I am a fifth generation Knoxvillian with my great-great grandfather migrating here from Virginia in the early 1800s a "poor dirt farmer" as the story was told to me.  We have no famous ancestors, no kings, nor queens.    My family has been in the real estate industry since the 1940's initially as small investors and landlords.  They increased their market share as Knoxville grew with the interstate system in the 1950's.  My uncles founded Hicks Brothers Construction in the 1970's.

I was born in Germany and have lived in many different places growing up, including Athens, Greece, as the son of an Army Colonel.  We moved back to Knoxville several times and have always owned a home in the Knoxville area.  I graduated from Knoxville Central High School and the University of Tennessee.  I was enticed back into the family real estate business after a career as a commercial pilot traveling the world and living out of a flight bag.  Having seen the world, Knoxville is the best!

My wife, Karen, and I were introduced by former clients, and married a year later.  Great referral!  She is from Morristown, Tennessee and has lived in the area most of her life.  We have one son, Wesley, a true Tennessean.

We live in the West Knoxville area off Northshore on 24 wooded acres.  We also own executive single family residential investment properties in the West Knoxville area.  Our hobbies include gardening, traveling, and raising Wesley. We are members of West Hills Baptist Church.


Did you know??University Of Tennessee

  • Mike is a University of Tennessee graduate with a BS in Business Administration.
  • Mike is also a combat veteran, having served with the 101st Airborne in El Salvador 1987-1988. 101st Airborne Division Ft Campbell KY
  • Mike's primary aircraft and favorite is the AH-1 Attack Helicopter. The Cobra was the U.S. Army's first attack helicopter and has deployed in nearly every U.S. combat action. Designed for ground attack, the Cobra includes a 20 mm cannon, TOW missiles, and 2.75 inch rockets. It's two-soldier crew consists of a pilot and co-pilot.
  • Mike is also a commercial/instrument rated FAA aviator and has flown over 3000 jet aircraft hours. Mike has lived in Australia,AH-1 Cobra Attack Helicopter New Zealand and Papua New Guinea while assigned to Chevron, BP, Royal Dutch(Shell) locating oil in Australasia.Helicopter Working On Oil Platform




     



  • "Flying is very similar to Real Estate. A good pilot makes flying look easy; as does a great Real Estate Agent who makes negotiating and keeping a deal together look easy. 

    I believe only the best Real Estate Agent can bring you in for a safe and smooth landing when the auto-pilot fails and you need a professional's help!" - Mike