Michael Shoniker is a Charlotte, NC-based executive whose career spans retirement planning, private equity, entrepreneurship, and wellness. With over sixteen years in the 401(k) industry, he built a reputation as a trusted advisor and business strategist. His current responsibilities at Innovative Capital Solutions include overseeing client relations and leading participant education initiatives. In this role, he ensures clients receive the insights and support needed to navigate retirement planning confidently. His approach is rooted in clarity, consistency, and service qualities, defining his leadership and impact in the field. Michael Shoniker’s professional path reflects deep expertise and genuine care for the people he serves.
At Innovative Capital Solutions, he serves as Vice President of Business Development. He works primarily with Registered Investment Advisors to bring alternative investment strategies to high-net-worth clients. He facilitates access to innovative private equity opportunities across sectors such as real estate and infrastructure through custodial platforms like Charles Schwab. These strategies are designed to identify growth opportunities and deliver stable, long-term returns. The firm’s consistent success in delivering results is partly attributed to its ability to anticipate market needs and collaborate effectively with advisors. His work continues to shape the way wealth is preserved and grown.
In addition to his work in finance, he has established himself in the wellness industry by owning a True REST Float Spa in Charlotte. The float therapy experience he provides offers relief from stress, chronic pain, and emotional trauma through sensory deprivation and buoyant saltwater immersion. Each float tank contains a carefully balanced solution of Epsom salt and water, creating a gravity-free environment where the body can fully relax. Clients have embraced this approach to improve physical and mental well-being. By creating a space for rest and healing, he promotes the value of balance in both life and business.
Before venturing into business ownership, he spent years as a top-tier sales professional for a nationally recognized Fortune 500 firm. His exceptional sales performance earned him multiple awards, including ten President’s Club honors. He was frequently ranked among the top five salespeople in the country, thanks to his commitment to results and exceptional work ethic. He applied these same principles when launching two businesses, which achieved profitable exits. Later, he brought the True REST brand to Charlotte and Fort Mill, where he continued expanding its reach and influence. His entrepreneurial success reflects his passion and persistence.
Philanthropy is central to his wellness business model. Over 2,500 free float sessions have been donated to military veterans coping with PTSD, and his centers offer complimentary sessions to veterans on select days each month. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, he extended this outreach by donating more than 500 floats to healthcare professionals and first responders. These donations, totaling over $267,000, have helped ease the mental and physical toll on frontline workers. In addition, he has supported more than 300 community organizations through float donations, including youth programs, mental health groups, and nonprofits focused on cancer and autism awareness.
His newest venture, launched in 2023, is a consulting firm focused on helping small and mid-sized businesses improve operational efficiency. As president of this company, he leverages his background in finance to provide customized solutions for payroll, HR, and employee benefits. The goal is to help business owners reduce administrative burdens while maintaining compliance and quality service. This initiative demonstrates his continued commitment to empowering others through expert guidance. His consulting services are practical and scalable, enabling clients to focus on growth while he supports their foundational processes with precision and care.
Earlier in his career, he worked as a Regional Sales Representative for a large national payroll and human capital management firm. There, he educated small-business clients about retirement plans and the tax benefits of offering employee savings programs. His ability to build trust and simplify complex topics set him apart from his peers. He earned the title of Rookie of the Year in his first year, outpacing over 450 peers nationwide. He continued to dominate sales rankings throughout his tenure, receiving accolades such as Circle of Excellence recognition and national top-ten finishes. His performance was marked by consistency and excellence.
The family remains a driving force in his life. He is married and the proud father of a son, whom he cherishes deeply. Whether traveling, playing golf, or catching up on sports and business podcasts, he always carves out time for the people and activities he values most. He follows a fitness routine focused on wellness and longevity, driven by a desire to stay energized and sharp, both professionally and personally. An enthusiastic football fan, he enjoys cheering on his favorite team and quarterback, finding joy and camaraderie in the game. His lifestyle mirrors his commitment to living with intention and balance.
He laid the groundwork for his career at the State University of New York at Fredonia, where he studied business administration with a concentration in finance and economics. Throughout his academic journey, he actively participated in student-led business and economics groups and maintained a 3.5 GPA. His academic excellence earned him membership in a prestigious international business honor society, and he joined several finance and marketing organizations. These experiences reinforced his belief in lifelong learning and built the foundation for a career marked by versatility, ambition, and strategic thinking.
Today, Michael Shoniker continues to excel as a business leader, investor, and wellness advocate. His broad-ranging experience from finance and sales to health and philanthropy demonstrates a commitment to innovation, resilience, and community service. Through his ventures and leadership, he has touched lives, improved businesses, and created opportunities for personal and collective growth. His story is one of vision brought to life through determination, skill, and compassion. Michael Shoniker remains an inspiring figure in every field he touches.
