Michael is currently working as a North Coast Sales Manager with Grow West in Geyserville serving Sonoma and Napa as well as Lake and Mendocino counties. Grow West specializes in Agricultural Technologies, Transitional and Organic Farming: consulting and product sourcing, as well as Fertilizer manufacturing and fertility consulting.

In 1982, Michael earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Science and Management: Plant Science – Viticulture from the University of California, Davis. He holds both PCA and CCA licenses.

Mike and his wife, Nadine, continue as the fourth generation on their family farm, the Stipp Ranch, growing winegrapes as well as apples, peaches, pears, walnuts, and pumpkins in Ukiah. They have two sons, Michael Emilio, and Adriaan Johannes.