For Mike Sylvester, the journey to a purpose-driven career began with a simple truth: “It takes a village.”

Originally from Wauwatosa, Mike graduated from Tosa East in 2006 before heading to UW Oshkosh, where he earned a degree in History. “Not knowing what I wanted to do in life,” he admits, he began working in sales and marketing for a large insurance company. His career took him from Green Bay to Little Rock, Arkansas, where he and his wife Alissa welcomed their first son in 2017.

By mid-2018, the pull of family brought them back home. “We understood it takes a village and moved back to Wauwatosa to be closer to family.” That decision set the stage for a professional turning point.

In 2023, Mike left the insurance industry and joined Lifetime Home Services. He initially stepped into the company as its first outside salesperson and today serves as Strategic Partnerships and Market Development lead. His mission is simple: to help families breathe easier—literally.

“Radon testing, radon mitigation and duct sealing,” Mike says without hesitation when asked what he's most passionate about. His work is personal, driven by values he traces back to his mom’s advice: “Leave it in a better place than I found it.”

Lifetime Home Services is no newcomer to the industry. With more than 25 years of experience in radon testing and mitigation, the company stands out for offering a service that’s rare and valuable: free radon testing.

“We adhere to all local and national standards, earning the trust of realtors, home inspectors, and builders for our precision and reliability,” Mike explains. “Our unique combination of expertise, accessibility, and commitment to health makes us the preferred choice for radon solutions.”

Real estate professionals in particular have found value in the company’s offerings. “We provide personalized individual support and an office staff always here to answer questions,” Mike says. “Estimates can be done over the phone in 15 minutes or onsite with a field advisor. Real estate transactions receive priority booking.”

It’s a level of responsiveness that resonates in today’s fast-paced market. “In this market it often makes sense to waive a radon contingency to make a more competitive offer,” he notes. “We are happy to also test for free after the transaction is closed.”

At its core, Mike’s work is about helping families create healthier living spaces. “Success for us means transforming homes into safer, healthier spaces through expert radon testing and mitigation,” he says. “It’s measured by the number of families we protect with our free testing and flawless installations.”

That personal mission is matched by a growing team. When Mike first started at Lifetime, he became the company’s first outside salesperson. “Now we have a team of 7 people providing testing and mitigation options across WI, MN, MI, IL and CO,” he shares. The company also has a team of eight radon mitigation installers serving those same regions.

His efforts are focused not only on radon but on a newer solution he’s particularly excited about: Aeroseal duct sealing.

“Most of the ducts we seal in WI have around 300 CFM of leakage,” he explains. “That equates to a 13% loss in heating or cooling capacity. If the gas line on my car leaked 13% every time I filled up, I would take my car to the mechanic.”

Beyond savings, the benefits extend to comfort and air quality. “Leaky ducts… allow dirt, moisture, mold spores, dust, insects, etc. to get into your ducts and be blown into the rooms you’re trying to heat and cool.”

When he's not working, Mike prioritizes time with his wife and two sons, Theo and Tommy. “We enjoy playing and watching sports, trips to the park, playground and nature trails, spending time with extended family, watching movies and playing games.”

He also finds balance in planning ahead and carving out space for what matters most. “Success is about creating a lasting impact in our community by prioritizing health, trust, and excellence in every project,” Mike says. It’s a mission he takes seriously—and personally.

Looking ahead, Mike is excited to expand partnerships in the real estate community, offering not just radon and Aeroseal solutions but a full array of complementary home services designed to elevate property standards.