Get to Know: Michael Chase

Tell us about your current professional position and responsibilities. 

As the Director of Finance and Strategy for Denham-Blythe, I am charged with ensuring our financial controls and operational systems will support and effectively manage our risk profile which has shifted as we’ve more than doubled revenue in the last couple of years. I’ve worked with our Board to develop a longer-term Vision & Strategy and have the privilege of getting most of our new initiatives kick started.

Would you give us a snapshot of your background? Hometown, any early influences, how you got to Louisville (if you moved here from another city or state)? 

After building a business in college and my mid-twenties with sales approaching $75M in my hometown of Charleston, SC, I learned the value of systems, hiring the right team, and the importance of managing expectations for both my clients (customers) and my team. My wife Julie and I owned (and sold) and a number of different business and I also managed the assets of a large Family Trust for a handful of years. I relocated to Louisville for a CEO position to help diversify and grow a seasoned Industrial company with operations in KY and OH. It was a great group of people and I learned a lot about developing vision with a diverse management team and a multi-generation, family owned business. 

What motivated you to pursue a career in finance? 

Ultimately, I have a passion for building and improving businesses and being in Finance allows me to touch all aspects of the business. I have always liked numbers, but also highly value relationships and collaboration. The financials and subsequent analytics tell a story about the business and its management team. Without a deep understanding of what is and will happen,  the team can’t affect positive change. This path allows me to fully invest with same tenacity I did as an entrepreneur, but at a larger scale.

Why did you decide to join FEI?

After moving from Charleston, I needed to develop a network. As a guest at a few events, I enjoyed my time with FEI members as well as the content. It’s been valuable to have contacts and access to fellow CFOs in a number of different fields.

Who or what has influenced you and your career the most? 

Two major influences come to mind. My faith grounds me regardless how turbulent our world and life may be: Christ and the Bible don’t change. Also, I extended my second summer internship to full-time and took a year off from college to be the Assistant to the Director of Strategic Planning for a publicly traded textiles company. My boss taught me not to be afraid to speak my mind or to assume control. I ultimately did special projects for the Board of Directors, presenting my findings, and would make recommendations. After that experience, I wasn’t going to settle for “normal” jobs or a career like everyone else was pursuing.

Would you describe your greatest accomplishment and what it means to you? 

I once had a team member give me the best compliment. She said I cause those around me to be better people. I’m not sure I believe her, but ever since I’ve tried to live up to that ideal.

What issue concerns you most that has not received the attention it deserves?

The fundamental necessity and value of the free market seem to be undermined, if not defamed on our college campuses. There is a reason America became the most benevolent, innovative, productive and  wealthy nation ever and it's disturbing to see the worldview and mindset of many youth in our culture. Our country won’t survive if both the government continues to be fiscally irresponsible and if the next generations don’t believe in personal responsibility.

What’s your favorite leisure activity or hobby?

Growing up in the Lowcountry of South Carolina, I love getting out on the water. I spend as much time with family as I can and enjoy playing golf, hunting, fishing, woodworking, and travel as much as I can.

What personal or professional wisdom can you share with younger FEI colleagues? Do you have a favorite saying or quote?

• Your family is more important than your career.
• Plan for best, but be prepared for the worst.
• Assume everyone is crazy and there is much less drama.
• Pause and ask, "What good will come out of this?"
• Employees listen to managers because they fear the consequences.
• Eisenhower said, “Leadership is the art of getting someone else to do something you want done because they want to do it.”  Choose to become the best leader you can.

Michael Chase is a new director at large for FEI Louisville and can be reached at mchase@denhamblythe.com.