Michael Gunther, Founder & President
Meet Michael
From the moment you meet him, it's clear - Michael is passionate about helping business owners achieve their goals. That's exactly why in 1995 he founded Collaboration to provide entrepreneurs and business owners with strategic coaching, training, and tools necessary to reach their specific goals.
Michael's Story
The 14th born in a family of 17 children, Michael learned early in life about the importance of organizational processes and communication, and at age 17 he set out to learn more. After earning his Bachelor's in Business at Loyola Marymount University, he became the youngest Vice President of Shurgard, Inc. From there, Michael pursued his interest in strategic thinking and management and received his Master's in Psychology from the Georgia School of Professional Psychology, became Meyers Briggs Type Indicator Certified, and earned his FastTrac Facilitator & Administrator Certification from the Kauffman Foundation.
After being approached by and working with several companies to assess and identify the key issues holding them back, Michael knew this was the career path for him. Armed with both a passion for and expertise in business growth, he founded Collaboration.
Michael's Benefits and Results
And after 14 years, Michael still exudes passion and infectious enthusiasm when working with his clients. Understanding what it takes to grow profitable, sustainable businesses, as well as develop results-oriented management teams, Michael has structured Collaboration to help over 200 entrepreneurs start their businesses (since 2004) and hundreds of business owners build sustainable growth businesses.
In business to help others succeed, Michael acts as a strategic partner to each of his clients, connecting them to community leaders, providing them with opportunities to promote themselves, and expanding their choices. He also implements a unique RPM Business ModelTM that focuses on the Relationships, Processes, and Measurements that make up successful businesses. With this strategic approach, Michael and the Collaboration Team are able to identify key issues that are holding companies back and consistently help business owners earn double digit increases in their profits - even in today's current recession.
Michael's Community Involvement
Michael is devoted to strengthening our community and the businesses within it. He is Vice-Chair to the SLO Chamber of Commerce, Community Affairs Division; he is on the External Advisor Board for Cal Poly NSF Partnership for Innovation Program; he has participated on the Board of both the Friends of Prado Day Center and the Community Foundation's Growing Together Initiative; he is an alumni of the SLO Leadership Class 14; and he has performed pro bono work for Economic Vitality Corporation, YMCA, United Way, Rotary Daybreak Club, and San Luis Obispo Art Center.
Additionally, Michael shares his expertise and knowledge with the local community and throughout the State by speaking regularly to organizations; offering free monthly Educational Business Lunches at the Collaboration office; and authoring a twice monthly business column, The Bottom Line, through which he shares business advice and trends.