Michael B. Ellis Sr.

Michael B. Ellis Sr., Founder and Creator of Rebel Pride Clothing Company. Mike had great success in the retail and wholesale industries related to clothing plus accessories during his career. He also was an avid sports fan, having enjoyed competitive sports his entire life, becoming involved with UNLV as a spectator. He came to recognize a need for UNLV merchandise. Mike and his wife, Lorelle, worked with the athletic department, gained their support, and the Rebel Pride Clothing Company was born. Their products at the start grew into 40 plus items, and satisfied fans, faculty, students, and alumni throughout the sports community. The financial benefactor of the business is UNLV Student Services. The initiation and success of the Rebel Pride Clothing Company is a true picture of Mike "the person". Commitment, loyalty, respect for others, pride in achievement, and humility. His satisfaction was witnessing the fans at an event wearing"the products".

Mike began a significantly successful career in the retail industry during 1968 with Emporium Capwell, which placed him in the San Jose market with various responsibilities. Moving to San Francisco, Mike was appointed General Manager of the high profile Market Street Emporium and culminating with a promotion to Regional Vice President responsible for ten stores.The successful path took Mike to Southern California where he became the Regional Vice President for May Company, leading ten stores. His focus included all aspects of sales management, organizational development, team building, and expense control. After five years he joined The Broadway Stores as Vice President of Stores. He carried total responsibility for 22 stores including customer service, sales, budgets, merchandise procurement and presentation, shortage, recruitment and training of all store line personnel. Always one to be intrigued and energized by challenge, Mike was recruited by California Federal Bank to create and manage the transition from a sleepy banking culture to a competitive sales and service organization. His success was recognized by the entire market with significant growth in consumer loans, fee income, and core deposits. All increases exceeded 25%. Mike then journeyed into the entrepreneur world, starting his own company, Three Swans Present. The company was engaged in the production and wholesale distribution of Fine Art Limited Edition Prints and Posters. He also identified professional artists and photographers to represent and publish in the industry of original artwork. Client base grew to a domestic distribution of 50 states and several countries. From entrepreneurial venture grew the aforementioned success story of "Rebel Pride".

In Mike's memory, donations may be made in his name to The Lymphoma Research Foundation, 115 Broadway, 13th Floor, New York, NY 10006-1005.

Arrangements under the direction of Palm Eastern Funeral Home, Las Vegas, NV.