Grounded Toward Growth

Lessons Learned from My Swedish Roots

The best leaders I know are humble, hungry, and emotionally intelligent. That’s not something I learned in a classroom. It’s something I inherited.I come from Swedish immigrants who didn’t talk about leadership—they lived it. They worked hard, built community, and made a better life through quiet determination.Their legacy shapes the way I coach CEOs today: not just to grow companies, but to grow as humans.

Exit on Your Own Terms with Jamie Waldren

Join me and former Vistage member, Jamie Waldren, to discuss his new book: Exit on Your Own Terms - 10 Blind Spots You Need To Know To Plan Your Exit and Make Work Optional It’s a common dilemma for many business owners, where the demands of daily operations often take precedence over long-term planning. Focusing on keeping the business running smoothly may have kept you in survival mode, but now it’s time to think strategically about the future. Whether you’re planning to grow further, raise capital, or ultimately sell your business, the decisions you make now will set the stage for your exit and your future. https://jnprivatewealth.com/book/

Building A Better Business: M. Luis Construction CEO on Vistage

M. Luis Construction is a civil construction company specializing in asphalt milling/paving and concrete site construction with offices in Baltimore, Silver Spring and Rockville, Maryland. M. Luis Products operates 2 full service asphalt manufacturing facilities in Rockville and Glen Burnie, Maryland.
Their president, David Slaughter, is one of the founding members of my Vistage Chief Executive group.

An Interview with Elana Burr, Recruiting Trailblazer

Elana Burr never planned on becoming a recruiter. Fresh out of college with a degree in Family Studies, she initially expected to pursue a career in social work—until she realized she wanted a profession centered around people while also allowing her the freedom to build something of her own.At just 22, she quit her job after three months in recruiting and launched her first firm, Metro Recruiting. Over 17 years, she grew it into a well-known brand before selling it in 2017. Since then, she has led sales and recruiting efforts for multiple firms, always guided by the belief that integrity and relationships matter more than quick wins.

My "Big Why"

What drove me to be a Vistage Chair? Listen here. 

Untangling Jumbled Operations - Interview with Diane Mentzer

Many business owners start with the belief that after a few years of hard work, they’ll be able to ease off the gas. But too often, they find themselves still grinding, working long hours, and struggling to scale beyond their current plateau. In this conversation, I'll sit down with current Vistage Member, Diane Mentzer, to discuss her practice untangling jumbled operations for busy business leaders.If your business is stuck between $2M-$6M and you’re ready to reach the next level, this interview is a must-listen.

Sailing Towards Success

As leaders, we need to be open to unpredictability. The wind can shift suddenly, and so can market conditions, team dynamics, or customer needs. Just as a sailor reads the wind and adjusts the sails, we must read our environment and respond accordingly, all while keeping our eye on the destination.

Conversation with Harry Haywood

Join me and current Vistage member, Harry Haywood, on his work with HBS Solutions and how Vistage has impacted his business growth.HBS is a Technical Service Company focused on providing facility engineering solutions to government and commercial facilities.

Interview with Investment Advisor, Jamie Waldren

Join me and current member, Jamie Waldren for this LinkedIn Live event.Jamie operates JN Private Wealth Management, an independent RIA Registered Investment Advisor operating as a Virtual Family Office.Their fiduciary VFO model offers comprehensive wealth management strategies for CEOs, entrepreneurs, business leaders, and individuals transitioning into retirement to help make work optional. With a client centric holistic approach based on trust, we integrate investment advisory with advanced planning to help elevate their client's financial landscape. Their focus is on building and preserving multi generational legacies, enhancing client aspirations through a bespoke wealth management experience.

Doug McGinnis on His Decade as a Vistage Member

Join me and Doug McGinnis, who has been a Vistage member for 10 years.He is the owner of Bunting Door & Hardware Co. one of the largest distributors of Hollow Metal Doors and Frames, Wood Doors, Architectural Hardware, Specialty Doors and Bath Accessories in the Mid-Atlantic region.Bunting acquired LOKTEK Entry and Access Solutions in 2018, and added LOKTEK Automatics this year. They distribute and install Horton Automatic doors and door operators in the greater Baltimore Washington region.