{"$schema":"https://raw.githubusercontent.com/jsonresume/resume-schema/v1.0.0/schema.json","basics":{"name":"Mike Demopoulos","label":"Strategic Partnerships & GTM Leader","image":"https://saywise-production-profilepicturestoragebucket-kbfooccc.s3.amazonaws.com/profile-pictures/08c57c55-183a-4d7e-a3eb-21176eacf3c3/linkedin-1791267644036.png","summary":"I help digital agencies make hosting and partnership decisions that still hold up three years later. That means the unglamorous parts — hosting stacks, support costs, margin, and which integrations are worth building versus which ones just look good in a press release. A decade inside hosting and five years agency-side means I've sat on both ends of the same conversation, which is where most of my useful opinions come from. Today I lead partnerships for North America at hosting.com, managing 500+ VIP and enterprise accounts and holding roughly 90% success on quoted renewal, upgrade, and expansion opportunities within six months. At Codeable I identified web hosting as a strategic market beyond our WordPress base, shipped native WP Toolkit integrations into cPanel and Plesk, and cut applicant-to-approval time from about ten months to three weeks across 1,000–2,000 applications a month. At InMotion Hosting I sourced roughly 80% of the qualified M&A opportunities that ultimately closed, including six- and seven-figure deals. Before all that I spent six years on the board of Open Source Matters, the non-profit behind Joomla, leading fundraising that raised more than $1M. Holding the checkbook for an open source project changes how you think about trust, contribution, and what it actually costs to keep an ecosystem alive. I write about that alongside agency infrastructure for the Forbes Agency Council, where I lead the Web Hosting & Infrastructure Group. If you're an agency owner weighing a hosting change, a partner program, or an exit, I'm glad to talk it through — including the parts where the answer is that you shouldn't do it.","location":{"city":"Hudson, Wisconsin, United States"},"profiles":[{"network":"LinkedIn","username":"mikedemopoulos","url":"https://linkedin.com/in/mikedemopoulos"},{"network":"Website","url":"https://mikedemo.com"}]},"meta":{"canonical":"https://saywise.com/mikedemo","version":"v1.0.0","lastModified":"2026-10-06T06:41:07.396Z"},"x_saywise":{"handle":"mikedemo","pronouns":null,"availability":null,"oneLiner":"I help digital agencies make hosting and partnership decisions that still hold up three years later. That means the unglamorous parts — hosting stacks, support costs, margin, and which integrations are worth building versus which ones just look good in a press release. A decade inside hosting and five years agency-side means I've sat on both ends of the same conversation, which is where most of my useful opinions come from. Today I lead partnerships for North America at hosting.com, managing 500+ VIP and enterprise accounts and holding roughly 90% success on quoted renewal, upgrade, and expansion opportunities within six months. At Codeable I identified web hosting as a strategic market beyond our WordPress base, shipped native WP Toolkit integrations into cPanel and Plesk, and cut applicant-to-approval time from about ten months to three weeks across 1,000–2,000 applications a month. At InMotion Hosting I sourced roughly 80% of the qualified M&A opportunities that ultimately closed, including six- and seven-figure deals. Before all that I spent six years on the board of Open Source Matters, the non-profit behind Joomla, leading fundraising that raised more than $1M. Holding the checkbook for an open source project changes how you think about trust, contribution, and what it actually costs to keep an ecosystem alive. I write about that alongside agency infrastructure for the Forbes Agency Council, where I lead the Web Hosting & Infrastructure Group. If you're an agency owner weighing a hosting change, a partner program, or an exit, I'm glad to talk it through — including the parts where the answer is that you shouldn't do it.","profileUrl":"https://saywise.com/mikedemo","markdownUrl":"https://saywise.com/mikedemo/profile.md","pdfUrl":"https://saywise.com/mikedemo/resume.pdf","archetype":{"code":"HS-MX","name":"Launchpad Artisan","url":"https://saywise.com/sca/c22420de636c","rarity":"One of the first Launchpad Artisans on Saywise"},"aiStack":[{"name":"Microsoft Copilot","description":null,"url":"https://copilot.microsoft.com","storyCount":0}]},"work":[{"name":"Forbes Agency Council","position":"Member & Group Leader","url":"https://forbesagencycouncil.com","startDate":"2026-01-01","summary":"• Lead the Web Hosting & Infrastructure Group within the invite-only Forbes Agency Council, convening executive discussion on hosting, infrastructure, and agency strategy. • Published 2 bylined Forbes.com articles and contributed to 18 additional Forbes Agency Council pieces on hosting, infrastructure, and agency market trends. • Selected for group leadership within the Council's invitation-only membership. • Build relationships with agency and infrastructure executives to expand industry perspective and company visibility."},{"name":"hosting.com","position":"Partnerships Lead, North America","location":"United States","url":"https://hosting.com","startDate":"2025-04-01","endDate":"2026-09-01","summary":"• Lead North American partnerships for hosting.com, working with digital agencies on web hosting solutions aligned to client growth needs. • Manage strategic agency relationships across the US market, connecting technical hosting requirements to commercial outcomes. • Develop partner account plans that address agency challenges, expansion opportunities, and long-term relationship health. • Add the number of agency partners managed, partner-sourced pipeline or revenue, retention results, and major partner initiatives."},{"name":"Codeable","position":"Head of Partnerships","url":"https://codeable.io","startDate":"2021-06-01","endDate":"2024-12-01","summary":"• Doubled traffic growth by launching new partners and expanding into new business sectors. • Built a partner engagement cadence through a newsletter and twice-yearly business reviews to align priorities and strengthen collaboration. • Led development and launch of native WP Toolkit integrations with Plesk and cPanel, extending reach across hosting ecosystems serving millions of WordPress sites. • Managed an affiliate program of 1,000+ partners and led its transition to the TUNE affiliate network. • Add partner-sourced revenue, traffic baseline, conversion impact, and integration adoption metrics where available."},{"name":"InMotion Hosting","position":"Business Development Specialist – Product Evangelist","url":"https://inmotionhosting.com","startDate":"2016-10-01","endDate":"2021-06-01","summary":"• Sourced roughly 80% of qualified M&A opportunities that ultimately closed, including six- and seven-figure deals. • Supported business development initiatives and M&A opportunity identification within the hosting sector. • Led BoldGrid's growth from an emerging product brand to a recognized presence in the WordPress community. • Built visibility through field marketing, speaking engagements, and partnerships with hosting companies. • Add the number of closed opportunities, total deal value where shareable, and measurable BoldGrid growth indicators."},{"name":"MVP Marketing + Design","position":"Senior Digital Services Manager","location":"Minneapolis, Minnesota","url":"https://mvpdesign.com","startDate":"2015-08-01","endDate":"2016-10-01","summary":"• Directed a digital department transformation around Joomla that increased productivity by 400% within 12 months. • Partnered with Account Executives to win new client relationships, doubling and in some cases tripling the client portfolio. • Evaluated and transitioned vendors, saving tens of thousands of dollars while maintaining service quality. • Add the productivity measure, number of clients won, and vendor savings figure to make the outcomes more concrete."},{"name":"SPC","position":"Lead Developer","location":"Blaine, MN","url":"https://spc.com.gr","startDate":"2013-06-01","endDate":"2015-08-01","summary":"• Created and maintained 100+ websites for banking and insurance clients. • Led the upgrade of 85 websites to Joomla 3, preserving data integrity and minimizing client disruption. • Supported digital marketing initiatives spanning in-store signage, social media, websites, and mobile applications. • Add delivery timelines, team structure, and client retention or performance outcomes where available."},{"name":"Joomla","position":"Treasurer","url":"https://joomla.org","startDate":"2013-01-01","endDate":"2018-12-01","summary":"• Served as board member and Treasurer for Open Source Matters, Inc., the non-profit behind Joomla. • Led fundraising efforts that generated more than $1M for the Joomla project. • Directed sponsorship strategy across 5 Joomla conferences, securing 30+ sponsors over three consecutive years. • Supported governance transition, fundraising, and financial planning for an international open-source community with an annual budget of nearly $700K. • Co-organized JoomlaDay Minnesota and marketed its first edition to sold-out attendance."},{"name":"Sengistix LLC","position":"Technical Specialist","location":"Mendota Heights, MN","url":"https://sengistix.com","startDate":"2010-02-01","endDate":"2013-06-01","summary":"• Managed technical installations and developed custom cloud-based applications for a national health data programming firm. • Directed the technical program and contributed to strategic technology planning. • Built a Joomla cloud application that increased human-capital capacity by 1,100% while meeting HIPAA compliance requirements. • Clarify the capacity baseline, user population, compliance controls, and business impact of the application."},{"name":"Binary Web Design, LLC","position":"Chief Manager","location":"Bloomington, MN","url":"https://binary-webdesign.co.uk","startDate":"2008-02-01","endDate":"2013-06-01","summary":"• Founded and led a web design and online marketing firm. • Built the brand and client base while overseeing recruiting, HR, sales, marketing, and contract negotiation. • Launched a sister company and retained clients during a period of broad economic pressure. • Established a formal sales office and developed a sales training program. • Replace the final editing note with client count, revenue, retention rate, team size, or growth milestones."}],"education":[{"institution":"MIT Professional Education","studyType":"Certificate in AI and Machine Learning","startDate":"2025-01-01","endDate":"2025-04-01"},{"institution":"Fashion Institute of Technology","studyType":"Certificate in Gaming and Esports Industry Essentials","startDate":"2021-01-01","endDate":"2021-01-01"},{"institution":"The Art Institutes International-Minnesota","studyType":"Web Page, Digital/Multimedia and Information Resources Design"},{"institution":"Bloc","studyType":"UX Design"},{"institution":"Minnesota Business Academy","studyType":"High School in High School/Secondary Diplomas and Certificates"}],"projects":[{"name":"AI Deployer","description":"Copy-and-paste install guides for self-hosted AI agents — no live SSH, no accounts. Technologies: TypeScript, React, TanStack Start, Tailwind CSS, Zod. Project: https://local.mikedemo.dev"},{"name":"AI Project Portfolio","description":"This site - a retro level-select portfolio of my AI projects."},{"name":"Bugle Crowns","description":"My AI agent team in the AWS Agentic Football Cup — five agents, 120-second matches. Project: https://agenticfootballcup.com"},{"name":"CEO Owl","description":"Privacy-first English grammar checking: an in-browser editor and a remote MCP server, both powered by Harper."},{"name":"Crosspost","description":"Crossposting from tweet.app to X, automatically. Technologies: TypeScript, React, TanStack Start, Supabase. Project: https://tweet.mikedemo.dev"},{"name":"Design Systems","description":"Two complementary design systems powering this portfolio: retro NES pixels and accessible Web Awesome components. Technologies: TypeScript, React, NES.css, Web Awesome, Font Awesome Free. Project: https://design.2.mikedemo.dev"},{"name":"Fresh Ink","description":"An AI-agent bookable tattoo studio: custom linework in Saint Paul, bookable by humans and AI agents alike."},{"name":"Lite Analytics","description":"A tiny self-hosted web analytics service: cookieless tracking and a dashboard in one SpaceFast worker."},{"name":"On-Device AI","description":"An AI model running inside the page — on-device inference with no server round-trips. Project: https://ai.mikedemo.dev"},{"name":"QueerCade Connect","description":"A curated arcade cabinet of queer games — search IGDB, curate collections, and track what matters. Project: https://queercade.mikedemo.dev/"},{"name":"Rainbow Jot","description":"A pride-themed shared idea whiteboard for conference rooms — start a board, share the room code or QR, and brainstorm on any screen; boards auto-close after 24 hours. Project: https://mikedemo.one/"},{"name":"Skill Finder Plus","description":"AI workflow and agent skills directory. Project: https://skills.mikedemo.dev"},{"name":"Awesome Adventure CV","description":"A playable résumé as a retro text adventure — type commands to explore a career. Technologies: TypeScript, React, TanStack Start, Tailwind CSS. Project: https://mikedemo.work/"},{"name":"PretendPro Office Suite","description":"A fake productivity suite — set up your fake workday. Technologies: TypeScript, React, Tailwind CSS, shadcn/ui, Supabase. Project: https://pretend.pro"},{"name":"Pride Blobs","description":"Deterministic pride-flag blobatars from any name — same string, same avatar, every time. Technologies: TypeScript, React, SVG, Canvas API. Project: https://blobs.gay"},{"name":"STA 2e D20 Roller — LCARS","description":"A Star Trek Adventures 2d20 dice roller with an LCARS interface. Technologies: TypeScript, React, Tailwind CSS. Project: https://2d20.space"},{"name":"Open Source Pride Parties","description":"Produced inclusive flagship-event experiences across 3 major WordPress community events: WordCamp Asia, WordCamp Europe, and WordCamp United States. Grew registrations for a recurring event series from ~75 to 700 within two years. Expanded visibility and inclusion for LGBTQ+ attendees across 3 major international community events."},{"name":"JoomlaDay Minnesota","description":"Successfully marketed the first JoomlaDay Minnesota event, resulting in sold-out attendance in its first year, 2014, and projected sell-out attendance for 2015."}],"skills":[{"name":"Enterprise Accounts"},{"name":"Web Hosting"},{"name":"Strategic Partnerships"},{"name":"Partner Ecosystems"},{"name":"Partner Go-to-Market Strategy"},{"name":"Relationship Building"},{"name":"Microsoft Copilot"},{"name":"Go-to-Market Strategy"},{"name":"Business Development"},{"name":"Channel Partnerships"},{"name":"Contract Negotiation"},{"name":"Renewals"},{"name":"Enterprise Account Management"},{"name":"Managed Service Providers (MSP)"},{"name":"Pipeline Generation"},{"name":"Revenue Growth"},{"name":"Alliance Management"},{"name":"Cross-Functional Leadership"},{"name":"Executive Stakeholder Management"},{"name":"Generative AI"},{"name":"Workflow Automation"},{"name":"Developer Ecosystems"},{"name":"Software as a Service (SaaS)"},{"name":"Cloud Infrastructure"},{"name":"Strategic Alliances"},{"name":"Website Management"},{"name":"Digital Services"},{"name":"Process Improvement"},{"name":"Onboarding"},{"name":"Presentations"},{"name":"Branding"},{"name":"Partnership Development"},{"name":"Partner Engagement"},{"name":"Affiliate Management"},{"name":"Event Coordination"},{"name":"Artificial Intelligence (AI)"},{"name":"Machine Learning"},{"name":"Data Science"},{"name":"No Code"},{"name":"Artificial Intelligence for Business"},{"name":"Machine Learning Algorithms"},{"name":"Sponsorship Generation"},{"name":"Corporate Sponsorships"},{"name":"Event Management"},{"name":"Event Marketing"},{"name":"Community Development"},{"name":"Outsourcing Management"},{"name":"Sponsorship Sales"},{"name":"Meeting Planning"},{"name":"Project Planning"}],"certificates":[{"name":"Out in Tech Leadership Institute","date":"2026-09-01","issuer":"Out in Tech"},{"name":"No Code AI and Machine Learning: Building Data Science Solutions","date":"2025-04-01","issuer":"MIT Professional Education"},{"name":"The Community MBA","date":"2021-02-01","issuer":"CMX"},{"name":"Disney's Approach to Leadership Excellence","date":"2020-10-01","issuer":"Disney Institute"},{"name":"Presentation Advantage","date":"2016-12-01","issuer":"FranklinCovey"}],"awards":[{"title":"Joomla Event Travel Recipient","date":"2015-05-01","awarder":"Joomla","summary":"Joomla and Beyond in Prague, Czech Republic, 2015"},{"title":"Celebrate Small Business Success Award,","date":"2007-01-01","awarder":"Saint Paul Area Chamber of Commerce"},{"title":"Finalist, Minnesota Cup, Global Student Entrepreneurship Competition","date":"2007-01-01","awarder":"MN Cup | Carlson School of Management"},{"title":"Highest SCANS Score in the U.S.","date":"2004-01-01"},{"title":"National Marketing Education Honor Award","date":"2004-01-01","awarder":"DECA"},{"title":"Award for Entrepreneurship","awarder":"Pentair"},{"title":"International & State Awards Winner","awarder":"DECA ICDC & DECA/DEX ICDC"}],"publications":[{"name":"How Agencies Are Using AI Without Sacrificing Creative Quality","summary":"Forbes Agency Council members share how agencies can use AI while protecting creative quality, editorial standards, and human judgment."},{"name":"Beyond Standard Social Media Tactics: How To Build A Brand Community","summary":"Forbes Agency Council members share ways to move beyond standard social media tactics and build stronger brand communities."},{"name":"How To Get The Best Deal Selling An Agency: Key Things To Think About","summary":"Forbes Agency Council members discuss preparation, valuation, buyer fit, negotiation, and deal structure when selling an agency."},{"name":"What Multi-Location Brands Need To Know About TikTok's New Local Feed","summary":"Forbes Agency Council members explain what multi-location brands should know about TikTok's local feed and how to adapt local marketing."},{"name":"How To Leverage Gen-Z's Affinity For Nostalgia: 15 Expert Insights","summary":"Fifteen Forbes Agency Council experts share ways brands can use nostalgia to build stronger connections with Gen Z."},{"name":"19 'Rules' Of B2B Email Etiquette: How To Achieve The Best Outcomes","summary":"Forbes Agency Council members share practical rules for clear, professional, and effective B2B email communication."},{"name":"How To Build An Agency: 20 Must-Read Books For Agency Owners","summary":"Forbes Agency Council members recommend books and lessons for agency owners on leadership, systems, positioning, strategy, and growth."},{"name":"From Streaming To AI: Agency Leaders' Next Big Media Bets","summary":"Forbes Agency Council members explore how streaming consolidation, AI-powered discovery, and niche ecosystems are reshaping media strategy."},{"name":"The Lifespan Of SSL Certificates Is Shrinking, And Agencies Must Adapt","summary":"Agencies who prepare now, automate early and communicate clearly with their clients will be better positioned than those who wait.​"},{"name":"Rituals And Rules: How Agencies Ensure High Creativity And Quality","summary":"Forbes Agency Council members discuss the rituals, processes, and creative-quality practices agencies use to sustain high creativity and consistent delivery."},{"name":"How To Reach Gen-Z And Gen-Alpha On Social Media: Expert Tips","summary":"Forbes Agency Council members share authentic, creator-led, and search-aware social strategies for reaching Gen Z and Gen Alpha on TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram."},{"name":"How To Optimize Campaigns For AI Answer Engines: 15 Key Components","summary":"Forbes Agency Council members explain how to optimize campaigns for AI answer engines and make information easier to extract, trust, and surface."},{"name":"Agencies And Influencers: How Today’s New Biz Partners Strike Deals","summary":"Forbes Agency Council members explain how agencies and influencers can structure deals that align incentives and create sustainable partnerships."},{"name":"The Most Important Metrics Agencies Track (And Why)","summary":"Forbes Agency Council members share the metrics they track to judge client success and guide smarter agency decisions."},{"name":"What Seven Agency Leaders Learned From Big Client Wins","summary":"Forbes Agency Council members share the big client wins that became lasting lessons, playbooks, and habits for their agencies."},{"name":"Important Things Agencies Won’t Cut, Even When Budgets Tighten","summary":"Forbes Agency Council members share the foundational work they refuse to cut when budgets tighten, and why it protects long-term brand health."},{"name":"How To Meet Agency Clients’ Performance-Based Pricing Preferences","summary":"Forbes Agency Council members discuss how agencies are adapting pricing models to meet growing demand for performance-linked strategies."},{"name":"How To Meet Agency Clients' Performance-Based Pricing Preferences","summary":"Role: Quoted contributor (Forbes Agency Council Expert Panel). Agency leaders describe how they have restructured pricing as outcome-based fee models become a baseline client demand; my contribution covers embedding clear success metrics in proposals and tying renewals to those agreed outcomes."},{"name":"How To Drive E-Commerce Engagement And Conversions: Agency Insights","summary":"Role: Quoted contributor (Forbes Agency Council Expert Panel). Agency leaders share the strategies they use to turn e-commerce traffic into repeat customers as acquisition costs rise; my contribution covers designing memorable post-purchase experiences that deepen engagement after the sale."},{"name":"How To Drive E-Commerce Brand Engagement And Online Conversions","summary":"Forbes Agency Council members share strategies for turning e-commerce engagement into measurable revenue, repeat customers, and long-term loyalty."}]}