Michael Minotto is a tremendously motivated leader and dedicated Expeditionary Warfare Specialist with 10 deployments drawn between the United States Marine Corps as an Infantryman/Scout Sniper and the United States Navy as a Riverine and NSW training Cadre. During the time he spent with Naval Special Warfare, Michael trained countless number of support personnel in combat skills ranging from convoy operations, weapons, land navigation and Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC). He also conducted force protection assessments for the NSW force during his deployment to Afghanistan, ensuring the great men of the Teams had defense in depth and standoff weapons integration when not out on patrols hunting those that would bring harm to our way of life. During his Riverine time, he was instrumental in offensive operations for the Ground Combat Element as the Patrol Leader and conducted over 430 combat missions over 2 deployments to Iraq, locating enemy and weapons that the insurgency brought to bear. With his experience from the Marine Corps and during his combat operations he is a proven effective and mature leader with a clear understanding of battlefield operations ranging from foreign internal defense training, combat skills, basic and advanced weapons, close quarter battle, convoy operation and small boat operations in a riparian environment. His military career is 25+ years.

His company, Team Before Self, fosters unity - whether it’s a boardroom, a small team in the middle of God’s country, or on a city street protecting the homefront to keep everyone safe. It thrives on motivation – encouraging everyone to rise to the challenges, work through the pain and forge their inner self to never quit, never stop and always raise the bar for teammates to the left and right; remembering that strength is the team and the team is the strength. This unique motivation was instilled in him at a very early age. Growing up, Michael actively participated in football, baseball, wrestling and even boxing where he boxed on the Golden Gloves Team USA against Canada. He worked in Japan for a Sports Agency and was even featured in Newsweek Magazine (Asia Edition). Additionally, Michael serves as a role model for at-risk youth because he did not come from the average childhood. Abandoned by his mother when he was twelve, he grew up in a foster home and knows extensively about overcoming obstacles, perseverance and achieving goals. His testimony, lifestyle & career accomplishments serve as an outstanding example of hope across various audiences.