NBT mentor Mike, an industrious entrepreneur, has been cultivating his business acumen since adolescence. From the age of 13, he engaged in ventures such as refurbishing and reselling electronics, notably iPods, PSPs, and Zunes, driven by his aspiration to alleviate his family from financial constraints. Having graduated high school at 17 with over $20,000 in assets, he swiftly forged his path. In 2011, an encounter at Ommar's Hookah bar introduced Mike to Ommar and Kasem, sparking a friendship that led them to jointly explore the realm of Glass Blowing entrepreneurship. After six months, they mutually agreed to dissolve the venture, with each embarking on distinct trajectories. Nonetheless, Mike maintained a steadfast bond with Ommar and Kasem over the subsequent decade. In 2018, Mike's culinary journey took a new direction with the discovery of hot chicken. Concurrently a college student, he meticulously balanced his academic pursuits while nurturing his culinary concept. Encouraged by his then-girlfriend, now his wife, they inaugurated a collaborative pop-up event. The initial day yielded modest sales of approximately $70, but within a week, overwhelming demand necessitated a temporary closure. Undeterred, Mike leveraged his credit cards to procure essential equipment, a turning point that drew crowds from diverse counties. Furthering his culinary ambitions, Mike united forces with Ommar and Kasem, propelling his inaugural brick-and-mortar triumph to create Baba's Chicken, a company now doing well over $2,000,000 in yearly sales.