Michael joined his family owned-insurance agency directly out of Maryville College in 1982. He joined Barnes Insurance Agency in 2011. Michael handles all types of insurance, with an emphasis on commercial and financial needs. As a lifelong Sevier County resident he is very involved in local civic organizations; i.e., the inaugural class of Leadership Sevier, Kiwanis (30+ years) and currently serves as a board member of The Boys & Girls Club of the Smoky Mountains. Michael has also served as Co-Chair of the 1,000,000 Capital Campaign, which helped launch the initial permanent building for The Boys & Girls Club.