Mike and his wife Winsome joyfully parent their six children. He has lived in Abbotsford for 26 years. Mike grew up in Langley, the son of German immigrants who arrived in Canada in the 1960s with two suitcases and $200. His eldest child is an Abbotsford Senior 2022 Grad, his other five are still K-12; one child is in the Abbotsford District Soccer Academy and another in the International Baccalaureate (IB) Program. 

 

Mike originally wanted to become a physics teacher, but ultimately completed a Bachelor of Applied Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of British Columbia. He continued his education with courses in Management Accounting from BCIT and Leadership at the Ivey Business School at Western University in London, Ontario. Early in his college years, Mike was a laboratory assistant in Abbotsford’s W.J Mouat Secondary, supporting the science teachers with setting up equipment and materials. 

 

After several engineering internships locally and in Europe, Mike decided to join Helton Industries, his family’s garage door manufacturing business in Abbotsford. Mike earned the respect of the existing management through the simple principles of hard work, respect for others, innovation, and integrity. He grew the company from 30 employees to nearly 300 employees with multiple locations and international sales and logistics. Mike is thankful for Helton's strong performance but is most proud of preserving his father's legacy there: a culture of openness and respect. Mike continues to hold these values dearly. Helton became FlexiForce and after nearly 20 years in manufacturing and distribution, Mike stepped down from his successful but hectic role as CEO of FlexiForce in 2015 to help his parents with other family business and be present for his young and growing family.

 

Mike is engaged with his community through education, sports events, and youth. He created one of Cycling BC’s most successful cycling venues at Glenridge Acres in Abbotsford, hosting afterschool mountain bike programs for youth ages 8-14, the BC Provincial Mountain Bike Championships for 2021 and 2022, and a family-friendly 12-hour relay event each June. These events have donated thousands towards youth cycling programs, flood relief, and trail building. Mike is also responsible for the early development and launch of the Terry Fox Ride of Hope, a 360 km cycling fundraiser for cancer research inspired by Mike’s friend and Terry’s brother Darrell Fox of Chilliwack.  The Terry Fox Ride of Hope has evolved into the largest third-party fundraising event for the Terry Fox Foundation.

 

With family at the center of Mike’s life, and kids each with their own unique gifts and interests, Mike has been grateful to engage with many outstanding athletic clubs, dance studios, music schools, and numerous organizations in Abbotsford offering youth programming. 

 

Mike’s hobbies include camping, flying, sailing, woodwork, and he started guitar lessons at the age of 45.