Michael Ellsberry was a former owner of the Dallas Boat Show, an associate member director of the Marina Association of Texas, and shareholder of Marine & Industrial Supplies of Dallas, Texas, a wholesaler and distributor of recreational boating accessories and industrial supplies (1950-2000). He has been a director of Small Business Development Centers, commercial loan broker, independent business consultant, and other pursuits.  Through the SBDC he counseled or supervised over 750 engagements and assisted in obtaining $47M in all types of financing.

He earned a BBA and MBA from the University of Texas at Austin.