For Makers, By Makers – Mike’s Spotlight

At DCM Tech, no two days look the same for Mike, a sales manager whose role bridges sales, engineering, and hands-on problem-solving.

From making sales and service calls to collaborating with design and engineering teams on tooling, fixturing, and custom solutions, Mike plays a critical role early in the machine build process, long before metal hits the mill.

“We’re building the idea of the machine before we actually build the machine,” Mike explains. “It starts with understanding what the customer needs and how our equipment can help them get there.”

Curiosity and an open mind are key to succeeding in Mike’s role. Whether it’s adapting a machine to a customer’s unique production challenge or creating a custom sample after a machine runoff, he sees each interaction as a chance to dig deeper.

“If what they’re asking for doesn’t exactly fit what we do, I try to stay curious. How can we adjust to make it work? That’s where the opportunity lies,” he says. “Sometimes that means designing a custom solution. Sometimes it just means asking the right questions.”

Before joining DCM, Mike followed a diverse career path, working in insurance claims, life insurance sales, and even on a natural gas pipeline.

“I’ve always liked working with things, seeing how they go together, and how something we build can be used to make something else,” he shares. “Design, engineering, manufacturing…it all fascinates me. DCM just felt like a natural fit.”

Now, Mike thrives in a role that allows for both technical creativity and direct customer interaction.

When asked what makes DCM Tech different from other workplaces, Mike points to the company’s culture of flexibility, creativity, and empowerment.

“It’s not rigid,” he says. “We’re free to be creative in how we approach our work and our customers. There’s trust here, you can take initiative and run with it.”

DCM also supports continuous learning, with opportunities for formal training through technical colleges and educational programs.

“They’re very pro-education. We’re encouraged to keep growing.”

The biggest challenge in his role? Staying focused.

“I’m curious by nature, so I can open a lot of doors, and sometimes too many at once,” Mike laughs. “But I’ve learned to ground myself by finishing what I start and keeping the customer’s goal in mind. I want to make sure they’re buying the right machine and feel confident in the process.”

That consultative approach paid off recently in a big way, with the successful sale of over 40 machines to a single customer.

“From the first conversation to the final deal, that was a big one,” he says. “It felt really good.”

Outside of work, Mike enjoys the pace and community of life in Winona.

“It’s a small town, but not too small,” he explains. “You know people, but there’s still room for privacy. I grew up here, raised my kids here. It’s home.”

With year-round outdoor activities, from river boating and hiking to snowmobiling and ice fishing, Winona offers plenty to do. And when the weather’s good, you’ll probably find Mike riding his motorcycle, making maple syrup, or tinkering in the garage.

“My favorite thing of all is spending time with my grandchildren,” he adds. “That’s what really matters.”

For anyone considering a role at DCM Tech, Mike offers this advice:

“If you’re open-minded, curious, and a self-starter, this is a great place to grow. You’ll be trusted to explore opportunities, build relationships, and take initiative. It’s flexible, supportive, and full of potential.”

At DCM Tech, that mix of trust, talent, and tenacity creates more than just machines, it creates a career you can build on.