Mike Vest is a remarkable man who has surmounted the odds to become the positive community leader, devoted husband and father he is today. He has decided to make positive choices for his life and that is what Big Brothers Big Sisters strives to instill in all of the children who pass through our doors. Mike is a constant advocate of the Big Brother Big Sister mentoring program and is always proud to mention the significant role his Big Brother, Mark Griffin, played in his life. BBBS is very proud of Mike and the positive role model he has become for other young people!

Mike Vest was the keynote speaker for our annual fundraiser in 2017. His preparation and delivery for the speech were excellent. His comments were based on life experiences and were very inspirational and well-received by the more than 500 people in attendance.

“Mike delivers inspiring words of encouragement from his life experiences. A class member of Leadership Shelby County had this to say after hearing him speak: “WOW! Some of the most compelling testimony I have ever heard for the argument that one person can make a difference”. On a professional level Mike has spoken to several Leadership Shelby County classes through the year’s. He delivers a profound message of hope and encouragement. Members of the class take away an overwhelming desire to be that person that’s makes the difference.”

“Mike Vest spoke at the South Shelby Chamber in mid-2017. He talked of his personal obstacles and how it led him to the life of servant leadership that he conducts now. It was evident that his life and experiences has given him the tenacity that is evident in his work and his current recovery from a recent accident.

The term ‘Salt and Light’ applies to Mike Vest. Where Christ asked his followers to be the salt and light of the world, Mike personifies that. (see Matthew 5:13-16 New International Version (NIV)

Salt and Light
13 You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.

14 You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.)”