Profile of a Business Owner: Michael Lesser

Michael Lesser joined Peoples Insurance Group in 2001 as an Agency Manager, becoming Managing Partner in 2009. Lesser then purchased the agency in 2014 and Peoples Insurance Group was formed. Mike manages the agency alongside his wife, Erin Lesser. Mike and Erin reside in Topeka with their family.

TK: When you’re considering partnering with another person or business, what factors are deal-breakers for you?

MICHAEL: This question is easy to answer. I 100% of the time do business with people who do business with me for products and services. If that is not possible, I buy local and try to create a partnership with them moving forward.

TK: Who is your role model and why?

MICHAEL: I have two. The first is my father Dode Lesser. My dad instilled in me a hard work ethic, he showed me by example how to work your ass off. We didn’t stop working at 5:00, we stopped when the job was done. He taught me to treat the Janitor the same as the CEO, no one is better than anyone else. He taught me honesty. His saying was “Right’s Right and Wrong’s Wrong”

My other role model is Ron Lutz, my former Partner at Peoples Insurance Group. Ron taught me how to be a businessman, how to breakdown a financial statement, how to take care of customers, and the importance of loyalty in business. When my father passed away Ron became the one I went to for guidance, and still do to this day.

TK: What is the best book you read this year?

MICHAEL: I really enjoyed “Call Sign Chaos, by General James “Mad Dog” Mattis.

TK: What has been your greatest challenge?

MICHAEL: The death of my daughter Lauren. Cherish those you love, tomorrow is not promised.