Meet Mike Norkin, CEO of Cherished Memories Photography. Mike’s passion for photography began at the age of six, when he was first seen taking photos with his parents’ cameras. While the tools may have changed over the years, his dedication to capturing meaningful and lasting memories has remained constant.

Beyond his professional achievements, Mike is a dedicated family man, devoted to his wife, Mandy, and their three children—Brealyn, Tatum, and Hudson. He is also a passionate supporter of Angels baseball, as well as a fan of Heinz Ketchup and Coca-Cola. Known for his sense of humor, Mike often lightheartedly displays a sign in his kitchen that reads, “I put ketchup on my ketchup.” His experiences, including an unforgettable encounter with a skunk while camping, have given him a vast collection of anecdotes and stories. With a sharp wit and a self-deprecating sense of humor, Mike is always ready to make those around him smile and bring a brighter energy to any situation.

Raised in Lake Elsinore, Alex has always been deeply involved in his community. He attended the University of California, Merced, where he actively participated in the school newspaper, student government, and a professional business fraternity. Graduating with a Bachelor’s in Management in 2012, Alex returned to Lake Elsinore, where he became the General Manager and eventually a part-owner of Cherished Memories Photography.

In addition to his professional contributions, Alex has invested in his community by joining the Rotary Club of Lake Elsinore, where he served as president during the 2018-2019 year. Outside of work, Alex enjoys exploring Southern California’s newest eateries and spending time playing video games with the Cherished Memories staff.

Meet Gaby, the Chief Operations Officer at Cherished Memories. Originally from El Salvador, Gaby embraces her Latina heritage, bringing warmth, passion, and vibrant energy to all that she does. Whether she’s designing new workflows or cultivating her garden, her roots are reflected in her dynamic personality and enthusiasm for life.

With a degree in Business Economics from the University of California, Irvine, Gaby approaches projects with a unique combination of intellect and creativity. Her passion for Japanese stationery matches her dedication to project management and workflow development. You can often find her immersed in 2000s R&B music, surrounded by a colorful array of pens and notebooks, transforming even the simplest tasks into creative endeavors.

Juan serves as the Director of Photography at Cherished Memories. A Film school graduate and Army veteran, Juan brings a wealth of experience to the team. He has worked in the film industry, having the opportunity to meet many of his idols, and now inspires local students through mentoring programs with Cherished Memories and Rotary International. Committed to advancing the quality of photography, Juan is always exploring new techniques and staying up to date with the latest technology. He is known for his witty humor, sarcasm, distinctive beard, and signature collection of beanies.

Lindsey, the Queen of Sports, manages and schedules all Southern California Middle School, High School Sports, and Youth Sports Leagues. With her attention to detail, strong work ethic, and organizational skills, she is the go-to person for all sports-related shoots and activities.

Lindsey’s journey with Mike Norkin began in 2016 while coaching softball, where her passion and vibrant energy quickly earned her a spot on the team. Known for her signature messy bun and Converse, Lindsey represents the spirit of sports-loving, margarita-drinking, true-crime documentary-watching softball moms. She’s deeply committed to coaching and supporting her two daughters, their teams, and various leadership roles in her community. A lifelong fan of team sports, Lindsey is dedicated to ensuring every child feels seen, heard, and empowered.

Andy and the Production Team are responsible for refining and perfecting the images that become lasting memories in homes. From the 8×10 portraits displayed in living rooms to the ID cards tucked into students’ wallets, the team produces a wide range of products with precision and care. Working tirelessly, they ensure that schools receive images from photo days and events as quickly as possible. No request is too big or too small when it comes to serving the families who trust them with their cherished moments.

Fun Fact: Andy is always the first in the office to ask what’s for lunch—In-N-Out is the only correct answer.

With over 20 years in the photography industry, Christina has a track record of driving growth, scaling a $3M company to $15M+ through strategic leadership and team development. Passionate about people, she specializes in building strong teams, optimizing operations, and fostering leadership. Since joining Cherished Memories Photography in 2023, she has accelerated growth and strengthened teams across multiple states.

Outside of work, Christina enjoys gardening, cooking, traveling with her husband, and spending time with family. Believing in the power of photography, she cherishes its ability to preserve memories and connect us to our past.