Michael Crowley,
Co-Founder, President & CEO

Co-founder of the salon with Michael Jacobson, Michael is the business mind behind the Michael & Michael brand. Raised in a small town in Ohio where his father was both mayor and a successful entrepreneur, Michael grew up with competing passions for art and business that influenced much of his educational and professional careers.

He pursued music and theatre throughout high school and at the University of Cincinnati, singing with the Men’s Glee Club at UC’s prestigious Conservatory while serving as a leader in student politics and campus arts organizations. Instead of choosing one path, Michael chose three, ultimately earning degrees in political science, business and law.

His business background includes working 12 years as a litigator at a prestigious law firm, serving as Assistant Corporation Counsel for the City of Chicago, and acting as COO for a venture capital-backed technology startup. Michael also served on the adjunct faculty of Loyola University Chicago, where he taught postbaccalaureate courses in litigation and labor employment law.  Michael then moved into the world of design, studying at the respected Harrington College of Design in Chicago and serving as Vice President & General Counsel at a renowned interior design firm.

He also served on the Board of Directors for Fashion Group International, a worldwide non-profit professional organization for the fashion apparel, beauty and home furnishing industries.

Michael’s unique experience in both the corporate and art worlds make him a high-profile presence at Michael & Michael and within the city’s business, political and philanthropic circles.

For ten years, Michael was significantly involved with Youth Guidance, a leading provider of school-based programs for at-risk youth, where he served as Chairman of the Board of Directors. His stewardship of the organization earned him the Pioneer Board Member Award (2010) and Outstanding Board Member Award (2012).  As Board Chair, Michael received the 2016 Community Engagement Award from the Chicago Crime Commission, recognizing his efforts to enhance the lives of Chicago Youth.  He has also served on the Illinois Finance Committee, Chicago Leadership Circle and LGBT Steering Committee for Obama for America.

In his current role as CEO, Michael oversees all business operations, public relations, marketing and strategic planning, where he unites unmatched business acumen with an innate sense of style.  His keen sense of design led to Michael & Michael twice being named as a Salon of the Year by Salon Today magazine, the 2016 NAHA award for best designed salon in North America, and being named by Canadian Salon magazine as one of best designed salons around the globe.