Nestled in the heart of Lapeer’s countryside, where the sounds of chirping birds and rustling leaves provide the backdrop, the Spradlin family has made a home filled with history, warmth, and humor. Michael and Kelly Spradlin, both 64, have called this town their own for over two decades, and their story is as rich as the area’s landscapes. With their two grown children, Michael Jr. (39) and Rachel (32), now living out-of-state but visiting frequently, the Spradlins have found themselves at the center of a growing legacy, one shaped by resilience, compassion, and the love of words.
Michael and Kelly’s journey together began at Central Michigan University, where they both attended college. From the start, their connection was magnetic, built on shared dreams and a mutual appreciation for life's adventures. After graduation, they married in September 1982, embarking on a life that would lead to shared careers, a growing family, and countless memories. As they fondly recall their years as Chippewas, a gleam of nostalgia appears in Michael's eyes. “We met at CMU, and the rest is history,” he says with a warm smile. “Go Chips!”
Michael pursued a degree in history, a field he was passionate about, while Kelly majored in finance. For over two decades, Michael worked in sales at HarperCollins Publishing, traveling an impressive seven-state territory and logging 30-40,000 miles annually. As a national account manager, he cultivated relationships with Borders and Waldenbooks before stepping away to embrace a new role as a full-time author. Since 2011, he has dedicated his life to the written word, penning over 40 books, including the internationally bestselling The Youngest Templar trilogy. Michael's latest series, The Web of the Spider, explores Germany in the late 1920s, diving into the Nazi party's rise through the eyes of young characters facing the looming specter of conflict. “The research trip to Heroldsberg in 2023 was unforgettable,” he recalls. “The town felt almost enchanted, like a fairy tale—though the history we are covering is anything but.”
Kelly, with her expertise in finance, took the reins of the couple’s publishing company, which has published cookbooks and regional titles, along with bringing some of Michael’s out-of-print works back into circulation. Her experience as a budget analyst for the US Army Tank Automotive Command before she joined their business helped build a foundation of excellence in everything they do together. Their shared dedication to literature and each other has helped shape their company into a unique venture rooted in passion and expertise.
The Spradlins’ story extends beyond their professional endeavors. They are active supporters of the XLH Network, a cause close to their hearts as both Michael and their daughter Rachel live with X-linked hypophosphatemia (XLH), a rare genetic disorder that impacts bone development. Through clinical studies and fundraising efforts, Michael has become an advocate for raising awareness, especially to aid children who are often misdiagnosed. “Helping people understand XLH is vital,” he explains. “We want to spare others the pain of a late diagnosis and ensure they get the support they need.”
Community involvement has always been part of the Spradlin family’s way of life. As their children grew up in Lapeer, the family was active in local sports and band booster clubs and contributed to founding the Chatfield library collection, an endeavor they hold dear. Michael’s commitment to young readers extends far beyond his own home. As a member of the National Eagle Scout Association, he has given presentations across the country and actively encourages reading for pleasure among young boys, a demographic he feels is often overlooked in today’s technology-driven world. “My dream is to start a boys’ writing festival,” he shares enthusiastically. “I want them to see that storytelling isn’t just for novels but is everywhere—from comic books to video games. It’s a career worth pursuing.”
In June 2024, Michael was diagnosed with colon cancer, a chapter he now openly shares to stress the importance of early detection. “It was a wake-up call,” he says. “Screening can make all the difference.” His resilience, paired with his light-hearted humor, has kept him and his family grounded through challenging times. “Humor has been our secret weapon,” he adds. “My family claims they’ve become immune to my dad jokes, but they still laugh, and that’s what matters.”
A love of travel has been a constant in the Spradlins’ lives. From family vacations to research expeditions, every trip is imbued with a sense of adventure and purpose. With their children grown, most of their journeys now focus on family visits, nurturing the relationships they value most. Whether visiting Michael Jr. and his wife Jessica in Seattle or Rachel and her family in Carmel, Indiana, they cherish the moments spent with loved ones.
Back at home, their two-year-old Schnoodle, Sequoia, keeps them busy and entertained. He aspires to publish his own book Farm Dog and hopes to become famous—an aspiration the Spradlins are happy to support. Living on their own property, surrounded by nature, Michael and Kelly enjoy the peaceful pace of life in Lapeer. They value their neighbors' watchful presence, and the mutual support small-town living affords. “If Lapeer had a Target, we’d never have to leave,” Michael jokes. “But truly, it’s the people and the sense of community that make this place our forever home.”
As for their family motto? The Spradlins are quick to respond: “It’ll be handled very professionally.” This phrase, brimming with their signature humor and determination, perfectly encapsulates the spirit of a family that’s met life’s hurdles head-on, embracing every opportunity to laugh, learn, and grow.
The Spradlins’ story is one of resilience, humor, and a lifelong commitment to family and community—a legacy that continues to inspire everyone fortunate enough to know them. Their journey reminds us that, with a little laughter, a lot of love, and an enduring sense of adventure, anything is possible.
Photography: Lasting Memories Photography