The self-adjusting toggle clamp (STC) program originated from BESSEY's 2008 interest in PDI's proven cam-lock mechanism, already commercialized in the LockJaw line of pliers and clamps. Mike was tasked with developing a family of self-adjusting clamps that integrated the mechanism into BESSEY's established bar clamp platform while expanding it into new toggle, and track clamp concepts. Given broad creative freedom and regular design reviews at PDI, Mike led the concept development, industrial design, and CAD engineering required to produce functional prototypes. The initial shop-fabricated prototypes, followed by fully fabricated hold-down prototypes, successfully validated the concept, leading BESSEY to continue co-development with PDI while initiating development of the In-Line STC platform.

During the global recession, Mike accepted a design position elsewhere following the dissolution of PDI's LockJaw brand. Upon returning to PDI in early 2011, he resumed his development role before assuming the responsibilities of PDI's departing manufacturing engineer in early 2012. Working directly with PDI's founders and BESSEY, Mike refined the designs for production, supported tooling release and manufacturing implementation, and contributed to the T7 STC revisions and successful launch of the T5 STC line. The resulting products achieved commercial success across multiple brands and received several industry awards recognizing their innovation and engineering.