Proud to call Mike a friend, colleague, and role model.
Please see below for the original letter.
To Whom It May Concern:
I first met Mike as a client many years ago, when he retained me to help him move from Canada to the United States. In the years since, he has become a great friend, which has given me the opportunity to get to know firsthand what a truly remarkable human being he is. Abraham Lincoln is believed to have stated, “Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power.”
Lincoln was probably America’s greatest President, as well as one of the greatest human beings to ever live, and it is a true testament to Mike’s character that he has passed the test put forth by a moral giant like Lincoln. Indeed, like Abraham Lincoln, Mike Lathigee rose from humble beginnings to a point where he now wields a great deal of influence with his ever-expanding group of admirers. Lesser men have been corrupted by the intoxicating effects that such power can bring.
However, Mike (like President Lincoln before him) has such a strong moral compass that he has been able to resist such a temptation. It is for this reason, for example, that, when Mike’s previous company, Freedom Investment Corp (FIC) experienced troubles that caused it to be put into receivership, Mike did not take the easy way out and try to not talk about this or “to spin” this, something that would have been particularly tempting to do given that Mike is primarily involved in efforts to secure and keep investments from people who trust that he is competent and capable of helping their investments prosper.
Instead, Mike spoke very publicly about FIC’s troubles and fought in the Canadian court system to have his good name restored. To this day, whenever he is asked about this, Mike makes no attempt to hide what happened with FIC, knowing that his own actions speak for themselves; it is clear that, even in the age of Bernie Madoff and other Ponzi schemers, Mike Lathigee truly is someone who can be trusted with people’s money and with all of the confidence that goes with such trust. Indeed, to quote Winston Churchill, another of history’s great leaders, “You can measure a man’s character by the choices he makes under pressure.” There are few things that bring about as much pressure as being given the fiduciary responsibility to wisely and prudently invest money on behalf of others, particularly given the significant backlash that can result if the investment is less than successful. Not withstanding this pressure, Mike always keeps a level head, no matter how stressful the situation may be, and he never compromises his morals or his integrity.
It is for these and so many other reasons that I am proud to call Mike a friend, colleague,
and role model.
Please do not hesitate to contact me at any time should you have further questions or concerns regarding Mike Lathigee.
Sincerely,
Josh Effron, Esq. President Immigrant Rep, Inc
MEMORANDUM FOR ALL CONCERNED PARTIES
FROM: MR. TRAVIS KRAUSS
SUBJECT: MR. MIKE LATHIGEE PROFESSIONAL CHARACTER
To Whom It May Concern:
In the fall of 2015, Mike and I were introduced by a common acquaintance and shortly thereafter we began discussions pertaining to business investments. I quickly learned of Mike’s leading efforts in other business endeavors and investments, including a local Las Vegas investment club, a large gym franchise, etc as well as his involvement in a former real estate investment deal of the past.
In 2009, I made the leap into business by starting my first company, which was a defense-contracting firm. This company has a focus within the military and government Special Operations sector, maintains a Federal Explosives License as well as a Federal Firearms License, possesses a TOP SECRET clearance (thus we are under constant scrutiny), and is still flourishing today.
In 2014, I made the leap into the amusement sector, in Las Vegas, and started another company. In doing so, I allowed a small select group of investors to participate.
Mike had an interest in helping one of my companies Adventure Combat Ops, of which the primary attraction is “Apocalypse Vegas – The Special Ops Experience”.
Early on, Mike was very transparent in response to any potential skepticism on my part. Even though he was the one at risk, he explained to me about past allegations against him and then he encouraged me to do my own research on him. As an intelligent business owner, I did so and it was easy to wade through the noise of media and unqualified subjective opinions to determine my own findings. It is of my opinion that the following factors played into effect:
- Mike’s participation had many other involved parties and it seemed apparent that he was used as a scape goat to some extent
- Business and investment efforts involve risk and when they don’t work out, it doesn’t mean that there were dishonest agendas
- There were multiple factors that lead to investor dissatisfaction , but I am of the opinion that none of those factors involved anything dishonest or irresponsible on Mike’s half
- The government became involved on various levels, which can tie the hands of the commercial and private sectors’ abilities
My personal findings in Mike are that he has the utmost integrity and humble character when it comes to helping and taking care of others. Not only did Mike manage his team’s $300k investment into Adventure Combat Ops without any fee, but he recouped and paid back 100% of the investment to his parties before he took any returns for himself. Truth be told, I am not sure that he has taken any returns to date. Nonetheless, he played a pivotal role in mentoring me and chairing our board of advisors on multiple occasions along the way and his conduct was always in the capacity of protecting others and success of the team first. Never have I witnessed Mike’s concern for himself. Furthermore, Mike is of the character where he has even offered to provide short term, interest free loans to me, of up to $30k, should I find myself in a tight spot. His simply response to my request was that he had no issues in trusting me. It is necessary to understand that this does not highlight my character, as it actually highlights Mike’s. Untrustworthy men do not trust others.
I have seen Mike work tirelessly to continue to help others and watch out for their best interest, in a time when many other men would have given up. Men do not continue to endeavor as Mike has, unless they feel that their efforts are truly a calling for the better good of others.
I can whole-heartedly tell you that I trust Mike with anything that I have and that I would have no reservations about doing future business with him. Moreover, I will continue to seek Mike’s advise pertaining to business and financials, not only due to his intelligence and experience, but because of his selfless character towards how he considers others first in his decisions.
ICOA Update on The Prince to Members
Members,
This past week I feel as though I have played a small role in history.
For 5 years I have been a massive supporter of Prince Vacharaesorn Vivacharawongse – when he had few supporters.
I always believed him to be a leader with the right progressive thoughts
to lead a nation.
He and I had many discussions and I got to know him at a deep level
as a friend & human being.
He is benevolent and wants to make a positive difference in the world.
Over the years we privately spoke about his plan to return to Thailand
and the best way to do it.
| Many years ago, when his father (the king) divorced his mother, the four sons were banished from Thailand and told never to return. 27 years have passed. Prince Vach and his brothers have all graduated from college with professional degrees and Prince Vach went on to become a lawyer with numerous accolades. In discussions about his trip, we planned for a quiet return to Thailand. He and I even planned normal tourist activities to see the country. Well, things took a quick turn and I believe for the best. Upon his arrival one of the receivers called, “Prince, Prince over here”. An unknown person at the airport filmed this person calling out as well as the Prince’s arrival at the airport and posted it on social media. Within just a few hours of the arrival, the video went viral with over 6 million views. The social media sites lit up with speculation of why he returned and how he was able to get in the country. Although there was no formal invitation, the Palace left the door open to him to return. The Monarch in Thailand has strict Lese Majeste Laws where any negative comment about the King can land you 15 years in prison. Many Thais want reform – and this is one of many reasons the Monarch has struggled with approval. However, the Prince’s return has been a high point for a monarchy that has struggled to get strong public support and with his arrival there is 90 percent approval on all forms of social media including some from well know anti-monarchists. He has the respect of the people because in many ways they see him as hardworking and someone who did it on his own. On Day 2 of his visit the Palace took control of his agenda and I had to take a step back from such heavy involvement. The Palace really had no choice as he is the biggest story in Thailand and already wildly popular and his daily itinerary has been filled with visiting orphanages, visiting temples and interacting with Thai people. In many ways, I am sure the Palace is happy to have such a positive surge in press and many media outlets stated his arrival was carefully planned by the Palace but that simply is not true. |
| Things have gone very well and I agree with the sentiment that the Thais finally have a popular prospect to become the Crown Prince and I am honoured to call him a friend and I am so happy he participated in two of our previous EconoSummits. At our events he spoke to us to promote Thailand and the Thai people and never asked for anything in return. He has always been generous and giving with his time. Google his name and the countless News Stories. What we thought might be a private, low-key trip has quickly turned into a major international story in the Associated Press. The Thai people will be fortunate if he becomes their next leader. |
From the desk of Praveen Varshney
I have known Mike Lathigee for more than 25 years from when we first met through YEO (now known as EO), the largest organization of entrepreneurs in the world. Over this time I have developed respect for his talent, determination and track record.
I have also witnessed negative press directed at him, which seemed more interested in “the story” than the facts. For example, when his company failed after the “Global Meltdown” of 2008/09 he was portrayed in the press as having attained and holding large personal gains when he had actually lost more than any of his investors and in fact was completely wiped out. Even the regulators (who ruled against him) admitted that he had attained no personal gain and yet the press continued with misleading stories.
Now ten years later, I have had the opportunity to come to Las Vegas and speak multiple times at Las Vegas Investment Club meetings and to meet many of the investors, many of whom have been with him for some years now. What they convey is that they are very pleased with his results. And when it comes to transparency, they say he pulls no punches sharing openly everything that’s being said or written about him “Google my name and ask me any question you want”.
As a professional investor, I see how Mike structures his investment opportunities, he puts his investors first with the management team getting nothing until investors are fully repaid which shows a high level of integrity.
Despite the difficult circumstances Mike’s had to deal with over the years to try and help clear his name, he’s been very open and transparent with everyone including the regulators, he’s never run away to hide and been very cooperative as he’s rebuilt a very successful investment club and track record in Nevada.
In conclusion, I am proud to be associated with Michael, am currently doing business with him and will continue to do so.
Regards,
Praveen K. Varshney, FCPA, FCA
Director
Varshney Capital Corp.
Vancouver, BC
Canada
Praveen Varshney has been a principal of Varshney Capital Corp., a Vancouver based merchant banking,
venture capital and corporate advisory services firm, since 1991.
Mr. Varshney obtained a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of British Columbia in 1987 and is a FCPA, FCA.
He is a director or officer of various publicly traded companies including Mogo (Co-Founder) and BetterU Education Corp. He is also a Co-Founder of G-PAK and former CFO of Carmanah Corp. which became Canada’s largest solar company. He also was Co-Founder of a predecessor of Mountain Province Diamonds who’s Gahcho Kué in September 2016 became the world’s largest new diamond mine since 2003 & De Beers’ second-largest producer behind its Jwaneng mine in Botswana.
Mr. Varshney is a Toniic member and a long-time member of both EO Entrepreneurs Organization & TiE (Founding Director). He’s also on a number of non-profit boards such as The Varshney Family Charitable Foundation, OneProsper.org and a Founding Member of instrumentbeyondborders.org. He’s also an SVP Vancouver Partner, a Vancouver Police Foundation Trustee, and on the Advisory boards of Room to Read – Vancouver and The Thomas Edison Innovation Foundation in New Jersey, USA. He also Co-Founded with his daughter, Jaiya, Down to the Last Straw, a global movement to reduce plastic waste with a major focus on single-use plastic straws. Mr. Varshney is also a past recipient of Business in Vancouver’s 40 Under 40 Awards.
Terri Salvatore
“Strategy. Integrity. Heart.
These are three words that come to mind when describing Michael Lathigee.
Strategy
Mike explains each opportunity from a strategic perspective, with a broad view of how current events tie in with the attraction of a potential investment.
Integrity
Mike is honest and transparent with respect to the structuring of each investment.
Heart
Mike makes sure that people come first. This is not only true for me as an investor, but also for peripheral players involved in any of the transactions. Everyone is treated with dignity.
Having worked with Mike for over 3 years now, it has been an invigorating experience on many levels:
Mike always delivers valuable and timely information on a broad range of topics. The discernment of his choices is made after lengthy research. He provides detail in his reasoning as to why any particular investment will be a good pick.
I am very pleased I have met Mike and involved in what he is doing. Mike has gone beyond my expectations regarding his attention and consideration to each member’s satisfaction.