- December 31, 2025
Skyler Michael has a deep love of community.
A graduate of Seabreeze High School, he moved to the Tampa area for three years. While there, he found himself seeking that same feeling of community he had while growing up in Ormond Beach.
That's when he started getting into running, joining one of the large run clubs in the area. There would be hundreds of people every time the club met.
Then he moved back home in 2024.
"I was trying to find that outlet here, and that just didn't exist," Michael said.
So he decided to start his own run club, teaming up with his friends Dean Mosley and Jackson Oddo to co-found Golden Hour Run Club. It started out small, but slowly, they've seen the Saturday morning club grow, with some days seeing between 50 and 60 people participating.
"I just wanted to start something locally that was healthy — just a love that I have — and be able to do it in the community around me," Michael said.
The Golden Run Club meets every Saturday at 7:30 a.m. in different areas of Ormond Beach, including The Casements and Cassen Park.
Michael said it's been a positive experience for all those who participate. It's become routine for their core group of runners.
"Everybody who comes to the club always says it's literally the best way to start their weekend," he said.
[Skyler] truly embodies what it means to lift others up and give back to his community. I’ve known him for many years and have had the privilege of watching him grow into an incredible person, someone I genuinely look up to." — HAILEY NOLIN, 2025 Standing O
Participants are encouraged to walk or run at whatever pace feels comfortable, said Hailey Nolin, who nominated Michael for this year's Standing O edition. This creates an inclusive and supportive environment, and she said this has inspired her to start running and believe in herself more than before.
"I chose Skyler to be recognized for the Standing O because he truly embodies what it means to lift others up and give back to his community," Nolin said. "I’ve known him for many years and have had the privilege of watching him grow into an incredible person, someone I genuinely look up to."
Outside of his run club, Michael helps local businesses through his work at Placement Labs, a marketing agency based in Daytona Beach.
"He approaches every project with care, intention, and heart. He never gives less than 110% in anything he does, and our community is better because of it," Nolin said.
Michael is also a member of the Volusia Young Professionals Group and has started becoming involved with No Longer Fatherless, a nonprofit that offers mentoring to young boys who are growing up without a father figure in Volusia and Flagler counties.
As an uncle to two nephews and a niece, Michael said he tries to be as good of a role model as possible for them. It made him aware of the need children have for positive influences.
In his life, his mom has been a huge influence, Michael said.
"She's always been a true example of love and encouragement," he said.
Michael said he tries to be intentional with everything he does. Those are words he lives by. It's easy to go through life with a "laissez-faire" attitude — but Michael said he likes to wake up every day with a plan, and follow through.
Much like his run club.
"How you do one thing is how you do everything," Michael said. "... If you're going to do something, you do it well."
