Jay Michael is…

A lifestyle architect and real estate developer with a keen eye for form, function, and just the right touch of unique personality. I love to connect with the world around me in the broadest sense, be it with friends, families, or even strangers in the places I visit.

You are the COO and Co-Founder of FLATS Chicago. How did you get started there and how do you keep it thriving?

I started FLATS with my business partner and childhood best-friend, Alex. We saw a need for improved living in the mid-level housing market and approached the need with a plan unlike anything the Chicago real estate market has seen. Alex and I have two entirely different skill sets that complement each other like a marriage! He always tells me that he has 3 women in his life: His wife, his mother, and me.

What would you say is the luckiest break you’ve gotten in business?

I found my lucky break in a rather unfortunate situation. I was at my dad’s funeral about 10 years ago and coincidentally ran into Alex after years of lost contact. We were both interested real estate and decided to partner up. It’s not often that a run-in at a funeral changes your life forever.

What is the worst job you’ve ever had?

My high school job working at Outback Steakhouse. Hands down. Slingin’ Blooming Onions around all day didn’t exactly satiate my teenage angst or my then-acne.

How do you successfully remain an active member of Chicago’s LGBT community?

I’m involved with a few different LGBT organizations around the city, but most importantly, I think a valuable part of being a member of the LGBT community in Chicago is the way you live your life. I always assume I can live with the same rights as anyone else, be it gay, straight, married, single, etc. If straight people can hold hands walking down the street, then so can I.

You have a definite case of wanderlust. Where is the most interesting place you’ve been?

A few years back, I biked the valleys on the China / Vietnam border with my business partner for his 30th birthday. We fell in love with the people in one of the small villages along the ride. For two groups of people that were comprehensibly different from one another, there was an undeniable connection we felt to them in our conversations. We even cancelled the plans on our last day of the trip to spend the day hanging out with them.

How do you manage to balance work and an incredibly active social life?

Eat healthy. Rest well. Stay in good company. Rinse and repeat.

How do you stay healthy and what keeps you feeling good?

I am adamant about staying active every day. If I don’t think I’ll have time to work out, then you can be sure I’ll be biking to work. There’s always time to incorporate some form of physical activity into your day. I’m also big on eating raw fruits and vegetables from local sources. Throw in a trip to Chick-Fil-A once a month and I’m all set!

What level of importance does your family plays in your life?

Family is and always has been a top priority for me. I have a great deal of respect for people who prioritize family as well. Family is an open-ended word for me though and means more to me than solely blood relatives. Friends can just as easily become family. Life feels lonely if you don’t have people you can call at whatever time for whatever reason. I’m fortunate enough to have people I can always count on.

What can’t you turn down?

(Ever)– I can almost never turn down a good challenge! And a Chick-Fil-A sandwich on a Sunday… thankfully they are closed that day.