How Michael, Protected His Family and Business with Life Insurance

I've known my wife Erica and her family since we were teenagers. Her dad, Michael, was the kind of guy I always looked up to. He was a successful business owner, loving husband, and terrific father. 

There was just something about him - he had this big personality and seemed larger than life. Once he set his mind to something, there was no stopping him. He would get it done.

Michael owned and co-founded the Atlantic Group, a company that supplied businesses with furniture. They helped fill entire offices or furnish small spaces for young companies just starting out. The Atlantic Group really took off under Michael's leadership. He had a personal approach to business where everyone felt cared for. He started the company with a partner even though he had two little kids at home. 

But beyond work, Michael was most passionate about baseball. My wife Erica says their early childhood was filled with baseball moments every single day. 

He started the Long Island Storm baseball team. They began as the Long Island Brewers but added an academy to teach kids as young as 8. College athletes and even some former pros played on the Storm team. And Michael didn't limit where they played - he funded trips for them to compete against national teams all over the world, places like Canada, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Italy, and Spain.

Somehow Michael balanced his business success and love of baseball and still raised two great kids. He was happily married to his wife Galita for 30 years. His son David played college ball and even signed with the Miami Marlins. And his daughter Erica graduated from Syracuse University with honors.

Unfortunately in 2015, Michael's story took a sad turn. In early spring that year he was diagnosed with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. It's a progressive disease that affects the nerves in the brain and spinal cord. Even today there's no cure, and on average people only live 3-5 years after diagnosis. 

Michael passed away on November 18, 2018 - just 74 days after I married his daughter Erica. For someone who seemed unstoppable, it was way too soon. 

But Michael had planned ahead to protect his family financially, just like he did with everything else. When he first started his company, Michael and his business partner funded a buy-sell agreement via life insurance. Because of his forward thinking, his family would be financially okay. 

Michael's Story was my first real experience seeing how important life insurance is and the impact of the decisions we make. It inspired me to help others in similar situations plan for the future. 

As I've grown and started my own business, with a wonderful wife and two daughters of my own now, I see so much of myself in Michael. I'm thankful I've done my planning too, so my family will be provided for just like he ensured for his.