Since becoming CEO, Mike has overseen a 324% increase in students served annually with over 392,000 students participating in the organization’s education programs in 2023. This growth also corresponds with a 131% increase in school district partnerships and 166% increase in annual revenue. Additionally, the National Inventors Hall of Fame organization’s assets have increased by 273%, and the National Inventors Hall of Fame Museum has doubled in square footage and exhibit space. The organization has benefited from the implementation of a high-service, user-friendly delivery and training business model exemplified by a 157% increase in teachers trained nationally each year, for education outreach programs in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico. His demonstrated success of building strong partnerships, implementing new programs and cultivating sustainable businesses are a perfect fit for the National Inventors Hall of Fame’s needs as it grows and expands its businesses and mission.

Prior to joining the National Inventors Hall of Fame, Mike successfully built Classic Sport Companies from a startup to a $20 million-plus manufacturer of sporting goods, supplying team dealers throughout the country while building partnerships with prominent retailers such as Dick’s Sporting Goods, Sports Authority, Target, Sam’s Club, and Toys "R" Us. During Mike’s time as president and founder of the company, Classic Sport more than doubled its revenue each year between 1994 and 2000 and was named one of Inc. Magazine’s 500 fastest-growing private companies in the United States in 1999 (No. 86) and 2000 (No. 31). The company was known industrywide as a leader in innovation.

Mike graduated from Colorado State University and now resides in Jackson Township, Ohio, with his wife Melinda and their four children: Sari, Marni, Charlie and Jeffrey. He is active with many of his children’s interests and activities through coaching and volunteering.

You can contact Mike Oister at: [email protected]