Who is Mike Behnke?

Early Days

I’ve always been intensely curious about technology and computers, which is why I was drawn to programming and fixing machines from an early age. My first computers were a Commodore-16 and Commodore Plus4 (I never actually used the C64!). I taught myself the fundamentals of BASIC programming by patiently typing code from the back pages of tech magazines, and since many of them were written for the C64, I credit this as early training in debugging and adapting code. This was prior to the modern internet; I spent my time exploring BBSes (Bulletin Board Systems), which truly sparked my interest in networked systems.

Early Career and Skill Acquisition

My professional career began on the front lines, selling and fixing computers. While working at a local computer store, I learned a foundational skill: active listening. It taught me how to genuinely diagnose what a customer needed, whether it was the right PC or identifying the root cause of a complex technical problem. That experience was invaluable in preparing me to explain complex technological concepts clearly and understandably to anyone, regardless of their technical background. I even spent some time in technical sales, helping local businesses determine and fill their technical needs.

For a bit, I provided computer repair, networking, and technical support locally. While I no longer take on new clients for hardware support, this freelance work provided essential experience in client management, problem-solving under pressure, and independent contracting. As the Internet’s popularity exploded, I found a new passion in building websites and began to teach myself the core principles of web development.

However, being entirely self-taught led to some technical “blind spots.” Desiring a stronger foundation, I pursued formal classes at Washtenaw Community College. The coursework there pushed me past simply solving a problem with code and challenged me to learn better coding practices, modern design patterns, and architectural standards. The college’s Internet Professional program stayed current with web trends, rounding out my self-acquired skills with essential academic rigor.

Professional Experience

My career progressed through high-level consultancy and agency work:

  • I was a Senior User Interface Engineer at Enlighten (a full-service digital agency), where I gained invaluable experience working on large-scale client sites. This environment demanded prioritizing unique designs, implementing custom enterprise solutions, and mastering delivery under tight deadlines.
  • Following an acquisition, I continued on with Perficient Digital, gaining valuable exposure to the processes and complexities of a large technical consultancy.
  • I then moved to the startup world, joining Kumanu, a company focused on helping people discover their purpose in life.
  • I currently work for GTIndependence, where our mission is centered on helping people self-direct their own lives through consumer-directed healthcare solutions.

A Final Note

Anything written here on this blog reflects my views and mine alone, and may not reflect the views of my current or former employers.

Mike Behnke
mike@lpg.io
https://bsky.app/profile/lpg.io