In 1996, Mike decided to relocate his family to Nashville, Tenn., to begin a full-time solo music career. What followed is a succession of 15 number one Christian Country radio singles and over 20 awards from various music organizations including the Country Gospel Music Association’s 1998 and 1999 National Entertainer of the Year, the 1998 National Songwriter of the Year and the 1999 Christian Country Music Association’s Male Vocalist of the Year. In 2006, Mike picked up the coveted Songwriter of the Year award at the Inspirational Country Music (ICM) awards. In 2006 he was a featured performer on the nationally televised ICM awards show alongside country stars Charlie Daniels, Lonestar and Trent Tomlinson. And in 2007, he took home "Song of the Year" for "Back in the Country Again", and also "Songwriter of the Year", as well as perfomed on the awards show again.