The Defenders of Capitalism Project™ is a for-profit organization committed to educating producers, leaders and achievers about capitalism and why we need to defend and champion the only moral socio-economic system in history.
Our Team
MICHAEL WILLIAMS
Founder & President
Michael Williams created the Defenders of Capitalism Project™ originally created to be a crucial component of the Leadership Program of the Rockies curriculum, which has grown into this project today and a specialty class of both the Leadership Program of the Rockies and the Charter Oak Leadership Program. LPR and CLP train emerging leaders in America’s founding principles and leadership skills necessary to impact public policy. DoC adds value by providing standalone modules that teach the moral and historical case for laissez faire for campus, business, and community groups.
Outside of Defenders of Capitalism Project™, Mike is the founder & president of ALTIUS Financial, Inc., a Registered Investment Advisor. He brings over 30 years’ experience in financial planning and wealth management and has earned numerous client service and investment advisory awards. He speaks frequently to radio audiences, community and campus groups on investment and economic themes, and has toured internationally with the Free Market Road Show for the Austrian Economics Center. Mike is a member of the prestigious Mont Pelerin Society, and serves on the Board of the Steamboat Institute and is active with many public policy groups.
Contact:
ERIK SANDSTROM
Assistant Director
Erik Sandstrom, Williams’ primary collaborator, is the 2016 winner of the coveted Defender of Capitalism™ Award given to the student best able to apply the concepts in Atlas Shrugged to contemporary political and social issues. Sandstrom, a 2016 graduate of the Leadership Program of the Rockies, has a background in Austrian Economics, and has adopted Rand’s ideas to fill in the critical moral and ethical pieces of his ideology, where Austrian Economics falls short.
Erik graduated in May 2010 from Texas Christian University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy, as well as minors in Political Science and Spanish. He has also been a board member of the Carbon Valley Chamber of Commerce and the Johnstown-Milliken Chamber of Commerce. As well as a member of the Colfax Steering Committee, Aurora Chamber of Commerce Government Affairs and Education Committee, and Adams County Connects Planning Committee.