Mike Cleary

Hometown:
Cable, WI

Years of ABSF Membership:
6

Occupation:
Retired

Why are you interested in being a member of the ABSF Board of Directors? 

I was born and raised in Cable and grew up at Telemark. I worked in the lodge and was a downhill ski instructor and ran the downhill racing programs. I was there when the Birkie started and was greatly influenced by the entrepreneurial spirit that Tony Wise demonstrated. I took that experience and built a career and successful business.

Since my wife Mary, who is also from Cable, and I retired and moved back home several years ago I have been volunteering as a member of the ABSF Development team.

I am a product of the outdoor and entrepreneurial spirit of this area, passionate about the foundations mission and want to give back to the area that did so much for me.

I am energized being a member of the ABSF Development team and excited about the opportunity to become even more involved as a member of the board.

What knowledge and skills do you possess that can benefit the organization?

Taking what I learned working at Telemark and our family businesses in Cable, I earned a Business Administration and Marketing Degree from the University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire. I then embarked on a career in the industrial identification industry in Chicago and Minneapolis. I started, grew and managed a medical labeling and data collection business in the Minneapolis area for 25 years before selling it in 2020 to a Private Equity firm. During those years our firm was listed as one of the fastest growing privately held companies in America. I also have a Mini MBA from the University of Minnesota, Carlson School of Management and have served on several advisory boards for both private and public companies.

As mentioned previously, I have been a member of the ABSF Development committee for several years and therefore familiar with and involved in the foundations planning, fund raising and working with the Birkie staff.

This background along with my roots and passion for the Cable/Hayward and ABSF community gives me a unique perspective that I believe can benefit the foundations board.

How do you see yourself helping to fulfill the ABSF vision, mission and values? 

The foundations’ aspirations match my own and I am a product of all that the foundation stands for. I have been shaped by the areas history, involved in what the foundation is doing today and committed to being an active driver that ensures the ABSF fulfills all its goals going forward.

With all the amenities existing and being developed at Mount Telemark Village we are getting more involved with activities that get us outside. While not competitive cross-country skiers, my wife Mary and I enjoy skiing as well as mountain/fat biking and hiking the ski hill. We are examples of people influenced and motivated by the vision, mission and values that the Foundation is built upon. I want others to experience this as well.

Like the ABSF I am fully committed to doing everything possible to get people of all ages and abilities to live healthy outdoor lifestyles.