Mike Johns

👋 Hi! I'm Mike.

I’m a SaaS leader who helps startups win with high standards, fast iteration, and trust.

Product,
Engineering,
and Culture

Principle 01

Minimum Viable Process

Process should be the residue of success, not the precursor to it. I build frameworks that empower engineers to make decisions locally, removing the friction of unnecessary consensus while maintaining rigorous quality standards.

Principle 02

Specialization is Fake

The best products are built by polymaths. I advocate for the "Product-Engineer" hybrid—individuals who understand the database schema as deeply as they understand the user's emotional pain points.

Principle 03

Shipping is a Feature

Perfection is the enemy of momentum. Value is only realized when code hits production. My methodology focuses on shortening the feedback loop between an idea's inception and its first interaction with reality.

Principle 04

Your Tools Really Matter

Perfection is the enemy of momentum. Value is only realized when code hits production. My methodology focuses on shortening the feedback loop between an idea's inception and its first interaction with reality.

Currently Building

Soundcheck

The best way to give your volunteers a voice. A new team culture platform for churches and touring.

Check it out
Hardware

M1 MacBook Pro 14"

5 years and running for the best Mac I've ever owned (out of 8, I think?). Unbinned M1 Pro / 32GB / 2TB. Underrated desk setup: this machine and a display. No other peripherals.

PixelSnap
Software

Airtable

I use Airtable recreationally at this point. It runs my personal financial system, health data, you name it. Their pivot into AI apps and custom pages for stakeholders can pretty much be ignored - it's still the incredible, versatile tool for anyone who thinks in terms of relational data it's always been.

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Hardware

Apple Studio Display

True 2:1 Retina scaling is a must when you stare at text all day. The excellent color is really useful for design reviews (I tell myself). But honestly, it's good to have inspiring tools. The height adjustment is definitely worth it.

PixelSnap
Analog

Code&Quill Origin

An excellent notebook with a combination dot grid and tabbed rule. Apparently you remember things better when you write them down.

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Software

CleanShot X + Pixelsnap

A duo of irreplaceable macOS utilities for measuring, marking, and taking screenshots. I mean, when Jason Fried is your product's leading testimonial, what else do I have to say?

Analog

Pro-Mark 747

My favorite stick for what has to be 15 years at this point. Slightly thicker shoulder for a forward weight. Just the perfect balance across all aspects. Hickory, wood tip (duh).

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Senior Product Manager

2026 — PRESENT

AssetMark

Lead product development for new account enrollment, for the at-scale TAMP (turn-key asset management platform).

Senior Product Manager

2023 — 2026

ECP

Led the senior living CRM and launched an admissions-focused Move-Ins product, opening a lucrative enterprise growth channel.

VP Product (Startup)

2021-2023

MxU

Took the codebase from rails new to thousands of MAUs. Built the PLG motion that led to >100% net revenue retention. Managed small dev team.

Engineering Chief of Staff; Research Program Manager

2017-2021

Riskalyze (now Nitrogen Wealth)

Scaled the R+D organization after the company's Series A round. Led our first two SOC 2 audits. Defined a new system of product adoption reporting and tooling.

Before software...

Spent 10 years as a touring drummer, endorsed by Paiste, Evans, and Pro-Mark.