Michael Schuster Serves as Keynote Speaker at Chamber Banquet
Michael Schuster, FAIA, LEED AP, Founder & Principal of MSA Design, returned to his hometown to speak at the Barnesville Area Chamber of Commerce spring banquet.
Master of Ceremonies John Rataiczak introduced Schuster, before he took the stage to share how the Barnesville community shaped his life and the journey behind his success.
Schuster is a renowned architect and a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects, a distinction awarded to only about 3% of architects nationwide. He is the owner of MSA Design in Cincinnati and is also LEED AP certified.
His work includes major projects such as the home of the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park, the University of Cincinnati’s Calhoun Hall and Summit Park in Blue Ash.
Locally, Schuster’s firm is currently involved with the Barnesville State Theater project.
During his remarks, Schuster reflected on his path from a challenging upbringing to a successful career, emphasizing the role of community support, perseverance and resilience.
Michael Schuster speaks at the Barnesville Area Chamber of Commerce Spring Banquet. ©Barnesville Area News Company Photo.
One of eight children, Schuster said his family moved to Barnesville during a time of financial hardship after his father’s medical practice failed. He described the village as a place where he learned both difficult and valuable life lessons.
“Whatever I have been able to do, it is because of Barnesville,” he said. “There’s no question in my mind.”
Schuster called Barnesville a “unique and incredible” community and credited local coaches, teachers and guidance counselors, specifically Lucille Dyrdek, John Hutchison and Roger Sowers, for recognizing his talent in art and helping guide him toward a career in architecture.
He shared that he struggled academically early in college, earning a 2.2 grade point average, but later turned things around, making the Dean’s List each term afterward and graduating with a 3.1 GPA.
Before pursuing his career, Schuster also worked briefly as a coal miner at the North American #6 mine, an experience he said gave him perspective on hard work and helped him realize he wanted a different future.
He told attendees that part of his success came from giving back to others.
“When you give, you’ll get 10 times back, 20 times back,” he said. “I think it’s 1000 times back. When you give, you get 1000 times back.”
Schuster emphasized that success ultimately comes down to being a good person and treating others with respect and dignity. He encouraged attendees to embrace failure as part of growth.
“The only way you learn is when you make a mistake.”
He finished his speech by thanking the people of Barnesville for what they have done for him and what they will do for everyone else in the future.
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