Michael was born and raised in south Georgia, amidst southern plantations, Georgia pines, bird dogs, and Bobwhite quail. While pursuing his Biology degree from Georgia Southern University in his home town of Statesboro, Georgia, he guided for a local quail plantation and worked at a veterinary hospital. After graduation, Michael began working with Sammy Livingston on a private quail plantation in south Florida, gaining invaluable dog training experience. It was there that Michael was introduced to the world of British Labradors and positive reinforcement training, and a new love for the Labrador retriever was born. After moving back to Georgia, Michael continued his friendship with Sammy and joined Livingston Gundogs for a training season in North Dakota. A later position on another private estate in south Florida allowed Michael to work alongside champion Labrador and Cocker trainer, Nick Gregory, of the United Kingdom. These experiences have laid the groundwork for Michael to pursue a full time career in gundog training in his hometown of Statesboro, Georgia.