Mike Stanford

CO-OWNER / PRESIDENT

Mike Stanford has a long history of entrepreneurship, fueled by his corporate experience and deep roots in Fort Wayne. After a childhood spent moving with his Army Officer father, he completed high school in Fort Knox, KY, and went on to earn a degree in Business rom the University of Louisville.

Mike spent a decade at Brandeis Machinery and Supply, progressing through sales and management roles before being promoted to General Manager of their Fort Wayne facilities. His career path changed in 1998 when he stepped away from his job to return to Alabama to help his brother, David, recover from life-threatening heart surgery.

His time away was short-lived. Having fallen for Fort Wayne native Marilyn Ryan Stonebraker, Mike returned in early 2000. He and Marilyn married, starting a new family with Marilyn's seven-year-old twins and, simultaneously, a new business venture.

This new journey began with a division of TermNet Merchant Services that Mike established in Fort Wayne. When the Atlanta-based corporation was acquired in 2012, the Fort Wayne operation became Leading Edge Payments. Over the next 25 years, Mike built this business, which now services banks, credit unions, referral partners, and over 3,000 local businesses. He also launched several related ventures, including RedFire Technology, Savory Services, and Midwest Paper Products.

Mike and Marilyn are highly engaged in the local community, dedicating their time and services to many Fort Wayne charities like Turnstone, Erin's House, and Cancer Services. When he's not working or volunteering, Mike enjoys flying remote control airplanes, boating, and fishing. But most of all hanging out with family and the grandkids!