Philanthropist Michael Goguen Is Passionate About STEM Programs, Giving Back, And Rescuing Stranded Hikers
Michael Goguen’s list of business and personal accomplishments are hard to ignore. The New England native wanted to dabble in the world of venture capitalism, so he went to Cornell and earned a science degree.
And to make sure he had the ammunition to play start-up hardball in Silicon Valley, Mike earned a Master of Science degree from Stanford.
Mr. Goguen’s knowledge made a huge impact on Sequoia, the investment firm that gave Michael the opportunity to invest in IT. He invested in the computer chip business, and he played a role in taking FireEye public.
Further Reading: Michael Goguen | Forbes
For more than 30 years, Mike demonstrated his ability to pick startup winners, so when he had the opportunity to invest in questionable startups other investors followed his lead.
Goguen currently sits on the board of Versa Networks, Open DNS, Infoblox, Quantenna Communications, and vIPtela. In 2015, Mike was number 52 on the Forbes Midas List. But like other successful startup entrepreneurs, Mike made enough money to kick back and live a life of luxury. But kicking back is not part of Goguen’s DNA.
Goguen decided to leave Silicon Valley. He started a new life in Whitefish, Montana. Instead of enjoying the good life when he moved to Montana, Mike decided to use his money to help his Montana neighbors. Mr. Goguen is always up for a challenge and Whitefish had several challenges to overcome.
Goguen and his wife Jamie gave the North Valley Food Bank $500,000 to build its new headquarters. And when Code Girls United needed help funding computer science classes for fourth-to eighth-grade girls, Jamie and Mike gave the non-profit $50,000. Code Girls United’s mission is to get girls interested in STEM programs. Mike Goguen knows the world needs more women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and mathematics.
Mr. Goguen won the 2019 Great Whitefish Award for starting Two Bear Air, a helicopter rescue service based in Whitefish. Two Bear Air services the Inland Northwest. Goguen’s rescue service flew 40 missions during its first year in service. Mike was on the helicopter during a few of those missions, and those rescue missions changed the way he looks at his life.
Today, after six years of service, Two Bear Air flies more than 140 flights a year, and the company has more than 500 rescue missions on the books. The Bell 429 helicopter Mike bought made headlines in 2016 when Mike’s crew rescued two lost Lookout Pass skiers. That was the first high-profile rescue.
Jamie likes to tell people Mike is always up for new challenges. Jamie also likes to say her husband’s heart is in the right place when it comes to helping his Whitefish community. Mike brings a level of compassion and inspiration to Whitefish that rises above the norm.
Also Read: Michael Goguen – Member of the Board of Directors @ Click Security | Crunchbase
Mike’s philanthropy impacts the lives of thousands of Montana residents in an incredible way. Mike’s knowledge, compassion, and generosity is a game-changer in Whitefish, according to city leaders.
Mike claims helping people help themselves gives him more satisfaction than making millions in the startup world.
Learn more about Michael Goguen: