Meet MICHAEL MCKINNEY | Medical Laborataory Technician and Owner of Mobile Drug Testing

We had the good fortune of connecting with MICHAEL MCKINNEY and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi MICHAEL, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I come from Mound Bayou, Mississippi, a town with a rich history and a strong sense of community. My upbringing has been influenced by my family, which is deeply rooted in the healthcare profession. My family includes a range of healthcare professionals, from Nurse Practitioners to Speech Pathologists. This environment instilled in me a profound appreciation for healthcare and a strong sense of dedication to the well-being of others.

Personally, I am a Nuclear Medicine Technologist and a Medical Laboratory Technician. This background in healthcare has not only shaped my career but has also influenced my values and commitment to excellence in the field. It has taught me the importance of precision, care, and empathy when dealing with patients’ health and well-being.

My upbringing and family’s healthcare background have had a significant impact on who I am today, emphasizing the importance of education, compassion, and the pursuit of excellence in my chosen field.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Mobile Drug Testing and DNA Paternity offers a wide range of services, including on-site and in office drug testing for workplaces, accurate DNA paternity testing, essential audiometric tests for hearing health, thorough background screening for informed hiring decisions, direct-to-consumer lab testing for health assessments, and notary services. Our commitment to accuracy, confidentiality, and professionalism makes us a versatile and trusted provider, catering to the diverse needs of both individuals and organizations, ultimately fostering safety, compliance, and peace of mind.

My journey in the testing industry began in 1994, and it’s been an incredible and challenging ride. What sets us apart is our commitment to quality and our reliance on word of mouth for growth. We’re incredibly proud of where we are today, but it hasn’t been an easy path. We’ve faced and continue to face circumstances beyond our control.

The key to our success has been treating people the way I’d want to be treated. It’s a simple principle, but it has brought us far. Along the way, I’ve learned that everyone, from the homeless person on the street to the CEO of a Fortune 500 company, has a unique story to tell. It’s this belief that has helped me connect with a diverse range of individuals and build meaningful relationships.

In sharing our brand and story with the world, I want people to know that we’re more than just a testing business. We’re a company that values people and their stories, and we’re committed to delivering top-notch service. Our journey may not have been easy, but it’s been incredibly rewarding, and we look forward to what the future holds.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Day 1 – Arriving in Memphis:

Morning: Start with a hearty breakfast at Brother Juniper’s, known for its amazing breakfast options.
Mid-Morning: Head to Graceland, the iconic home of Elvis Presley, for a tour of the mansion and the Elvis Presley Car Museum.
Lunch: Enjoy some famous Memphis barbecue at Central BBQ.
Afternoon: Explore the Stax Museum of American Soul Music and Sun Studio to dive into Memphis’s rich musical history.
Evening: For a soulful dinner, visit Soul Fish Cafe or Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken for authentic southern cuisine.

Day 2 – Music and Culture:

Morning: Begin with a visit to the National Civil Rights Museum, located at the Lorraine Motel, where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated.
Lunch: Savor a meal at the Blues City Café on Beale Street.
Afternoon: Stroll along Beale Street to explore its vibrant music scene and visit the Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum.
Evening: Catch live music at BB King’s Blues Club or Rum Boogie Café.

Day 3 – Outdoors and Riverfront:

Morning: Take a walk or bike ride along the Mississippi River Park, followed by a visit to Mud Island River Park.
Lunch: Enjoy riverside dining at Tug’s, known for its seafood.
Afternoon: Visit the Memphis Zoo, home to over 3,500 animals.
Evening: Experience Memphis in May’s Beale Street Music Festival (if your visit coincides with the event) or explore local bars on Beale Street.

Day 4 – Day Trip to Grizzlies and Craft Brews:

Morning: Take a day trip to Oxford, Mississippi, home to the University of Mississippi.
Lunch: Try local cuisine at Ajax Diner in Oxford.
Afternoon: Attend a University of Mississippi basketball game or explore the campus and town.
Evening: Return to Memphis and unwind with craft beers at Wiseacre Brewing Company.

Day 5 – Food and Art:

Morning: Sip on Memphis-style coffee at City & State, a local favorite.
Lunch: Head to Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken for another round of mouthwatering fried chicken.
Afternoon: Explore the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art and the Metal Museum.
Evening: Have dinner at Andrew Michael Italian Kitchen, famous for its Italian cuisine.

Day 6 – Shelby Farms and Nature:

Morning: Spend the day at Shelby Farms Park, exploring the Greenline, paddleboarding on Patriot Lake, or riding bikes.
Lunch: Grab a picnic or dine at the park’s restaurant, The Kitchen Bistro.
Afternoon: Visit the Memphis Botanic Garden or go horseback riding in Shelby Farms Park.
Evening: Sample local craft beers and delicious food at the Memphis Made Brewing Company.

Day 7 – Departure Day:

Morning: Enjoy a leisurely brunch at the Beauty Shop, a retro restaurant with a unique atmosphere.
Mid-Morning: Explore the shops and boutiques in the Cooper-Young District.
Lunch: Savor the flavors of Chef Tam’s Underground Café for a unique blend of soul food and vegan options.
Afternoon: Take your friend to Memphis International Airport for departure.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d like to dedicate this shoutout to Everlena D. McKinney, a remarkable mother who demonstrated unwavering dedication and strength in raising 11 children with limited resources. Her tireless commitment to providing for her family, fostering a community garden, and ensuring your spiritual well-being by attending the Kingdom Hall is truly commendable. Her love and sacrifices have undoubtedly played a pivotal role in shaping your lives and making each one of you into somebody. Everlena McKinney’s resilience and love are deserving of credit and recognition in your story.

Website: www.drugtesters.net

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mckinney72/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/mobiledrug

Facebook: www.facebook.com/drugtesters

Image Credits
Michael McKinney