Creator

 His parents had more small businesses than they had kids, and encouraged him to start his own ventures before he entered high school. (He did, with an innovative paper delivery scheme.) With a knack for making things happen, he decided to develop it by studying business at the University of Illinois. After graduating, he worked on Wall Street. It was there in the heart of the Big Apple that he was first introduced to a new understanding of food. At this time (1970s), there was a growing consciousness of the power of food to connect mind with body, and people with the planet. He witnessed that how what he ate affected how he felt, and noticed that trends in food were controlling people and compromising creativity.These realizations about food influenced his understanding of the role of business and money. Michael left Wall Street so he could work more with the power of food. For nine years, he worked at Bread & Circus (now Whole Foods) buying bulk groceries. During this time, he visited organic farms in California and Arizona to research organic dried fruit, nuts and other bulk snacks so his bulk food department could offer quality products. He also offered classes to over 1000 students (at the Cambridge Center for Adult Education,Tufts School for Women, and the Boston Center for Adult Education) focusing on simple and powerful ingredients and their preparation.With a desire to start a family, and manage his own time and ideas, he moved to the hills of western Massachusetts with his wife, Susan, keeping his eyes open for the right product. Three daughters joined them to grow on a beautiful plot of farmed and forested land. The organic garden still provides most the family’s veggies, and the woods of maple trees provide heat during the New England winters. It was during maple sugar season that the first Chunks of Energy were born, inspired by the power of spirulina and carob.

Twenty years later, Michael’s grandchildren care testing the newest flavors of Chunks of Energy, and he is still creating the life he was meant to live. Every day he is grateful for this opportunity to live his passion for good food and entrepreneurship. As a father, he has passed along his knowledge about the power of food. As an active member (and past president) of the Shelburne Falls Business Association, he works hard to support local businesses. He loves to share his thoughts, and hear stories and questions from people, so feel free to contact him about food, entrepreneurship, or anything else that you think would strike his fancy. If he doesn’t answer right away, it is because he is kayaking, hiking, or out in the garden.

On October 12, 2011, which happens to be his granddaughter Eleni’s birthday, Michael was interviewed by the local radio station and shares the story of the business, advice for entrepreneurs, and more. You can listen with WHMP On the Money’s player (opens in a new window) or find the interview on WHMP On the Money’s homepage.