Supplier Spotlight: Michael Bell
 |
Name: Michael Bell
|
Tell us about your career:
I started my career with a Bachelor’s degree in Business and English Education, planning to become a teacher. After college, I spent a couple of years teaching middle and high school English, and I truly loved being in the classroom. But as life often does, it took me in a different direction.
After relocating to South Carolina, I made a significant career change and entered the world of hospital communications. I started at the Medical University of South Carolina as a telephone operator and worked my way up to become the Manager of the Hospital Communications Call Center. That role taught me a great deal about leadership, crisis response, and the importance of clear communication in high-stakes environments.
It was during that time that I received a call from a longtime friend, Will Brownlee. He asked if I’d consider switching careers again—this time to help him build a Client Relations team at Brownlee Law Firm. I took the leap, and that decision turned out to be a pivotal moment in my professional journey.
I worked alongside Will at Brownlee Law Firm until he and Chris Loebsack formed a new partnership, and Loebsack & Brownlee PLLC was born. I transitioned to the new firm at its inception and have proudly served as the Director of Client Relations ever since. In this role, I lead a team, serve on the firm’s executive team, and get to combine my passion for teaching, creativity, and technology to support and educate our clients.
Along the way, I also became deeply involved with the Charleston Apartment Association. I currently serve on the Board of Directors and co-chair the Education Committee. That role has allowed me to stay connected to my love of teaching and professional development, and I’ve been honored to be recognized as both Board Member and Supplier Partner of the Year. I also hold the Certified Apartment Supplier designation through the National Apartment Association Education Institute.
Looking back, while I may not have stayed in the classroom, the common thread throughout my career has always been people—teaching them, supporting them, and building strong relationships. Whether I was guiding students, leading in a hospital setting, or helping property management professionals navigate legal processes, I’ve always been drawn to roles that center on service, connection, and communication.
What advice do you have for someone just starting in your field:
Someone I respect greatly once told me, “Never say ‘no’ for someone else,” and that’s stuck with me ever since. Too often, we assume the answer will be no—so we don’t ask, we don’t try, and we miss opportunities. My advice to anyone starting out is this: don’t be afraid to ask for what you want. Advocate for yourself, take chances, and trust that curiosity and initiative are often more valuable than having all the answers. One of the most important things I learned during my time in hospital communications is something I still tell my team all the time—questions are always encouraged. Explore. Be curious. Ask why things are the way they are, how they can be better, and then don’t be afraid to lead the change.
At the same time, don’t get caught up chasing titles or promotions. Work hard. Provide value. Be consistent, reliable, and take pride in doing quality work. When you show up, do the job well, and make a difference, recognition often follows without you needing to chase it. But when your focus is only on the next thing, you risk failing at the role you’re in right now. Earn trust where you are, and the next opportunity will come naturally.
I’ve always been inspired by Walt Disney. I know that might sound cliché, but as someone who was born in Florida and raised with Disney World as part of my life, his words have always resonated with me—especially when he said, “Around here, however, we don’t look backwards for very long. We keep moving forward, opening up new doors and doing new things, because we’re curious... and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths.” That kind of forward-thinking mindset—staying curious, staying optimistic, and not being afraid to try something new—has served me well in every chapter of my career. I believe it will serve you well too.