Mike Rothe has always had a passion for cars, family, and finding the right place to call home. Originally from Houston, Texas, Mike now enjoys retirement in the Wildhorse area, where his home perfectly supports one of his lifelong hobbies, collecting and working on classic cars.

One of the main reasons Mike chose his current home was its ideal location. He appreciates being close to Chesterfield Valley shopping while also having easy access to Highway 94, which leads to some of his favorite local destinations like the Katy Trail and Missouri’s scenic wine country. But the house itself sealed the deal. For a dedicated car collector, the property’s impressive garage setup - a four-car attached garage and a four-car detached garage - offered the perfect space for his collection and projects.

Before retiring, Mike built a successful career in the medical device industry, establishing and managing the North American business of Nipro Medical Corporation. The Japanese manufacturer is known for products such as kidney dialyzers and arteriovenous fistula needles used in dialysis treatments. His work helped expand the company’s presence and impact across the United States.

Today, Mike spends much of his time enjoying the things he loves most: spending time with his three adult children, their spouses, and especially his 10 grandchildren. Car shows and hot rod building are favorite hobbies, and he enjoys connecting with other enthusiasts who share his appreciation for classic vehicles and craftsmanship.

Mike’s love of cars began in the 1950s. His dad was an engineer and very handy, and cars were simpler then, no anti-pollution systems or computers. Each year, Mike and his family looked forward to the new car models in October or November, and his parents often took him on epic summer road trips across the U.S. and Mexico. One year, the family drove to Acapulco and Mexico City in an old Cadillac. When the car broke a piston on the way home, Mike helped his dad repair it, a moment that sparked his lifelong interest in engines and automotive craftsmanship.

"Automobiles have always represented freedom,” Mike says. “They are fundamental to our culture. The ability to work on them and play a role in this freedom is very rewarding. Each one is different, with its own personality, weaknesses and strengths, so the relationship with each car is unique, kind of like people."

When Mike is not tinkering in the garage or attending car shows, he enjoys traveling to Hollywood Beach, Florida, for some relaxation by the ocean. Family traditions are important, too, including an annual reunion on the Saturday before Easter. For food, nothing beats a simple, classic meal like charcoal-broiled hamburgers with homemade macaroni and cheese.

A longtime sports fan, Mike cheers for the St. Louis Cardinals and Kansas City Chiefs. He also enjoys watching Saturday Night Live and listening to Outlaw Country legends like Willie Nelson, George Jones, Waylon Jennings, Merle Haggard, and Emmylou Harris.

A fun piece of childhood trivia: Mike attended grade school at St. Rose of Lima in Houston with actor Patrick Swayze. His sister even took dance lessons at the Patsy Swayze Dance Studio, run by Patrick’s mother!

Looking ahead, Mike is still dreaming about his next car: a full-size convertible. “With 10 grandchildren, I need something that holds more than two or three people,” he says. He’s on the lookout for a late 1960s or early 1970s muscle car, a rare find, but worth the hunt for the right one.