GET TO
KNOW MIKE
Wrestling With Identity,
Finding Purpose.
By Mike Daniel
My life has been a journey of transformation, marked by reinvention, struggle, and a search for meaning.
From the wrestling ring to the boardroom, I’ve worn many hats: professional wrestler, agency founder, filmmaker, and now a person of faith in recovery. Each chapter of my story has taught me something profound, but none more so than the realization that true fulfillment comes from living with purpose and helping others find theirs.
The Wrestler: Fighting for Identity
In my TEDx talk, “Wrestling with Who I Am: 3 Stories from My Life,” (watch here), I shared how my time as an independent professional wrestler shaped my early years. Wrestling taught me to entertain, inspire, and put on a persona, but offstage, I was grappling with who I truly was. The battle for identity became a recurring theme in my life, one I would later confront head-on through faith and recovery.
The Entrepreneur: Success Without Fulfillment
In 2024, I sold Final Cut Media, a creative agency I had helped build from the ground up. We worked with notable clients like VISA, Authorize.net, regional and state government agencies, major healthcare providers, California public utilities, and the United Way, earning accolades such as Telly’s, several Best in Show at national and International film festivals, and industry accolades for its work in storytelling, branding and communications.
While our work made an impact, over time, the mission began to feel empty to me. Despite professional success, I lacked direction and passion. The work became just work—no longer aligned with my heart or values.
It was during this period that I realized my calling wasn’t about creating for the sake of accolades or revenue. It was about authenticity and helping others who, like me, have faced challenges, struggles, and moments of reinvention
The Faithful Marketer: Finding Purpose in Recovery
While in a drug and alcohol rehab facility, I was baptized. My faith became the cornerstone of my life. That transformation led to the creation of First Step Creative, a marketing agency with a mission rooted in authenticity, recovery, and faith. At First Step, we specialize in helping organizations with missions that align with our values: those serving faith-based, nonprofit, and recovery-focused communities.
Our goal is not just to create marketing campaigns but to tell real, meaningful stories that inspire hope and drive action. We’re guided by the belief that the Lord is leading this work, and we aim to employ others who have walked the recovery journey. Together, we strive to create not only impactful marketing but also opportunities for others to rebuild their lives.
WATCH:
WRESTLING WITH WHO I AM - 3 STORIES FROM MY LIFE
Why First Step?
If you’re looking for a team that understands struggle, redemption, and the power of authentic storytelling, we’d be honored to partner with your brand. At First Step, our mission is deeply personal. We don’t just create; we connect, inspire, and walk alongside you every step of the way.
Let’s take the first step together—toward transforming your brand and changing lives.