" White Mike" as he's sometimes called, says his highly successful commercial work has helped him see the power of photography, but rather than promote celebrities or products, he's using his skills to help advocacy organizations like WildAid, Sea Shepherds, EarthEcho, and Shark Spotters in South Africa.

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When I called mortgage broker Mike Sikora for help, he made an inquiry or two on my behalf and then bowed out, insisting none of the problems were his fault.

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Mike frantically called Lake Wohlford, a neighboring reservoir that he knew carried a certified scale.

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