From Teenage Designer to Industry Insider

At just 15 years old, Daven entered the world of business through fashion. He began designing clothes for local musicians and quickly developed a flair for the music industry’s aesthetic. His work didn’t stay small for long. He soon found himself creating designs for major bands in the 1980s and 1990s. What started as a teenage hobby turned into a full-fledged business, making him one of the youngest entrepreneurs in the entertainment world. 

From Startup Hustle to Nightlife Empire

When the excitement of fashion began to fade, Daven Michaels set his sights on a new venture. Armed with only a landline telephone, a chair, and a desk, he launched a communications company with no investors and no formal structure. In just five years, he scaled it to a 60-city operation across the United States. When buyout offers came in, he sold the business to a public firm in exchange for equity— securing both financial freedom and flexibility. 

That freedom gave him the chance to return to his passion: music and entertainment. Daven dove into event production and quickly became the largest electronic dance music promoter in the country. His shows drew crowds of 15,000 to 20,000 people each night, cementing his place in the scene. His success as a promoter opened doors to a career as a recording artist and eventually a producer in both music and television.

Innovating Outsourcing Through 123Employee

As the internet began transforming the business landscape, Daven saw a unique opportunity. He envisioned a way to help entrepreneurs leverage global talent at affordable rates. This idea gave birth to 123Employee, an outsourcing company with offices in the Philippines. The company focused on supporting small business owners and solopreneurs who needed scalable support without the costs of a traditional team. 123Employee quickly became a go-to provider for virtual staffing and back-office support. 

Managing a Global Team from Anywhere

Though 123Employee operated out of physical centers, Daven designed the company to function entirely remotely. He developed systems and processes that allowed him to manage over 1,000 employees across three continents using only a laptop and a smartphone. This level of freedom became central to his personal mission: helping entrepreneurs create businesses that align with their lifestyle goals.

A Global Educator with a Passion for the Stage

Daven’s travels brought him face-to-face with thousands of aspiring business owners hungry for insight. Seeing the difference he could make; he launched a global speaking career. In just 18 months, he was taking the stage at major business conferences worldwide, speaking to audiences of up to 6,000 and sharing the spotlight with world leaders, celebrities, and top entrepreneurs. His talks cover everything from growth hacking and publishing to outsourcing and cryptocurrency.

An Author Reaching Millions of Readers

Daven expanded his influence through books. His breakout title, Outsource Smart, became a New York Times and Amazon bestseller. He built on that success with earlier and later works, including Outsource This, Lessons from Beyond, and The Virtual Entrepreneur. Each book delivers actionable strategies, personal stories, and insights meant to guide readers through both business and life. Collectively, his books have sold around the globe and continue to inspire entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey.

Founding the Virtual Entrepreneurs Association

To take his mission even further, Daven launched the Virtual Entrepreneurs Association. This platform offers tools, training, and community for business owners looking to grow smarter and faster. The association serves as a central hub for entrepreneurs who want to access proven systems, connect with peers, and benefit from ongoing support. Whether they are just starting out or already scaling, members gain from Daven’s decades of insight and leadership. 

Building Businesses that Reflect his Philosophy

In addition to his work with 123Employee and the association, Daven leads several other ventures. These include Michaels Press, San Juan Social Club and Daven the Mad Hatter Studios. He also serves on the board of multiple organizations. Each business reflects his commitment to innovation, freedom, and impact.

Conclusion: Championing Freedom for the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs

Daven Michaels is more than a business leader. He is a champion for the modern entrepreneur. He believes in building companies that not only generate revenue but also create personal freedom and joy. His journey from fashion designer to global educator shows what is possible with passion, strategy, and vision. As he continues to reach over a million fans each month, Daven remains focused on one goal: helping others unlock their potential and build businesses that align with their dreams.