Michael Tarach Blue Bell Creameries: A Sweet Life Built in Charlotte County

February 17th, 2026

Charlotte County’s 40 Under 40 series isn’t just about professional accolades. It’s about people who choose to grow here—to build not just careers, but lives rooted in community. These stories help showcase why Charlotte County is a place where young professionals stay, thrive, and inspire others to do the same.

This month, we’re honored to feature Michael Tarach, Branch Manager at Blue Bell Creameries. His story is layered with legacy, leadership, and local impact. From drag racing and golf to employee mentorship and community partnerships, Michael represents the spirit of someone who’s all in—on his team, his family, and the future of Southwest Florida.

Growing Up with Grit, Sports, and Support

Before he became a leader at Blue Bell Creameries, Michael Tarach was a kid with big energy, a love of sports, and a deep connection to his family. He was born just outside of Columbus, Ohio—“Go Buckeyes!” he says proudly. Although his family moved to Florida when he was still very young, he still has deep ties to the Buckeye State. “I still have a good portion of my family that lives in various areas of Ohio,” he shares.

Michael grew up on Florida’s east coast, in the heart of West Palm Beach, where he says his childhood was nothing short of amazing. “I had a great childhood!” he says. “I played a lot of sports like the typical young kid, including hockey and golf.”

From an early age, he was drawn to golf. Not only did he enjoy it—he took it seriously. “I actually started playing golf when I was 4, by taking lessons during the summer,” he explains. But those lessons weren’t just practice sessions. They were part of cherished family traditions. “On the weekends I would ride along with my dad and grandparents. That got me hooked.”

Golf wasn’t just a game. It became a central part of Michael’s identity and shaped how he saw success—not just through performance, but through discipline. It also gave him some of his most formative relationships, especially with his grandfather.

“My grandfather, for sure,” Michael says without hesitation, when asked who had the biggest influence on his life or career. “He is a retired attorney, and easily the smartest person I know.”

Their bond was more than special—it was foundational. “Growing up, we did everything together,” he says. “He was my golf coach, my go-to for schoolwork advice, my listening ear when things weren’t going my way and I needed a shoulder to cry on.” And perhaps most important of all, Michael says, “He has always been my biggest supporter and fan.”

Like many kids, Michael didn’t always grasp the significance of that guidance while it was happening. But now, with years of perspective and leadership experience of his own, he sees it clearly. “As a young kid and teenager, I never really understood the impact he would have on me,” he says. “But now as an adult, I often sit back and go, ‘Oh okay—now I get it.’”

Drag Racing and Daytona Sundays

Beyond the clubhouse, Michael had a need for speed.

“I was into drag racing growing up and have been over 200 mph (legally!) more times than I can remember,” he says. “The fastest I’ve gone is 243 mph.” He’s a self-proclaimed racing fanatic who’s already visited half of the NASCAR tracks across the country—and plans to see the rest.

Despite the adrenaline, Michael also values peace and balance. His ideal Saturday in Charlotte County is a mix of movement and mindfulness: a morning gym session, a long ride on his motorcycle, maybe a round of golf, and always—whatever race is on TV.

His two favorite Sundays? Master’s Sunday and Daytona 500 Sunday. They’re not just events—they’re traditions.

FGCU Roots and a Career Pivot

Michael Tarach first came to Southwest Florida with a clear purpose: to attend Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU). Like many students arriving on campus with a specific path in mind, he had chosen a field that felt familiar and aligned with his interests.

“I started out in resort and hospitality management,” he explains, “because I loved the idea of working in the Country Club setting.” That setting wasn’t just a fantasy—it was personal. “I think because I grew up around it playing golf,” he adds. “It was my comfort zone.”

However, as his academic journey progressed, Michael began to reassess where he was headed. What started as a natural fit soon became a stepping stone toward something different. “When I realized that wasn’t the direction for me,” he says, “I settled on a Communications degree.”

That shift in focus marked more than a change of major—it marked a turning point in his self-development. Being at FGCU gave Michael the space to grow—not just academically, but emotionally and professionally.

“Honestly, I think every young aspiring adult should spend time away from home at school,” he reflects. “It helped me grow into an independent version of my younger self, and gave me the strength to not be afraid to venture out.”

Those years at FGCU laid a foundation that would carry forward into everything that followed. The independence he developed in college became a cornerstone of the confidence he later applied in new roles, in new states, and eventually, in leadership.

Climbing with Blue Bell—and Coming Back

Michael Tarach didn’t just find a job at Blue Bell Creameries—he found a launchpad. After graduating from FGCU, he began his career with the company and quickly proved himself as a rising leader. That ambition eventually opened the door to a major step: a promotion out of state.

“After beginning my career with Blue Bell, accepting a promotion in Colorado, and being offered the opportunity to return back here to Southwest Florida as the Branch Manager, I ultimately have settled in to making this area my long-term home,” Michael explains.

Although he wasn’t always certain Charlotte County would be where he stayed long term, the opportunity to return as a leader gave him a chance to grow in multiple ways. “I wasn’t sure to be honest,” he says. “Originally, I was open to relocation, simply because I was looking to grow my career within my company.”

But timing and opportunity aligned just right. “At the time, I had no clue if that would lead me back to Southwest Florida,” he continues, “but the way my cards were dealt, it ultimately led me to doing both… growing with my company, and taking over the Southwest Florida Branch.”

That move wasn’t just a professional milestone—it was a personal one, too. Charlotte County had become familiar over time. He had roots here. “Personally, this area has been my home for over 15 years now,” he shares. “Not counting the few years away in Colorado.”

Reflecting on his journey—from student, to manager, to mentor—Michael sees the full circle clearly. “To think back on where I was when I first moved over here as a young college kid to now, I have spent almost half of my life in Southwest Florida,” he says.

And in that time, he’s gained more than a job title. “I have made a lifetime supply of wonderful friends and colleagues as well.”

Leading the Branch: The Day-to-Day and the Long-Term View

In his role as Branch Manager at Blue Bell Creameries, Michael Tarach oversees more than operations—he leads people, culture, and customer experience. His day-to-day is packed with activity, and yet it remains unpredictable in the best way.

“Operations meeting, sales calls, administrative duties, and employee training,” he says, listing off just some of the core responsibilities on his plate. “That is, if I am not traveling or spending time out in the field.” While he tries to plan his week in advance, Michael adds with a laugh, “We have so many moving parts that you just never know what each day is going to bring.”

That kind of variety keeps things exciting, but it also demands a high level of agility and focus. Whether he’s coordinating with drivers, solving inventory challenges, or jumping in to support his team directly, Michael approaches every task with ownership and energy. His leadership extends from the office to the front lines, and he takes pride in being hands-on when needed.

Still, amid all the logistics and planning, one part of the job stands out as a personal highlight: connecting with customers face-to-face.

“I love being able to pop into our accounts and meet customers who simply love Blue Bell,” he says. “Getting to thank them personally will always be the fun part of the job.”

It’s those small, unplanned moments—an appreciative customer, a surprise visit to a store—that remind Michael why the work matters.

But for him, leadership means more than managing a route or maintaining product flow. It’s about developing people. As someone who worked his way up, Michael believes in creating opportunities for others to do the same.

“My absolute favorite part of the job is getting to mentor my managers and watching them grow,” he shares. “I have been blessed with the chance to be a part of their career growth and reaching their goals.”

He doesn’t just see their success as a reflection of their hard work—it’s also how he measures his own. “The way I measure my success is by measuring how successful my managers are.”

For Michael, mentoring isn’t just a leadership tactic—it’s his legacy.

What Makes Blue Bell Unique

At first glance, Blue Bell Creameries might look like a national giant. After all, it’s now the third-largest ice cream brand in the country. But according to Michael Tarach, the company’s real strength is that it still operates with the heart of a hometown business.

“Even though our company is extremely large—in fact, third-largest in the country as of 2024—you never feel like ‘just a number,’” Michael explains. “We are a tight-knit group that cherishes the opportunity to come to work for a company that truly cares about their employees.”

That family-like culture is one of the reasons Michael has stayed and grown within the organization. Day to day, that care shows up in how teams are led, supported, and empowered to serve both the product and the people.

“In turn, our employees treat our customers that same way,” he says. “We take the time to understand their needs as a business, and how we as an ice cream brand can help them reach their goals.”

This kind of business philosophy isn’t just good for operations—it’s good for community. Whether they’re working with small independent grocers or large regional chains, Michael and his team prioritize relationship-building, consistency, and reliability.

But even more important, he says, is how Blue Bell preserves its roots—despite its size. “We are still the ‘Little Brenham Creamery’ at heart.”

That legacy goes back to 1907, when the company began making butter in Brenham, Texas. Over a century later, the brand has grown into a household name across the southern U.S.—but the small-town mindset remains. Every scoop still reflects a tradition of quality, and every delivery still carries the pride of people who believe in what they’re doing.

The customer loyalty is real—and deeply felt. Michael regularly hears stories from families who’ve enjoyed Blue Bell for decades and aren’t shy about sharing their appreciation. Those kinds of moments, he says, are what make the job especially rewarding.

Ultimately, what makes Blue Bell unique is not just the product. It’s the people who stand behind it. From leadership in Texas to distribution in Punta Gorda, every team member knows they’re part of something meaningful.

Living and Working in Charlotte County

For Michael Tarach, living and working in Charlotte County is more than convenient—it’s meaningful. As someone who has built his career here and spent much of his adult life in the region, Michael says the connection runs deep.

What stands out most to him is the people. “We are constantly being approached by our loyal customers and fans, telling us how happy they are to have Blue Bell available in Southwest Florida,” he says. That kind of personal connection, where customers stop and share their appreciation, reinforces why he feels lucky to lead a brand that matters so much to the community.

In Charlotte County, Michael has found a unique kind of balance. Professionally, it’s a place where his business can thrive. Unlike many Blue Bell branches that face the ups and downs of seasonal demand, the Punta Gorda-area operation stays steady year-round. “Who doesn’t love ice cream on a hot, sunny South Florida day?” Michael says. “This is a beautiful place to live and work. I can think of far worse situations to be in!”

And personally? The lifestyle is everything he hoped for. “Things are developing so fast,” he shares. “You won’t run out of things to do—that’s for sure. Plus, if you do decide to take a drive out of the area, you are still relatively close to major cities like Tampa and Miami.” He appreciates the way Charlotte County blends small-town feel with big-city access.

When it comes to his free time, Michael is all about local spots with real energy. “I love hopping on the bike and stopping by Bert’s or Twisted Fork,” he says. “Bert is a great guy and it’s always a fun time when they have live music too.” These aren’t just pit stops—they’re favorite places where he feels part of something.

And when family visits from out of town? He brings them to the heart of Punta Gorda. “Downtown Punta Gorda is always a nice spot to hang out, and usually I bring my family there when they come visit,” he says. More recently, he’s added a new favorite to the list. “The new Sunseeker Resort is also quickly becoming one of my favorite spots!”

Charlotte County has given Michael more than a job—it’s given him a lifestyle that supports growth, family, and fun. It’s where he works hard, builds relationships, and still has room to unwind and recharge. For Michael Tarach, that kind of environment isn’t just good for business—it’s good for life.

Giving Back: More Than a Brand

For Michael Tarach, giving back isn’t an add-on—it’s part of the job. At Blue Bell Creameries, community involvement is woven into the company’s identity, and Michael takes pride in helping lead those efforts across Charlotte County.

He explains that what they truly enjoy is “being out in the community spending time with our loyal fans.” That includes working closely with the Charlotte County school system for various events and ceremonies—something Michael calls especially meaningful. “We certainly hold our educators near and dear to our heart,” he says.

Their outreach goes beyond the classroom. Michael and his team also partner with OneBlood for blood drives and support local youth initiatives like the Boys and Girls Club through donations. And when it comes to honoring those who serve, he emphasizes, “we cannot forget our public safety departments and all that they do for us.”

Whether it’s showing up to sponsor an event, offering product donations, or simply being present, Michael sees it as a responsibility and a privilege. “We give back when we can,” he says, “and we are thrilled to be a part of such an amazing community.”

Why Charlotte County Is Still His Choice

For Michael, Charlotte County isn’t just where he works—it’s where he’s grown into the person he is today.

“This is where I got my foot in the door with Blue Bell,” he says. “And it’s where I’ve built a life.”

Over the last 15 years, including a few spent away in Colorado, Michael has watched the region transform. From a place that once felt like a career stopover, it became a long-term home filled with deep relationships, career milestones, and community connection.

He sees the growth happening all around him—not just in roads or rooftops, but in people. The community is attracting new families, more businesses, and young professionals who want more than just a paycheck. They want purpose. They want roots. And Michael believes Charlotte County delivers both.

“Charlotte County is a hidden gem,” Michael says. “There’s so much opportunity here that people outside the area don’t always realize. It often gets overlooked being between larger, more well-known cities.”

For Michael, it’s not just a great place to do business—it’s a place where you can build a legacy.

Advice to Young Professionals: Choose Growth AND Joy

For anyone in their 20s or 30s considering a move or career pivot, Michael Tarach encourages looking beyond the paycheck. He emphasizes the importance of building a full life—one that includes both career goals and personal happiness.

“While it is easy to want to put your head down, and focus on a new career, that next big promotion, or that impressive raise,” he says, “don’t forget to also find things that make you happy. Find hobbies, find ways to enjoy your life out of the office.”

His approach reflects what he’s learned over time: that personal fulfillment and professional progress are not mutually exclusive.

“The career goals will certainly come along as well,” he adds, “but make sure you make time for YOU.”

Whether it’s time with his son, riding his motorcycle, or watching a race on the weekend, Michael practices what he preaches—choosing a lifestyle that supports his long-term happiness.

Fun Facts + Rapid Fire

My favorite ice cream flavor is: Homemade Vanilla (goes with everything). Also a sucker for Cookie Dough.
I never leave the house without: A positive mindset
Best concert I’ve ever been to: George Strait with Chris Stapleton as opener
If I weren’t in this role, I’d be: A struggling pro golfer
If I had an extra hour a day, I’d spend it: With my son
One thing I always keep in my car: Water
Quote or mantra I live by: “Let it be”

Rapid Fire:

• Coffee or tea? Coffee

• Sunrise or sunset? Sunset

• Mountains or beach? Beach

• iPhone or Android? iPhone

• Favorite season? Summer

• Early bird or night owl? Early bird

• Netflix binge or outdoor adventure? Outdoor adventure

Conclusion: A Career Built on Consistency, Community, and Creamery Pride

Michael Tarach is a dad, a mentor, a leader, and a Charlotte County champion. He’s not just serving ice cream—he’s building teams, supporting schools, and investing in a future that’s bright with possibility.

His story reflects exactly what 40 Under 40 was designed to celebrate: a person who chose to stay, grow, and give back in a community that’s growing right alongside him.

Want to meet more young leaders shaping Charlotte County? Stay tuned for our next 40 Under 40 spotlight.