MICHAEL HOLDENRID

from June 2022 Lake Norman Woman Magazine

BRIAN ECHEVARRIA

Most of us have an idea of what it means to be successful, and that concept typically includes working hard and reaching goals. For Michael Holdenrid, Partner and Executive Vice President with Leavitt Elite Insurance Advisors and Leavitt Elite Wealth Management, success is built on a personal philosophy of service and mission–and begins at home.

“I think success starts at home,” Michael relays. “I know a lot of men who will read a stack of books on business success but never one on being a good spouse or a good dad. It takes time and commitment.” Michael and his wife, Meredyth, met shortly after he graduated from UNCCharlotte. e couple has two boys, Braden and Caleb, and will celebrate 18 years of marriage in September.

“I love the family my wife Meredyth and I have built,” Michael says. “We have an amazing relationship, and I can’t begin to tell you how much I love our kids and the time we get to spend together. at’s the most important thing to me. Professionally I would just say that my work doesn’t feel like work. I really enjoy my career and the opportunity to serve clients and help lead our team every day. It’s a blessing!”

For Michael, a love of numbers and statistics began early. “I’ve always had a love of numbers which started with analyzing baseball statistics as a kid,” Michael shares. “ is attracted me to investments and capital markets which I explored in college. After college I started my career as a portfolio manager with Wachovia/Wells Fargo, where I had the opportunity of investing client assets into stocks, bonds, and mutual funds. is past August I celebrated my 20th year as an investment manager.”

Michael has surrounded himself with a solid support system, starting with family and extending to his church family and community. About seven years ago, he started a bible study with a group of guys who meet every Tuesday morning and talk about their home life, faith, work, and the struggles that they have. “It’s priceless to get insight and guidance from likeminded people that I trust and who want me to become the best version of myself,” he smiles.

One of Michael's guiding principles is laid out in a scripture verse from Apostle Peter: “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms” … “It’s a great reminder for me,” Michael says, “that we all have been given speci c talents and we should use them each day. I feel called to serve people and that’s what motivates me. I keep an 'I get to' perspective versus an 'I have to' attitude. It keeps me humble and grateful for what each day brings.” w