Michael Erath

Visionary
DISC Type : Ds

Member at YPO

Phoenix, Arizona, United States

Overview

Michael Erath is the founder of Next Level Growth, a 4X Inc. 5000 CEO, and author who helps entrepreneurs build elite organizations. Drawing on his own extensive experience, he guides leadership teams to scale their businesses. People who work with him describe him as transformative, intelligent, and sharp.

Michael has a deep commitment to peer-to-peer learning and networking, demonstrated by his long-standing involvement with Young Presidents Organization (YPO) and Entrepreneurs Organization (EO). He has an interest in business publications like Harvard Business Review and Inc. Magazine and has authored two of his own business books.

After growing his family business to $45M, he lost everything due to a partners fraud and rebuilt his career from scratch.

Personality Overview

Objective Evaluator

Risk Tolerant

Big Vision Person

They are very professional in their approach and can weigh multiple perspectives together.  They might take some time to make their mind up but once they do, they don't change it easily. Reading between the lines and seeing beyond your words comes naturally to them.

Topics They Care About

Building Elite Organizations
This is the core mission of his company, Next Level Growth, and the central theme of his book, "Five Obsessions of Elite Organizations®".
Entrepreneurial Resilience
His book "RISE" and many interviews detail his personal story of losing his business to fraud and rebuilding, a core part of his coaching philosophy.
Business Operating Systems
He created his "Five Obsessions" as a flexible alternative to rigid systems like EOS®, a topic he frequently discusses in his content and podcasts.

Media Appearances

Michael has no verified media appearances

Work History

4-2025
Member at YPO
3-2025
Author at Five Obsessions of Elite Organizations®
2-2021 - 11-2022
Certified Scaling Up Coach at Scaling Up Coaches
4-2020 - 3-2022
President Of The Board Of Directors at Jaxon Foundation
3-2020
Certified Pinnacle Business Guide - Founding Member at Pinnacle Business Guides

Education

1992 - 1994
BS from High Point University
1990 - 1992
Business/Managerial Economics from Guilford College

More Information

Social Presence :

Prographics :

Exp : 28 Location : Phoenix, Arizona, United States Job Level : Leadership Designation : Member at YPO
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Insights For Selling To Michael

During A Call Or A Meeting

DO's

  • Let them know of potential risks but suggest mitigation methods alongside
  • During followups, use phone or text if needed, they should be fine
  • Use phrases like 'your team deserves', 'best in class' etc.

DONT's

  • Avoid putting conscious effort into relationship-building
  • Don't shy away from asking hard questions, but be extra polite
  • Don't take their patience for granted, avoid long-winding sermons

When Cold Calling

When Writing An Email

While Negotiating & Closing

    The secret to closing fast with Michael is

  • Strong proof of impact and their conviction will matter the most, but they wouldn't want to act unilaterally either
  • Will you ever get a clear answer from Michael

  • They will say no if they are not convinced but you will have to prompt them.

Insights For Deal Planning

    How fast (or slow) will Michael move?

  • They will want to understand things well but can move fast once they have a clear picture.
  • Can Michael take some risk or not?

  • They have good risk tolerance but are likely to think it through once or twice.

You And Michael

Personality Compatibility


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