Some entrepreneurs follow the playbook. Michael “The Mollusk” Butorac writes his own.
Currently earning his MBA at Cal State Fullerton, Michael is a marketer, storyteller, producer, and community builder who refuses to be boxed into one title. Between brand activations with Adobe, unique community events (including renting out a theater for Fantastic Four), and launching creative ventures, he’s proving that entrepreneurship is as much about curiosity and connection as it is about business plans.
Why “The Mollusk”?
In our recent interview at the CSUF Conrey Center for Entrepreneurship, Michael shared the origin of his unusual nickname. Like a mollusk, he’s adaptive, resilient, and knows when to protect his ideas while letting the right ones flourish. It’s a persona that reflects his mix of humor, strategic thinking, and willingness to stand out.
Titan Fast Pitch and Sketchy Places
In 2023, Michael competed in Cal State Fullerton’s Titan Fast Pitch competition, finishing 4th out of hundreds of students with his startup concept, Sketchy Places. The idea? A creative approach to mapping and exploring locations that sparks curiosity and community interaction.
That finish earned him a residency at the CSUF Startup Incubator, where he worked closely with mentors like Scott Sorrell, professor of Entrepreneurship Marketing, and Phillip Stinis, Incubator Manager. Their guidance went beyond financial statements and marketing plans. Michael recalls Phillip emphasizing the importance of personal well-being — likening it to getting routine maintenance for your car. For Michael, it was a reminder that entrepreneurial success is tied to self-care and long-term sustainability.
The Power of Interdisciplinary Thinking
Michael’s work is a living example of interdisciplinary thinking in action. He bridges the worlds of marketing, storytelling, and community engagement, drawing from multiple disciplines to create projects that are innovative and people-focused. This mindset allows him to see opportunities where others might not — whether that’s in building partnerships, crafting a narrative, or hosting events that bring people together.
Community Building as a Core Value
For Michael, community isn’t just a buzzword; it’s the foundation of his work. From creating spaces for people to connect to collaborating with mentors and peers, he believes that strong communities are the key to lasting impact. His optimism and focus on relationships make him stand out in an entrepreneurial landscape that can sometimes overemphasize competition over collaboration.
Advice for Future Entrepreneurs
Michael’s advice for students and aspiring founders is straightforward: embrace curiosity, find mentors, and take on projects that excite you. Success isn’t just about chasing profit — it’s about building something that matters, both to you and to the people you serve.