My name is Mike Nolan and I am the CEO and Founder of Breathe 379, Inc. A nonprofit with a heart that is as big as the dream itself. No where near perfect, just trying to do my best to make a difference in this big world. I’ve grown up living a little bit of everywhere, but came back to Harford County making it my home for the last 20 or so years.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
1 brother and 2 sisters made life interesting for my folks. All strong willed, but all love hard too, and followed by 9 nieces and nephews that I love dearly, has always kept us on our toes. My heart to take care of others comes from my mom. We always had someone staying with us, from stray kids to stray animals. She has more to do with the amount of lives Breathe 379 has touched…well…probably more than I even do.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
It seems that everything I’ve had the opportunity to do to date from Office Management, Event Coordinator, Executive Assistant, HR, Youth Director, Music and Creative Arts Pastor has all equipped me for what I get to do now. Working with the public, leading teams of volunteers…and simply serving. I simply love the fact that we, the Breathe 379 team get to offer hope in so many ways. We get to walk in the dirt of life with folks, where hurts are real and we get to play a small part in walking through that.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Town Grille & Pub in Joppatowne is a great place with a “Cheers” like feel. They are a great group of local folks that use what they have…food/drinks to make a difference in the community. To me that is a big deal. Bagel Works, Sunny Day and Bushmill Tavern are among the favorites for sure also.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
In and out, all my life.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Hands down, Paul Majewski. The guy takes more risks than I know and because of that has become incredibly successful. I don’t mean successful as in business, although that is the case for him as he owns Chesapeake Shredding, Chesapeake Medical, & Bumble Junk to name a few, but in life in general. Sitting on numerous boards, serving the community and simply showing up for those around him. He serves his family well, loves his community and has a heart to make a difference, and to me, is what I consider being successful. On a very personal level, if it weren’t for Paul Majewski, and him encouraging me about 12 years ago to take the first step…Breathe 379 would not exist.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Movies – Lord of the Rings Series and anything Marvel or DC. Yeah I know that’s controversial lol. TV – Criminal Minds and Modern Family
Q: What advice would you give to people?
I understand all too well the feeling of being alone, overwhelmed, not fitting in – if you are in that place, come see us at Breathe 379. There’s a group of people there that genuinely care about where you are in life and what’s going on. Whatever you do, even if you feel like you are walking alone, please keep walking. You’ll find your way, and maybe even find someone to walk with you. Finally – like we always say at Breathe 379, we love ya but Jesus is absolutely crazy about you.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Before Breathe 379 was a full time gig, I worked at Rapid Refill in Bel Air. Printer, sold ink, etc. Everyone that came in knew each other, knew Donna like a friend, and as funny as it may seem…shared life together in there.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
Tougher question than you would think. There are a ton of “well known” folks that I would love to meet…but reality is we miss out on so much with those in our lives now. Mom and sister, I know it says not a relative, but we’ve lost a ton of a family over the years and its just good to be together. As far as where, anywhere Mom wants…I mean…its Mom. Some of the more seasoned preachers I know. They are a wealth of knowledge spiritually and naturally. Pastors Terry Kirk, Mike Palmeri, Charles Peaker. Not to be disrespectful, but I fear as our “older” generation passes on, there will be a lot of knowledge that is gone. With these guys, the old Diner. The circle booths would lend to great conversations like this. Finally, my buddies Bobby & Nick. Life has gotten crazy and its just hard to find time to just catch up. The patio at Towne Grille and Pub, MaGerks, Hopkins Brewery, are all great places to grab a drink and catch up.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
The simple fact that within the “larger” community of Harford County there are many small communities such as Edgewood, Joppatowne, Bel Air, etc and that no matter what, when needed, they all come together.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Personally, hopefully married and settled down. Professionally, hoping to have several of Breathe 379’s Hope Center up and running in more communities and beyond.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I’ve opened up for a couple of Grammy Nominated and Winning artist. I also used to travel with a group called Radical Youth Invasion into high schools across the country doing anti-drug messages. I would do things like put my arm through about 2’ of concrete blocks, break bats over my leg, blow up hot water bottles…it was fun…at the time, now…it would just hurt. Lol.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Breathe 379. ???? Sorry, but no one does it like the crew at B379.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
All for different reasons, but these guys, just by who they are, leading by example, make me want to be better in all fashions. It doesn’t mean they are perfect, it simply means that in all things, even when falling or being knocked down, the grace and lesson comes in the getting back up and pressing on. Nick Nizer, President of B379, Bobby Daigle, VP of B379, Steve Wolcott Pastor of YHOP – VA, Paul Majewski, Owner Chesapeake Shredding.
Q: What community service or volunteer work do you participate in for your local community?
Breathe 379.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Relaxed, disarming and comfortable.
