Welcome to the A.J. Michaels Blog

November 4, 2015

A couple of weeks ago some business friends and myself were  having  dinner  in Annapolis after one of those long days of meetings  where we represent the Home Performance and HVAC industries  in the EmPower Maryland initiatives. Well it didn’t take long for one thing to lead to another and we were discussing some of the issues that our industry and small businesses in general have had to endure under a basically hostile business environment. Under previous administrations we have consistently been ranked as one of the worst states in economic development. We are so strategically located; we should be one of the best. This can be attributed to poor leadership with a lack of vision and a lack of understanding of what we businessmen already know–jobs. It’s all about jobs. It’s always about jobs that create economic stability, makes a State great and a good place to live, work and raise your family. Isn’t this what we all want? Jobless people can’t pay taxes. People who leave the State for work or because they are over taxed, don’t pay our taxes do they?

This led to a discussion of the EmPower Maryland Program, the utilities, the PSC, the legislature and the overwhelming amount of bureaucracy that burdens us and thwarts economic development. Indigestion was starting to set in at this point.  I’ve been representing our industry for over 30 years, much to my utter frustration. One person suggested that I could write a book about all of this.  Not practical, and who would find it interesting reading?

Then I came up with the idea of writing a blog. My customers would be interested in learning about what it takes for a company like A J Michaels to thrive in a hostile environment. All ratepayers would be interested in learning about utility abuses that you never hear about. And we are all interested in learning a little about how the Government works-and doesn’t work in Maryland.

So the A J Michaels blog is born. But in reality, this isn’t just about A J Michaels-it’s about my 30 years of experience as founder and owner of A J Michaels and my 4 years as Chairman of the Maryland Alliance of Energy contractors–a Professional Association that represents over 400 Maryland Energy contractors who participate in the EmPower Maryland Program.

What a wonderful opportunity to release my frustrations-my doctor thinks this is a great idea–and at the same time, provide interesting information to our customers.

As we go along, your comments and questions are welcome.

Next time, I’ll tell you the name of that great restaurant in Annapolis.

Michael