Mike Olson is a relatively new face at Tamarack. As director of client success – a new position at the company – Mike’s role is to deepen Tamarack’s relationship with clients to ensure they are achieving current goals and moving toward those of the future. Outside of the office, Mike is a quintessential hockey dad throughout the year – coaching his sons’ teams and building backyard rinks.
What is your favorite thing about working at Tamarack?
So far, I would say it is the people. I knew several members of the Tamarack team and they spoke very highly of their experience, so I was thrilled to join them and their colleagues, who welcomed me warmly. I can already affirm that our clients motivate this team to deliver with excellence, and my new role in client success will build on that culture of having our clients at the center of our focus.
What is your history in the equipment finance industry?
I spent several years working at Wells Fargo Equipment Finance, and I really enjoyed my time in the industry. I was fortunate to have mentors who encouraged me to take on roles in credit, sales and technology so I could learn the business and apply a technical-solutions approach to things from a multi-disciplinary standpoint. One of my favorite parts of this industry is how ripe it is for innovation. We instituted front-end workflows, single-purpose applications tied to operations, a collections platform, and a reporting platform over the years. I am rejoining several former colleagues I worked with on those projects with my new role at Tamarack. I’m excited to work with them again and with others across the industry who I’ve had relationships with in the past.
Tell us about your family
My wife Kia and I have been married for 16 years, and we have two sons, ages 10 and 12. We have extended family across the country, so we rotate visits with the grandkids to Florida, Tennessee and Colorado as much as we can.
What do you like to do outside of work?
I am a traveling hockey coach all year long. I coach one of my sons in the winter months and then I coach my other son for his spring and summer team.
My main hobby in the wintertime is ice rink building in my backyard. This hobby usually begins at 10 PM after everyone has gone to bed. I flip on the lights and grab a shovel along with a hose and ready the rink for the next skate. This year will be my fourth year having a home hockey rink and I learn a little bit more each year. It is a lot of work, but the memories I see my sons making in our own backyard are worth every ounce of effort!
I also love to run and golf. I used to run marathons, but we got busy with raising kids and now I put in 3-4 miles around the neighborhood as often as I can. During the summer months, I try to get in at least one round of golf a week.
What are your favorite things about Minnesota?
I am a Minnesota native and have lived here my whole life. So of course, I am passionate about Vikings football and have had season tickets since 1998. This year is going to be our year! I mean, what could go wrong? I also love that we get to experience all the seasons and that we have access to amazing lakes, parks, riverfronts and open space within our reach. I love the fall too; Minnesota has a lot of greenery and in the fall, the colors are amazing. The temperatures stay relatively warm, but the humidity goes away, and it makes for some great afternoons on the golf course or doing a trail run. And I can’t forget to mention that Minnesota has very vibrant arts and culinary offerings so we take advantage of that as much as we can.