From Rock Bottom to Regional Powerhouse: Michael Eshelby’s Journey of Grit, Growth, and Grounded Leadership
On our latest episode of Hiring For Good, we welcome Michael Eshelby — a quietly extraordinary leader whose humility only makes his success more striking. Michael is the President and Founder of Michael’s Messenger Service (MMS), a final-mile courier company that plays a critical role in delivering life-saving medications to those who need them most. But behind the business is a story not just of innovation or execution, but of resilience — and a deep, values-driven approach to leadership.
What makes our conversation with Michael stand out is the deeply personal backdrop to his entrepreneurial journey. He didn’t start MMS from a position of strength or security. In fact, he founded the company during one of the most difficult periods of his life — a low point that most people wouldn’t broadcast, let alone build a business from. But for Michael, that hardship became fertile ground for something extraordinary.
With nothing but grit, an uncompromising work ethic, and an unwavering belief in doing right by others, he laid the foundation for MMS. What began as a small, scrappy operation has since grown into a regional powerhouse with hundreds of employees and a footprint that spans the western United States.
Under Michael’s leadership, MMS has become a benchmark in the courier industry — especially in the healthcare space. His team specializes in urgent, last-mile deliveries of life-saving medications, and Michael sees this responsibility not just as a business imperative, but as a moral one.
Michael’s professional background reflects deep experience in enhancing customer experiences, cultivating enterprise-level relationships, and steering a company culture that thrives on innovation, consistency, and care. He has spent over a decade building systems that do more than meet expectations — they exceed them, every time.
Throughout the interview, Michael spoke about the values that have guided every decision he makes — honesty, humility, and hard work. These aren’t buzzwords for him; they’re the blueprint. When asked how he builds teams, Michael talks about trust, opportunity, and treating people with dignity — even when no one’s watching.
Operationalizing values might sound like a corporate cliché, but in Michael’s world, it looks a lot like intentional actions repeated every single day. Whether it’s making sure a driver has the support they need, or literally going the extra mile for a family waiting on crucial medications, Michael makes culture real through presence and practice.
In spite of the size and scale of MMS today, Michael remains strikingly grounded. He doesn’t use his success as a pedestal; instead, he uses it as a platform to lift others up — his employees, his clients, and the communities MMS serves.
If there’s one takeaway from our inspiring conversation with Michael Eshelby, it’s that leadership isn’t about being the loudest voice in the room — it’s about being the most dependable one. His story reminds us that good companies are built by good people, and that resilience, when paired with integrity, can become a force multiplier.
This episode is more than just a masterclass in leadership — it’s a testament to the power of staying human, even when the business gets big. And if you’re looking for inspiration, you’ll find plenty of it in Michael’s story.
Michael Eshelby
President & Founder, Michael’s Messenger Service (MMS)
Michael Eshelby is the President and Founder of Michael’s Messenger Service (MMS), a final-leg courier company specializing in the timely delivery of critical medications. Since founding the company over a decade ago, he has grown MMS into a trusted logistics partner serving the western United States, with hundreds of employees and a strong reputation for reliability, efficiency, and care.
Michael’s leadership is grounded in core values — honesty, humility, and hard work — and he brings a values-driven approach to every aspect of the business. With deep experience in enterprise client management, operational excellence, and customer service innovation, he has positioned MMS as a benchmark for service in the courier industry.
Known for his quiet resilience and people-first leadership style, Michael continues to build a company culture that empowers employees and prioritizes the needs of the communities MMS serves.