Michael Ehrle’s career reflects a sharp shift in focus, moving from the world of Fortune 500 companies to solving the urgent, often ignored problems faced by small businesses. After years working within large corporate systems, he now builds solutions designed to help smaller companies grow stronger and more sustainably.
His journey from a corporate executive to founder–while also operating an established brand– is more than just a personal reinvention: it’s a blueprint for how seasoned leaders can leverage their experience to drive lasting impact.
The Corporate Foundation
Michael Ehrle’s leadership foundation was forged within the demanding environment of large-scale corporate operations. At Alight Solutions, as Practice Leader of Alight Benefits Guidance, he demonstrated his ability to scale complex solutions, doubling revenue within just 12 months. Throughout, he remained focused on client solutions and organizational alignment. This success wasn’t just about hitting numbers: it was about building sustainable systems that delivered consistent results.
As Chief Sales Officer at Davis Vision, Ehrle ensured $600 million in client retention, while also leading numerous expansion initiatives and overseeing operations for 19 million members. His doing so required the skill to create value for multiple stakeholders simultaneously.
Perhaps most impressively, in his role as Vice President of Specialty Products at UnitedHealth Group, Ehrle created synergy across business units and ancillary lines of coverage. This cross-functional leadership experience later proved invaluable in launching and managing his own ventures.
The Transition Challenge
Making the leap from corporate executive to entrepreneur required more than just a change in job title. It demanded a shift in mindset and the development of new skills. Yet Ehrle’s corporate foundation gave him the tools to build operational systems from scratch.
His appointment as CEO of Click Boarding in 2021 marked a key milestone in this transition. Leading this established onboarding platform allowed him to apply his scaling expertise while learning to navigate the dynamics of smaller, more agile organizations. It also enabled him to develop strategic relationships with large HR technology vendors.
The Dual-Company Innovation
Ehrle’s most significant contribution to small business sustainability lies in his dual-company innovation. Rather than building a single business to address these issues, he took the helm of one company and launched another, each tackling challenges from different angles.
At Lumity, a digital employee benefits brokerage he now leads, Ehrle applies his deep industry expertise to help small businesses optimize their largest operational expense: employee benefits. Though he didn’t found the company, he has been instrumental in advancing its mission by integrating data-driven strategies, streamlining operations, and enhancing employee satisfaction.
Finparency, his marketplace platform, tackles capital access and succession planning. This two-sided platform connects small business owners with private equity firms, family offices, and strategic buyers—filling a gap where traditional platforms often overlook smaller deals.
The Sustainability Blueprint
Through Lumity and Finparency, Ehrle has built more than two successful companies: he has created a sustainability blueprint for how experienced corporate leaders can solve systemic challenges in underserved markets.
His story underscores a powerful message: when leveraged strategically, corporate experience can fuel entrepreneurial solutions that support long-term growth for the small business ecosystem.
