Mike Sledge began his career in the hardware and industrial supply business as a teenager, working as a stock boy in a small, family-owned hardware store in the late 1980s. That early experience sparked a lifelong passion for the industry. He went on to build a successful career with a Fortune 500 industrial distribution company, managing locations across the Southeastern United States.
At age 39, Mike took a leap of faith and, alongside his wife Suzy, founded Coastal Industrial Supply in 2010. Today, their company supplies materials to companies and job sites across the country. A Baldwin County, Alabama resident since 2003, Mike is proud to work alongside his children, Jake and Maggie, who help run the family business. His youngest, Marley, is currently attending the University of Montevallo. Mike and Suzy are also the devoted owners of Woody, their lovable (and slightly dopey) golden retriever.
The Sledges split their time between Alabama and New Orleans, where they recently purchased a small shotgun home in the St. Roch neighborhood, allowing them to stay connected to a city they fell in love with decades ago.
Mike joined Rotary in 2017 and has been an active and dedicated member ever since. He has served as Club President and Assistant Governor and currently serves as District PolioPlus Chair and District RYLA Chair for Rotary District 6880 for the 2025–2026 Rotary year. His commitment to leadership development and global service reflects his deep belief in Rotary’s mission.
Outside of work and service, Mike enjoys restoring vintage automobiles, especially classic Volkswagens, and traveling in search of new adventures. In the summer of 2024, he spent 18 days riding a Royal Enfield motorcycle through the Himalayan Mountains of Northern India as part of the International Fellowship of Motorcycling Rotarians. Along the way, he survived harrowing roads, questionable food, unforgettable hospitality, and some of the most breathtaking scenery on Earth, all while raising funds for The Rotary Foundation.
A little-known fun fact: Mike has two cocktails named after him. If you find yourself at C’est Le Vin in Foley, Alabama, order a “Sledgehammer,” or at The Gemstone in Amory, Mississippi, try the “Mike Sledge.” They are entirely different, equally memorable, and guaranteed to be enjoyed.
As part of the exciting Sail250 New Orleans celebration, Rotarian John Olinde joined fellow area Rotarians aboard the Colombian Navy training ship ARC Gloria on May 31 to exchange banners with representatives connected to the ship and the Rotary community.
The ARC Gloria, one of the visiting tall ships participating in the Sail250 festivities, serves as a training vessel for young naval cadets and promotes goodwill and friendship among nations through international voyages. Support from Rotarians in Colombia has helped the vessel's mission over the years, and several former naval officers who served aboard have gone on to serve as presidents of the Cartagena Rotary Club.
The banner exchange was a fitting symbol of Rotary’s international spirit, fostering friendship and understanding across borders while celebrating the arrival of these magnificent tall ships in New Orleans.
We have started our ROTARY CONNECTS non-profit promotion project in an effort to expand the visibility of our Club and to promote New Orleans non-profit organizations across Greater New Orleans. We are encouraging each of you to submit the names of New Orleans non-profits that you believe our Club could help to promote. The ROTARY CONNECTS project seeks to build area-wide support for improving the quality of life in the City of New Orleans and the surrounding area. Please reach out to us at our Club meetings or contact us directly with your ideas. Norman Robinson - misalmas@aol.com or at 504-650-0875. Lucas Morehouse - LHMorehouse@gmail.com or at 504-494-2729. Carole Neff - cneff@sessions-law.com or at 504-582-1519.
The Program Committee is seeking members who are interested in helping coordinate speakers for our upcoming meetings. This is a great opportunity to get involved, share ideas, and help shape the engaging programs our club is known for.
We’re also seeking input from all members on the types of speakers and topics you’d like to see in the months ahead. Your suggestions are valued and appreciated!
Please forward all ideas or your interest in joining the committee to Seth Nehrbass snehrbass@gmail.com
The Four-Way Test is a nonpartisan and nonsectarian ethical guide for Rotarians to use for their personal and professional relationships. The test has been translated into more than 100 languages, and Rotarians recite it at club meetings: Of the things we think, say or do:
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