Michael De Los Santos
Durham,NC
Summary
With over a decade of experience as a small business owner and community advocate, I have successfully transformed brands into global successes. At Mike D's BBQ, I led the development of award-winning products that resulted in four world championships and received numerous state recognitions. Additionally, I effectively managed our highly acclaimed BBQ Smokehouse, earning prestigious accolades such as Best NC BBQ 2023 and Best BBQ in Durham 2024. My expertise also encompasses overseeing internal operations, including finances, payroll, and HR functions for both c3 and c4 segments of organizations with combined budgets exceeding $400,000. I played a pivotal role in communication and development activities while spearheading local, state, and national campaigns on critical issues such as predatory lending, affordable housing, and monetary policy. As part of my responsibilities, I conducted comprehensive training for staff and members on policy campaigns. Supporting my professional background, I hold a Master's degree in Real Estate from Georgetown University and a Bachelor's degree in Public Administration from Southern New Hampshire University.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Small Business Owner
Mike D's BBQ, LLC
12.2013 - 01.2025
- Developed global brand with customers in 50 states and 12 countries
- Managed daily operations for a successful small business, ensuring efficient processes and quality services.
- Established a loyal customer base by providing personalized attention, addressing concerns promptly, and exceeding expectations.
- Created award-winning products, winning 4 world championships and best in state 4 times
- Managed award-winning BBQ Smokehouse, winning Best NC BBQ 2023, Best New Restaurant in the Triangle 2023, and Best BBQ in Durham 2024
- Promoted business via social media to generate leads and maximize brand identity.
- Participated actively in local community events or organizations as a way to give back while expanding brand visibility and credibility.
Deputy Director
ActionNC
05.2014 - 08.2020
- Manage internal operation including finances for both c3 and c4 segments of organizations with combined budgets over $400,000
- Manage payroll and HR functions
- Assist with communication and development activities
- Manage local, state, and national campaigns which include: Predatory Lending, Affordable Housing, and Monetary Policy
- Conduct training for staff and members on policy campaigns
- Improved coordination and communications across organization to increase operational efficiency.
- Liaised between organization and affiliates and managed networking relationships with funders, partners and vendors.
Strategy Consultant
ActionNC
01.2011 - 05.2014
- Works with staff on campaign, communication, and operational strategies
Deputy Director
Richir Outreach
09.2013 - 01.2014
- Manage relationships with Nonprofit organizations across the country
- Ensure delivered work meets clients' goals, is sustainable/profitable, and on time
- Mitigate Client Conflicts
- Identify and Assist Staff in overcoming obstacles
- Ensure Staff have clear understanding of priorities and order in which tasks should be completed
- Ensure the needed staff capacity to complete all pressing tasks
- Ensure Tasks are Explicit
- Empower staff to meet goals
- Ensure Project Leads are equitably distributed
- Identify Team Weak Points
- Approve, report PTO requests, balance workload in response to approved PTO and other absences
- Tracking HR needs through ADP system
Director of Programs
Reinvestment Partners
03.2010 - 08.2013
- Implementation, management, and evaluation of organizational programs
- Managed HUD Fair Housing/Lending Grants totaling over $550,000
- Develop strategic plans for administrative and program tasks
- Coordinate workshops and presentations on predatory lending and fair lending issues
- Orchestrating media events and conferences
- Establish and maintain relationships with local, state, and national agencies associated with the organization's programs
- Mobilize advocates for direct action
- Provide educational materials and outreach to community groups and consumers
- Represent Reinvestment Partners at public ceremonies, community events and conferences relating to various program work
- Prepare and manage email alerts and press advisories
- Provide capacity building with partner agencies to mobilize their communities
- Use internet, social media, and other creative outlets for organizing and communications
- Assist with grant writing for both foundations and federal grant programs
Legislative and Campaign Director
North Carolina ACORN
12.2007 - 08.2009
- Develop our Legislative Agenda in conjunction with the State Director and membership
- Lobby our agenda on behalf of our membership at the General Assembly
- Worked closely with our partner organizations to lobby successfully for the passing of key laws preventing predatory lending
- Work closely with our partner organizations to draft legislation to be introduced around issues that are important to our membership
- Train staff and members on the Legislative Agenda and the Legislative process
- Lobby our National elected officials on behalf of our National agenda on issues that are important to our state
- Write grants and work with State Director on funding opportunities
Education
Master of Arts - Real Estate
Georgetown University
Washington DC05-2018
Bachelor of Arts - Public Administration
Southern New Hampshire University
Hooksett, NH05-2015
Skills
- Small business operations
- Operational efficiency
- Event coverage planning
- Program management
- Grassroots organizing
- Customer service experience
- Operations management
- Problem-solving
- Policy analysis
- Strategic planning
- Policy advocacy
Accomplishments
Member
Issued by Sigma Alpha Pi Chapter - The National Society of Leadership and Success · Apr 2015
Member
Issued by Sigma Psi Chapter, Alpha Sigma Lambda Honor Society · Mar 2014
Member
Issued by Gamma Nu Chapter, Delta Mu Delta: International Business Honor Society · Feb 2014
Experts of Color Network - Member
Issued by Insight Center for Community Economic Development - Closing the Racial Wealth Gap Initiative · Nov 2012
Timeline
Deputy Director
ActionNC
05.2014 - 08.2020
Small Business Owner
Mike D's BBQ, LLC
12.2013 - 01.2025
Deputy Director
Richir Outreach
09.2013 - 01.2014
Strategy Consultant
ActionNC
01.2011 - 05.2014
Director of Programs
Reinvestment Partners
03.2010 - 08.2013
Legislative and Campaign Director
North Carolina ACORN
12.2007 - 08.2009
Master of Arts - Real Estate
Georgetown University
Bachelor of Arts - Public Administration
Southern New Hampshire University
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