By Lauren Plakias
In 1994, an undergraduate Business major walked across the graduation stage and grabbed his Western New England College diploma, never looking back. Always searching for new and inviting opportunities, Michael P. Birk set out to become what people dream to be.
Birk is a business owner, a senior logistics and fleet operations executive, a supply chain and operations leader, and now a multimillionaire. Focusing on vision, strategy, growth, team leadership, and culture transformation, Birk continuously makes a positive and knowledgeable impact on society.
Born and raised in Feeding Hills, Massachusetts, Birk was no stranger to hard work. Whether it was on the football field or growing up with supportive family and friends, he swiftly learned the value of determination and perseverance. Both parents, Linda and Richard Birk, were hardworking individuals heavily involved in the community. These community-minded parents inspired their child to follow in their footsteps.
After graduating from Agawam High School in 1990, Birk aspired to attend college to further grow his education and athletic career. Western New England College checked all his boxes. While majoring in business, Birk also tackled his way to the football field, supporting the university football team to victory. Although academics and athletics played a pivotal role in his career, he found himself embracing growth, knowledge, and self-fulfillment while growing up.
“Integrity is critical as you never want to take credit for someone else’s work, especially a peer,” Birk said. “Giving credit where it is deserved will enable your career to advance. Having accountability for your own actions builds confidence and respect for you amongst your colleagues. Respect giving to your colleagues, peers, direct reports will enable the team’s goals to be achieved quicker and better.” As a strong leader, Birk has learned to shape visions and embody equality, justice, and fairness throughout the community.
Although WNE was a place for academic achievement, it was a place for Birk to think critically about his future from a long-term perspective. Moving all over the country to Michigan, Texas, and Florida, he found a strong passion for leading teams. Birk helped promote sustainable growth at multi-million-dollar businesses and Fortune 500 companies.
“Specific technical skills learned in college are directly transferable to the job market,” Birk said, “especially for your area of work. Learning subjects quickly also is a key in careers, [since] most involve continuous learning.”
With heavy involvement and opportunities, Birk worked at well-known companies including Nestle Waters, Frito-Lay, and Builders FirstSource. He found a strong passion for leading field operation teams encompassing transportation, supply chains, fleets, and maintenance operations to drive efficiencies. Working with remarkable companies brought him special strategies including performance and profitability.
“Building [a] network within and outside your field of expertise is invaluable and [an] essential tool to have. Probably one of the most important things you need to do,” Birk explained.
Although one might say he’s done it all, he continues to prioritize sharing his knowledge about special skills and networking.
“Analyzing complex problems and finding creative solutions is applicable in nearly every career field,” Birk asserted. “Writing, presenting, and collaborating on projects help in developing strong communication abilities, essential for teamwork and leadership roles. Balancing multiple assignments, deadlines, and extracurricular activities teaches time management, which is crucial for productivity in the workplace.”
Throughout many jobs in Birk’s career, setbacks and wishes manifest. Learning from mistakes plays a pivotal role in being a successful person.
“Looking back, I would have established personal goals, aspirations, and visions sooner. I didn’t do this until I was 7 to 10 years into my career. Once I did, progress started happening and momentum was real. Also, changing jobs in my career, I would have tried to understand the new company’s culture, goals, philosophy, practices first before trying to establish new goals and tactics,” Birk explained.
After years of hard work, determination, and sacrifices, opportunities continue to sprout. Current owner and operator of Classic Cars of Sarasota, Michael P. Birk has successfully kept the lights on at this multi-million-dollar business since December of 2022. Open 6 days a week, located in Sarasota, Florida, Classic Cars of Sarasota specializes in buying and selling classic cars with options of consignment, appraisals, and shipping. Continuously expanding the business, Birk now ships to nearly 50 states, Canada, and over 20 countries worldwide. With over 25 years of corporate professional management, he now draws the title of being a car enthusiast.
There is no doubt Michael P. Birk embodies hard work and dedication. From long hours at the office to personal responsibilities, Birk has shown that success is not just about talent, but about perseverance and determination. Continuously staying humble with such great success, Birk wants to share his knowledge to further help aspiring young minds in the industry.
