Mike was originally born and raised in Bemidji, however, he and his family moved to Oklahoma in 1981. Mike graduated from Northeastern State University (Tahlequah, Oklahoma) in 1993, after serving four years in the United States Navy. In 1998, Mike graduated from the University of Tulsa College of Law (Tulsa, Oklahoma).

Upon graduation from Law School, Mike moved back to the Bemidji area in 1998. Mike has served as a prosecutor for Beltrami County as well as previously serving as the Legal Director for the Leech Lake Bank of Ojibwe. Mike has been an adjunct professor for the Law Enforcement Program at the Leech Lake Tribal College for over 10 years. Mike is a well seasoned trial lawyer and experienced negotiator. Mike's legal experience combined with his solid work ethic, allows him to deliver solid results for his clients.