Mike Holmes was raised in Metchosin on a farm and later attended Brentwood College and UVIC where he majored in Economics, Law and rugby. After he determined that playing sports did not provide food for the table he joined Jones Emery as an articling student and eventually a partner practicing mainly in the areas of real estate and business. In 2003 he started his second career as a managing broker and business owner, purchasing Pemberton Holmes from his cousin Phil. Mike is father to four children – Harry, Wildy, Jacqueline and Caroline.