Leader helps build great teams — from Baghdad to fast-food counter

Rick Michaels’ latest entrepreneurial venture — owning and operating a new Chick-fil-A in south Sarasota — is something of a step down, at least when compared to past career stops.  

It wasn’t too long ago, for example, Michaels helmed the government agency that coordinated ground transportation for President Barack Obama, the first family and assorted high-level guests and VIPs. Before that gig as chief executive of the White House Transportation Agency, Michaels ran logistics units for the U.S. Army.