Mike Wilkes
Project Manager at McKinney Economic Development Corporation
McKinney, Texas
Overview
Work Experience
Project Manager
2023 - Current
I manage the Innovation Fund, a unique tool designed for tech startups which supports their growth through non-dilutive capital. - $50,000 up to $500,000 grant - Startup HQ’s in McKinney for 3+ years - 43 tech startups in portfolio - Plug and Play McKinney partnership on Enterprise & AI
McKinney Economic Development Corporation is an independently funded and operated nonprofit organization that supports economic development.
Operations Manager
2022 - 2023
Facilitating & improving network deal flow. Initial screening of 45-80 monthly startup applications, leading further screening calls with selected founders. Supporting the Exec. Director and Board of Directors in marketing, member and sponsor outreach, branding, member engagement. Initial contact for potential members, sponsors. Managing 2+ interns.
Interim Director
2022 - 2022
Connecting quality early-stage companies with our network of accredited angel investors. Screening applications through a thorough and communicative screening process. Assessing, facilitating membership and sponsorship opportunities. Reviving marketing and outreach efforts. Speaking to, educating the DFW community about raising early-stage capital. Hosting, planning monthly screening calls and pitch meetings, creating virtual experience for pitch meetings.
North Texas Angel Network provides investment funds, experience and expertise to early stage companies.
Owner
2021 - 2022
Primer manufacturing startup for ammunition.
Squad Leader | Logistics (0481)
2016 - 2020
Sole recipient of the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal for exceptional leadership in Tecate, CA out of a company of 300+ Marines. Commanded a team of 11 Marines to recover a crashed UH-1 helicopter in the desert; required tremendous planning, coordinating, and communicating with pilots, engineers, and team members. Additionally, no publications existed on how to carry out this mission, so upon successful completion of the operation I wrote detailed procedures to be used for future operations. Facilitated the movement of 10,000,000 pounds of military equipment and 5,500 military personnel and contractors in Al Jaber, Kuwait & Baghdad, Iraq in 500 airfield missions. Entrusted with the training and well-being of 13 to up to 59 Marines; the Marines under my charge showed considerable qualitative, quantitative, team and intrapersonal improvement. Attained leadership positions reserved for more experienced and higher-ranking Marines and held them for the duration of my enlistment. Held a Secret security clearance. Completed 4-year enlistment as a Tier 1 (top 10%) Marine.
Intern
2016 - 2016
Assisted with show support and marketing efforts. Became point person at shows for starting conversations about complex engineering problems and bringing people to our booth for more in depth discussions with the engineering and sales teams.
Education
Bachelor's, Cum Laude
2020 - 2023