ASSOCIATE SPOTLIGHT SERIES: AN INTERVIEW WITH MICHAEL
October 15, 2025
In our Associate Spotlight series, we are highlighting associates across the company who are shaping our community and who embody our Centric Brands philosophy every day.
Meet Michael Dearman, A/R Credit Specialist, at Centric Brands. Read on to hear Michael’s story of steadfast determination, operational excellence, and the power of humility in professional growth.
A Journey of Persistence
Michael’s path to becoming a Credit Coordinator at Centric Brands began with an ironic twist of fate. He first interviewed for the role during the Global Brands Group era but was not selected for the position. Rather than letting this setback derail his aspirations, Michael remained steadfast, using the experience as motivation to continue growing professionally. When a credit role eventually became available again, his perseverance paid off, and as he puts it, “the rest is history.” This experience shaped one of his core professional philosophies: humility as a learning tool.
Excellence in Action
As a Credit Specialist, Michael manages high-volume, time-sensitive credit approval requests while maintaining constant communication with businesses and creditors. His role demands both precision and speed, requiring exceptional organizational skills and sound decision-making under pressure.
One of his most significant contributions in the two years he’s been with Centric has been developing the standard operating procedure (SOP) for submitting credit requests to the financial institution who provides credit for our customers. Writing this SOP from start to finish has become the foundation for how the team operates today, demonstrating his ability to create lasting improvements to business processes.
Michael’s approach to maintaining excellence centers on thorough preparation and clear communication. “Staying ready for any task that may come my way” is how he describes his proactive mindset, ensuring he can handle whatever challenges arise.
Building Culture and Community
Beyond technical expertise, Michael understands the importance of workplace culture.
This philosophy aligns with what excites him most about Centric Brands’ future: the cultural diversity that creates a dynamic and inspiring workplace.
Beyond the Office
Colleagues might be surprised to learn about Michael’s remarkable athletic background. He once played in “The World’s Greatest Pickup Game” alongside Michael Jordan and other NBA greats. Today, he channels that same dedication into his fitness routine, hitting the gym at least five days a week to stay recharged and energized.
