Co-CEOs Michael Marsiglia and Shawn Crowley Again Named to 'Grand Rapids 200'
Co-CEOs reflect on shared leadership and the road ahead as they celebrate the third-consecutive accolade
Atomic Object Co-CEOs Michael Marsiglia and Shawn Crowley have been named to the Grand Rapids 200 for the third year in the Technology category. The Grand Rapids 200 is Crain’s Grand Rapids Business’ list of the most powerful executives across more than 20 industries in West Michigan. Crain’s creates the selective leadership list based on factors like company size, growth rate, geographic reach, and extensive personal contacts.
Marsiglia says the honor is one shared with his colleagues.
“We have an incredible team,” he said. “Over time we’ve become a more professional organization that’s broader than any one person. We happen to hold the CEO job at a company where a lot of people are doing amazing work. Like an NFL quarterback, we probably get too much credit and too much blame—and this happens to be one of the credit times.”
Crowley says Atomic’s culture has anchored the company through the last several years.
“Change has been the constant—from COVID to the acceleration of AI,” he said. “What’s endured is our commitment to one another and to the company’s vision. A foundational decision was our unwavering return to in-person, team-based work in 2021, which strengthened relationships and trust. That’s what has helped us grow and flourish.”
Two decades of collaboration
Co-CEO structures are uncommon, but the pair says partnership is embedded in Atomic’s operating model. Marsiglia and Crowley joined Atomic Object in 2000 and 2004, respectively.
“Large portions of our company are built on teamwork,” Marsiglia said. “We have developer teams and managing-partner pairs running offices. Co-leadership for us is a natural extension of what works for building great products for clients.”
Crowley added that disciplined focus is a central aspect of their ability to work effectively together.
“We keep our eyes on what’s right for the organization, flex roles as seasons change, and respect each other’s strengths,” he said. “We debate hard issues without turf wars, give important decisions airtime, then carry the vision together so change moves through the organization robustly and on time.”
Craft, candor, and client outcomes
Both leaders trace their approach to Atomic’s roots in love of craft.
“We’re makers at heart,” said Marsiglia. “That gives us respect for the work and empathy for our teams. We pitch what’s feasible, so work is reasonable and achievable for our people and more certain for clients.”
Crowley says consulting lets Marsiglia and him grow through continuous learning while creating real value.
“The throughline is curiosity and a love of learning—and, frankly, ambition and courage,” he said. “We aim for leading, responsible technology—not a risky bleeding edge—so we can help clients build career-defining products and innovations.”
Rooted in Grand Rapids, growing nationally
With offices in Grand Rapids, Ann Arbor, Chicago, and Raleigh, the co-CEOs say their hometown remains a catalyst.
“We live in Grand Rapids and stay active in the community’s technical and business networks—spreading Midwestern values of hard work, efficiency, and teamwork to our other offices,” said Crowley. “The company started here, and you can feel it everywhere we operate.”
“We trust outstanding local leaders in each region to carry Atomic’s purpose and values,” Marsiglia said. “Our distributed structure works precisely because it’s a team effort.”
Looking to the next 25 years
As Atomic approaches its 25th anniversary next year, the company’s leaders say they are focused on people, communities, and responsible innovation.
Marsiglia says the company’s planned all-hands gathering in Arizona next year is a bright spot on the horizon.
“The gathering celebrates care, connection, and learning,” said Marsiglia. “For our communities, it’s a sign of stability—we’re here to stay, we employ locally, and we support the regions that sustain us.”
Crowley says he’s energized by what’s ahead, despite uncertain markets and technology disruption.
“Admittedly, I rarely look back; I’m always asking, ‘What’s the next 25 years?’” he said. “Yes, markets are choppy, but that creates room for advantage and innovation. AI and automation are opening real opportunities to improve businesses and people’s lives. If you treat today as launch day for the next 25 years, we have an amazing foundation—great customers, a talented team, and deep community ties.”
