Mark Johnson

Developing Software for Fortune® 500 and High-Growth Companies | Managing Partner and Co-Founder at Michigan Software Labs | Forbes Technology and Fast Company Executive Board

Mark spends his time talking with leaders who feel growing pressure to modernize, but aren’t convinced the next move is the right one yet.

Across hundreds of conversations with CEOs, CIOs, VPs, and executives, he sees a familiar pattern: internal teams are stretched thin, legacy systems are holding things back, and there’s no shortage of ideas. But there is plenty of uncertainty about where to invest, what to tackle first, and how much risk is acceptable. Too often, organizations move quickly into execution before they’re aligned on the real problem they’re trying to solve.

As co-founder of Michigan Software Labs, Mark’s role sits early in that decision journey. He helps leaders slow down just enough to clarify what matters and determine whether moving forward actually makes sense. When there is a clear opportunity, MichiganLabs’ senior strategy, design, and engineering teams carry that clarity through execution.

Mark brings perspective shaped by both entrepreneurship and long-term relationship building. He serves on the Board of Directors for The Economic Club of Grand Rapids and has been recognized as one of the Grand Rapids 200 Most Powerful Business Leaders and a Grand Rapids Business Journal 40 Under 40.

He enjoys helping organizations avoid costly missteps and make digital investments they can stand behind, and this focus is deeply personal.

Mark comes from a family of builders. His great-grandfather founded Forslund Furniture Company in 1935 and grew it through craftsmanship, storytelling, and enduring relationships. Mark sees MichiganLabs as a modern extension of that legacy: different tools, but the same commitment to doing good work with care.

Outside of work, Mark is a husband and father of four daughters. Evenings are often spent playing dress-up or princess, and he enjoys tennis, golf, ping-pong, and staying active in his church and local tech community.

Managing Partner

Michigan Software Labs develops custom mobile, web, and Internet of Things (IoT) software for clients ranging from locally owned businesses to Fortune 500 companies. Recognized as a leader in UX/UI design, with millions of end users to date, Michigan Software Labs was named one of the Top UX Design Companies in the U.S. by Clutch and the Inc. Best Places to Work Award.

David, Wierenga & Lauka P.C.

I focus on representing purpose-driven businesses and entrepreneurs in West Michigan and beyond in all aspects of business and corporate governance.

Attorney and Partner

David & Wierenga, P.C.

Attorney at a boutique business law firm, practicing in Corporate, Estate and Trust, Real Estate and related Litigation.

Attorney

Willis Law

Attorney at full-service business law firm in downtown Kalamazoo, practicing in litigation: corporate, estate and trust, real estate, and criminal.

Partner

State of Michigan Attorney General's Office

Performed legal research, drafted pleadings and memoranda for assistant attorney generals in the Healthcare Fraud and Child Support Divisions.

Law Clerk

State of Michigan Senate Majority Policy Office

Drafted legislation analysis, performed legal research on constitutional issues for the counsel of the Michigan Senate Majority and Policy Analysts.

As an attorney and partner at David, Wierenga & Lauka P.C. (DWL), I represent and advise purpose-driven businesses and entrepreneurs in all aspects of business and corporate governance. With over 15 years of experience in corporate, estate and trust, real estate, and related litigation, I have the expertise and passion to help my clients achieve their legal and social goals.

I am honored to be recognized as a Super Lawyer Rising Star for eight consecutive years, as well as a Grand Rapids Business Journal's 40 under 40 Business Leader in 2018. I also serve as a board member and corporate secretary for several non-profit and faith-based organizations, and as a local ambassador for Faith Driven Entrepreneur. I enjoy writing and speaking about legal issues affecting my practice areas and my local community. I am licensed to practice in Michigan and in the federal courts for the Western and Eastern Districts of Michigan.

Jeshua Lauka

We were created for connection.


Founders, Entrepreneurs, Investors:

Join us February 6 at Acton Institute for the Faith Driven Investor Annual Conference.

Hosted by National Christian Foundation Michigan & Faith Driven Entrepreneur/ Faith Driven Investor Grand Rapids chapter.

Thanks to our sponsor, C12 West Michigan | Northern Indiana, Danielle Whah & Bruce Hanson.

Learn more about NCF by connecting with Karen Pimpo & Dave Johnson 

Not on our FDE/FDI email list? Connect with me, Adam Gregory, Dana Roefer, Michael Davis or Phil Johnson.

Here are some #ThrowbackThursday photos from last year’s conference hosted by our friends Mark Johnson, Josh Hulst, Erin Bushouse and team at Michigan Software Labs  

Register at the link in the comments ⬇️

Legal advisor providing wise counsel to faith-driven/purpose-driven companies, boards and family offices. Board Member, & Corporate Secretary Kolbe 6-3-8-3

No alternative text description for this image

The end of one chapter and the beginning of an exciting new one.

Removing our names, setting aside our egos to live out our practice more authentically. 

LightStone Law website is now live!

Come see what we are all about: 

https://lnkd.in/gmuAPX65

Warren Buffett:

“I like to deal with people where I feel a 1-page contract will do the job.

If I have to have 50 pages in there to protect me against the guy I’m dealing with, I’ll always wonder whether I needed 51.”


- value high trust relationships.

- still get it in writing 😉

We tend to judge others by their behavior, while we judge ourselves by our intentions.


Let’s take a step back and pause before we put people in categories of good and bad.

At the end of day, we are all just people.

We are all multifaceted.

- good and bad.
- strengths and weaknesses.
- varying lived experiences that shape our paradigm.



“Wisdom discerns multiple dimensions to people’s motives and character, rather than putting everyone into the binary categories of “good people” and “bad people.”

- Timothy Keller


- photo from last night at the Breslin Center Michigan State University

There is a lot of noise out there.

Nature abhors a vacuum.

Your life will fill with busyness and distraction unless you are intentional in setting boundaries.



Make space for wisdom today.


“To become wise is to become a disciplined person, given not to impulsiveness but to self-examination, to circumspection, and to clear thinking.”

- Timothy Keller

Founders, investors entrepreneurs:

We are one month away!

Join us!



Our registration is live for the Faith Driven Investor Annual Conference 2026.

National Christian Foundation Michigan and Faith Driven Entrepreneur / Faith Driven Investor  Grand Rapids is hosting a Watch Party at Acton Institute on February 6, 2026 at 8:30am.

Thank you to C12 West Michigan | Northern Indiana Danielle Whah & Bruce Hanson for sponsoring!

Register at the link in the comments ⬇️ or connect with Karen Pimpo or Dave Johnson at NCF.

 Not on our FDE email list? 
DM me, or anyone on our FDE leadership team - Adam Gregory Michael Davis or Phil Johnson.  

#investors
#founders
#entrepreneurs
#faithdriven
#purposedriven

Live inside out.


Build your life on firm foundation.


Without integrity, nothing else matters.




“I look for three things in hiring people. 

The first is personal integrity, the second is intelligence, and the third is a high energy level. 

But, if you don't have the first, the other two will kill you.”

-Warren Buffett

#WednesdayWisdom

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The Battle

Mark Johnson

Jeshua Lauka

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taplio

The Battle

Mark Johnson

Jeshua Lauka

Followers

Posts

Engagements

Likes

Performance Score.css-goub6s{font-size:var(--chakra-fontSizes-md);font-weight:500;color:var(--chakra-colors-gray-600);display:block;margin-top:var(--chakra-space-1);}Jeshua Lauka's LinkedIn Performance

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