Bench Builders

We help companies solve the "people problems" that are hurting their profit & slowing their growth. 

Our services include:
• Executive Coaching
• People Skills Training
• Strategic Planning

WEBSITE: https://bench-builders.com/
PODCAST: https://bench-builders.com/resources/unstuck-podcast/
BLOG: https://bench-builders.com/blog/

Better Bench Strength ... Better Bottom Line

Mike is a full-time entrepreneur, podcast host, devoted father, and loving husband. Before launching Bench Builders, he held senior roles in Shaw and Mohawk — both Fortune 500 manufacturing companies. He has worked with clients around the world as they scaled their companies quickly, building his knowledge of how to create the right recipe for success and learning how to pivot and avoid potential problems.

Personal Achievements:

• Certified Executive Coach
• B.S., Psychology from the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga
• M.Ed., Human Resource Development from Vanderbilt University
• SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP)
• Certified Compensation Professional (CCP)
• Certified to administer and facilitate DiSC® Profile Workshops and Assessments
• President of the International Business Council of the Chattanooga Chamber
• Rotary Club Member


SPECIALTIES: Executive Coaching, Management Training, Strategic Planning, Business Coaching, Leadership Team Building, Leadership Development, Change Management Training, People Skills, Corporate Training, Communication Skills Training, Supervisory Skills, Soft Skills Training, Leadership Training Programs, Management Development, Organizational Development, HR Strategy

Principal

ProManager, Inc.

EMJ Corporation

Joined the company in this newly-formed position to lead HR for this fast-growing general contractor. With revenue of nearly $1B and over 400 employees, Chattanooga-based EMJ manages retail construction projects nationwide and has offices in Boston, Dallas and Sacramento. Position managed a staff of seven (7).

Director of Human Resources

Mohawk Industries

Recruited to lead HR for this fast-growing floor-covering manufacturer. At that time, Aladdin Mills was a privately-held $400 million company employing 2,200. In 1994 Aladdin merged with publicly-held Mohawk Industries. Over the next decade, Mohawk completed 10 major acquisitions. During this time, my duties were expanded to include corporate and core business operations. As Senior HR Director, led the team that supported 8,500 employees within Corporate, Manufacturing (16 facilities) and Distribution (54 facilities) yielding annual sales of nearly $8 billion.

Positions Held:

Senior Human Resources Director: Corporate / Operations
1997-2007

Human Resources Director: Operations
1996-1997

Human Resources Director: Aladdin Division
1992-1995

Sr. Director of Human Resources

Shaw Industries

Joined Salem Carpets as its first Employment Center Manager. Over the next eight years held progressive HR roles supporting all divisions. At the time of acquisition by Shaw Industries in 1992, I was functioning in the #2 role in HR. Soon thereafter, I was offered the top HR role with Aladdin Mills.

Positions Held:

Sr. Human Resources Manager: Corporate Headquarters 
1990-1992

Corporate Compensation & Benefits Manager
1989

Human Resources Manager: Distribution and Sales Divisions
1985-1989

Human Resources Manager: Yarn Division
1984-1985

Employment Center Manager: Manufacturing Headquarters
1984

Sr. Human Resources Manager

Welcome to Bench Builders, your trusted partner in HR consulting and supervisor people-skills training. We're committed to cultivating robust teams and empowering effective leaders, offering tailored solutions to help organizations thrive in today's dynamic business landscape.

Through Game Plan Coaching, we deliver results-driven executive coaching and leadership development programs designed specifically for SMB leaders. These programs are laser-focused on enhancing leadership skills, tackling team challenges, and achieving a harmonious work-life balance. Whether you're seeking to refine your leadership abilities, overcome team obstacles, or strike a balance between work and personal life, our coaching programs are tailored to meet your unique needs and goals.

Our Services:

- HR Consulting Services
- Supervisor People-Skills Training
- Personalized Executive Coaching Programs

At Bench Builders, our mission is to empower individuals and organizations to unlock their full potential. Let's join forces to establish a rock-solid foundation for success.

Testimonials:

"Mike is an incredible professional to work with! He invests significant thought and effort into everything he does, demonstrating genuine care for his clients and connections. It's rare to find such a remarkable blend of talent, experience, compassion, and skill in one individual."
~ Christina Hooper, Sparkitive Founder

"Mike is not only a skilled HR professional but also an outstanding individual. His technical proficiency, combined with his ability to foster team collaboration, truly sets him apart. Mike's dedication to community and people is truly commendable. I can't speak highly enough about him."
~ Allen McNeill, SVP at Challenger, Gray & Christmas

"Mike's leadership prowess, adaptability, and genuine concern for others have always impressed me. He approaches projects and challenges with professionalism and empathy, even in the most demanding situations. Mike's integrity and ethical standards make him an invaluable team player, continually striving to improve processes and outcomes."
~ Randy Waskul, Global Director, Health, Safety, and Environment at Birla Carbon"

🎙️ "Your calendar is full, but your energy is empty."

When Michelle Niemeyer said this, I felt exposed.

She wasn't talking about me specifically. But she might as well have been.

This former attorney turned performance coach has a gift for naming what we won't admit:

We think exhaustion is excellence.

Michelle's take? "Most high achievers don't realize they're burning out."

They think the warning signs are badges of honor:
- Detachment from things you once loved
- Withdrawal from people who matter  
- Creeping negativity about everything

(Check, check, and... yeah, check.)

But here's where Michelle's approach surprised me.

She doesn't preach work-life balance.
She teaches something called "bending time."

𝗜𝘁'𝘀 𝗱𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗹𝘆 𝘀𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲:
1. Fuel your body and mind (you can't pour from an empty cup)
2. Build your team (stop trying to be everyone's everything)
3. Get crystal clear on what energizes you

Most productivity advice asks: "How can I do more?"
Michelle asks: "What actually matters to you?"

The shift is subtle but profound.

When you know what lights you up, you stop wasting energy on what doesn't.
When you fuel yourself first, you have more to give.
When you build your team, you multiply your impact.

Since our conversation, I keep coming back to that question:
What actually matters to me?

It's changing how I look at my calendar. My commitments. My energy.

🧠 Bending time isn't about squeezing more hours from your day. It's about getting more from the hours you have.

🎧 Michelle shares her complete framework (including specific strategies for each pillar) in our conversation → link in comments

💡 Quick gut check: What's on tomorrow's calendar that already feels heavy?

#GetUnstuckPodcast #ExecutiveCoaching #BurnoutPrevention #LeadershipWellbeing #BenchBuilders

Mike ONeill

Executive Coach for Senior Leaders | Strategic Facilitator | Leadership Development Expert | Build Your Bench. Scale Your Business.

taplio

Mike ONeill's Linkedin Analytics

Mike ONeill

Performance ScoreMike ONeill's LinkedIn Performance

Mike ONeill's Best Posts (last 30 days)

Ready to grow your LinkedIn presence?

taplio

.css-6ytdur{background-image:linear-gradient(284deg, rgba(39, 43, 72, 1) 0%, rgba(33, 47, 183, 1) 100%);color:transparent;-webkit-background-clip:text;background-clip:text;}Mike ONeill's Linkedin Analytics

Mike ONeill

Performance Score.css-goub6s{font-size:var(--chakra-fontSizes-md);font-weight:500;color:var(--chakra-colors-gray-600);display:block;margin-top:var(--chakra-space-1);}Mike ONeill's LinkedIn Performance

Mike ONeill's Best Posts .css-1emoo84{font-size:var(--chakra-fontSizes-md);font-weight:400;color:var(--chakra-colors-gray-600);}(last 30 days)

Ready to grow your LinkedIn presence?

Mike ONeill's Linkedin Analytics

Performance ScoreMike ONeill's LinkedIn Performance

Mike ONeill's Best Posts (last 30 days)