Upon graduating
from
Mankato State University Michael accepted a position Director of
Marketing with DKP Productions, a artist management firm. While at DKP
Productions Michael represented a band, The Ultraviolet, that Gene
Simmons Simmons Records wanted to sign. Within a couple years he was
recruited by Red Light Records to head up their Radio Promotions
department.
In 1995 he launched his first website KISS Otaku after self-learning
html. Within three years of launching his first website he had launched
websites for Perris Records, Creative Communications, Sportmart and
Montgomery Wards.
Three years after the launch of his
website he was
personally recruited by Gene Simmons to lead the development and then
manage KISS' official website KISSonline.com. Michael then went on to
manage the website for seven years, building the site to a level of a
half million visitors a month. While involved with KISSonlne Michael
was involved in the online marketing efforts for New Line Cinemas
release Detroit Rock City, Universal Records top 10 debuting release
Psycho Circus, KISS The Box Set, Sanctuary Records release KISS
Symphony Alive IV on CD and DVD, Regal Cinemas KISS Symphony Alive IV
big screen debut, Showtimes PPV The Last KISS, Livent's Phantom of the
Opera, Wilshire Financial's KISS Visa card. KISSonline and Michael's
efforts were profiled by companies such as Adobe, Amazon and TechTV.
Michael received Gold RIAA awards for his efforts in promoting KISS
Psycho Circus, The KISS Box Set and KISS Symphony Alive IV.
While managing KISSonline as a Director of Web Services at Signatures
Network Michael also launched official websites and fanclubs for
high-profile artists such as; Madonna, U2, Motley Crue, Ozzy Osbourne,
Meat Loaf, John Mellencamp, Alan Jackson, Thalia, Britney Spears,
Jessica Simpson, Aaron Carter, Fleetwood Mac and Rod Stewart.
Michael was key in the development of the VIP ticket experience
program. After a initial trial launch with Sammy Hagar, Michael
developed the VIP ticket program for KISS' World Domination tour,
co-headlining with Aerosmith. This program set the mark for all other
VIP programs, offering front row tickets, exclusive merchandise,
personal photo with the band and then a meet and greet. Over the course
of a 60 date tour, the VIP program soldout at every show.
Now I am happy to be a fan once again and not
caught up
in the politics of KISS. KISS Otaku started in 1995 as a simple passion
of a KISS fan, and My KISS Life in 2009 is my return to the simple
passion of a KISS fan.