Prior to forming EQUIS Hospitality Management, LLC in 2005 with Jerry Fischer and his brothers, Doug and Greg Mullenix, Michael held various positions in his family’s St. Louis-based real estate development, investment and management firm, The Mullenix Companies from May 1988 until the firm was disbanded in 2005.  During his tenure at the Mullenix Companies, he oversaw the development and sales of eight residential subdivisions containing 282 single family homes and condominiums.  Additionally, he headed its Multifamily Development and Management Group where he oversaw the operations of the firm’s portfolio of Apartment Communities consisting of 2,700 units.  From 1994 to 2003, Michael capitalized, developed, and managed four new residential properties totaling 818 apartments. For portfolio diversification, in 2004 Michael led the firm’s acquisition of the 200,000 square-foot Hughes Supply, Inc. (now Home Depot Supply) headquarters office building in downtown Orlando, Florida in sale-lease back transaction.

In 1995, Michael led the Mullenix Companies into the hospitality business with the development of the 80 room Fairfield Inn by Marriott St. Louis/St. Charles, Mo. In 1997, Marriott International, Inc. selected the Mullenix Companies as launch developer for its newest extended stay hotel brand, TownePlace Suites by Marriott.  Michael developed and opened four new TownePlace Suites hotels from 1997 to 2000 in St. Louis, Missouri and Indianapolis, Indiana.  Marriott International, Inc. selected Michael to be the brand’s first Franchise Advisory Council (FAC) President. In addition to his service as President, Michael has served in other capacities with Marriott and its owner liaison committees, including its Design and Development Committee and System Marketing Fund Committees.  From 1995 to 2005, Michael developed, owned, and managed 9 Marriott Flagged hotels: 3 Fairfield Inn by Marriott hotels, 4 TownePlace Suites by Marriott hotels, and 2 Residence Inn by Marriott hotels.

When the family firm was dissolved in 2005, Michael was responsible for the disposition of almost $100,000,000 of Mullenix Companies assets that would not move under the EQUIS Hospitality Management, LLC umbrella.  Simultaneously, Michael acquired approximately $80,000,000 of the family firm’s hotel assets for his new EQUIS Hospitality Management, LLC venture.

Since founding EQUIS Hospitality Management, LLC, Michael has positioned the firm for sustainable growth by forming capital alliances with both Columbus, Ohio based Rockbridge Capital, LLC and Chicago, Illinois based Syndicated Equities, Inc.  After the Mullenix Companies hotel purchase, Michael capitalized over $120,000,000 in new hotel acquisitions and new development projects. The 240-room Residence Inn by Marriott in Alexandria, VA (Old Town) was acquired in April 2007 and was completely renovated by an EQUIS affiliate in September 2008. The 104-room Homewood Suites by Hilton St. Louis Airport/Riverport was developed and opened in July 2007.  Most recently, EQUIS Hospitality developed and opened the 158-room Homewood Suites by Hilton at the St. Louis Galleria, which opened in July 2009.  Despite the current difficulties in capital markets, Michael is still capitalizing $80,000,000 in two new development projects in the St. Louis metropolitan area: The 200-room Hilton Garden Inn at the St. Louis Galleria and the 130-room Hyatt Place Hotel Grand Center at St. Louis University.  Both projects are slated to begin construction in 2010.

Prior to his professional career, Michael received a B.A. from Vanderbilt University in 1986, and a M.B.A. from Southern Methodist University in 1987. Prior to joining the Mullenix Companies, Michael worked for Paragon Group in Houston, Texas as a Financial Analyst.  Michael has maintained a Missouri Real Estate Broker’s License since 1985.

 Michael currently lives in Ladue, Missouri a suburb of St. Louis with his wife Brooke, and three daughters.  He is former Board member of the Metropolitan School, and the Center of Contemporary Arts (COCA) in St. Louis.  Currently, Michael serves on the Board of Directors of the Racquet Club Ladue and on the Ritz Carlton Club Bachelor’s Gulch.  Michael is a member of the St. Louis Chapter of the Young Presidents Organization (YPO).