Served as Managing Director, Transworld M&A Advisors
Mike was, in every sense, a builder — of businesses, of relationships, and of a legacy that spanned nearly five decades in industry and finance. A native of Lafayette, Indiana, and a graduate of Purdue University with degrees in Electrical Engineering and Industrial Administration, Mike built a career that took him from 3M and General Electric to executive leadership at Batesville Casket Company, and later to the presidency and COO role at Premier Bedding in Tampa. He went on to become a respected M&A expert and investment banking registered representative before joining our team as a Managing Director with Transworld M&A Advisors in St. Petersburg.

Mike was deeply committed to advancing the business brokerage profession. For twelve years, he championed a simplification bill for business brokers, and he took enormous pride in seeing that legislation signed into law. That persistence — patient, principled, and unwavering — was simply who Mike was.

Of everything he accomplished professionally, Mike often said his proudest role was serving 37 years on the board of directors of Batesville Tool & Die, Inc., where he was a trusted advisor to the founder, his late brother-in-law Ronald Fledderman, and the company’s leadership team. He wore the BTD logo with pride and never stopped believing in the power of good counsel, freely given.

Mike never really retired — he loved his work too much, often joking that he saw no reason to stop doing something he loved. That same enthusiasm carried into everything else he cared about: cheering on the Pacers alongside his wife Pat, traveling to Cancun, flying small aircraft, boating, and golfing. But nothing lit him up quite like his family. Whether he was sharing the latest update on a grandchild’s accomplishment or hosting his famous “Rodeo Cowboy” rides in the pool as “Papa Mike,” Mike’s love for his family was the thread that ran through everything he did.

Mike is survived by his wife of more than 40 years, Patricia (“Pat”) Ertel; daughters Heather Drockelman, Robyn Werner, and Kathryn Barajas; five grandchildren who adored him.

He will be remembered here at Transworld M&A for his strong work ethic, his integrity, his calm and steady presence, and the genuine warmth he brought to every relationship — professional and personal alike. Mike’s wisdom, humor, and generosity leave a lasting mark on our team, and he will be deeply missed.