President/CEO

As President/CEO and Co-Founder of Beanstalk, Michael has been credited with driving the evolution of licensing from primarily a toys and entertainment marketing tool to a highly effective corporate branding tool used by many of today’s Fortune 500 companies. Since 1984, Michael has been a leader in all facets of licensing, developing brand extension programs for major multinational corporations, celebrities, sports and entertainment properties, as well as retail exclusive programs devoted to specific licensed properties.

Under Michael’s leadership, Beanstalk has been responsible for some of the most successful licensing programs of all time, including programs for Harley-Davidson, The Coca-Cola Company, AT&T, Ford Motor Company, The Stanley Works, and The Andy Warhol Foundation.  Additionally, he and his team conceived and implemented the ground-breaking Mary-Kate and Ashley global fashion and lifestyle program, which achieved over a billion dollars in worldwide retail sales. Michael and his agency are the recipients of 14 LIMA awards.

Michael is a widely sought-after authority on licensing and is frequently cited in Advertising Age, USA Today, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times and other top media outlets.  He has also been instrumental in the development and implementation of several philanthropic programs Beanstalk, including the Beanstalk Hands-On Volunteer Program and Beanstalk Charities.

Michael graduated from Hamilton College, where he currently serves on the Hamilton College Marketing Committee, and the Emory University School of Law. Michael is a regular guest lecturer on licensing at Baruch University, Boston University, School of Management, Babson University and F.I.T.