Mike Caparanis

Mike Caparanis never set out to start a business. In fact, in 2012, he was still holding on to the dream of designing Lego sets for a living. When that door didn’t open, he and longtime friend Gabe decided to build something of their own: JAC Creative. What began as a passion project grew into a full-service agency grounded in creativity, collaboration, and purpose.

As CEO and Chief Creative Officer, Mike leads brand strategy, design, and storytelling at JAC. He’s passionate about helping mission-driven organizations bring their vision to life in ways that feel authentic and impactful. Since 2017, he has also served as an adjunct professor in Kent State’s School of Visual Communication Design, where he mentors emerging creatives and shares real-world insights from the field.

More than anything, Mike believes in doing great work with great people. Around the office, he’s known for his big ideas, his even bigger heart, and his ability to bring energy and clarity to any room. He’s the kind of leader who makes you feel like you're part of something meaningful because you are.

Outside of work, Mike swaps screens for sunshine. He loves gardening, hiking, and biking with his wife Laura, their beagle Huckleberry, and their two young kids, Jojo and Max.