CEO - Founder - Musician
Michael V. Holdt is the Chief Executive Officer and Founder of the Michael V. Holdt Music Foundation and the visionary behind the Foundation’s Big Shot Center for Personal Achievement. With more than four decades of experience as a musician, educator, performer, mentor, band manager, consultant, inventor, and author, he has dedicated his career to the transformative power of music. Michael studied with internationally renowned percussionists George Huttlin, Marshall Maley, Buddy Rich, and later Tony Martucci. In 1983, he received First Prize in Classical Timpani at the Vienna International Music Festival. Throughout his distinguished career, he has performed, collaborated, managed, or consulted with internationally recognized artists including Prince, Carlos Santana, James Taylor, Wynton Marsalis, Steve Marcus, and members of the Jersey Boys production. His experience spans classical, jazz, rock, funk, Latin, and popular music. In 2002, he authored a comprehensive Career Guidebook for musicians and continues to innovate as an inventor and designer of percussion instruments and digital music technologies. Fellow musicians recognize Michael for his exceptional ability to “make the music swing”. From 2003 through 2016 he managed the Choper Jazz Project while continuing to perform professionally.
Beyond his musical accomplishments, Michael has always believed that music should serve a greater purpose. His mentorship of two autistic young adults inspired innovative approaches to using music to build communication, confidence, and self-expression—an experience that became the foundation for the Michael V. Holdt Music Foundation’s mission. Throughout his career, he has generously volunteered his talents to benefit others, including performing with the United Service Organizations (USO) for active-duty military personnel and Wounded Warriors after working alongside members of the United States Army Band. Today, he continues to lead the Foundation with a vision of empowering autistic adults and individuals with developmental disabilities through the Big Shot Center for Personal Achievement. The program uses music to help them develop confidence, independence, meaningful life skills, and a lasting sense of personal achievement while remaining committed to serving his community through the universal language of music.
Michael J. Wyatt is an award-winning singer-songwriter and composer dedicated to his lifelong passion for music. As a former assistant director and master teacher at the House of Voice in Beverly Hills, California, he has mentored countless students, helping them achieve their vocal potential. With a rare five-octave range and a remarkable falsetto, Michael believes music is one of the purest forms of expression. His love for music began early, singing along with his favorite vocalists and joining school choirs. As a young adult, he worked as a DJ, gaining notice for his unique style, and later transitioned to radio as a popular on-air personality who has been followed for over 20 years. Michael has been a lead vocalist across various genres, performing at concert halls, stadiums, and mega-churches. He is creating high-energy power ballads with his band Steel Bleau as they prepare for an upcoming album. He also co-hosts The Business of Music; a podcast where he shares insights to help aspiring artists. Committed to the limitless nature of creativity, Michael continues his pursuit of musical excellence. Michael’s experience as an educator and vocal coach enables him to provide valuable insights, knowledge, and skills to the foundation, creating programs that offer unique perspectives.
After 39 years as both a business owner and corporate executive in the ready-mixed concrete industry, Rich Gibson transitioned to the financial sector in 2007, bringing with him extensive knowledge of business and finance. As a comprehensive wealth manager, he is dedicated to helping clients reach their financial goals, prepare for retirement, and understand their full financial affairs. His investment options range from active money management with downside protection to alternative investments for high-net-worth individuals. Rich believes that in today’s rapidly changing economic environment, it is more important than ever to have a trustworthy advisor who considers the entirety of a client’s financial life. His independence allows him to focus solely on finding the best solutions for each client’s unique goals, and his fiduciary commitment ensures he always acts in their best interests with undivided loyalty and good faith.
Rich’s passion for financial education and helping others led him to join Global View Capital Advisors (GVCA) and Purshe Kaplan Sterling Investments (PKS), where he offers a broad spectrum of financial solutions. Beyond his professional work, he is deeply engaged in the Long Beach community, serving as Vice President on the Long Beach Rotary Club board, a board member of the Rotary Charitable Foundation, and treasurer for the Disabled Resource Center Board. He has twice been President of the Long Beach Tippers networking club and served on its board for many years. His leadership, community involvement, and dedication to client success reflect his commitment to both professional excellence and making a meaningful impact.
Aaron Johnson is a federally licensed Enrolled Agent who has worked in the tax and accounting industry for over 20 years with a committed focus to providing the best service possible for clients while treating them as long-term partners rather than customers to extract profit from. He knows that absolute trust is the true foundation of a strong financial relationship and essential to long term success. His dedication to providing high quality at fair prices with respectful honesty has been rewarded with a loyal and satisfied client base who appreciates his ability to refine complexities into easily understood points most relevant to them. Aaron is in the business of helping people become more financially empowered to best focus on the rest of their lives.
Skye Avalon is a fundraiser, artist, and community activist dedicated to helping fellow musicians and artists succeed in their craft.