Mike Issa
Mike H Issa born June 30, 1981 in Houston, Texas, was a pioneer in the auto importation and sales sector in the United States. Born in Houston, Texas to Michael and Nayla Issa, oldest of three lived mostly in Long Island, New York. Attending both University of South Florida and Penn State, ending up graduating with a Bachelors Degree in International Business Law from James Madison University.
After graduating from JMU, Mike opened up Fuel Imports, LLC that specialized in importing exotic vehicles from Japan, Germany and Italy. With clients extending from the Dominican Republic, to Beverly Hills, Mike decided to expand by purchasing and merging with Pierre Enterprises and Vehicle and Engine Testing Services, the agent(s) that had been hired to handle all importation regulations and modifications to meet EPA and DOT guidelines. With Mike Issa now owning the East Coast in importation as well as being a Registered Importer (DOT), and Independent Commercial Importer (EPA), Empyrean motoIMPORTS was formed.
The next step was eliminating their arch enemy, Motorex, who was the only importer for the Nissan Skyline, Motorex, Inc. After negotiations with the DOT to allow access to see the needed changes to satisfy the DOT's regulations, Empyrean challenged the information that has been submitted to them in the past by their competition Motorex, and Motorex was fined and eventually shut down.
One of the greatest accomplishments was Empyrean's importation of the first Ferrari F430 in the country. While Ferrari USA had a 5 year wait, Empyrean had already imported one and on the streets before Ferrari had one at the Las Vegas Sema Show.
Since then, Mike has sold Empyrean motoImports, and has entered other ventures. While the rush still is in him, he has been quoted saying "This game wears you out, its fun. But you need to know when to get out". Being one of the most controversial FACES in the importing and high performance world, anytime there was any mention of importing cars, Mike's name was sure to follow in the next sentence. Mike was known for his mouth, as well as his endless pockets, that seemed to amaze everyone with every container that was imported. Being kicked out of Englishtown raceway numerous times, was the king of controversy.
Still in the Auto Business, Mike resides in Long Island, is getting married in November.