National Disability Advocate Joins Finley’s Pet Treats Team
Finley’s Pet Treats, a premium pet brand dedicated to inclusion through employment, has announced that national disability advocate and keynote speaker Michael Kutcher has joined the company as a sales and marketing consultant. In his role, Kutcher will help Finley’s fulfill its mission to bring inclusion to the pet industry through employment readiness, health & wellness and community advocacy.
“We are thrilled to welcome Michael to the Finley’s team,” said Chase Rasmussen, President of KLN Family Brands, the parent company of Finley’s. “Michael’s remarkable life story and his advocacy for those with disabilities makes him an incredible asset to our team and will ensure that diversity and inclusion always remains a key priority for Finley’s.”
The twin brother of actor Christopher “Ashton” Kutcher, Michael met his first of many challenges at delivery. Entering the world notably smaller than his twin at less than five pounds, Michael was hardly responsive and struggled to take his first breath. Thanks to both outstanding medical care and his indomitable instinct to survive, Michael pulled through his first days and weeks, although not without lasting adverse effects. By age three, Michael was battling significant developmental delays, caused by irreversible neurological pathologies. He was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy before he entered Kindergarten.
Unfortunately, Michael’s uphill battle was only getting started. Diagnosed with heart failure at age 13, Michael was given a life expectancy of just three to four weeks. He again defeated the odds and successfully received a life-saving heart transplant. It was this second close brush with death that opened Michael’s eyes to the fragility of life and inspired him to take control of the future he once thought he wouldn’t have.
“The team at Finley’s shares my passion for inclusion, empowerment and opportunities for people of all abilities,” said Michael Kutcher. “I’m honored to collaborate with a company whose very mission is to make our world a better place for all of us.”
Besides his role with Finley’s, Michael works with The Cerebral Palsy Foundation and Donate Life as an advocate and public speaker. His determination and passion have brought him to Capitol Hill, where Michael has worked to raise awareness. He is a dog dad and an animal advocate who is passionate about the pet industry.