MICHAEL BERLIN

I have always believed that when preparation, opportunity, and decisive action converge, extraordinary things can happen—not just for us as business owners, but for our teams, our customers, and the communities we serve. That belief has shaped my entire entrepreneurial journey, from founding and growing a company, to helping other business owners plan for what comes next.

I had my entrepreneurial “seizure” in May of 2000, right in the middle of the dot-com crash. With a background in development and a passion for connecting business needs to smart technology solutions, I founded Briteskies with a vision to deliver exceptional customer service and create an environment where people could grow as professionals, consultants, and leaders. Over 16 years, we built a 50+ person team, grew profitably and without debt, and served clients across a wide range of industries—from retail and manufacturing to logistics, finance, and ecommerce. Our guiding principle was always simple: do the right thing. 

In 2011, life gave me a new perspective. A sudden health crisis and long recovery reshaped how I thought about leadership, legacy, and what really matters. That experience led me to a difficult but fulfilling decision: in 2016, I facilitated the sale of Briteskies to Gorilla Group. It was the right move for our team and opened the door for me to explore new ways to lead and contribute. 

Since then, through my experience as a founder and longtime member of the Entrepreneurs’ Organization, and more recently as a Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA), I have had the chance to connect with hundreds of business owners around the world. One pattern I have noticed is that when asked about their plans to exit or transition their business, most respond with vague timeframes or revenue goals—“in a few years,” “at 62,” or “after I hit $X million.” What is often missing is a strategic, value-aligned plan for one of the most important decisions they will ever make. 

My passion is helping fellow entrepreneurs understand that a great exit is not just about the transaction, it is about legacy, alignment, and intentional design. I bring real-world insight, hard-earned experience, and a people-first approach to helping business owners build and exit with purpose. 

I live in Brecksville, Ohio with my wife Fabiane and our two boys. I am a proud graduate of Youngstown State and a lifelong Ohioan, though we travel as often as we can—especially to visit Fabiane’s family in Brazil. Wherever I am, I am always looking for ways to mentor, connect, and help build something truly special. 

I have always believed that when preparation, opportunity, and decisive action converge, extraordinary things can happen—not just for us as business owners, but for our teams, our customers, and the communities we serve. That belief has shaped my entire entrepreneurial journey, from founding and growing a company, to helping other business owners plan for what comes next.

I had my entrepreneurial “seizure” in May of 2000, right in the middle of the dot-com crash. With a background in development and a passion for connecting business needs to smart technology solutions, I founded Briteskies with a vision to deliver exceptional customer service and create an environment where people could grow as professionals, consultants, and leaders. Over 16 years, we built a 50+ person team, grew profitably and without debt, and served clients across a wide range of industries—from retail and manufacturing to logistics, finance, and ecommerce. Our guiding principle was always simple: do the right thing. 

In 2011, life gave me a new perspective. A sudden health crisis and long recovery reshaped how I thought about leadership, legacy, and what really matters. That experience led me to a difficult but fulfilling decision: in 2016, I facilitated the sale of Briteskies to Gorilla Group. It was the right move for our team and opened the door for me to explore new ways to lead and contribute. 

Since then, through my experience as a founder and longtime member of the Entrepreneurs’ Organization, and more recently as a Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA), I have had the chance to connect with hundreds of business owners around the world. One pattern I have noticed is that when asked about their plans to exit or transition their business, most respond with vague timeframes or revenue goals—“in a few years,” “at 62,” or “after I hit $X million.” What is often missing is a strategic, value-aligned plan for one of the most important decisions they will ever make. 

My passion is helping fellow entrepreneurs understand that a great exit is not just about the transaction, it is about legacy, alignment, and intentional design. I bring real-world insight, hard-earned experience, and a people-first approach to helping business owners build and exit with purpose. 

I live in Brecksville, Ohio with my wife Fabiane and our two boys. I am a proud graduate of Youngstown State and a lifelong Ohioan, though we travel as often as we can—especially to visit Fabiane’s family in Brazil. Wherever I am, I am always looking for ways to mentor, connect, and help build something truly special.