Next Level Leader

When you are dealt with the extraordinary in life, the people in your corner truly do matter.    Nick Oprish tells his story from growing up in Bloomington, MN to a degree at the University of St Thomas, meeting his wife Melissa and being blessed with 3 beautiful kids and a career in corporate America.     In 2019 his journey took an unexpected turn that made him double down on his determination and resilience not only to survive but to make the most out of the next chapter of his life.     This is his story of life, love, gratefulness, hope and resilience of the mind and body.    

From bricklayer to the CEO of a thriving National IT Consulting firm, Richard shares his lessons learned through his Forbes published book, “Relationship Equity.” His no nonsense, common sense approach to life will undoubtedly inspire you to challenge the way you think.

In 2021, Chandler Withington had a life many would envy. He had achieved his dream of becoming a PGA Head Professional at Hazeltine National, had hosted a victorious Ryder Cup in 2016 and had another Ryder Cup scheduled to return to Hazeltine in 2029. When Chandler suddenly resigned from his position in the fall of 2021, many wondered why. Chandler visits with us to share his perspective on life, family and pursuing a career, along with what he is doing now. 

Ryan French, better known as Monday Q Info on Twitter, is a golf writer and journalist who pride himself on telling the stories of players chasing the top tours in the world and the dedication and sacrifice it takes to get there. French became particularly well-known for his coverage of “Monday qualifiers,” which are events held on the Monday prior to a professional golf tournament where golfers who are not otherwise exempt can try to earn a spot in the field. He started a Twitter account, Monday Q Info, which quickly gained a following among golf fans and professionals alike for its timely and accurate information about these qualifying events. Ryan currently hosts several podcasts and runs the Monday Q Info website.

In this episode, host Craig Pratt talks with Jeff Mader about his life, career, and motivations.  Jeff Mader retired at the beginning of 2023 from the CIO position at Sun Country Airlines. Jeff started working in IT in 1980. Most significant was his nearly twenty- four years at Target where he progressed to a senior level VP reporting to the CIO. Jeff also served as the first CIO of Imagine Companies prior to joining Sun Country Airlines. He has significant background in retail, transportation, and manufacturing. Jeff received his BS degree from Minnesota State University, Mankato majoring in Computer Science, Finance, and Business Management. He received his MBA from University of St Thomas and completed a Mini-Master of Information Technology also at the University of St Thomas. Jeff's signature strengths are developing IT leaders, improving IT performance, IT cost rationalization, and business and IT strategy development. Jeff is widely regarded as a top IT leader that has helped to develop many of the people who are currently in executive level IT positions today. Jeff is a very active volunteer leader in the battle against cancer. He chairs the MN Chapter of the American Cancer Society and is co-founder and chair of CIOs Against Cancer. CIOs Against Cancer mission is to fund early stage cancer researchers who have been vetted by the American Cancer Society. Jeff formerly served on the board of United Through Reading, a non-profit organization that supports deployed military families by helping deployed Moms and Dads read bedtime stories to their children at home. He was the board chair for a term. His 12 year tenure on the board concluded at the end of 2021. Jeff lives in Prior Lake, MN with his wife Judy and enjoys boating, hiking, hunting, and anything outdoors. They have one son, Sam who is a medical device engineer working at Boston Scientific.

Nick Hernandez is a St. Paul native who co-founded 3 advisory firms after starting his career at IBM. Alongside his wife, Mary Alice, they have four grown children, three of whom are parents, and six energetic grandchildren. In 2020, he founded Adelante Advisors with Jackie Hartman, a guide service helping people navigate life transitions and find deeper meaning and purpose.

Wade Wyant is a recovering serial entrepreneur and business coach…He has helped multiple businesses significantly increase their revenue and valuations. In this book you will learn the multiple lessons Wade has learned along the way. Key learnings include how to lean into conflict, embrace the grind, make tough decision and it's all about the team at the end of the day. 

Chase Pettey is most known as an adventurer and lover of life. His love for adventure and helping others lead him to launch Adventure For All, an innovative nonprofit creating opportunities for individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities or as they say exceptionalities!    Chase didn't become who he is today by chance. He became who he is by the obstacles and challenges he was faced with starting at a young age. On today's episode we hear about the life that guided Chase to launch such an amazing nonprofit at just 29 years old. His passion and intention for Adventure For All's mission isn't anything short of inspiring.   Learn more at Adventure for All  #ImagineThePossibilities

Brian Eder is your classic Minnesotan…Raised inn Stillwater and went to St. Johns in Collegeville, MN to play Football for the legendary coach John Gagliardi.    One of the great gifts from his college experience was meeting his wife Greta. They have two beautiful daughters and a beautiful home on the east side of the Twin Cities. When he's not helping multiple charities across the Twin Cities he's helping families build a life plan at Voyage Wealth Architects (voyegewa.com).   Brian is an action oriented leader who believes our greatest gift is the opportunity to help others. That mindset along with a passion for the game of golf inspired him to launch Birdies 4 Brians - (b4bmn.org). This group of passionate leaders have made massive contributions to the the community and continue to raise awareness for those suffering from Brain injuries. 

Marc Mero (born July 9, 1960) is an American former amateur boxer and professional wrestler, as well as a motivational speaker. He is best known for his appearances with the World Wrestling Federation (WWF, now WWE) under his real name and with World Championship Wrestling (WCW) and Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) under the ring name Johnny B. Badd. Today, Marc Mero contributes much of his time to the nonprofit organization he founded in 2007, Champion of Choices. Learn more at THINKPOZ dot ORG

Raising Men Lawn Care Service is the union of an ordinary yard maintenance service and the commitment to establish an inspiring program to keep our youth (girls & boys) on a positive path while learning and understanding their value in society. RMLCS provides free lawn care to our elders, those who are disabled, single mothers and our veterans, who do not have the time, resources and/or money to take care of their yards. Raising Men Lawn Care Service is a 501(c)(3) organization. Visit WeAreRaisingMen dot com to learn more.

Thomas Mendoza joined NetApp in 1994 as Vice President of North America sales. He served as its President from 2000 until 2008, when he became Vice Chairman.   He helped establish the culture that allowed NetApp to be ranked #1 in Fortune Magazine’s "100 Best Companies To Work For" in 2009, as well as being a co-recipient with NetApp CEO, Dan Warmenhoven of the Morgan Stanley Leadership Award for Global Commerce —the first time the award had been co-presented to two individuals.   Mendoza retired from NetApp in 2019 and currently serves on the Boards of VAST Data, UiPath, Varonis, ServiceSource, and Arxan. He previously served on the Boards of Infoblox, NetScreen (acquired by Juniper Networks), and Rhapsody Networks (acquired by Brocade). Mr. Mendoza also serves on the Justin Tuck RUSH Foundation for Children's Literacy.   Mendoza frequently speaks on corporate culture and leadership to a wide variety of audiences which have included major Universities such as Stanford University (where he has been a guest lecturer since 1997), Notre Dame, Harvard and United States Military Academy as well as to diverse groups such as the  United States Marine Corps, keynotes at Oracle World and numerous other industry events.   Charities that Mr. Mendoza has been significantly involved with include the Pat Tillman Foundation, St. Baldrick’s Foundation, the Navy SEAL Foundation and Justin Tuck’s RUSH Foundation for Children’s literacy.   Mendoza holds a BA from Notre Dame and is an alumnus of the Stanford Executive Program (SEP). In September 2000 Notre Dame named (was not named before) their business school the Mendoza College of Business after an endowment from Tom and Kathy Mendoza.

Brian Souza is CEO and founder of ProductivityDrivers - an innovative corporate training company that specializes in building world-class, high performance teams and organizations. Souza is also the author of The New York Times Bestseller, The Weekly Coaching Conversation. As a respected thought leader in how to build high performance teams, coaching, leadership, and sales, Souza is highly sought after as a keynote speaker and management consultant by top companies and organizations worldwide. Clients include SAS, Google, Boeing, In-N-Out Burger, ServiceNow, StateFarm, American Eagle Outfitters, AstraZeneca, and AbbVie just to name a few. Souza and his work have been featured in dozens of magazines and newspapers around the world including The European Business Review, Fast Company, and Success Magazine. His first critically acclaimed book, Become Who You Were Born to Be (Random House, 2007), has been published in multiple languages around the world.

Tommy Angelo is an Oakland, California professional poker player, writer, and coach. Angelo was a career musician in the 1980s, performing rock and country on drums and piano. In 1990, he became a full-time professional poker player. Since then has since written 150 magazine articles, written and produced 60 poker-training videos, and written and published four books on poker.   https://www.tommyangelo.com

Elli's House is a 501(c)3 nonprofit serving homeless & runaway women involved in human trafficking in the city of Detroit. Our mission is to abolish sex trafficking in the city of Detroit through building relationships, offering safe shelter, and providing education. ​ Elli's House was founded in 2017 by Deb Ellinger, a native Detroiter. While working with teen girls who were consistently running away from home, there was a clear need for a shelter in the city. Out of this need, Deb began Elli's House. What began as an attempt to fill a need, has grown into a full non-profit organization. Today, we have a two-year residential shelter program, a middle school mentoring program, and we provide food, hygiene, and clothing to survivors weekly through street outreach   You can learn more or donate at https://www.ellishouse313.org/donate    

John Collopy is one of the real estate industry’s most influential leaders. With 40 offices in and 1,200 agents in Minnesota and Wisconsin ReMax Results is one the largest Real Estate firms in the country.    John takes us through the highs and lows of his personal and professional life…His journey is filled with self-discovery and awareness on who he was and what he wants to be. John opens his heart and soul to our listeners in a way you might not expect.    We end the interview discussing Johns passion for the “Results Foundation” and his goal in making a difference in the lives of others. I encourage you to pickup a copy of his book. https://johncollopy.com

Clark Hodge escaped the confines of a corporate high-tech career to found and lead Chase the Music, a non-profit. Chase the Music gives children battling critical conditions hope, strength, love, and joy through the power of music. Very personal, original musical experiences from soloists to orchestral. From didgeridoo to dance. From bedside to auditorium. The shared experience of a Chase the Music premiere is inspirational and moving for all who take part and share in the event. Find out more at chasethemusic.org, or contact Clark directly at clark@chasethemusic.org.

From an idyllic childhood outdoors (mostly on the golf course) to a runaway career in tech sales for EMC, Tim's life took a big turn in 2008. Realizing more income wouldn’t bring more happiness, Tim chartered into unknown territory, visiting hundreds of schools as a children’s book author and connecting kids to food with a Farm Truck. Ultimately, he began an overnight camp for a different experience for different kids - including those from the foster care community, refugees, and low income neighborhoods. http://naturesfarmcamp.org

Winny Brodt-Brown is the original pioneer of Women’s Hockey in Minnesota…Her list of accomplishments start with winning the 1996 Ms. Hockey Award and most recently winning the 2019 Isobel Cup as the Captain of the Minnesota Whitecaps!    Winny’s accomplishments in Women’s hockey are second to none…Click on the Wikipedia link to learn more about Winny.    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winny_Brodt-Brown

Seven years in the tech industry? A kinesiology and English major? From the outside the path may not appear cohesive, but Jason Rathe relishes the opportunity to be the owner Field Outdoor Spaces – a two million dollar landscape company serving “small yard” neighborhoods in the Twin Cities.  In 2001, Jason quit his career at a local telecommunications company to find a career he could pour himself into. After some reflection, he realized all the jobs he loved were outside jobs building things. “Landscaping” met all his criteria – creative, life-long learning, helping people find quality of life, and ability to be a teacher and mentor others. After getting his Masters in Horticulture at the University of Minnesota, he took a deep dive and started Field Outdoor Spaces with his partner in 2005. The mission of Field has always been about creating the company he and his team most want to work in. Empowerment. Transparency. Accomplishing great things with people you love. 

ReBecca Koenig Roloff is the 11th president of St. Catherine University. A North Dakota native, Roloff is a 1976 graduate of St. Kate's, chaired the University’s Board (1991–1995) and has been an active alumna. She also earned an MBA with distinction from Harvard Business School. During a distinguished career in the private and nonprofit sectors, she has demonstrated extraordinary leadership, commitment to inclusion and ability to achieve financial stability through fundraising, while at the same time serving the community. She has been recognized as a caring and results-oriented leader who works with people, not over them, to achieve success for the organization she is leading. She was featured on the cover of Business Week as one of the nation’s “Fast Track Kids” early in her career and has been profiled in numerous national and regional publications. She came to St. Catherine University from the YWCA of Minneapolis, where she served as president and chief executive officer for 11 years and was responsible for leading the organization with a mission to eliminate racism and empower women and girls. Under her leadership, the YWCA Minneapolis successfully completed a capital campaign, grew its revenue substantially and significantly increased the diversity of its board of directors. Formerly, she was a senior vice president and a member of the senior leadership team at American Express Financial Advisors (now Ameriprise), held leadership positions at Pillsbury Company (both in Minneapolis) and was a grain merchant for Cargill in Texas. She has served on the boards of C.H. Robinson Worldwide, Inc., the Minneapolis Downtown Council Executive Committee and Allina Health. Her leadership has been recognized with national and community accolades, including the New York City YWCA Academy of Women Achiever’s Award, the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis Leading With Spirit Award, the Twin Cities Business Outstanding Corporate Director Award and St. Catherine University’s Outstanding Alumnae and Alexandrine Awards. Roloff was named the Favorite MN Role Model for Women in Education in the Minnesota Women's Press 2018 What Women Want survey. Active in the community, she currently serves as a trustee for the Charles and Ellora Allis Educational Foundation, the Women's College Coalition, and the Minnesota Campus Compact. She also chaired the boards of The Blake School and The Children’s Theatre Company and is the recent past president of the International Women’s Forum of Minnesota and the Minnesota Women’s Economic Roundtable. She enjoys reading, needlepoint, playing the piano, cooking, and travel. She published her first children’s book in 1996 and completed her 10th triathlon in 2018.

Host Craig Pratt sits down with Joe Cavanaugh, the founder and CEO of Youth Frontiers. Joe started this nonprofit organization 32 years ago. It has since evolved into one of the most successful organizations serving youth in the Midwest. 

Casey Allen is the consummate entrepreneur who’s dedicated his life’s work to helping those in the high-tech Enterprise SAAS space get to the next level of success…He shares his personal story of growth and his passion for the premier tech event in the Midwest otherwise known as “Enterprise Rising”. I hope you enjoy this episode and you can click on the links below to learn more about Casey. https://www.linkedin.com/in/learncasey/ http://enterpriserising.co/

Aaron Holm lost both of his legs in a horrific accident on January 2, 2007. But what shattered his body failed to dent his courage, strength and infectious optimism. He’s been helping others regain their positive energy and spirit ever since.   Armed with a laptop and a cellphone, Aaron started Wiggle Your Toes from his hospital bed. He educated himself, formed teams of friends and loved ones, and began charting a course to his new normal. Aaron returned home after only 19 days, joined his three children upstairs, and read them a story that night.   Aaron and his dedicated team built Wiggle Your Toes so others could not just get by but live life to its fullest. Through personalized support, practical answers, resources and tools, Wiggle Your Toes helps amputees in Minnesota and beyond keep looking and moving forward.   Our Mission   To empower those who have lost a limb to move forward, take action and get back to the life they want.   You can learn more and donate at https://www.wiggleyourtoes.org/

Allan Law's entire life has been consumed passionately and unselfishly serving the poor, vulnerable, disadvantaged youth, and their families. Since 1967 he has volunteered more than 175,000 hours, and has personally spent almost $500,000 serving…. with love and compassion and delivering a message of hope to those most in need. Over the years he has received numerous awards, including the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Gold Medallion presented at the U.S. Supreme Court. He has also received recognition from 3 U.S. Presidents for his Public Service. His dedication to helping others, and serving those in need through difficult and trying times, has given hope to thousands of people through more than 44 years of volunteering. Allan was a teacher in the Inner City Minneapolis Public School System for 32 years, and founded Minneapolis Recreation Development, Inc. 1967. Since its founding the Mission of MRD has been: “Love One Another” and the Guiding Principle: "Judge our society by how we care for our children and the disadvantaged."  In 1996 Minneapolis Recreation Development, Inc. was granted 501(c) (3) Nonprofit Status which has helped offset the increasing needs in the community and ongoing expenses. MRD is an all volunteer non-profit with no salaries serving the homeless, poor, vulnerable, disadvantaged youth, and their families in the Twin Cities every day with food assistance, and a variety of other emergency needs through Three Core Programs. All donations are used for general operating expenses, or program specific funding. MRD does not have an office, but is based out of Alan’s apartment where he maintains 10 freezers to store sandwiches, and other program items. Additional sandwich storage freezers are located at a few volunteer drop sites in the Twin Cities. Allan is the sole delivery person, and spends every night from 9pm to10am driving the inner city streets of the Twin Cities in search of people to help. He works overnight because that’s when shelters are closed, and homeless people living on the street are most vulnerable. He also responds to several calls a day 24/7 from people in crisis, with requests ranging from critical immediate needs, to others like help finding a job or temporary housing. Making as many as 50 stops a night, he provides urgently needed food, basic necessities, and compassionate care to hundreds of people from the back of his MRD minivan. On any given night there are an estimated 7,000 homeless people in the Twin Cities Metropolitan area, and over 2,200 are children under 17. The goal of MRD is to feed, and provide emergency assistance to as many of them every day as possible.   Allan Law Awards & Recognition Recipient of the American Institute for Public Service's “Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Gold Medallion” presented at the U.S. Supreme Court Recipient of the American Institute for Public Service's National “Jefferson Award” presented at the U.S. Senate Recognition from President George W. Bush Recognition from President Bill Clinton Recognition from President George H. W. Bush Recognized in the U.S. Congressional Record by Senator Paul Wellstone Recognition from Minnesota Senator Rod Grams Recognition from Minnesota Senator Mark Dayton Recognition from Minnesota Congressman Jim Ramstad Recognition from Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty Recognition from Minnesota Governor Jesse Ventura Recognition from Attorney General Mike Hatch Recognition from Minneapolis Mayor Sharon Sayles Belton: “The Minneapolis Award” McKnight Foundation: “Virginia McKnight Binger Award in Human Service” City of Minneapolis: “Martin Luther King” Award Points of Light Foundation: “Daily Point of Light” Award Salvation Army: Outstanding Volunteer Service Award Minnehaha Academy: “Alumnus of the Year” Award City Business Magazine: “100 Unsung Heroes” Award Catholic Charities: Volunteer Service Award North Minneapolis: Community Service Award KARE11 TV: “Eleven Who Care” Award Awards from Optimist, Rotary, and Kiwanis Clubs WCCO TV: “Hometown Hero” Award Ventura for Minnesota: Public Service Award WCCO Radio: “Good Neighbor” Award Minnehaha Academy Centennial Award: “100 Alumni Who Have Influenced Our World” Featured in Documentary Film: “The Starfish Throwers”   You can donate at http://www.loveoneanother363.org/node/20

Alan J. McMillan spent 30+ years in executive leadership with technology companies but discovered a new calling when he identified an unmet need—and that is helping 18 to twentysomethings understand what it takes to figure out what they want in career and in life, nail their education, get a job that is the first step in an amazing career, have the skills to maintain employability over the arc of their career, and develop a plan that can lead to their financial independence, without demoting their lifestyle. Alan inspires students and newly minted college graduates to create a vision based on what they want out of life—and then provide actionable steps based on real-life examples to support their transition from college to the workplace—and beyond! Alan covers getting a job, thriving in that role, if there is disruption of employment, secure a new role better than the one they just left, and all the while making tangible progress toward their financial independence. Much of his work can be found at LearnEarnRetire.com. He also does presentations at college campuses across the country, post weekly blogs, develop online learning opportunities, and am in the process of writing/publishing my first book. This body of work is for today’s 10m-American college students (that are 18-24), and twentysomethings as a whole, along with those who love them.  Fortune 500 companies also retain his services to help them with college and diversity recruiting and entry-level employee development.   I hope you enjoy this awesome episode with my dear friend and mentor…   El Exigente, Captain on the Deck!   http://www.learnearnretire.com/

After learning about a lack of places for homeless people to shower, a Sauk Rapids couple will begin running a mobile shower unit in June 2019.    Nancy Dyson and Jason Jaques first brainstormed locations where homeless people could access showers after someone asked if they knew of places to go.    "We just looked at each other like, 'I don't (know),'" Dyson said. "It was heartbreaking."    The pair started a "quest" to find options in the area, but they found limited places would work, Jaques said.     "We can do better than that," Dyson said. "We have to do better than that."   Jaques and Dyson began working on the idea of a self-contained unit, built in a small passenger van, a couple years ago.   Known as Shower the People, it will be operated under the couple's nonprofit, Neighbors to Friends.   Jaques and Dyson plan to take the truck to people who need it, providing access to a shower as well as meals and time to hang out.    https://www.gofundme.com/f/7nfu4c-shower-the-people

A former executive at Oracle, Dave Stephens shares a few of his personal observations about Larry Ellison the founder of Oracle Systems…From working at NASA on Monday’s at High School, attending Cal and watching his Dad do 3 startups and run 2 public companies…Dave gives an insider’s view of venture capital, the joys of entrepreneurship, how our search to find meaning in our professional lives sometimes leads us to spending 25 years building enterprise software. Which ultimately lead to Coupa Software going from incubation to a successful IPO with a market cap north of $8 Billion dollars!

I hope you enjoy this episode with Dr. Lisa Snyder, Mr. Erik Sill and Ms. Erica Johnson…We dive into the deep end on areas of improvement for higher ed. The debate on EQ and IQ is heating up as employers look for different skills to build great enduring companies.   If we expect different outcomes for our kids we need to invest time with the school districts, school board and teachers to help them transform the current experience.   http://edvisions.org/   https://klassenperformancegroup.com/   https://www.priorlake-savage.k12.mn.us/our-schools/plhs/mncaps   https://education-reimagined.org/

Luke Wyckoff, the founder and Chief Visionary Officer of Social Media Energy, shares with Next Level Leader host, Craig Pratt the highs and lows of business ownership and speaks the gospel on the realities of leading an organization though turmoil and success.  This comeback story is not only business related, but personal, with a surprise ending you don't want to miss.    https://lukewyckoff.com/   https://socialmediaenergy.com/

Recording Artist, Taja Sevelle, who signed her first record deal with the legendary artist, Prince, outlines a courageous plan for bringing the world into balance, and shares the reasons she put her music career on the “back burner” to start the nonprofit organization Urban Farming®. Her blueprint for balance includes recapturing trillions of dollars of wasted capital, and reallocating it into areas that will better serve both our economically challenged communities, as well as our economically vibrant communities. With chronicles of risk-taking vision, extensive research, and rare personal experiences, Taja offers a formula for integrity in business, personal, social, and political relationships, as well as world affairs. She shares how fundamental “root” principles are essential for the restoration and balance of mental, physical, and spiritual health within our global family.    While recording her third CD for Sony Records in Detroit, Taja saw widespread poverty and vast stretches of unused land—a memory she would not forget. With three community gardens and a global vision to “Create an Abundance of Food for All in Our Generation,” Taja started Urban Farming, which went on to ignite a global gardening movement. Within six years, there were over 56,000 gardens within the Urban Farming Global Food Chain® Urban Farming has been featured in over 30,000 media stories including The Ellen Show, Good Morning America, The Montel Williams Show, the BBC, CNN, FOX, NPR, The New York Times, and the Wall Street Journal.   From The Root vibrates with the inspiration, innovation, and perseverance of a brilliant and passionate artist who put her first love—music—on hold to address some tough global issues. 

The Ferris State University Athletics Department officially announced the appointment of Tony Annese as the school's 13th head football coach on Dec. 22, 2011.  He will embark on his eighth campaign at the FSU helm in 2019. A proven winner at all of his previous coaching stops and highly-regarded across the country, Coach Annese took over the Bulldog program following three impressive years as the head coach at Grand Rapids Community College, which came on the heels of a highly successful 25-season stint at the prep level. In his first season at the helm in 2012, Annese led Ferris State to a 7-4 overall mark and FSU ranked among the nation's top teams in both rushing offense and total offense.  For his efforts, he was a national semifinalist in voting for the prestigious Liberty Mutual Coach of the Year Award.   Tony’s goal has been to make the Bulldog Football Program a national power on the field while developing young men of character and respect off the field:   Posted a 75-15 overall mark in the last seven years Best winning percentage of all 21 collegiate programs in the state of Michigan Reached the national quarterfinal round in 2016, 2017 and 2018 Made a D2 National Semifinal appearance in 2016 & 2018 Made a D2 National Championship appearance in 2018 15 wins in 2018 was the most in 109 years of Bulldog Football Claimed three conference championships, posted three unbeaten regular-seasons Three Harlon Hill National Player of the Year trophies Two National Scholar-Athlete of the Year Awards Won ten postseason games Nine players will participate in NFL camps this fall, 5 players were on an active roster in 2018   I hope you enjoy my heartfelt conversation with Coach Annese…He’s a great coach but a better person!   You can donate to Bulldog football and become a member of the Gridiron Club at https://app.mobilecause.com/form/Z-zq4a?vid=1bq0w

  Arthur J. Rolnick is a senior fellow at the Humphrey School of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota. He previously served at the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis as a senior vice president and director of research and as an associate economist with the Federal Open Market Committee—the monetary policymaking body for the Federal Reserve System. Rolnick is working to advance multidisciplinary research on child development and social policy. His essays on public policy issues have gained national attention; his research interests include banking and financial economics, monetary policy, monetary history, the economics of federalism, and the economics of education. His work on early childhood development has garnered numerous awards, including those from the George Lucas Educational Foundation and the Minnesota Department of Health, both in 2007; he was also named 2005 Minnesotan of the Year by Minnesota Monthly magazine.   In addition to his role as a senior fellow at Humphrey School for Public Affairs, Dr. Rolnick is an adjunct professor in the Department of Economics at the University of Minnesota. He has also been a visiting professor of economics at Boston College, the University of Chicago, and Lingnan College, Guangzhou, China. He is past president of the Minnesota Economic Association. He serves on several nonprofit boards related to early childhood, including Northside Achievement Zone (NAZ), Way to Grow, Think Small, Close Gaps by 5, Minnesota Early Learning Council, City of Minneapolis Cradle to K Advisory Board, New York City Early Childhood Advisory Board, and Ready Nation Advisory Board. Rolnick also serves as an ad hoc advisor to several communities across the country regarding the field of early childhood education.   A native of Michigan, Rolnick has a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and a master’s degree in economics from Wayne State University, Detroit; and a doctorate in economics from the University of Minnesota.

I hope you enjoy episode 10 with Jack Reuler, the Artistic Director at Mixed Blood Theatre…Jack has held that job for 43 years and counting. USING THEATER TO ILLUSTRATE AND ANIMATE, MIXED BLOOD CHANGES ATTITUDES, BEHAVIOR, AND POLICY BY PAYING POSITIVE ATTENTION TO DIFFERENCE. The company’s predictably unpredictable work addresses injustices, inequities, and cultural collisions, providing a voice for the unheard—on stage, in the workplace, in the company’s own Cedar Riverside neighborhood and beyond. Mixed Blood continues to lead the field in programming and engagement at the crossroads of art and social justice, and in eliminating barriers to participation through its signature Radical Hospitality. The company annually presents a mainstage season of plays in its historic firehouse; works extensively with the Cedar Riverside, disability, Latino and transgender communities, using art as a tool to promote health and civic engagement; and produces customized productions addressing workplace inclusion through On the Job.   Mixed Blood is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and is a member of Theatre Communications Group (TCG) and the National New Play Network (NNPN).   You can donate at https://mixedblood.com/support/  

Sally Mainquist grew up in Fort Dodge, Iowa in a family of eight…This taught Sally how to communicate well, be flexible and negotiate with others. She graduated from the University of Northern Iowa in Accounting and moved to Minneapolis where she met her husband, Kent Mainquist, while they both worked at Peat Marwick (KPMG).    Sally's career reveals a diverse blend of executive roles. While External Reporting Manager at Graco, she discovered an interest in cost accounting leading to a demanding role as a Factory Manager. Her successful track record at Graco prepared her for her next role as Vice President of Manufacturing at PUR where she helped grow the company at a 70% annual growth rate for over four years.   After nine years in finance and nine years in operations, Sally’s passion for people and desire for a more balanced lifestyle lured her into executive staffing.  Her long-term success as CEO of a local high-end interim staffing company demonstrated her ability to lead, grow and transition a successful organization. Sally’s love for matching candidates with clients and ever-present desire to give back, inspired her to co-found Veritae Group where she continues to make a difference in the lives of people. “We’re just helping out friends out and every now and again we get paid!”   It is estimated that there are approximately 44 million people worldwide living with Alzheimer's disease or a related form of dementia. In the U.S., an estimated 5.5 million people of all ages have Alzheimer's disease. ... About two-thirds of Americans with Alzheimer's disease are women. You will learn why this is personal for Sally and how she is making a difference!   You can join Sally on Tuesday July 9, 2019 at Target field for the Corporate team breakfast to learn more or go to the website www.alz.org/walk  

Emily Hunt Turner is a civil rights attorney in Minneapolis with a background in housing, architecture and public policy. She was born in St. Paul, grew up in Wahpeton, North Dakota and spent the last thirteen years in New York, Atlanta, and New Orleans. Prior to launching All Square,​ Emily worked on issues of prisoner reentry, fair housing and segregation for the Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD). Her hope with All Square is to leverage her talent, privilege, and network to empower those historically excluded while dismantling the divides that are isolating and destabilizing communities across the country.  All Square is a civil rights social enterprise centered on a craft grilled cheese restaurant and professional development institute.  Our aim is to ensure that people impacted by the criminal justice system have the financial support and social capital necessary for a bright and productive future. If this mission inspires you please reach out to emily@allsquarempls.com or you can donate at www.allsquarempls.com Trust me when I tell you the grilled cheese is wonderful and you will leave inspired and motivated to support the mission.

The vision to start a Sarasota Chapter of Impact 100 began in February, 2017.  Jane Watt, the founding president, was incredibly inspired by her mother and sister's involvement in their Impact 100 Pensacola chapter.  Jane shared her dream of founding a chapter in Sarasota with two of her close friends, Jodie Zerega and Tilly McFadden.  Together, the three of them built the infrastructure that enabled her dream to become a reality.  Impact 100 SRQ was officially incorporated in May 2017. Their passion for Impact 100 has quickly spread among the women in the community. Their hope is to empower women of all ages, staged, income levels and backgrounds to collectively join together to give transformational grants in Sarasota and Manatee counties.  Together they make a sustainable impact in their community...one transformational grant at a time.   Impact 100 SRQ debuts as the 53rd not-for-profit chapter in the international network with a goal to award a high impact $100,000 grant to one not-for-profit in Sarasota or Manatee county, annually, beginning in 2019. 

Mary Frey, Melissa Johnson, and Lynn Giovannelli - 3 founding members of GIVING WoMN along with the current VP of the Board Susan Dowd sit down with host Craig Pratt to share the humble beginnings of GIVING WoMN.   GIVING WoMN is the largest and most established women’s collective giving organization in the Twin Cities, and helped found the national women’s collective giving organization. Started by a few women discussing the concept in early 2004, the organization was established in early 2005, made its first grants in 2006 and has continued to grow. We currently have over 100 members.   Over the last 14 years, 81 GIVING WoMN grants have been made to 65 organizations who have a collective impact on thousands of individuals in need in the Twin Cities. Our organization was founded as Women of Courage in February of 2005. A small group of women started discussions in early 2004, envisioning the potential power of in philanthropy and pooled giving, and how it could make a difference in the greater metropolitan area of Minneapolis/Saint Paul, Minnesota. That small group of women has grown to over 100 members. In April of 2009, membership voted to change the organization’s name to GIVING WoMN. Collectively, to date, we have donated over $1,369,000 and have touched the lives of countless people in our community served by Twin Cities non-profits providing vital social services.   If you want to learn more, get engaged or donate you can reach the group at http://www.givingwomn.org/ 

Katherine Meerse (Executive Director for Avenues) and Shrey Pothini (Student Volunteer) sit down with host Craig Pratt to discuss the current state of affairs surrounding LGBTQ Youth Homelessness in Minnesota…Katherine shines a light on the the following statistics:   On any given night 6,000 youth in Minnesota are homeless and unaccompanied Overall homeless in Minnesota increased 10% between 2015 2018 African Americans, Native Americans and youth who identify as LGBTQ are over represented in the homeless population Avenues supports over 300 young people experiencing homelessness every year 78% of youth move into stable housing  when they leave Avenues   Katherine also shares her personal and professional journey that led her to Avenues.   Shrey, 15, of Savage, has been collecting towels to donate since he was 4, and has now named his campaign Towels for Teens. On his most recent birthday, he collected over 1,900 bath towels to donate. It has become his annual tradition. Shrey’s generosity and his boundless energy for doing good, as it turns out, are highly contagious. By third grade, he was organizing his very first service club at his elementary school—which is still going strong with 60 to 100 participants every year. Since then, other schools in the district have created clubs of their own.   You can learn more about Avenues at https://avenuesforyouth.org/

Cathy Maes, the Executive Director at Loaves & Fishes, sits down with host Craig Pratt to share her personal and professional story of growing up in Minnesota…Cathy puts a spotlight on the hunger issue here in Minnesota and what organizations like Loaves and Fishes are doing to serve and protect those who need it the most. If you would like to learn more about Loaves & Fishes you can reach her at cmaes@loavesandfishesmn.org or you can donate online athttps://www.loavesandfishesmn.org/donate.html

Matt Bykowski and Nick Schneider sit down with host Craig Pratt and talk about their epic fundraiser called Schneider-Stock…Over the last 5 years they’ve helped raise awareness and significant money to help others with real life problems. What started as a crazy idea over a couple of beers has raised north of 6 figures for worthy causes inside and outside of Minnesota…They define what it means to live on the NEXT LEVEL! If you like this podcast and want to donate please use the Eventbrite attached.   https://www.eventbrite.com/e/schneiderstock-2019-tickets-60735281863?ref=enivtefor001&invite=MTYzNTUwMzIvYnlrb3dtQGdtYWlsLmNvbS8w%0A&utm_source=eb_email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=inviteformalv2&utm_term=attend

Craig Pratt sits down with Dave Payne a serial high tech entrepreneur based in Minneapolis...Dave describes his life in the arena while sharing the lessons he’s learned personally and professionally. 

Host Craig Pratt sits down with Jeff Tollefson, the Chief Strategic Growth Officer at Genesys works. They discuss his upbringing and journey to success.