Mike Taylor

Graduated Loveland High School 1962

Ohio State University BA 1966

Ohio State University Juris Doctorate 1969

A successful attorney in Columbus, OH for many years, Mike said, “Being a lawyer does not define me nor was it as important as other activities”. “More important has been being co-founder of City Barbeque which now employs 700 wonderful “teammates” and is growing rapidly”. His dream of a BBQ restaurant became a reality in 1999 after over 20 years of smoking meat, and traveling throughout the U.S. as a Certified Master Barbeque Judge and being a member of the BBQ Boys competition team. Of equal importance to him is the time he spent answering the Suicide Hotline and the seven years with the homeless in the woods and along the railroad tracks and rivers in Columbus. He delivered clothing, food, tents and sources of heat in the winter and ice water and meals in the summer. He also used his skills as an attorney to assist those who were disabled in filing for and receiving Social Security Benefits to be able to obtain housing.

  • Robins, Preston and Beckett Co. LPA Partner 1969-1998

  • Porter, Wright, Morris and Arthur Partner 1998-2005

  • Michael Taylor and Associates Owner/President 2005-2011

  • Swageblock Foods 2011 – Owner

  • Best Lawyers in America 2000-2006; Best Healthcare Lawyers in Ohio 2003-2006

  • Co-founded City Barbeque 1999

  • With the BBQ Boys represented Ohio in the “World Series of Barbeque” in Kansas City placing FIRST in the Beef Brisket Category

  • Named Certified Master Judge by the Kansas City Barbeque Society

  • Received the Food and Wine Magazine Award for Best Entry in the March of Dimes Gourmet Gala

  • Assisted in the kitchen of the Salvation Army feeding the residents and the homeless

  • Assisted the homeless in filing for and receiving SSI Benefits, Disability and obtaining housing

  • Prepared food and assisted manager for the Community Kitchen – First Soup Kitchen in Central Ohio

  • Served as Member of Boards of Franklin County – Council for Retarded Citizens,

  • BalletMet, Upper Arlington

  • Rotary Club and March of Dimes of Central Ohio, President of March of Dimes of Central Ohio

  • Secretary and General Counsel of Oasis, Largest manufacturer of water coolers in the world

  • Answered Suicide Hotline for North Central Mental Health