Returning Home:
My Journey from Montrose Roots to City Council Aspirations

Hello,

I am Michael J. Badagliacco, known to many as "MJB", and I am running for Montrose City Council. As someone who grew up in Montrose, a USAF veteran, international recording artist, and entrepreneur, my story is one of deep ties to our community, ventures that took me far, and a deliberate return to contribute where it matters most. Montrose shaped me, and now I am here to give back.

Growing up in Montrose, Colorado, I attended Northside Elementary, Centennial Junior High, and graduated from Montrose High School in 1983. Those years built my foundation. I worked in my parents' local business, learning the value of hard work and community connections early on. The Fall and Spring were spent in the West End driving cattle on horseback with George Burbridge learning the value of long days and honest work from someone who’s life was the epitome of hard work. Montrose was more than a place; it was the backdrop for my values of family, service, and independence.

With a family legacy of military service, including my grandfather as Provost Marshal at Pearl Harbor on that fateful day, December 7, 1941, later retiring as a full bird colonel after WWII. My uncle in the Korean War as a combat Marine, and my father with the USAF during the Vietnam era, duty called me too. In 1984, I enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving through 1991 as the lead vocalist for the USAF Academy Band's Top 40/Rock group, Blue Steel.

Following my military service, a professional music career propelled me through for 16 years, as I fronted the international recording artist, ARRIVAL, scoring a Top 40 hit and earning various awards and notoriety for my vocals. From 1994 to 1999, feeling the draw to service, I lent my talents to lead music at the Littleton Colorado Salvation Army New Heights Center. Music opened doors worldwide. Retiring from music in 2008, I launched TheNetStar.com, an online platform for emerging talent, blending creativity with innovation.

Entrepreneurship soon dominated. Starting in wireless sales in 1994, from sales, to operations, to CEO-level roles. Working with global giants like Huawei, LG, and Samsung I learned how to prioritize. In 2004, I founded Wireless Advocates, establishing what would become a Billion Dollar Enterprise. These pursuits demanded travel and focus, drawing me further from home. Yet through it all, family remained my anchor. I am a father to five children, two daughters and three sons, and grandfather to three, one granddaughter and two grandsons. My three sons served honorably in the US Army, and my son-in-law is a Chief Warrant Officer in the US Navy. Their service echoes our family's tradition.

By 2023, the pull to return grew undeniable. I moved back to Montrose full-time, into my childhood home, to support my 84-year-old mother daily. It was a practical need, but also a heartfelt one. Montrose values resonated more than ever after years in high-stakes business. Recently, I worked with my son to transition a log home company in Bailey, Colorado, handing it over in December 2024. Now settled, I channel my experience into public service.

As Editor-in-Chief of CoDOGEreport.com and USALibertyReport.com, and a contributor to the Rocky Mountain Voice and the Montrose Mirror, I advocate for transparency in local government. Montrose deserves leaders who prioritize constitutional principles and community strength. My background equips me to foster opportunity while preserving what makes Montrose special.

Running for council is about applying real-world success to local challenges. From military discipline to business innovation, I bring tools to ensure accountability and freedom for all.

Join me at: MJB4Montrose.com
VOTE Michael J Badagliacco, “MJB” April 7th

and let's build a stronger Montrose together.