Stoneridge Software

Today, our team took time to reflect on and celebrate the legacy of Mike Gast — our President, teammate, and friend.

Mike led Stoneridge Software as President from 2017 to 2025 with integrity, tenacity, and deep care for the people and communities around him. He lived our values not just in words, but in how he worked, how he showed up, and how he treated others with consistency, positivity, and heart.

Those who worked closely with Mike remember his steady presence in leadership meetings, his thoughtful decision-making, and his structured, calm approach to navigating change, whether it was legal negotiations, integrating new teams after acquisitions, or making every effort to make informed decisions on delivery operations. Mike never lost sight of what mattered most: the people behind the work.

He was, above all, a servant leader.

He listened more than he spoke. He offered support before being asked. He held high expectations, but always paired them with belief and encouragement. He saw potential in people — even before they saw it in themselves.

Mike was also known for his love of inspirational quotes, so we’ll share one of the favorites on his list:

“The single most important factor influencing a person's success -- whether personal or professional -- is mindset” – Karima Mariama-Arthur

He truly lived by that. As a manager, Mike led with calm, clarity, and compassion. Some of the guiding principles we learned from him:

▸ Lead by example, with heart
▸ Expect the best in people, and help them get there
▸ Celebrate wins, no matter the size
▸ Communicate clearly (and know when to add humor)
▸ Be the one to reel us back in when we drift — he loved to fish and was also a true “Fisher of People”

We're all better for having known him.

Mike’s influence will carry forward in every leader he coached, every team he supported, and every relationship he helped strengthen. His presence made this place better, and his absence will be deeply felt.

💙 Please see the comments for more about Mike’s life and legacy.