Michael McDonald’s favorite thing to say: “You were either born into the textiles industry, or you were tricked into it.” He represents the former and has spent his career advocating for — or “tricking” — people to join the industry he represents and loves. Since 2018, Michael has served as President to SPESA, the Sewn Products Equipment & Suppliers of the Americas. SPESA represents the vast network of sewn products equipment suppliers and technology providers across the globe, namely with a focus in the Western Hemisphere. In addition to his role with SPESA, Michael serves on Walmart’s American Lighthouse Initiative Board of Directors, where he, alongside other industry leaders, work to drive more manufacturing efforts in the U.S.