Michael built his career inside the three-tier system that Topping Up now helps clients navigate. He started at Sidney Frank Importing, growing Jägermeister's NYC market share for five straight years and launching six in-house brands after the sale of Grey Goose Vodka — then led the resurrection of Four Roses Bourbon across the Northeast before joining Deutsch Family Wine & Spirits to launch Redemption Rye, now an established category staple.

As Empress 1908 Gin's first employee, he secured U.S. distribution and led Northeast sales through rapid growth to acquisition in five years — his defining win to date. From there: U.S. sales for Salcombe Distilling Co. through a pandemic-era market entry, a national role overseeing 46 markets for Silkie Irish Whiskey, and most recently Director of Sales at Mack & Schühle, running go-to-market for Rosaluz Tequila, Finvara Irish Whiskey, and Conte Camillo Negroni RTD.

Across these roles, Michael has built a track record of turning new brands into category leaders — securing shelf space at retailers like Total Wine, Stew Leonard's, and ShopRite, forging distributor and importer partnerships, and building high-performing sales and brand ambassador teams. He now brings that same execution-driven approach to Topping Up's clients.