Mike Hartman

Executive Director at FlyingTeeth

Above all − it is the idea of a challenge that drives me. My proven business acumen, technical understanding, social finesse and leadership skills give me what it takes to tackle the myriad of tasks and challenges presented to those in the hospitality industry. However, it is because of my experiences and personal philosophies that I embrace sustainability and am excited to work with like-minded developers and operators.

Mike's experience: 

Tiamo Resorts (1996 to 2008)

South Andros Island, The Bahamas

Owner + Developer + Chief Pot Washer

Creating and operating Tiamo from the ground up has been one of my most intensive and thorough learning experiences. The incredible variety of skills I learned and tasks I executed would require a novel to truly detail. From developing the business plan to gathering investors to building the buildings to installing the photovoltaic system to training staff to garnering worldwide attention through marketing and earned media to handling the sales and finances to repairing outboards to mixing drinks to analyzing finances to telling the Tiamo story to a room full of hoteliers − I had to do it all (and more) to make it happen. Not many have had the opportunity to create a solar-powered, boat-access only, twenty-two guest resort. 

Progressive Earth Development (1996 to 2009)

The Bahamas

President + Owner

Started for the development and management of Tiamo (see above), Progressive Earth Development has evolved into a multi-faceted entity providing hospitality marketing and management services as well as consulting and development services in the sustainable tourism and alternative energy industries in The Bahamas and the Caribbean.

Emerald Palms Resort (2006 to 2008)

South Andros Island, The Bahamas

Managing Partner

Through the auspices of Progressive Earth Development, my team upgraded and reopened this 40-room property with the intent to liquidate on behalf of the estate owner. To ensure success, we implemented a solid staff training program, an intense marketing effort and created a renewed outlook. Managing this concurrently with Tiamo brought our total contingent up to almost 70 persons − it was an exciting time to say the least.

Antonia's Restaurant (1995 to 1999)

Key West, Florida

Waiter Extraordinaire

Waiting table was  wonderful and socially broadening stint into the world of great food, great wine and fantastic service. My appreciation and love for fine food and fine wine began here under the mentoring of some fantastic Northern Italians. More importantly, it solidified what I imagine will be a life long career in the realm of hospitality.

The Herald − Times (1991 to 1995)

Bloomington, Indiana, United States

Manager of Commericial Publishing + Marketing

Starting here in tourism and sports advertising sales − I eventually moved on to help create and manage a magazine style commercial publishing division producing a myriad of titles with print runs in the millions. Selling, marketing, publishing and managing advertising-based publications set a solid foundation for my life long passion for the marketing and sales process.

Hoagland, Indiana, United States (197? to 1987)

Farm Hand + Construction Hand

While I did not appreciate it at the time, growing up on a “small family farm" with a father who also worked in construction was one of the best lessons I've experienced when it comes to life values and work ethic. It was in Indiana where I learned that “no” is never an option. If something needs to be done − you will always find a way to do it and that way will always be the right way.

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To inquire about booking Mike Hartman to speak at your next event, please contact Leesa Fountain at 

305 409 5844 or via email.

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