Biography

For Michael George, the road to his current role as CEO of Bowstreet, a pioneer in adaptive Web applications, began many years ago with his natural technical ability, business savvy, and entrepreneurial spirit.

While a student at Suffolk University in Boston, Massachusetts, Michael established a video game arcade to help fund his education. Making the most of what was becoming a national sensation, Michael grew his business to include seven arcades in New Hampshire and several "Game World" arcades on Cape Cod. He sold the business during his junior year at Suffolk University.

Through his rapidly growing business venture, Michael caught the eye of inventor and fellow entrepreneur Dean Kamen, now internationally famous for his Segway Human Transporter. Faced with the choice of completing his degree at Suffolk or joining Dean Kamen in his new ventures, Michael decided to accelerate his studies, and graduated one semester early with a bachelor's degree in Philosophy.

After graduation, Michael joined Dean Kamen's creative "invention center", and worked on many projects, employed by DEKA - the medical electronic R&D center, Michael led the purchase and repurposing of textile mill buildings which still house Dean Kamen's operations, and the purchase and operation of a helicopter company where Michael took pilot lessons.

Still in his early twenties, Michael decided to apply the knowledge he gained from working closely with such a brilliant thinker, and strike out on his own. His undertakings were varied both in geography and scope, and included endeavors with an auto leasing company, various technology based companies, an overseas manufacturer, and an importer of unique gifts. Armed with the lessons learned from both the successes and failures in his enterprises, Michael was both economically and spiritually ready for a change by the late 1980s.

Michael joined TALX Corporation, a small voice-processing company in the mid-west, and led the company's sales initiatives over the next four years. The company grew to become the leader in its industry. As an officer and one of the largest operating shareholders of the company, Michael greatly contributed to and benefited from the company's IPO in 1996.

Michael went on to found Interlynx Technology, the first Web-based provider of employee self- service application software. The company's early years were met with great success, since it had created a new category of software and had the unique ability to fulfill it. However, as the market became more defined, newly formed and well-financed companies emerged, making it difficult for the self-funded operation to compete. Michael eventually raised a modest $3 million in early 1998, a time when new companies in the space were raising in excess of $50 million.

In order to succeed, Interlynx needed to employ its entrepreneurial roots. While its competitors were outspending the company on everything from hiring to advertising, Interlynx remained frugal, but resourceful. The company garnered top industry awards for innovation, and earned the business of over 100 companies such as GE, Allied Signal, Safeway Stores, and Office Depot. With modest outside investment, the company was acquired in December of 2000 for $60 million.

After his success at Interlynx, Michael decided to spend a year with his family and renew his love of sailing, while maintaining a modest schedule of board commitments. Michael was honored by Suffolk University with the "Alumni of the Year" award in 1999, and became a class of 2000 graduate of the prestigious MIT Executive Management Program, "Birthing of Giants". Michael also continues to pursue his passion for traveling and participating in competitive sports. He is a USCG licensed captain (100 ton - Sail Master), two-time Boston Marathoner, and an active trustee for Suffolk University and the Boston Classical Orchestra.