September 5,1966 ~December 29, 2024

From LinkedIn – A great friend and mentor to many of us Mitch Pergola passed away Sunday after a long struggle with brain cancer.

Mitch was one of the best, and a rare breed. A practical business leader who spent his professional life at Rare Medium, frog & fuseproject making it possible for great creative minds to have real impact on the world.

For those who want to pay their respects, the memorial service will be at:

Mountain View Cemetery
5000 Piedmont Ave, Oakland
Sunday, January 5th at 11:30 am

From LinkedIn – Another Testimony about Mitch

Honestly, I’ve been really struggling to write this.

Mitch Pergola wasn’t just someone I worked with. He wasn’t just a former customer; or a former collaborator; or a former employee; or a former employer; or a former co-worker. And he wasn’t a “friend” in the social media sense.

Mitch was one of my true and rare close friends.

I first met Mitch when Fire Engine Red took advantage of his employer’s deal naiveté. Mitch was so impressed by how we’d taken them to the cleaner that we became friends. In retrospect, this says a lot about Mitch, and about me. And I was so impressed by Mitch that, when I needed someone to run Rare Medium’s West Coast business, I recruited him. And he was amazing.

During all this business stuff, Mitch and I were also getting closer personally. Valerie Hoecke and I moved down the street from where he and Catherine were living on Guerrero St in SF. We started cooking elaborate meals together, and became closer and closer. Our friendship became a central constant in my life. If I was stuck on 101 trying to get to work, he was who I’d call to talk shit and turn frustration-time into quality friend time. He’d drop by to listen to some new vintage vinyl and depressurize from work before returning home. We supported each other through tough times, and we celebrated the good times together.

While I worked with Mitch at Atomic Vision and at Rare and at fuseproject and at Presence, and while we spent a ton of time solving business problems with and for each other – it’s not the business Mitch I’m grieving right now.

I’m grieving Mitch the human.
I’m grieving Mitch the father and Mitch the friend. I’m grieving the guy who would do anything for the people he cared for and I’m grieving the person who always had the perfect (hysterical) comment for a tense moment. I’m grieving the gruff and prickly New Yorker with the heart of a giant teddy bear. And I’m grieving for Catherine and the kids and Mitch’s family. I’m grieving for everyone who knew Mitch and who is thus, like me, mourning his loss right now.

The world is a far less interesting place.

Rest in Peace my friend.
I miss you so much.

Mitch Pergola

Creative + technical + business expert

Professional Background

Mitch Pergola is a highly regarded professional in the design and creative industries, recognized for his leadership roles across various prestigious organizations. With an impressive career trajectory, Mitch has held significant positions including President and General Manager at Presence Product Group, where he was instrumental in guiding teams to deliver innovative design solutions. His expertise in managing diverse teams and overseeing expansive projects has solidified his reputation as a respected figure in the design community.

Before his tenure at Presence Product Group, Mitch made notable contributions as Chief Operating Officer at fuseproject, a design and branding firm renowned for its ground-breaking design strategies. In this role, he played a crucial part in shaping the strategic direction and operational management of the company, enhancing its profile as a leader in the design industry.

His career also includes an impressive stint at frog design, where he served as Vice President. At frog, Mitch was pivotal in advancing user-centered design methodologies and ensuring that design plays a crucial role in people’s lives. Before that, he held a similar role as Vice President at Rare Medium, where he further developed his skills in leading creative teams and driving innovative projects to fruition.

Mitch’s diverse experience in the creative sector began at Atomic Vision, where he worked as General Manager. During this time, he focused on expanding the company’s service offerings while driving overall growth and operational excellence. His career foundation was established as an Executive Producer at Asylum Entertainment, where he honed his skills in project management, production, and client relations, setting the stage for his future successes in the design industry.

Education and Achievements

Mitch Pergola obtained his Bachelor’s Degree in Design from the University of Pennsylvania, an institution recognized for its commitment to academic excellence and its focus on interdisciplinary learning. His education laid a solid foundation for his career in design, equipping him with critical thinking skills and a profound understanding of design principles. Throughout his career, he has consistently applied the knowledge and skills gained during his studies to create unparalleled design solutions across various industries.

Mitch’s commitment to excellence has not gone unnoticed. He is known not only for his leadership skills but also for his ability to foster innovation and inspire creativity in those around him. His leadership has led to the successful completion of numerous projects that have garnered recognition within the design community. As someone who prioritizes mentorship and collaborative growth, Mitch has played a key role in nurturing the next generation of design professionals.

Achievements

Throughout his career journey, Mitch Pergola has amassed a wealth of achievements that speak to his dedication and passion for design. His ability to lead teams through complex design challenges has made him a sought-after figure in the industry. He has successfully overseen projects that range from consumer product design to larger-scale branding initiatives, demonstrating versatility and an acute understanding of market needs.

Mitch’s leadership at Presence Product Group helped the organization to achieve new heights in creative performance and client satisfaction. His innovative mindset combined with operational acumen has positioned him at the forefront of the design landscape. As he continues to embrace new opportunities, Mitch aims to partner with innovative organizations to drive design-forward thinking, further pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the industry.