Michael Gallo:
CLASS OF 1978
De Sales Preparatory SeminaryClass of 1978
Milwaukee, WI
University of Detroit - Mercy - LawClass of 2008
Detroit, MI
University of Detroit - Mercy - BusinessClass of 1999
Detroit, MI
Marquette UniversityClass of 1983
Milwaukee, WI
Michael's Story
Life
Over the last 40+ years, my life's challenge has been continual improvement.
I fell in love and married a wonderful woman. We chose not to have children, which left us more time, money and energy for careers, recreation and each other. Though I do not consider myself rich, we have no debt and we are able to order anything on the menu without being concerned about whether we can splurge on dessert, or another glass of wine!
In my heart, Milwaukee is home, but since the 1990s, my wife and I have lived in the Detroit suburb of Troy, Michigan.
Over the years, I have enjoyed a number of interests, including photography, home improvement projects, collecting antiques, attending cultural events, fine dining, and traveling. As I get older, I have more time for reading, getting dirt under my fingernails while planting in the yard, and listening to vinyl records on a vacuum tube based audio system of classic 1970's/1980's era equipment (including a pair of Altec Lansing Model 19 speakers that weigh 146 pounds each, which my wife would love to see disappear!).
Since high school, I lost most of my hair, but weight lifting has added 30 pounds of muscle. I had a half dozen minor knee surgeries, but can still run on a treadmill. During the 1990s, I had LASIK surgery, and began living without contacts, though I do wear reader glasses when working on the computer.
After entering my 50's, I noticed my metabolism started to slow down, and I added some unwanted inches around the waist, but everything still works and my doctor is pleased with my cholesterol, blood pressure, weight, and overall health, so any complaints I may have about getting older are not going to get sympathy!
Since 2008, I have been volunteering for a few non-profit organizations. As a Board Member for University of Detroit Jesuit High School and Academy, I chair the Technology Committee, providing guidance and support for the acquisition and use of technology, and am a member of the Executive Committee, which represents the Board for issues that occur between Board meetings. As a member of the State Bar of Michigan, I serve as editor of the Michigan IT Lawyer, a regular publication of the Information Technology Law Section, and am serving a series of one year appointments in officer roles for the IT Law Section.
Future goals include visiting the Grand Canyon (while I still can), and enjoying life, health, family and friends as I attempt to grow old gracefully.
School
As for many, high school was a magical time for me.
Challenges in the classroom were balanced with challenges on the athletic field. A sense of 'who I am' developed so I could move on to college with a healthy mix of humility and self-confidence.
Though I lost touch with those from high school, friendships made during those years provide fond memories. Hopefully, someday there will be an opportunity to remember those times and share experiences since.
College
After high school, I attended Marquette University and received a Bachelors of Arts in Business Administration. Undergraduate years were filled with experiences including leadership positions within student publications, student orientation programs, and student government.
During those years, in addition to student organizatio...Expand for more
n efforts, I worked 25-30 hours per week during the school year, to pay for tuition, books, an off-campus apartment, an old jeep, and other living expenses. When classes were not in session, a second job was typical to provide additional income.
A few years after graduation, I returned to Marquette to complete an MBA, which was leveraged to gain a position in the information technology industry.
After working for a few years in the Detroit area, I attended University of Detroit Mercy and received a Master's of Science in Computer Information Systems. More recently, I graduated from University of Detroit Mercy Law School, passed the Bar exam, and my knowledge of the legal profession has been invaluable in my career, volunteer, and personal life. Hopefully, as I get closer to retirement I will keep active and transition to providing volunteer legal services to those unable afford counsel.
Workplace
Short version - I worked in the hospitality industry until 1990, then switched to an Information Technology career, managed an Information Technology portfolio of applications for General Motors Legal Staff, and am currently an attorney supporting Ford Motor Company.
Longer version - At age 15, my first job was as a part-time dishwasher, which progressed to busboy, cook, waiter, bartender, manager, chef, director of purchasing, food and beverage controller, housekeeping manager and banquet manager for a number of organizations, including the Pfister Hotel in Milwaukee, and the Marriott Corporation.
During the 'hospitality' years, secondary jobs were held as a photographer, truck driver, and as a loaned executive to the performing arts.
In 1990, I temporarily moved to the Detroit area to work for Electronic Data Systems, intending to transfer to Milwaukee within two years, but love kept me in the Detroit area. Within the information technology field, I have been a customer representative, programmer, database administrator, project manager, program manager, director of technology, systems engineer, systems administrator, consultant, and have covered various other positions as requested, mainly in support of General Motors, but a significant period of time included support of a Jesuit educational institution.
For five years, I ran a booth at an antique store, which allowed me to learn while upgrading my collection, which includes pottery and glass of the mid-20th century.
As of 2012 I was been responsible for planning, business value and return on investment for legal technology for General Motors Legal Staff, which required planning, organizing and directing the implementation and development of information systems in accordance with strategic business plans. In 2019 I switched careers to become a practicing attorney, first for The Miller Law Firm as Counsel, then moving in 2020 to Erskine Law as a technology transactions attorney supporting Ford Motor Company. Each week brings new challenges and opportunities while working with some great people.
The future will bring additional career challenges, which hopefully will make use of skills and interests gained to date. If interested in more about my career or how to contact me directly, 'connect' with me on LinkedIn (search for 'Michael Gallo, Greater Detroit Area)!
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