Michael D. Kolody (Managing Director)
Michael D. Kolody the founding director of MDK Wealth Management, originally started his career in financial services back in the tail end of the eighties. It was an exciting time in the business world, with corporate takeovers and acquisitions, perhaps best reflected by the movie ‘Wall Street’. Michael originally starting work with Australasia Marketing and Investments in the Melbourne CBD, cutting his teeth in superannuation and insurance, whilst completing his post graduate diploma in Applied Finance and Investment at the Securities Institute of Australia (the Stock Exchange) and developing his interest in the equities markets.
Michael took a break from the financial markets in the mid nineties, establishing an import, wholesale distribution and promotional marketing business, supplying many of Australia’s largest retailers and department stores. The business took Micheal abroad internationally and developed his all round business skills. Michael sold the business in 2003 and opted for a ‘tree change’ marrying the love of his life Narelle and moving to the country.
Michael completed his second diploma in Financial Planning and took on a consulting role, being instrumental in establishing Nautical Financial Group, a boutique financial planning practice in Port Melbourne. Thus began the duality of city and country life, the balance between the hustle & bustle of the city, and the peace and calm of the country.
After seven years ‘working for the man’ Michael finally ventured out on his own and established MDK Wealth Management in 2010. He initially integrated with Rod Boon’s established Morwell practice, and as Rod transitioned to retirement, Michael took the helm and added some new, invigorating energy re-branding and relocating the offices to Hazelwood Road, Morwell. Michael’s vast business network allowed his to enter various strategic alliances with several businesses, one of which is Scott Partners Accounting (one of our major business partners).
Michael was an honours graduate at Melbourne University studying Applied Science (hence his analytical thinking process) majoring in sports exercise and medicine, and still to this days continues his love of sport in life, and sense of ‘balance’. Michael is a passionate adventure racer, combining the skills of cycling & mountain biking, running & trekking, cross country navigation & orienteering, paddling and swimming. Michael paddled ‘clean across Bass Strait’ in 2011 and followed up later that year competing in the Adventure Racing World Championships in Tasmania. In 2013 after the birth of his first daughter Hannah, he competed in his fourth expedition length adventure race at XPD Flinders Ranges, his team finishing sixth outright, a great achievement. 2015 saw the addition of Michael and Narelle’s second daughter Harriet, and with increased domestic duties and business directorship duties Michael reduced his adventure racing schedule.
As all life and businesses evolve so has Michael’s career. He now has transitioned to the role of Managing Director at MDK Wealth Management, which sees him now focus on strategy and technological innovation within the business. Michael somehow found time to squeeze in his Advanced Diploma of Financial Planning in 2016, along with attending various conferences and seminars throughout the year relating to financial planning and Advicetech…essentially it keep the business fresh, innovative, and on the cutting edge of technology.
Michael continues his managing director role at MDK Wealth Management, taking some time out now and then for daddy day care’ duties, whilst enjoying family life on the farm. Any spare time is now spent tinkering with some classic cars and bikes, keeping fit, and a little ‘track time’ now and then to keep the adrenaline up. If you want something done, give it to to a busy person.
