Mike Hawk has been a constant presence at Die Co. for more than five decades, not just as its Vice President, but as part of a family legacy that began long before his own career officially started. As Mike prepares for retirement at the end of February 2026, his story is one rooted in craftsmanship, loyalty, and an unwavering belief in people. Read on to learn more about Mike and the legacy he leaves behind.

A Family Business, From the Very BeginningMike’s mother, Marie, and father, Don. His father started the company in 1963.

Die Co. has been part of Mike’s life for as long as he can remember. His father started the company in the family’s basement in 1963, when Mike was just four years old. Mike likes to joke that his first “job” was running downstairs to tell his dad it was time for lunch. By seventh grade, Mike already knew he was drawn to mechanical design after taking a drafting class. That early interest grew naturally into a desire to be part of the family business. At just 15 years old, he officially joined Die Co., starting by painting restrooms, cleaning up, and running machines. Throughout high school, he worked after school and on Saturdays, learning different aspects of the business. Before he graduated, Mike was already drawing tools and dies for the company.

This February marks Mike’s 51st work anniversary with Die Co., a milestone that reflects both his personal dedication and the company’s culture of longevity. His sister, Donna Corrigan, continues to serve as Accounting Manager, and many other team members have spent decades with the company, including employees approaching 50+ years of service. His brothers, Gary (retired December 2023) and Terry (retired May 2024), also worked at Die Co. for over 50 years.

Growing with the Company

Mike and his wife, Geralyn.

When Mike first started, Die Co. was just beginning construction on its second building. Today, the company has expanded five times and operates out of eight buildings. But for Mike, growth has never just been about the square footage. What he’s most proud of is the loyalty and tenure of Die Co.’s people. In an industry where turnover can be common, Die Co. stands out for its long-serving team members, a testament, Mike believes, to the company’s values and culture.

Over the years, Die Co. has navigated economic challenges and industry changes, but the company has continued to grow its customer base, now serving nearly 250 customers annually. Mike has found fulfillment in collaborating with customers on new part designs and watching those concepts move into full production. “It’s rewarding to work with a customer and see a part go from an idea to something being produced day in and day out,” he says.

A Leadership Style Built on Trust

Mike’s leadership philosophy has always relied on trust, learning, and empowerment. He encouraged employees to understand their roles, make decisions, and not be afraid of making mistakes. That was their chance to learn from them. While his father’s leadership style reflected a more traditional, old-school approach, Mike worked to foster confidence and independence among his team. He never believed leadership meant having all the answers or controlling every decision. “I’ve always seen myself as just one part of the whole,” he explains. “The company doesn’t fall apart because one person leaves. It succeeds because people know what they’re doing and feel confident doing it.”

Employee Ownership and a Strong Future

Mike and his big, beautiful family.

One of the most significant chapters in Die Co.’s history came in 2024, when the company transitioned to a 100% employee-owned ESOP. For Mike, this decision was deeply personal. “When we started looking at selling the company, the most important question was what would be best for the people who work here,” he says. “Employee ownership was the answer.” The ESOP gave employees a greater voice and a stake in the company’s future, something Mike believes is essential to Die Co.’s continued success. As he prepares for retirement, he’s confident the foundation is strong, built on knowledge, experience, and a deep understanding of customers, products, and processes.

Passing the Torch

A key part of that confidence comes from preparing Brady Neuhart to step into leadership. From the beginning, Mike believed the company needed someone with an engineering background and a genuine respect for people. Brady stood out immediately. Much like Mike himself, Brady started on the shop floor, cleaning restrooms and learning how machines operate. That hands-on approach earned him respect from the team and reinforced a shared leadership philosophy: decisions shouldn’t be made from an office without input from the people doing the work. Mike has spent significant time helping Brady understand customer expectations, company history, and the importance of long-term relationships. He’s proud to see Brady carrying the same people-first mindset, while also bringing new ideas and energy to the role.

A Legacy That Lives On

The first part Die Co. ever made and still makes today, a small corner clip.

One of Mike’s favorite reminders of Die Co.’s history is the fact that the company still produces the very first part it ever made: a small corner clip used in screen frames. It’s a fitting symbol of the company’s ability to honor its roots while continuing to evolve. When asked how he hopes employees will remember him, Mike responds humbly, saying they’ll forget about him the day after he’s gone. He will just be that guy who brought his dog to work every day. But his impact on the people, the culture, and the company’s success suggests otherwise. 

As he looks ahead to retirement, Mike is excited to spend more time traveling with his wife, golfing, biking, hiking, and checking off bucket-list trips. A few of his already scheduled trips include a European river cruise, Hawaii, and Antarctica. Before closing this chapter, Mike has a simple message for the Die Co. team, customers, and vendors: “I truly appreciate all of you and it has been a pleasure to work together for so many years.”