HI, MY NAME IS… Michael Erath
I’VE LIVED IN SCOTTSDALE FOR 6 YEARS AND I LOVE IT BECAUSE… the people are great, there are an endless amount of things to do in and around the Valley, and the business climate is strong and growing.
A TYPICAL DAY IN MY LIFE INCLUDES… reading and researching, writing (I’m currently working on my third book, to be released in early 2025), and being a coach and mentor to executive teams throughout the Valley at my company Next Level Growth.
MY FAMILY IS… awesome. My wife Elizabeth and I met at four, started dating at 15, and married at 22, right out of college. We have two adult sons, Zachary (24) who works at Privado, Fairmont Scottsdale Princess Resort, and Matthew (28) who works in the hardwood industry in Michigan and has given us two granddaughters, Grace and Adalynn.
ONE THING I CANNOT LIVE WITHOUT IS… my Executive Assistant Team. Having the right team of A-Players around me to help me focus on where I bring the greatest value to my business and our clients is huge.
MY FAVORITE MOVIE I COULD NEVER GET TIRED OF WATCHING AND WHY…
“Top Gun”, the original one. My wife and I went to see it on our first date in 1986, when we were just 15 years old.
WHEN I WAS YOUNGER, I WANTED TO BE… an orthopedic surgeon. I was fascinated by anatomy and physiology in high school and college.
THE SONG I WOULD SING AT KARAOKE NIGHT IS… I’m not falling for this trap. I don’t sing and if I gave a song here, I’d get tricked into a karaoke lounge and have to sing it.
THE ONE PERSON WHO MOTIVATES ME IS… my wife, Elizabeth.
THE LAST THING THAT MADE ME LAUGH OUT LOUD WAS… my 18-month-old granddaughter.
THE PERFECT DAY IS… spent on the water, cruising under sunny skies from Newport Beach to Catalina for the weekend with a pod of dolphins playing off the bow.
MY FAVORITE LOCAL NONPROFIT IS… Big Brothers, Big Sisters.
MY LIFE IS… blessed. I’ve been given an opportunity to take everything the first half of my life has taught me and spend the second half sharing the lessons learned openly with others and through my books and in doing so, give it all back.
THE BEST GIFT I’VE EVER RECEIVED WAS… working with my father. I was able to learn so much and form so much of my work ethic and understanding of business through his mentorship.
MY DREAM VACATION WOULD BE… two weeks on a catamaran cruising the Greek Isles with my wife, our children, and our grandchildren.
THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE I’VE EVER RECEIVED IS… own your mistakes, apologize, make amends, and allow others to do the same.
