Michael Ruskow

Founder. Operator. Investor.

Twenty years building, scaling, and exiting companies across wellness, capital markets, and the built environment.

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Michael Ruskow portrait

My Companies Featured In

Forbes People ABC News TEDx Disney+

About

I build operationally sound, customer-centered businesses. Twenty years across wellness, capital markets, and the built environment — from solo construction crews to the world's largest floatation therapy center to active global capital management.

Direct, outcome-driven, and equally comfortable on a job site, in a board room, or running a P&L. Currently leading SYK Investments and Ruskow Consulting Services.

Experience

2021 — Present

SYK Investments

Founder & Investment Strategist Location-independent

Private capital strategy across crypto, equities, commodities, and forex.

  • Macroeconomic modeling and inter-asset correlation drive allocation.
  • Compounded daily growth targets with strict risk-management discipline.
  • Active across multiple liquid asset classes; tactical positioning at macro turning points.

2019 — Present

Ruskow Consulting Services, Inc.

Founder & Principal Consultant Location-independent

Hands-on operational consulting for founders and operators in wellness, retail, hospitality, and construction.

  • Facility design, build-out, and operational launches for float, wellness, and retail.
  • Post-COVID restructuring, operational repair, and turnaround engagements.
  • Marketing ROI, social engagement, and growth strategy for founder-led businesses.
The Just Float center lobby — curved blue lounges, sculpted ceiling, signature interior architecture

2013 — 2023

Just Float, Inc.

Founder, Owner, CFO & CEO Pasadena, California

Founded and built the world's largest floatation therapy center from the ground up. Successful exit in 2023.

  • Designed and engineered proprietary float-tank systems, sanitation, and automation.
  • Drove revenue from $805K to $1.2M (+47.78%) in eight months after stepping into CEO.
  • Built a retention-led membership program, B2B wellness partnerships, and in-house retail.
  • Led a 50+ person team; represented the brand at TEDx and Float Conference.
  • Featured in Forbes, People, ABC News, TEDx, and Disney+.

+47.78% Revenue growth in 8 months as CEO

Michael Ruskow reviewing project plans on a construction site

2003 — 2015

StraightForward Installations, Inc.

Founder & CEO Southern California

Full-scope construction company delivering residential and light-commercial projects across Southern California.

  • Self-performed and managed crews across HVAC, MEP, carpentry, hardscaping, and landscaping.
  • Off-grid infrastructure: well drilling, solar, generator systems, water and sewage solutions.
  • Full project lifecycle: permitting, budgeting, vendor negotiation, on-site execution.
  • Built a reputation for solutions-oriented leadership and delivery under pressure.

  • +47.78%

    Revenue growth in 8 months

    Just Float, post-CEO transition

  • 100,000+

    Floats served

    Just Float, 2013 – 2023

  • 20+

    Years building companies

    2003 — Present

  • $1.2M

    Peak ARR pre-exit

    Just Float, 2019

Capabilities

  • 01 Operations Management
  • 02 Strategic Planning
  • 03 Business Development
  • 04 Team Leadership
  • 05 Entrepreneurship
  • 06 Facility Design
  • 07 Growth Strategy
  • 08 Capital Markets

Contact

Get in touch

Board seats, advisory roles, executive opportunities, capital partnerships, and select consulting engagements.

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