Preview: This biography awaits client approval before being published. It’s not yet listed on the website
In the competitive world of real estate, few have mastered the art of building and scaling companies quite like Mike Kalis. As the Chief Executive Officer of Great Lake Investments, Kalis has cultivated a career that is not just about profits but about transforming lives—providing innovative housing solutions while helping investors grow their wealth. From humble beginnings in Michigan to becoming a prominent leader in the “build-to-rent” space, Mike’s journey is one of determination, leadership, and a deep understanding of market dynamics.
Contact Details
- Phone (Work): 734-751-1624
- Email: mike@greatlakerealty.com
- LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/mikekalis
- Company Website: Great Lake Investments
Early Beginnings and Educational Foundation
Mike’s academic journey began at Michigan State University’s Eli Broad Graduate School of Management, where he earned a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Marketing. During his undergraduate years, he broadened his horizons with a stint at the University of Hawaii—an experience that exposed him to diverse cultures and ideas, helping shape his perspective on business and leadership. This educational foundation in marketing would become a cornerstone in his career, allowing him to build companies with innovative strategies focused on customer needs and market trends.
Forging a Career in Real Estate
Mike’s career in real estate took root at Pulte Homes, where he spent three years refining his skills in sales. His time at Pulte taught him valuable lessons about the housing market, customer acquisition, and the intricacies of large-scale real estate operations. These experiences planted the seed for what would later become a remarkable entrepreneurial journey.
In 2007, Mike co-founded Marketplace Homes, a pioneering real estate company focused on property management, sales, and residential investments. Under his leadership as CEO, the company flourished over 12 years, expanding from a small team of one to more than 100 members. Mike’s innovative strategies and marketing prowess drove Marketplace Homes to achieve impressive growth, earning accolades such as a spot on Inc. Magazine’s 500 list of fastest-growing companies. The company became renowned for its commitment to customer satisfaction, high occupancy rates, and double-digit returns for investors.
During his tenure, Mike’s role evolved from VP of Sales and Marketing to Managing Partner, and finally to CEO, solidifying his reputation as a leader who could navigate market complexities with ease. His efforts did not go unnoticed, as Governor Rick Snyder recognized Marketplace Homes as one of Michigan’s “50 Companies to Watch.”
Transforming the Build-to-Rent Market: Copper Bay and Great Lake Investments
In 2020, Mike’s expertise in real estate investments took a new direction when he became President of Copper Bay, a build-to-rent venture in Grand Rapids, Michigan. At Copper Bay, Mike led the growth of a portfolio that included over 700 rental homes, achieving an astounding 98% occupancy rate. His focus on high-return investments saw partners enjoying 8.5 CAP rate averages and double-digit returns—metrics that solidified Copper Bay’s reputation in the real estate industry.
Following this success, Mike launched Great Lake Investments in 2021, based in Byron Center, Michigan. This new venture focused on single-family rentals, offering unique investment opportunities with impressive returns. Under his leadership, Great Lake Investments quickly became known for providing:
- 20% plus equity from day one through sweat equity
- A 20+ Internal Rate of Return (IRR)
- 7 CAP properties with 18-24 month capital returns
- Tax-advantaged passive rental income backed by real estate investments
Mike’s innovative investment model has garnered attention from investors seeking sustainable returns and diversification. With his guidance, Great Lake Investments offers the opportunity to double investments within 3 to 5 years, showcasing his strategic vision for long-term success.
Awards, Recognition, and Media Spotlight
Mike’s entrepreneurial journey has earned him numerous accolades, further cementing his influence in the real estate industry. His achievements include:
- Inc. Magazine’s #99th Fastest-Growing Company in the U.S. (2013)
- Three-time Inc. 500 award winner
- Stevie Award Nominee for “Most Innovative Company in the U.S. under 100 employees”
- Crain’s Detroit 20 in their 20s Winner
- Michigan Economic Bright Spot Award recipient
In addition to industry accolades, Mike’s innovative ventures have been featured in Forbes Magazine, Builder Magazine, DBusiness Magazine, Detroit Free Press, and Fox Business Network, among others. His story is also celebrated in the book “The Wizards: Inspiring Stories of American Entrepreneurs Who Take Company Building to a High Art Form.”
A Visionary Leader Driving Innovation and Growth
What sets Mike apart as a leader is not just his ability to generate profits but his dedication to empowering others—whether it’s investors, tenants, or his team. Mike’s companies thrive on a culture of collaboration, innovation, and strategic foresight. His leadership style emphasizes building strong partnerships, creating opportunities for personal and professional growth, and delivering value to all stakeholders involved.
Beyond his professional roles, Mike is also committed to sharing knowledge, regularly publishing articles and leveraging social media platforms to engage with the business community. His insights on real estate investments and marketing strategies have made him a sought-after voice in the industry.
Key Takeaways
- Innovative Leadership: Mike’s journey exemplifies the power of visionary leadership in transforming companies and markets.
- Strategic Growth: His focus on long-term strategies has enabled sustainable growth and profitability across multiple ventures.
- Empowering Others: Mike believes in building strong teams and partnerships, empowering people to achieve success together.
- Resilience and Adaptability: His ability to pivot from real estate sales to property management and build-to-rent ventures highlights his adaptability.
- Delivering Value: Whether through sweat equity, high returns, or innovative business models, Mike consistently delivers value to his clients and investors.
Leadership lessons
- Focus on Long-Term Vision: Short-term profits are important, but sustainable growth requires a strategic long-term approach.
- Empower Your Team: Success is a result of collective effort—nurture your team and foster collaboration.
- Adapt to Market Trends: Stay ahead by identifying emerging trends and aligning your business with market needs.
- Innovate Constantly: Challenge the status quo and embrace new business models to remain competitive.
- Build Strong Relationships: Trust and strong partnerships are key to achieving long-term success.
Conclusion
Mike Kalis’ journey is a testament to the power of vision, resilience, and strategic leadership. His ability to grow businesses from the ground up—whether by expanding teams, building profitable real estate portfolios, or pioneering the build-to-rent market—demonstrates his remarkable business acumen. Mike’s commitment to delivering value, coupled with his innovative spirit, has earned him widespread recognition in the real estate industry.
Through Great Lake Investments, he continues to empower investors with unique opportunities for wealth creation while contributing to the growth of West Michigan’s housing market. For those looking to diversify their portfolios with sustainable, high-return investments, Mike offers not just real estate opportunities but partnerships grounded in trust and mutual success. His inspiring journey underscores the importance of embracing change, empowering teams, and creating lasting value—lessons that every aspiring entrepreneur can learn from.
Editorial Notes
Mike Kalis’ story serves as an inspiring example of how entrepreneurial spirit, strategic leadership, and market insight can shape a thriving career. From his early days at Pulte Homes to leading Great Lake Investments, Mike’s journey reflects the essence of what it takes to build companies that not only succeed but also leave a lasting impact. His unwavering commitment to delivering value, empowering others, and driving innovation makes him a true visionary in the real estate industry.
For those ready to diversify their investments, Mike Kalis and Great Lake Investments offer an exciting opportunity to explore real estate-backed ventures with high returns. Reach out to Mike at mike@greatlakerealty.com to begin the conversation about building your wealth through innovative investment strategies
