Biography — 01

Mike Shank. Bridging the gap between pixels and logic.

My first computer came with a spiral bound book called "Introduction to BASIC". No classes, no teachers, no curriculum. Just a blank screen and a problem to solve. That's still basically how I work.

I grew up watching my father draw storyboards for TV commercials and my mother help Milwaukee businesses adopt software from companies like Macromedia and Adobe. Somewhere between his storyboards and her install discs, I got permanently wired for making things and making them work.

What I actually do

25 years. One through-line.
01 terminal

Technology Leadership

Full-stack development, systems architecture, API integration, and cross-functional technical direction. I write code and lead teams that write code.

02 architecture

Creative Direction

Brand identity, UX systems, art direction, motion graphics. A decade of directing creative teams — and stepping in personally when the problem requires it.

03 monitoring

Strategic Problem Solving

I don't believe in impossible. I find a way. Every complex problem is a Rubik's cube — the right answer is always in there. You just have to understand the system and develop a plan.

How I work

"I don't believe in impossible. I find a way."

What I'm looking for

I'm looking for a VP or Director-level role where I can lead a real cross-functional team, solve problems worth solving, and work at the right altitude for the first time.

  • SPEC_01

    VP Creative Technology roles

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  • SPEC_02

    Head of Digital Products

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  • SPEC_03

    Director of Digital Experience

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  • SPEC_04

    Chief Digital Officer (mid-size companies)

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Currently Building

Appaloosa Engineering

An offshoot of Appaloosa Graphics, a defunct family business, Appaloosa Engineering is a mobile-first indie game studio. Our first titles are in early development and have target release dates in 2026.