A long-time tech entrepreneur, Michael and his wife, Ellen, entered the 'baby' space in 2003 when they launched Skip Hop, makers of the ubiquitous diaper bags and dozens of other design-forward products for new parents, babies and kids. Michael loves taking his son, Spencer, 12, to Knicks games, movies and faraway places during school vacations. But, mostly, he does his best to turn off the work when he’s home with Spencer in their Union Square apartment so they can have some good father/son time. "It isn’t easy to juggle the work/life balance but just sitting with Spencer and playing Xbox together is a great way for us to bond," he says.
Biggest personal accomplishment: "I really want Spencer to follow his own dreams, but I’m glad that Ellen and I are modeling a family-run business and we’re demonstrating to Spencer that running a business is hard, but that it’s really important to take responsibility for yourself and your family."
Biggest professional accomplishment: "I've been an entrepreneur for almost 20 years and have run three companies, one for five years, one for three and one for 10. None were short runs and I’m proud of that."