Beyond the Pixels: How Mike Staebell is Multiplying Excellence
What happens when a high performer realizes that their greatest impact isn’t what they can do, but what they can inspire others to achieve?
The quality of a portfolio defines success for many talented creatives. But at Clickstop, we believe the true measure of a leader is how much they raise the ceiling for the people standing next to them.
Mike Staebell, a staple of our Creative Marketing team since 2017, has always had immense talent. As Matt Mitchell, VP of Brand Development, puts it: “His graphic design talent has never been a concern. He brings things to life in ways I couldn’t even picture.” But in Q4, Mike was recognized for something far more significant than his design skills: he started being a multiplier of other people’s development.
The Shift from “Me” to “We”
Mik
e is a natural learner. If there is a new tool, a better user experience (UX) strategy, or a complex 3D rendering software like Blender to master, Mike is on it. In the past, that enthusiasm for growth was often focused inward—honing his own craft to stay at the top of his game and expand his own impact.
Recently, that energy shifted. During our website redesign projects for US Cargo Control and Fasteners Plus, Mike learn new skills to get the job done and became a mentor.
- In the 3D Space: Mike mastered Blender to create hyper-realistic product renderings. Instead of keeping that edge to himself, he took Rachel Neve under his wing, recording “how-to” videos—complete with soundtracks—to ensure others had a new skill in their toolbox.
- In UX Design: He sat down with Keaton Wanninger to teach him Adobe XD, empowering Keaton to drive wireframes and level up his own design work through delegation and trust.
“You can feel an individual multiplying their impact versus what they can just do themselves. It’s not easy, it’s harder, but it’s hugely impactful when it happens.” – Matt Mitchell, VP of Brand Development
An Overflowing Glass
If you’ve ever received a “cold call” or a screen-recorded video from Mike, you know his enthusiasm is a force of nature. At Clickstop, we don’t just value optimism because it’s “nice”; we value it because it’s a business driver.
When faced with a logistical nightmare—like needing to photograph hundreds of roof boots for a launch—Mike doesn’t see a barrier. He sees a puzzle. His “how can we” mindset leads to 3D solutions that save the company time and money, all while maintaining a “light-hearted and never boring” atmosphere.
As Tammy Karr, Marketing Director for Fasteners Plus noted: “If your glass is half-full, Mike’s is overflowing. You leave a conversation with him inspired that we can do anything.”
Why Clickstop is Different
In many creative agencies, “protecting your turf” is the norm. People hide their tricks to stay indispensable. We flip that script. We look for people who are so secure in their talent that they want to inspire others to rise with them.
Mike’s story is a prime example of our Enthusiastic trait in action. It’s not just about having a positive attitude; it’s about inspiring greatness in others with your expectation of excellence. By sharing his secret sauce with Rachel and Keaton, Mike didn’t make himself less valuable—he made our collective Clickstop team faster, smarter, and more creative.
Are You a Multiplier?
We are looking for the “Mike Staebells” of the world—people who are natural learners but intentional leaders. If you are a problem-solver who feels stifled in an environment where you are expected to compete with your teammates, you may just belong here.
Here, your growth is our growth. We provide the tools, the complex problems to solve, and the culture that rewards you for leveling up the people around you.
Ready to bring your “how can we” attitude to a team that actually wants to hear it?