Shepherd

Michael Shepherd is a four-time World Pizza Champion who has owned and operated multiple pizzerias in Northwest Ohio. Over a span of 20 years he has grown small-town locations into a multi-million dollar company by using nontraditional marketing methods, out-of-the-box thinking and a systemic approach to operations, staffing and public relations that consistently earned over 20% in profits.

Michael’s 24+ years of pizza experience started with one of the big chains where he delivered pizza through high school and college. He earned his college degree in 1994 and launched his first pizzeria in 1997. Since then he went on to open a total of three pizzerias in Northwest Ohio. His shops covered a wide range of concepts — a del/co, carryout only, and a full-service pizzeria restaurant with 120 seats.

Michael is a 4 Time World Pizza Champion, 3 Time US Pizza Champion, and an 8 Time World Medalist. He was runner-up for the Ohio SBA’s Small Business of the Year in 2006, Hardin County Business of the Year in 2007, and won the 20 Under 40 Entrepreneur Award in 2008. He is also certified in Neapolitan & Classic Italian Pizza Making by the International School of Pizza. Michael has also been featured on the Food Network, CNN, ABC, and numerous foreign television shows.

Michael is retired from the pizza industry and fills his time with his family, a new career in IT, running, and strength training.

• 4 Time World Pizza Champion

• 3 Time US Pizza Champion

• 8 Time World Medalist