Michael was born to Greek immigrants who emigrated to St. Louis in the late 1960s. He spent the summers of high school in his ancestral village in the mountains of northern Greece where he helped his grandparents on their farm and learned how to speak fluent Greek.

Michael attended St. Louis University where he graduated with a double major in Finance and International Business. He then went on to receive his Master’s in Business Administration with an emphasis in Accounting from St. Louis University. He traveled to various plants implementing activity-based accounting during his first job at Ralston Purina. He then held positions at Avery Dennison followed by Ingersoll Rand where he had roles in management, sales, and accounting.

Next, he joined American Railcar Industries (ARI) where he remained for 9 years. During that time, he became the Cost Accounting Director of ARI and Controller of American Car Foundry Industries (ACF). It was also during this time that he met and married his wife, Dr. Shannon Farmakis. They have three children—George Ethan, Grace, and Pierce.

In 2015 Michael became the President and Chief Executive Officer of ACF Industries. In that position he had the pleasure and privilege of collaborating with a talented team. It is through his role at ACF Industries that he was able to promote outreach programs, such as yearly assistance helping to package meals for thousands of local families in need.