Michael grew up in a small town in NE Iowa. His parents are farmers, more specifically they raise a large amount of produce (50 acres Cantaloupe and 50 acres of Pumpkins) along with a 200 head cow-calf operation and row crops as well. His father was a state legislator for 20 years and served as the Iowa Senate majority leader for 6 years. His mother was an account manager for Cargill until she resigned to be a stay-at-home mom. He has two younger siblings who both attend the University of Iowa. Michael attended Iowa State University and graduated with a degree in Agricultural Business. Post-graduation he accepted a position as a manager trainee with Seneca foods. Michael then became a field representative and maturity controller at the plant in Blue Earth MN.