I’m Michael!

I’m passionate about blending software and strategy to solve complex business problems.

My Impact at MKS

Strategy

At MKS Instruments, I drove operational efficiency and alignment by leading Gemba walks and analyzing RMA escalations to surface core organizational inefficiencies. I used data-backed insights to propose strategic process improvements, including a new cleaning vendor recommendation projected to drive 42% cost savings while maintaining quality standards. These efforts solidified alignment between business and engineering teams.

Technology

I owned the implementation of data-driven solutions to replace inefficient manual workflows and improve manager decision-making. I built custom web applications (Flask) that transformed static data into live dashboards for inventory tracking and build progress, integrating directly with SAP via BAPI calls. By providing managers with actionable insights, these internal tools enabled faster responses to customer needs, improved our supplier score, and increased organizational transparency.

MKS Instruments

Product Management Intern
Step Up Detailing

Small Business Owner
KIF Investments

Investment Analyst
The Cheesecake Factory

Waiter, #1 Dessert Sales

Coding Projects

MySugar(s)

Problem: The existing mobile solution lacked real-time desktop visibility.

Solution: Designed and built a Qt-based C++ application that securely integrated with the Dexcom API.

Impact: The tool drove a tangible outcome, helping me improve my own A1C by 1.1% over three months through immediate data accessibility.

Investment Wingman

Problem: Old investment strategy relies on lagging indicators and subjective bias

Solution: Created a Python-based Machine Learning model that analyzed financial KPIs to recommend trades.

Impact: The model successfully outperformed the S&P 500 by 6% during its qualifying phase, proving its ability to drive real investment decisions.

Scatter plot with three clusters of data points, positioned at different areas on the graph.

Stock Visualizer

Problem: Needed experience building a product to apply skills in AWS and APIs

Solution: Developed a robust full-stack portfolio application using React, D3, Node, and Express on an AWS server

Impact: Gained full-stack experience by pulling live financial data via APIs and building interactive dashboards all hosted on an AWS S3 server (for free!).

Entrepreneur

Step Up Mobile Auto Detailing

I noticed every local detailer wanted phone calls and in-person quotes before giving a price. None offered flat-rate, no-hassle booking services or extras like chrome polishing and windshield waxing, which left room for something simpler and more transparent.
I approached the business like a product, starting with research into competitors and customer pain points. Using those insights, I designed an MVP with clear service tiers, upfront pricing, and fast, modern communication.
As demand grew, I built a feedback loop into every service to refine pricing, workflow, and quality. This process turned real customer input into actionable improvements that boosted satisfaction and repeat business.
In maturity, I optimized the offerings by retiring low-ROI services and doubling down on what customers valued most. Step Up Detailing gave me hands-on experience managing a full product lifecycle from concept to launch to retirement before I closed it to pursue more consistent, higher-paying work as a waiter.