RDML Mike Van Poots, PhD MBA FP-C

Energizer
DISC Type : I

Rear Admiral Deputy Commander Submarine Forces at US Navy

Harrisonburg-Staunton-Waynesboro Area, United States

Overview

A decorated US Navy Rear Admiral and strategic defense leader, Mike Van Poots serves as the Deputy Commander for Submarine Forces. His career blends high-level military command with corporate technical management at Molson Coors. He holds an Engineering Physics degree and an MBA from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, plus a PhD in Applied Management.

Beyond his professional duties, he has a profound and long-standing commitment to community service. He is an active paramedic and has served as the Chief of the Harrisonburg Rescue Squad, demonstrating a deep-seated passion for emergency medical services and helping others in his community.

Unique fact: He is a US Navy Rear Admiral who also manages technical services for a major brewery and serves as a frontline paramedic.

Personality Overview

Imaginative

Relationship Oriented

Full Of Energy

They are people oriented, friendly and like creating new connections.  They are not always early adopters but can be pursuaded by leveraging strong relationships. They excel at seeing the bigger picture, and the long-term impact of their decisions.

Topics They Care About

Strategic Defense
His career as a Rear Admiral is centered on national security, strategic operations, and leading the US Navy's Undersea Warfighting Development Center.
Operational Leadership
He leads complex operations in both the military and at Molson Coors, overseeing capital projects, engineering, and environmental compliance for a top global brewery.
Community Service
Demonstrates a passion for public service through his long-term role as a paramedic and former Chief for the Harrisonburg Rescue Squad.

Media Appearances

RDML has no verified media appearances

Work History

6-2025
Rear Admiral Deputy Commander Submarine Forces at US Navy
8-2024 - 6-2025
Commander Undersea Warfighting Development Center at US Navy
8-1991 - 8-2024
Rear Admiral Deputy Commander Submarine Forces at US Navy
10-2007
Senior Manager Technical Services Shenandoah Brewery at Molson Coors Beverage Company
4-2016
Paramedic & former Chief at Harrisonburg Rescue Squad, Inc.

Education

BS from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
MBA from RPI Lally School of Management

More Information

Social Presence :

Prographics :

Exp : 34 Location : Harrisonburg-Staunton-Waynesboro Area, United States Job Level : Middle Designation : Rear Admiral Deputy Commander Submarine Forces at US Navy
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Insights For Selling To RDML Mike

During A Call Or A Meeting

DO's

  • Talk about their team and how your product will help them do things better and easier
  • Use adjectives like ‘amazing’, ‘coolest’, ‘unbelievable’ etc.
  • Use phrases like ‘people will love’, ‘massive impact’ etc.

DONT's

  • Don’t push them to make a decision too fast, let them get comfortable first
  • Don’t be excessively objective, be a storyteller
  • Don’t be too formal, focus on building comfort and trust

When Cold Calling

When Writing An Email

While Negotiating & Closing

    The secret to closing fast with RDML Mike is

  • Relationship and trust can be vital with them, sometimes more than anything else.
  • Will you ever get a clear answer from RDML Mike

  • They are unlikely to say no directly, you have to make that decision yourself.

Insights For Deal Planning

    How fast (or slow) will RDML Mike move?

  • They are not the fastest decision makers, their friendly approach can give false positive signals.
  • Can RDML Mike take some risk or not?

  • They can accept limited risks, ones that they think will not impact them personally.

You And RDML Mike

Personality Compatibility


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