Meet the Founder

Michael Ockrim

Founder and President

Education:
MBA - Keller Graduate School of Management
BS - University of Arizona
Certified Personal Trainer - American Council on Exercise

Passion:
Family
Entrepreneurship
Health and Wellness

Background:
In 1985, Deborah Ockrim wanted to make use of her experience as a former Chicago Public School teacher - and now parent - to reach out to others.

Hailing from a family that owned their own business, she envisioned that opening an educational supply store would be the very best venue in which to showcase her talents.

Her young son, Michael, would often spend time at the store on weekends. Throughout the years, Deborah took him to trade shows, affording her an opportunity to view products through the eyes of a child.

Michael Ockrim, now a father himself, is the Founder and President of Chicago School Supply, LLC. This business venture services many communities within the Chicago Public School system, as well as school districts across North America, Western Europe and Asia.

Chicago School Supply representatives can develop and facilitate professional development programs for teachers and administrators in a variety of subject areas and levels in conjunction with their sister company Chicago Education Consultants.

Michael has a passion for entrepreneurship - it was the center of his graduate studies at Keller. A serial entrepreneur, Michael has founded three companies (the third company - TyMeeshu, LLC - is a commercial real estate management firm) and continually looks for new business opportunities.

Michael brings that passion and experience to many of the entrepreneurship courses presented on Teaching Safari. He works closely with course instructors to ensure that they share his level of excitement and insight for the entrepreneurial lifestyle! He is also a participant on many of the student tours around the city.

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