We recently connected with Michael Mackey and have shared our conversation below.

Michael, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Before we get into specifics, let’s talk about success more generally. What do you think it takes to be successful?

To be successful, you really just need a few key things:

Know what you want – Like, really know. Not just “be rich,” but what kind of life do you want?
Stick with it – Keep showing up. Even when it sucks or doesn’t seem to be working.
Be flexible – If your plan isn’t working, don’t quit—just try a different way.
Build good relationships – People help people. Don’t be a jerk. Help others too.
Don’t give up – Seriously. Most people quit too early.
Quick story:
The guy who started KFC (Colonel Sanders) was over 60 when he made it big. He had a chicken recipe and tried to sell it to restaurants. He got told no over 1,000 times. But he kept going. That’s it. He just kept going until someone finally said yes.

So success isn’t about being lucky or smart—it’s mostly about not giving up.

Michael, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

How I Got Started
I’ve been in the restaurant industry since I was 15. It’s where I grew up professionally, and it taught me everything from hard work and hustle to how important great service and consistency are. A while back, I was working with a business broker, looking to buy a restaurant or bar. That’s when I came across an opportunity in frozen yogurt. It wasn’t what I was originally searching for—but once I dug in, I saw the potential, and honestly, I kind of fell in love with it.

Frozen yogurt checked all the boxes: great margins, good vibes, family-friendly, and a chance to create something special that people could really enjoy.

What I Do
I run frozen yogurt shops that serve high-quality, flavorful froyo with a wide variety of toppings—fruity, crunchy, chocolaty, you name it. We focus on giving customers options: dairy-free, low-sugar, seasonal specials, and all the classics.

But beyond just the product, we create an atmosphere that’s welcoming, clean, and fun. Whether you’re popping in after school, hanging with friends, or taking your kids out for a treat—we’ve got something for everyone.

What Problems I Solve
In a world where fast food dominates and dessert options are either too heavy or too limited, we offer something that feels like a treat without the guilt. Our shops are a go-to spot to relax, celebrate, or just take a break from a busy day.

And we’re consistent—our customers know they’ll get friendly service, clean surroundings, and fresh, tasty options every time they walk in.

What Sets Me Apart
What sets us apart is experience and care. With my background in restaurants, I know what it takes to run a smooth operation and make people feel valued. We care about the full customer experience, from flavor and freshness to staff friendliness and vibe.

We also pay attention to our community. If people want a new topping or a certain flavor, we listen. We’re not a chain store going through the motions—we’re hands-on, responsive, and rooted in the neighborhoods we serve.

What I’m Most Proud Of
I’m proud of building something that feels real and meaningful. People tell us our shop is their happy place. I’ve seen kids grow up coming here, families create routines around it, and friends catch up over frozen yogurt. It’s more than a dessert—it’s part of people’s lives now.

What I Want You to Know
At the end of the day, I’m someone who genuinely cares about giving people a great experience. I’ve been in this industry since I was a teenager, and I’ve worked just about every job you can imagine in a restaurant. I’ve seen what works, what doesn’t, and how much it matters when someone puts care into the details.

I didn’t plan on getting into frozen yogurt—but once I did, I saw how much opportunity there was to build something people actually love. I’m hands-on with the business. I know my customers, I care about my team, and I take pride in running a shop that reflects all of that.

This isn’t just a side hustle or investment for me—it’s something I show up for every day, and I think that shows. So when you walk into one of my shops, just know there’s a real person behind it all, doing their best to make it great.

Let’s talk M&A – we’d love to hear your about your experience with buying businesses.

Yes—I’ve actually bought seven existing businesses over the years. Each one came with its own unique story, challenges, and opportunities, and every deal taught me something new. I was originally looking for a restaurant or bar—but that path led me to my first frozen yogurt shop instead. That pivot opened the door to an entirely new niche I hadn’t considered before. It was scalable, community-friendly, and honestly, just a good fit for my strengths. After that first deal, I was hooked. I started keeping my eye out for other well-run but under-loved businesses that had solid bones and room to grow.

Why I Buy Existing Businesses
I’ve always seen buying an existing business as a smart move—if you know what to look for. You’re stepping into something that already has infrastructure, customers, and revenue. It’s not always turnkey, but it gives you a head start compared to building from scratch.

What I look for is potential. Maybe the product is great but the branding is dated. Maybe the staff is strong but the owner was burned out. I look for gaps I know I can fill—whether it’s better management, cleaner systems, or just showing up with fresh energy and focus.

What the Process Is Like
The acquisition process can definitely be intense. There’s a lot of digging—financials, leases, vendor contracts, staff dynamics, customer flow. You’ve got to be curious, cautious, and clear about what you’re willing to take on. I’ve learned how to ask the right questions and spot red flags early.

It’s not always smooth. Deals fall apart, numbers don’t match up, or the story changes. But when it does come together, and you walk into a space knowing you can make it better—that’s a powerful feeling.

Buying seven businesses didn’t happen overnight. It took time, patience, and a willingness to bet on myself. But I’ve built something real, and I’m proud of it.

How do you keep your team’s morale high?

Managing a team isn’t just about giving directions—it’s about building a culture. And in my experience, that culture starts with respect, consistency, and communication.

1. Lead by Example

I don’t ask my team to do anything I wouldn’t do myself. If the floors need mopping or there’s a rush on the register, I’ll jump in. When your team sees that you’re willing to roll up your sleeves, it sets the tone. It shows them that everyone’s in it together, and no one’s above the work.

2. Be Clear, Be Fair

People want to know what’s expected of them—and they want to know the rules apply to everyone. I make sure expectations are clear from day one, and I stay consistent with feedback and accountability. When there’s fairness, there’s trust. When there’s trust, morale goes up.

3. Recognize the Good Stuff

It doesn’t have to be anything over the top, but small shoutouts, thank-yous, or even just saying, “I noticed you handled that customer really well” can go a long way. People want to feel seen and appreciated. Recognition costs nothing but pays off huge.

4. Create Opportunities to Grow

Even in a frozen yogurt shop, people want to learn and move up. I always try to give team members a path to more responsibility if they’re interested. It gives them ownership, which naturally leads to higher engagement and pride in the work.

5. Keep the Vibe Positive

This doesn’t mean ignoring problems—it means handling them in a way that keeps morale from tanking. Address issues privately, support your team publicly, and keep energy in the shop light and welcoming. That positive vibe is contagious, both for staff and customers.

6. Hire for Attitude, Train for Skill

Skills can be taught. Attitude is harder to fix. I’ve learned to hire people who bring good energy, are coachable, and genuinely want to be there. That kind of energy spreads fast and keeps the team tight.