Michael Paul Valentine is a business planner, author, and motivational speaker, known as “The Plan Doctor” to his clients. Valentine has worked with hundreds of clients worldwide to launch new businesses, gain support, and acquire millions in start-up capital. His projects have ranged in scope from hair salons and clothing boutiques to a multi-million dollar printing company based in Ohio and Haiti’s second domestic airline.

Valentine prides himself on his contributions to the community that include entrepreneurial empowerment programs for economically neglected areas and lobbying for small and disadvantaged businesses. Valentine credits his strong commitment to helping others to his mentor, the “late great” John H. Bustamante, Esq. Bustamante who founded one of the nation’s first black-owned banks and was also a roommate of Martin Luther King, Jr. at Boston University.

Valentine recently added author to his list of accomplishments. His book, The ePill- Prescribed Empowerment for Today’s Entrepreneurs was released earlier this year.

Michael Lechter, entrepreneur & best selling author of OPM: Other People’s Money, wrote about the book: “The ePill provides a clarion call to action. The prescription for success lies not with reliance on the corporate giants (or, I would add, the government), but to take your financial well being into your own hands—to embrace entrepreneurship. By sharing his experiences and sound advice, Michael Valentine helps to invigorate the entrepreneurial spirit within you.”

Before striking it out on his own, Michael had to go through a few storms. While a senior in college, tragedy hit hard in Michael’s family. Despite the challenges he faced, Michael persevered to follow his dream. To make matters worse upon graduation, After Michael was facing the beginnings of what is now known as The Great Recession. Despite this, instead of looking for a job, he created a job for himself and others—and has not looked back since.

Valentine considers his greatest accomplishment viewing the open signs in the scores of businesses he’s helped get open. Today Michael sees his clients as his new extended family and believes in putting his heart into his projects and motivating his clients to adopt that Valentine heart and determination.

Michael is a native of Cleveland, Ohio and now resides in Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina with his wife and best friend, Maya.