CAREER Recommendations
JIM BARR, Bowflex CEO
“Michael is an incredible talent. His creative talent is amazing -- he helped to modernize and increase inclusivity for our venerable brands with several incredible campaigns. As an employee, he was very loyal to our Company and its employees and rode many business cycles in our industry. As a human, he is a devoted family man with outstanding values he brings to his work. I could not recommend him more to anyone fortunate enough to successfully recruit him. He will bring you success no matter your product or service.”
rob murdock, marketing exec
“It's a rare homegrown talent that is good enough to start as the intern in an organization and possesses the right combination of drive, skill and passion to work themselves to the very top of it. I watched Michael do just that at Nautilus, and while it's a rare thing to witness, absolutely NOBODY has been surprised by his trajectory. He was destined to lead from the moment he joined the team.
Michael is wildly creative but has a pragmatic business mind and a deep understanding of how to maximize marketing's impact while managing the budget. In fact, during our time together, he consistently improved the quality and production value of the work, even as he drove lower cost and more efficient ways to deliver it.
You don't play as many roles in an organization as Michael has without a desire to learn and a willingness to grow and evolve along the way. He is an absolute sponge and though deservedly confident in his abilities, takes criticism and the occasional setback with good humor and little ego. His skillset is broad enough that he will make an immediate impact anywhere he goes.
But above all else, what I value most about Michael is his passion for people and his ability to inspire their best work. Customers, coworkers, agency partners, even executive leadership...anyone who has met him knows that Michael genuinely cares. Not just about the work or the bottom line. But about the people involved. And that makes all of the difference.”
MARLI HUGHES, Art DIRECTOR
“Working with Michael has been an incredible journey. He’s not just a boss; he’s a mentor who genuinely invests in the growth and development of his team. Michael’s leadership style is all about fostering a positive can-do attitude and creating a culture where innovation thrives. Under his guidance, I feel inspired and empowered to push boundaries and create meaningful work.
Michael is a real trailblazer when it comes to marketing and brand development. His strategic thinking, meticulous attention to detail and solutions oriented mindset have consistently led his teams to success, raising the bar and setting new standards in our industry.
I feel incredibly fortunate to have had the opportunity to learn and grow under Michael's guidance. His mentorship has been invaluable to my professional development, and I wholeheartedly endorse him as a leader who excels not just in brand development and marketing, but also in inspiring and leading his team to greatness.”
aaron brotherton, marketing exec
“I had the distinct pleasure of Michael making me look good for over ten years.
When we first met, he was deeply entrenched in driving critical direct response tactics for the business including our direct mail, catalogs, and even an online community that pre-dated the social platforms of today. Because of this, Michael is a rare breed of creative talent. He didn’t come out of design or film school. He completed an MBA and started working within the business, understanding its core drivers, KPIs, the importance of A/B testing, the power of offers and promotions, and the subtle (and not so subtle) nuances of creating impactful, relevant, and effective consumer communications.
The above, combined with a warm personality, drive, natural curiosity, and desire for a new challenge, made him an easy choice to take on a new opportunity and support the development of our broadcast creative. It wasn’t long before Michael replaced me and was calling the shots, running every aspect of our commercial shoots, online video content, and shortly thereafter, being asked to lead the entire creative team of designers, copywriters, and proofers.
At this point, Michael is equally proficient in discussing impacts to a cost per call or the value of the next media dollar as he is discussing a layout, a call to action, or connecting messaging to the brand’s core values. On top of this, he proved to be a strong leader, known for caring deeply about his team and advocating for them in both public and private.
Every year my reviews basically read the same:
• Consistently and independently evaluates situations and potential outcomes
• Proactively comes with strong recommendations and next steps to address
• Reliable: delivering everything on time if not before
• Anticipates needs and addresses in advance
• Excellent steward of the department budget
• Never afraid to ask questions or seek advice
• Extremely collaborative
10/10…would hire again... and again.”
becky alseth, CMO
“Let's start with team player, can-do-attitude, and genuine human being. Michael reported to me for the last 4+ years. From the beginning he showed strength in creative problem solving and the ability to work under extreme deadlines, always with a smile and a kind word for the people around him. I saw Michael grow into a brand director, thinking about long-term brand health, yet being practical and realizing he also had to deliver creative and plans to drive immediate transactions. Over 15 years, he dedicated himself to developing BowFlex into a world-class brand. I can't wait to see what he does next. Thank you for everything, Michael.”
chelsea davis, art director
“It can be rare to find a great manager and leader. I can say, without a doubt, Michael is the best I’ve worked for.
The way he balances being light-hearted but also getting things done and making awesome creative made me want to work for him right away. From day one he was transparent about what he wanted to accomplish, how I fit into that plan, and how he wanted to help me grow - and those things never wavered.
He gave me new opportunities whenever possible - far more than I had ever gotten before working for him, or even since. I started as a print designer, but by the time I left I was planning and running photoshoots, designing websites, art directing product launches, and more. If I wanted to try something new - he was always game.
He’s an extremely hard worker and expects the same from his team. He always aims to hire people who are “smarter” than him (his words), to keep pushing the work, the team, and himself forward. He has the mindset that when one of us succeeds - we all succeed. He lifts people up, never tears them down. He wants his team to grow and will do anything he can to help them get there.
And he listens. Not just in one ear out the other - he truly listens, and he cares. He wants to know how we can be doing better, where we can make improvements, where you’re struggling. And then he’ll do his best to make changes where he can.
Michael leads by example. He makes his team feel important, appreciated and taken care of. It makes it really easy to work hard and create the best work you can for someone like that.
I haven’t worked for Michael in a few years, but I still call him to ask questions and get advice. I still consider him my mentor. He’s an amazing person to work for and have in your corner. I honestly can’t recommend him enough.”
tanya kanner, creative exec
“Michael is one of the most talented, kind, and creative humans I’ve had the pleasure of working with. He’s a true unicorn—the kind of leader who makes the impossible feel possible and brings out the best in everyone around him.
He has this rare ability to connect effortlessly across teams, whether it’s creatives, executives, engineers, lawyers, sales, you name it, making each person feel seen, heard, and part of something bigger. His leadership isn’t just about driving results; it’s about empowering the people behind the work, which is exactly what sets him apart.
Michael brings a mix of creativity, strategy, and infectious energy to everything he touches. Whether he’s leading a meeting, solving a complex business challenge, or just checking in (gifs and emojis guaranteed), his enthusiasm is impossible to ignore. He’s the kind of person you want in the room when you need a spark, a strategy, or a perfectly timed joke that somehow makes the work better.
What makes Michael truly exceptional is his ability to balance deep business savvy with genuine care for his team. He leads with partnership, not hierarchy, and creates an environment where people thrive. Work gets better because of him, and people do too.
If you’re looking for a leader who brings both heart and strategy to everything he does—Michael is your guy. I feel incredibly lucky to have worked with him, learned from him, and witnessed the lasting impact he has on both people and results. He’s the kind of leader who leaves a mark, and anyone who has the chance to work with him is better for it.”
rob tyler, film director
“Michael is a rare animal in the marketing world: Talented and driven but remarkably humble. His focus is sharp, and he has an unparalleled confidence and care to his approach – few people can match his motivation and energy. Michael knows how to make people laugh and get their attention in a positive way. He's a strong sparring partner, five steps ahead of any situation and always has your back. We have worked closely together for many years and I have learned a great deal from him. This guy always brings the fire.”
Stefanie Corgel, Fitness Trainer + Digital Content Creator
“My first job on set with Michael Robinson was in Spring of 2017. When I arrived on set it was clear to see what an upbeat, high-energy, collaborative, and respectful work environment he had created within Bowflex for everyone around him. Based upon my past experiences, my role as “sports model/talent” and certified fitness trainer on large productions had felt relatively one-dimensional. I did not feel that my professional opinion mattered nor that my full skill set was being utilized; then, Michael Robinson!
From my first shoot with Michael (and every consecutive project to this day) I felt that I was part of a team; that my opinion was welcomed and that my comfort on set was made a priority. Noticeably, I am not alone in feeling this way. Of a dozen shoots with the Nautilus/Bowflex brand, every model, makeup artist, cameraman, trainer, product manager, and client has voiced their appreciation for the way Michael makes a true “team” atmosphere come to life. I believe this is WHY he produces such great, innovative, and powerful work. He is unafraid to delegate responsibility to a coworker, trusting that this may enhance the final result. His own self-confidence and unselfishness as a businessman and creator allows others to shine as well. Without hesitation, I have always felt that I can offer my input and that it will be received constructively.
You won’t find a better leader in this space than Michael. While his vast experience of market research, directing commercials, campaign preparation, product management, and organizing shoot logistics speaks for itself, his ability to handle adversity, pivot thoughtfully, execute tough decisions, and clearly communicate new directions are perhaps the most impactful areas where he excels.
Like a seasoned coach of a championship program, he spends the time and effort on learning small details about each individual and therefore, knows how to motivate each player to perform their best. His kindness is consistent; so is his great sense of humor. He is genuinely interested in the lives’ and motivational styles of the people around him from the first person on a call sheet to the last, he ensures everyone is heard, their needs are met, and that they taken care of. I am thankful for and look forward to working with Michael and strong leaders like Michael in years to come.”
dave salafia, commercial photographer
“As a freelancer you never know when the phone will ring. I mean, you never know IF the phone will ring. But in the summer of 2016 it did (via an IG follow and a form email). What followed was an hour long passionate creative call with my new friend Michael Robinson. The Bowflex creative guy. And an instant lifelong friendship was born from it. On the same page from the first hello kind of call. THE BEST.
Over the last 8 or so years… we created some really amazing work. Michael helped lead and evolve Bowflex from a fitness brand portraying hard core workouts with ripped bods to a brand that felt approachable with real bodies and users. Inclusivity and the joyfulness of movement at the core of the new work. His team worked tirelessly to get the brand there. I’m proud of the long days and nights on the Zoom or at The Line we had, talking about who we wanted to shoot, where, what, how. Fiercely loyal, his vision was to always put the best team of creatives together to make the best work in the world. So he did.
Our shoots together always felt just right. Like how it should be. Two sets, sometimes three, in the same house or studio. Navigating talent, technicians, machines, crew and a jam packed shot list in a house or studio in the hills or the valley in LA. Collaboration in it's finest form. A mutual respect and passion for the brand is what drove us all. Even during the dreaded Covid days.
The shoots in LA were always great. But the shoots in PDX meant that I’d get to see the fam. And I’d get to see him as a new dad. That meant the most to me.
To whoever is out there hiring… all I can tell you is that Michael is the kind of guy you want to lead your team. No egos, no BS. A guy you can turn to. A guy you have on speed dial so you can call out of the blue just to say hello. The kind of guy that brought me and my boy to a Celtics game when he was in town for a visit. I mean, who does that? Michael does. He's the kind of dude you just want to be around.
To my guy... I love ya bud. Thanks for all your support over the years. Thanks for making me a better creative, photographer and person. Thanks for your honesty and loyalty. I don’t always get that in this biz. I can’t wait to see what’s next in your jrny (see what I did there?) And I can only hope to play some teeny tiny role in whatever it is you're up to. Who knew that 8 years of solid work and friendship would come from an IG follow and a simple form email?? Haha. But that’s what I love about this crazy biz.”
hilliary alway, team designer
“Michael is an absolute joy to work with.
He possesses a remarkable ability to transform abstract technical concepts into engaging presentations that truly captivate audiences.
His positive and transparent demeanor, especially under pressure, sets the tone for our team and fosters a collaborative environment. Michael’s strategic approach to company-wide changes has been instrumental in rallying both internal teams and stakeholders around our shared vision.
His leadership was pivotal during Bowflex's first rebrand, where his passion for the new mission and direction inspired the entire company and fostered strong buy-in. As a top-tier brand advocate and an exceptional leader, Michael consistently drives us toward greater success. I’m excited to see where his talents will go next!”
janet henderson, executive producer
“Why You Should Hire MR
• He has vision and the skills to bring it home.
• He's super smart and lightning fast.
• He listens, accepts advice, and then makes it his own.
• He is a TEAM PLAYER...in family, in the work environment and in sports (just don't engage him in BB banter unless you have time to spare).
• He knows the devil's in the details and has his eye on all of them.
• He's tall.
• He supports his crews, knows their strengths and weaknesses and empowers them to a higher level.
• He is ever ready for the next move.
Why I Know This
• Because MR hired me to produce many of BowFlex's photo and video projects.
• Because he supported my business and kept me on my toes, making every project better than the last.
• Because at Zinc his client rating is GOAT.”
wendy taylor, product marketing leader
“Michael and I have worked together at BowFlex for the past three years. In that time the company was transformed from it's prior male body builder image. Michael has been instrumental in driving this change; adopting a new target consumer, creating a new voice to reach this consumer and crafting and launching an entirely new creative brand language. This work elevated BowFlex to become a modern and inclusive brand. His creativity and passion for the brand is infectious and his contributions far-reaching. I highly recommend Michael and believe his talents would be an asset to any team.”
bil white, tv commercial director
“I love love love working with Michael Robinson. He strikes that great balance between being clear in what he's looking for, but then giving people freedom to use their talent to come up with something even better. He's got good taste, good ideas, but is secure enough in his abilities to freely delegate without fear or ego.
Better yet: he's also a really nice guy who always treats work associates as people and friends first, which is refreshing in this business. I honestly can't think of anyone we've worked with, over the last ten-plus years, who doesn't respect Michael and enjoy working with him.”