MN CEOs You Should Know presented by The Minneapolis Foundation

MN CEOs You Should Know presented by The Minneapolis Foundation

Join us on the "MN CEO's You Should Know" podcast presented by The Minneapolis Foundation. We dive deep into the minds of Minnesota's most influential business leaders. Each episode features candid conversations with top CEOs who share their journeys, insights, and strategies for success. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned executive, this podcast offers invaluable lessons and inspiration to help you navigate the ever-evolving business landscape. Tune in to discover the stories behind the success and learn from the best in the industry. Don't miss out on the opportunity to connect with the visionaries shaping Minnesota's economic future!

Episodes

Housing First Minnesota - CEO James Vagle

September 12, 2025 • 18 mins
James Vagle is the CEO of Housing First Minnesota, leading efforts to expand homeownership and strengthen the homebuilding industry. A Navy veteran and seasoned advocate, James brings vision, integrity, and deep policy expertise to Minnesota’s housing future.












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Elizabeth Gray - CEO Audubon Society

August 22, 2025 • 23 mins
Dr. Elizabeth Gray serves as Audubon’s Chief Executive Officer, leading the organization toward its vision of a future where birds thrive. A champion of science-based conservation and a renowned expert in global conservation and climate change, she joined Audubon in March 2021 as President and Chief Conservation Officer and was named CEO later that year—the first woman since Audubon’s founding in 1905 to hold the role. She leads mo...
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Reuben Rotman - CEO of National Jewish Network of Human Service Agencies

August 12, 2025 • 33 mins
Reuben D. Rotman is the founding President and CEO of the Network of Jewish Human Service Agencies. The Network was established in 2017 following the merger of two predecessor associations, as an international membership association, with the mission of strengthening and advancing the Jewish human service sector. Today, The Network serves as the leading voice for the sector; the go-to for best practice research, innovation, and par...
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Alex Neist - Founder and CEO of Hostage Tape

June 25, 2025 • 32 mins
Alex Neist is the visionary founder and CEO of Hostage Tape, the #1 selling, original mouth tape that has revolutionized the market and drastically changed how millions sleep. The company has inspired over 200,000 customers worldwide and formed high-profile partnerships with the UFC and Joe Rogan's podcast, emphasizing the importance of quality sleep.

Before his entrepreneurial success with Hostage Tape, Alex was an Arena Football L...
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Cab Lolmaugh - President & CEO at The Tile Shop

June 25, 2025 • 28 mins
Cabby Lolmaugh was appointed President, Chief Executive Officer in January 2019. After serving four year years in the U.S. Marine Corps., Mr. Lolmaugh joined our company in 2001, working in the warehouse of our Roseville, Minnesota store. From that time through 2014, he served in various roles at several locations, including Store Manager in Roseville, one of the company’s largest and most successful stores. In 2014, Mr. Lolmaugh w...
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Brandon Sawalich - President and CEO at Starkey

June 24, 2025 • 30 mins
In a world where innovation often outpaces empathy, Brandon Sawalich stands out as a rare leader who blends both with purpose. As the President and CEO of Starkey, one of the world’s leading hearing technology companies, Brandon has spent over 31 years transforming not just a business—but an entire industry 1.
 
From his first job in hearing healthcare at age 19, Brandon discovered a calling, not just a career. His journey is one of ...
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Michael McDermott - CEO Chi Chi's

June 24, 2025 • 29 mins
Michael McDermott, founder and former CEO of Kona Grill, is a seasoned restaurant industry leader with a track record of creating and growing successful concepts. His portfolio includes the development of Tavern23, Rojo Mexican Grill, and Sushi on Shea. With extensive experience and a passion for innovation, Michael is now leading Chi-Chi’s into its next chapter.
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Carlos Llanes Jr - Founder & CEO Spartan Carrier Group

June 23, 2025 • 29 mins
Carlos M. Llanes Jr. is the founder and CEO of Spartan Carrier Group, one of the most dynamic and fastest-growing logistics companies in North America. A U.S. Army combat veteran, accomplished executive, and man of deep Christian faith, Llanes has built Spartan into a powerhouse—closing in on $75 million in annual revenue in under three years, all without venture capital or outside investment.

Recognized as one of the Top 500 Larges...
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Kent Roers - Co-Founder Roers Companies

June 5, 2025 • 20 mins
Kent Roers, co-founder of Roers Companies, has 25 years of experience in real estate and finance. Since its founding in 2012, Roers Companies has become a leading developer in the Twin Cities, recognized for its significant contributions to the local real estate market. The company has achieved remarkable growth, being named the top developer in the region. Roers Companies is known for its strong workplace culture, innovative devel...
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Brian Tietz - President Snap Fitness

June 5, 2025 • 20 mins
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Chad Walding - Co-Founder and CCO at NativePath

May 12, 2025 • 26 mins
In 2010, I received a call from the hospital that would alter the course of my entire life. The nurse on the other end of the line said bluntly: “You need to stop telling my patients about nutrition.”I was a Home Health Physical Therapist at the time and had just discovered the vast world of nutrition. More specifically, I discovered how poor nutrition was linked to many of the health issues my patients were dealing with. So of cou...
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Michael Lazaroff - CEO Signature Cruise Experiences

April 30, 2025 • 30 mins
 Based in St. Louis, Michael Lazaroff is one of the most successful entrepreneurs in jazz. As the director of Entertainment Cruise Productions, he oversees The Jazz Cruise, The Smooth Jazz Cruise and the most recently added Blue Note at Sea cruise. A former attorney, the energetic Lazaroff came into the business in 2000 when Norwegian Cruise Lines discontinued its jazz cruise and his mother Anita Berry, who ran a travel agency that...
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Kris Lindahl - CEO Kris Lindahl Real Estate

March 17, 2025 • 36 mins
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Courtney Lightfoot - CEO Squeegee Squad

March 17, 2025 • 22 mins
Courtney Lightfoot began her journey with Squeegee Squad, a window-washing company, as an executive assistant and worked her way up to her current position as CEO. Squeegee Squad was founded by brothers Jack and Joe Ruegsegger in Minnesota. Initially named Jack & Joe’s Window Cleaning, the company grew from local roots to a national franchise. Squeegee Squad specializes in residential and commercial window cleaning, high-rise j...
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Ilan Sobel - CEO at Bio Harvest Sciences

January 17, 2025 • 44 mins
Ilan Sobel has been the CEO of BioHarvest Sciences since July 2020. Ilan has brought the company’s first product, VINIA, to North America, building a direct-to-consumer machine that is now generating significant revenues. VINIA’s go-to-market success has established a template for the company’s near-term product pipeline of nutraceutical plant cell banks. In addition to commercial focus and planning, Ilan has scaled production capa...
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Robin Ganzert - CEO at American Humane

December 27, 2024 • 30 mins
Robin Ganzert, Ph.D., serves as president and CEO of American Humane, the country’s first national humane organization and the first to serve animals, whenever and wherever they are in need of rescue, shelter or protection. She is the executive producer of the acclaimed documentary, Escape from Extinction, narrated by Dame Helen Mirren, and its follow-up, Escape from Extinction Rewilding, which features narration by Oscar winner Me...
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Charlie Youakim - CEO & Co-Founder of Sezzle

October 16, 2024 • 27 mins
Charlie Youakim is a serial technology entrepreneur with over a decade of experience driving fintech companies to success. He is the Co-founder, Executive Chairman, and CEO of Sezzle, a leading Buy Now. Pay Later platform that empowers consumers to gain financial freedom. Previously, he founded Passport, a pioneering software and payments service that transformed the transportation industry.
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Chuck Runyon - CEO & Co-Founder of Self Esteem Brands

February 23, 2024 • 23 mins
Chuck Runyon - CEO, Co-Founder at Self Esteem Brands, LLC, Anytime Fitness, Waxing the City, The Bar Method, Basecamp Fitness
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LeeAnn Rasachak - CEO WomenVenture

February 16, 2024 • 24 mins
LeeAnn is a graduate of the University of St. Thomas where she earned degrees in Mass Communications & Journalism – Public Relations and General Business Management. Throughout her career, LeeAnn has focused on consumer retail and financial services with an emphasis on brand building and digital transformations for Fortune 1000 companies including Macy’s, RBC Wealth Management, Sleep Number, and Securian Financial.

In recent yea...
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Justin Kehrwald - CEO Tradehome Shoes

January 10, 2024 • 26 mins
Justin Kehrwald is President, and CEO, and serves as a Board Member for Tradehome Shoes, Inc. Tradehome is employee-owned and operates 130 retail locations across 25 states, with Headquarters in the Twin Cities. Justin began his career with Tradehome Shoes in 1999. He has served several roles within the company including Store Manager, Regional Supervisor, and COO. In 2018 he became the fourth CEO in the company's 102-year history....
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