Mike Pearson is an entrepreneur whose leadership and business ventures span across industries, from manufacturing to environmental solutions. As COO of Protocase Inc., and the founder of Frameworks Inc.and Co-Founder of MMP Environmental Solutions, Mike’s approach to business is rooted in values-based leadership and scalable systems. His passion for empowering businesses and leaders has made him a sought-after figure in the entrepreneurial world. In this feature, we’ll dive into his journey, his unique approach to leadership, and the ways he’s shaping the future of each of his companies.
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Beverly Hills Magazine: Let’s dive right in. What inspired you to pursue entrepreneurship, and what was your first business venture?
Mike Pearson: That’s a loaded question! I’m relatively new to entrepreneurship, which I once viewed as black magic. I’ve always loved systems and been a high performer. I spent 15 years in the military before joining Protocase in Nova Scotia, Canada. There, I was inspired by two entrepreneurs who grew the company from nothing to a nine-figure business. Being around them and meeting others along the way, I fell into entrepreneurship. My first venture was a waste management company, MMP Environmental, started with a partner, and it’s doing really well a couple of years in.
Beverly Hills Magazine: Congratulations! Can you tell us about Protocase, and are you still involved? Also, what’s MMP Environmental Solutions?
Mike Pearson: I’m the COO at Protocase, where I’ve been for 10 years. Protocase specializes in high-velocity mass customization, helping innovation and science by delivering what engineers need faster than anyone else. We work with major players, including private space companies and NASA, supporting the race to space. It’s my day job, but also my passion. As for MMP Environmental, my partner Mike, who also worked at Protocase, saw an opportunity in waste management. Nobody pays attention to their garbage costs, so we started with Protocase as our first customer and have grown to become the fastest-growing waste management company on the East Coast.
Beverly Hills Magazine: That sounds incredible. Tell us about your third venture, Frameworks Inc.
Mike Pearson: Frameworks is still in its infancy, and I’m learning as I go. At Protocase, I noticed we lacked a formalized training program, especially for leadership. As we grew from 100 to 400 employees, the need became clear. I took it as a personal passion project, pushing for leadership development despite initial resistance in management meetings. Frameworks was born from this, starting with a group coaching session called Limitless for Protocase leaders. It grew organically as community members joined, and now I’m exploring how to expand it. It feels like a movement, equipping entrepreneurs with the leadership mindset and skills for success in business and personal life.
Beverly Hills Magazine: How do you define success as an entrepreneur, and has that definition evolved?
Mike Pearson: I used to be a relentless goal-getter, always chasing the next peak, never satisfied. Recently, I read 10X Is Easier Than 2X by Dan Sullivan, which introduced the concept of “the gain in the gap.” It’s about appreciating what you’ve learned today compared to yesterday, rather than fixating on the horizon. This shift has helped me enjoy the journey, calm down, and become a better leader.
Beverly Hills Magazine: I agree. I believe success is also about self-discovery and development, recognizing that the businesses we build, build us. The entrepreneurial experience shapes our character, perseverance, and courage. How do you measure success in your ventures beyond financial outcomes?
Mike Pearson: Beyond finances, it’s about people and habits. I encourage building sustainable habits without chasing perfection. I use challenges and checklists—like my 96-day fitness challenge—to track progress in small, consistent steps. In business, I set weekly goals, reflect daily, and plan my week on Sundays, scheduling creative and free time. This discipline gives me energy. I teach others to adopt similar systems, emphasizing consistency over perfection to avoid burnout.
Beverly Hills Magazine: What are the most important qualities you look for when hiring leaders or team members?
Mike Pearson: I look for energy—it’s like a transformational leader’s spark. Even if someone causes trouble, that energy can be redirected for good. Trust and high performance are key; I avoid victim mindsets and focus on accountability. The toughest quality to gauge is how someone handles people—conflict aversion or poor communication can be hidden. I believe most attributes are skills that can be taught, like smiling to make others feel better or not interrupting. We set clear expectations and prioritize trainability to build strong teams.
Beverly Hills Magazine: How does Frameworks empower business owners to create scalable, value-driven leadership systems?
Mike Pearson: Frameworks is inspired by Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, applying its principles to business and leadership structures. I’ve used these frameworks to scale departments at Protocase—R&D, sales, marketing, engineering—and they’re universal. Leadership is the bottleneck in every company, so investing in leaders is critical. We start with group coaching to solve problems collaboratively, then customize frameworks for specific businesses. It’s about building teams through simple, scalable systems like effective team meetings. Simplicity scales, complexity fails, but simplicity requires discipline and consistency.
Beverly Hills Magazine: What’s the biggest mistake businesses make in leadership development or system implementation?
Mike Pearson: Many business owners think they can do it all themselves without the time or expertise. Around 10 employees, dynamics shift—employees see you differently, and you can’t remain just a buddy. Failing to implement leadership systems early or teach your values leads to problems. Every role involves personal leadership, so instilling this early helps identify who aligns with your vision. Owners also underestimate their potential, blaming scaling issues on the business when it’s often a leadership ceiling. With the right systems, any business can scale.
Beverly Hills Magazine: How do you customize your leadership coaching for different companies and industries?
Mike Pearson: It starts with listening to identify their biggest pain points, often conflict or HR issues like reluctance to fire problem employees due to fear of change. I focus on that specific area first, then peel back layers to address broader needs. My frameworks are universal but tailored to each business’s context. I commit to learning faster than my clients, so they can focus on running their business while I help implement systems. Leadership development is an infinite game—there’s no final destination, just continuous growth.
Beverly Hills Magazine: It’s been an honor and a pleasure speaking with you, Mike. We wish you endless success in your ventures, with many more to come!
Mike Pearson: Thank you for the opportunity to share my journey. I’m excited to keep building, learning, and inspiring others through leadership and systems!
Mike Pearson’s entrepreneurial journey is a powerful example of how innovative leadership can transform businesses. Through his companies, he’s proven that effective leadership development isn’t just a luxury but a necessity for growth and success. As he continues to lead Frameworks Inc., Protocase, and MMP Environmental Solutions, Mike’s focus remains on creating systems that scale people and profits, helping businesses unlock their full potential. His legacy of leadership will undoubtedly continue to inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs.