ABOUT THE FOUNDER

Michael Wieland

Entrepreneur and real estate investor known for turning complex opportunities into profitable, scalable ventures.

THE STORY

Iowa-made

Michael's story begins in Iowa — a place where the days started early, the winters were unforgiving, and a person's value was measured not by what they said but by how they lived. One of six children, he grew up learning that hard work wasn't optional: character mattered more than comfort, faith mattered more than fear, and if you wanted something, you earned it.

He comes from a family of doers — brothers who became successful entrepreneurs, uncles who built companies from scratch into large, respected corporations. That legacy wasn't just inspiring; it was a challenge. A reminder that greatness was possible, but never guaranteed.

The turning point came in college. Paying rent month after month, Michael realized he wasn't setting himself up for success — he was financing someone else's. At 22, with no abundance of capital and no safety net, he made the decision that altered his life's trajectory: rather than being a tenant, he would become a landlord.

He didn't start with perfect conditions. He started with creativity — conventional financing, negotiating where most people hesitated, and pushing through deals that required both courage and resourcefulness. What began as a single realization grew into a diverse portfolio of long-term rentals, short-term Airbnbs, NNN-leased warehouse facilities, and raw land positioned for future growth.

Success didn't come in a straight line. Deals nearly fell apart, plans got rebuilt, markets shifted, people doubted. Every time something stood in the way, Michael pivoted, adapted, and persevered — not because the path was easy, but because giving up was never an option in the world he came from.

Through every chapter, one truth has remained constant: his greatest motivation is his four children. They are his anchor, his drive, and his reminder that every late-night decision and every leap of faith is building something bigger than a portfolio — a legacy. For them, for their future, and for the name he carries.

Michael Wieland, Founder of Balance Capital

MICHAEL WIELAND · FOUNDER & PRINCIPAL

Principle

"Work hard, treat people right, stay grounded, think big — and never stop reaching for the moon."

The goal

Scaling toward a $100M portfolio by expanding into high-growth opportunities and partnering with investors aligned with high growth, high conviction, and high return.

Michael Wieland at sunset in the Colorado mountains

OFF THE CLOCK — THE MOUNTAINS, THE MUSIC, AND THE NEXT IDEA

THE RECORD

Two decades of building

2006 – 2024 · 18 YEARS

Wieland & Sons Lumber Co. — Managing Member / Owner The legacy page →

Third-generation owner-operator of the family hardwood lumber company, selling worldwide. Eighteen years running management, production, and global sales built the operational backbone behind everything that followed. In 2024, Michael completed a successful sale of his ownership to make real estate the next chapter — full time.

2007 – PRESENT

Wieland Development LLC — President / Owner

Ten rental properties acquired in three years while attending college. Sold the portfolio to acquire a profitable 40-unit hotel; hotel cash flow funded a 116,000 SF warehouse with immediate income. Today: entities holding residential, commercial, and short-term rental property across the U.S. Midwest, the Dominican Republic, and international markets.

2015 – PRESENT

Motivate Venture Capital — Early Investor & LP motivate.vc →

Limited partner in Funds I and II of the Chicago-based technology fund platform, now representing $200M+ in committed capital with continued growth.

2024 – PRESENT

BalanceFest LLC & Legacy Live — President / Partner

Launched a ground-up festival brand that delivered a four-day, four-stage, 80+ performer event within six months of formation, and took a principal position in Legacy Live, one of the large independent music production and events companies, producing shows across the United States, Mexico, and the Dominican Republic, with a mission to go public in three to five years. BalanceFest now operates as a company under the Legacy Live umbrella.

2026 →

Balance Capital LLC — Founder

The platform that brings it together: sponsor of Eureka Valley Ranch, holder of the MM1 and Wieland Development portfolios, principal in music and venture positions, and home of the new Capital Partners division.

THE FAMILY OF COMPANIES

One name behind every mark

AFFILIATIONS & INVESTMENTS

The companies

CompanyRoleFocusLink
Balance Capital LLCFounderHolding & investment platform
Wieland Development LLCPresident / OwnerResidential, STR & commercial real estate
MM1 LLCOwnerIndustrial & commercial real estate
EVR LLC — Eureka Valley RanchSponsor315-acre master-planned community, Central City, COProject page →
Legacy LivePartner / OwnerMusic production & events — U.S., Mexico, Dominican Republic
BalanceFestPresident — a Legacy Live companyMusic & art festivalbalancemusicfest.com →
Motivate Venture CapitalEarly Investor / LP, Funds I & IIPre-seed & seed technology, ChicagoPartnership page →
The Wylde — Central City, COMinority InvestorProposed gaming & hospitality resort adjacent to Eureka Valley Ranch
Wieland & Sons Lumber Co.Former Owner (2006–2024, exited)Hardwood lumber manufacturing, worldwide salesLegacy page →

MINORITY, NON-CONTROLLING POSITIONS DISCLOSED WHERE APPLICABLE · THE WYLDE IS INDEPENDENTLY OWNED AND OPERATED

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