Michael Manchak
- License: #02205849
- REALTOR®
Mike is a seasoned real estate professional specializing in representing developers and investors for a wide range of projects. With over 39 years of experience, he assists clients in San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Monterey, Fresno, and Shasta counties. His experience includes a wide range of residential, commercial and mixed-use developments, including residential communities of 500+ homes, hotels, RV and glamping resorts, ranches over 6,000 acres, and vineyards. Mike leverages his deep knowledge to guide his clients through the public outreach and development process, from acquisition and disposition, to entitlement and approval.
With a focus on commercial real estate, Mike develops lasting relationships through outstanding client support and long-term results. Leveraging years of business experience, local knowledge, and industry contacts, Mike locates sites, buyers, and sellers and can provide the services of a Developers Representative. He develops a deep understanding of his client’s goals, conducts market and economic research, identifies potential sites, develops joint ventures, negotiates leases and sale terms, and facilitates the transaction from beginning to end.
With a degree from the University of Southern California’s Marshall School of Business with an emphasis in economics and real estate, he was a student of White House Economic Advisor Arthur Laffer. He worked through college at Lehman Brothers Investment Banking, American Express Financial, and the University’s Patent Office. This left nights and weekends to waiting tables, teaching sailing, and running charters on sailing vessels. Born in Spain to American parents, he lived in Southeast Asia, where he gained an appreciation for economic development.
He started his career at Chase Manhattan Real Estate Corporation, managing $380M of construction financing for projects in Los Angeles and Orange counties, including master-planned communities, high-rise buildings, and industrial parks. Next in his career, he helped grow two environmental technology businesses and a knowledge of patent licensing and international joint ventures.
On the central coast, he grew connections in the public and private sectors and gained knowledge of the local real estate market and economy. His public-sector experience at Cal Poly State University is where he managed the planning, funding, and development of the university technology park and managed industry relations for patented discoveries. As President & CEO of the Economic Vitality Corporation (EVC), a regional economic development organization, he and his team empowered entrepreneurs, helped businesses, and bridged local government by providing advice, analysis, and resources for all. The EVC commissioned regional economic strategies, economic impact studies, and innovative business resources. His work included air service development to create the new SLO County Regional Airport terminal and tripling its flights and destinations. In addition, his fundraising track record was very impactful.
In serving the community, Mike served on the following boards and advisory committees:
- Cal Poly Local Economic Development Council
- Cal Poly Orfalea College of Business & College of Engineering
- CALED (California Association for Local Economic Development)
- California Space Authority
- CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates)
- Central Coast Economic Forecast
- Central Coast Venture Forum
- County Office of Education, SLO Partners
- Cuesta College Business Advisory Council
- Rabobank Advisory Council
- SOFTEC (Central Coast Software & Technology)
- Twin Cities Community Hospital Governing Board (Tenet Healthcare)
- UCSB Economic Forecast Project
- Visit SLO CAL Advisory Council
- Workforce Investment Board