After more than two decades of dedication, leadership, and laughter, Mike Rucker, Clear-Com’s Director of Sales for North and South America, is retiring. Mike has been part of Clear-Com since 2002, leaving an indelible mark on the company, his colleagues, and the customers he served.
Mike joined Clear-Com as a Regional Sales Manager for the Central Region, covering a wide range of customers spanning broadcast, houses of worship, corporate AV, live events and more. From day one, he was known not just for his sales expertise, but for his deep understanding of people. He had a natural ability to make every customer feel seen and every colleague feel valued. That empathy became his trademark and, ultimately, one of his greatest strengths as a leader.
Over the years, Mike’s curiosity and steady leadership helped shape the trajectory of Clear-Com’s Americas business. He fostered a spirit of collaboration within his team, mentoring rising talent and ensuring that Clear-Com’s reputation for integrity, partnership, and service remained unmatched. His leadership philosophy was simple: trust your people, support them fully, and never lose your sense of humor.
And humor is something Mike brought in abundance. A proud Texan with an easy laugh and a contagious energy, Mike infused every meeting, trade show, and team call with personality. Whether cracking a joke, telling a story from the road, or lightening the mood with his quick wit, he reminded everyone that work could be both meaningful and fun. He’s the kind of person who could make a conference room feel like a backyard barbecue, friendly, warm, and full of laughter.
“Mike’s leadership style is one-of-a-kind, equal parts empathy, strategy, and fun,” said Bob Boster, President of Clear-Com. “He cared deeply about his team and our Partners, and that came through in every interaction. His passion for Clear-Com’s mission, and for the people behind it, helped shape the culture we’re so proud of today.”
“Working with Mike meant working with someone who believed in people first,” added Chris Willis, Senior Vice President - Worldwide Sales. “He made his team feel supported, challenged, and appreciated, often all in the same day. His mentorship has been a gift to so many of us.”
Mike’s creativity extended far beyond sales. Many at Clear-Com know him as an artist, having graced the team with countless hand-drawn sketches and cartoons over the years. These whimsical depictions of Clear-Com engineers, sales reps, and even customers, all donning their signature headsets became a beloved part of the company’s culture. Each illustration captured his humor, affection, and knack for finding joy in the details.
Mike’s career also coincided with an incredible period of innovation at Clear-Com, from the early adoption of IP-based intercom solutions to the launch of Arcadia Central Station and the growth of the FreeSpeak wireless family. He helped guide customers through technology transitions with honesty and insight, always finding practical ways to make complex systems accessible. Whether leading sales meetings, attending global trade shows, or catching up with longtime Partners, Mike approached every moment with enthusiasm and care.
In Mike’s own words, shared during Clear-Com’s 50th Anniversary celebration:
“This is way more than your dad’s intercom. It’s people helping people communicate and open minds who say, ‘why not?’ when someone says, ‘wouldn’t it be nice if…’. We are all family because that’s what we are, and you’re a part of it.”
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Mike will be remembered for his laughter, his mentorship, and his unwavering sense of camaraderie. He had a gift for uniting people and for reminding everyone that relationships are the heart of Clear-Com’s success.
“Mike taught me what leadership with kindness looks like,” said Brian Grahn, Regional Sales Manager at Clear-Com. “He trusted his team, gave everyone freedom to grow, and celebrated every success, big or small. We’ll miss his humor, his positivity, and his ability to make everyone feel part of something special.”
As Mike steps into retirement, we celebrate not just a remarkable career, but the legacy of connection and creativity he leaves behind. His fingerprints are on countless projects, Partnerships, and friendships, and his spirit of curiosity and compassion will continue to guide Clear-Com’s future. And somewhere in a Clear-Com office, one of his cartoons will keep everyone smiling, a daily reminder of the most fun Texas guy we know.
Please join us in celebrating Mike’s incredible career and wishing him all the best in this next chapter. Thank you, Mike, for 23 years of leadership, laughter, artistry, and friendship.