Michelle Bergquist believes that when it comes to business and success, it?s all about relationships. For over 25 years Michelle has built her business and success on this simple, yet important philosophy.

Before becoming a consultant, speaker and trainer, Michelle transitioned through five mergers and acquisitions during a commercial banking career that lasted over a decade. Through this real-world experience, she learned first-hand how critical solid relationships are to building and maintaining client loyalty, repeat business, referrals, client retention, career transition, growth and promotion. In 1998, in addition to consulting with small businesses on financing and business planning, Michelle founded and launched The Corporate Basket, a nationwide corporate gift company that specialized in client appreciation and employee recognition gifts. After nine years of building her local San Diego business to an international platform, Michelle sold the company in early 2007.

Currently, Michelle is the core instructor at the University of San Diego?s Academy for Small Business Success and Cal State San Marcos for the small business certificate program, Smart Steps to Start and Grow a Small Business.