have retail stores overseas .
Christian Art Gifts has also been a friend to Mike . The people that he works with are less like coworkers and more like best friends , Mike says , especially of Ken Shirek who has been with Christian Art Gifts longer than Mike has . “ I have valued my friendships with store personnel as well as other sales reps and vendors ,” Mike shares .
Being a part of a company that prioritizes people is something that was important to Mike in April 2022 when his wife unexpectedly suffered a blood clot that led to a stroke and paralysis on half of her body . As a result , they sold their home and now live under different roofs . But through it all , Mike says he has felt God ’ s presence and seen His provision .
Heinrich Johnsen , president of Christian Art Gifts , allowed Mike to continue repping . Today , Mike covers approximately a 150-mile radius with the exception of three or four accounts in the DC-Maryland area .
I learned early on that selling product into a store is only part of the job
Meeting customers ’ needs and working hard while having fun are two of the things Mike enjoys most about what he does . “ As a rep , I learned early on that selling product into a store is only part of the job ,” he explains . “ Following up on any problems that might arise and being available when needed is just as important . It ’ s much easier to put out small fires than big ones .”
And Mike ’ s empathy and work ethic earned him CBA salesman of the year more than once . Or as he jokingly says , “ I learned quickly that it pays to put money under the table .”
When he ’ s not working hard , Mike enjoys eating , spending time with family , following sports , listening to his old rock and roll collection and participating in church activities .
The biggest change Mike has seen since working in the Christian retail industry is in the way people shop . With more consumers buying online now , many independents and most large chains are closing or changing the way they do business .
I want to help retailers by putting the right products in their stores
“ I want to help retailers by putting the right products in their stores , which helps keep their doors open so Christians can be strengthened in their walk with God and those that don ’ t know Him can come to Christ ,” Mike explains .
“ I never really had a goal about how much money I would make or my age of retirement ,” he concludes . “ Really my only goal has been that I would never have a store say , ‘ You are not allowed back in my store .’ Of course , I do have selective hearing .” CRA
www . christianretailassociation . org / CRA today 51