Arthur Chmiel is a results-driven business leader with over 30 years of experience in the restaurant, real estate, and property management industries. As the General Manager and Co-Owner of Burger Tech DBA Burger 21 Franchise in Orland Park, he has successfully led the brand’s expansion into the Chicagoland market, earning multiple awards for operational excellence, food quality, and customer service. With a strong background in financial management and team development, Arthur has also played a key role in real estate administration and property management. His previous tenure with McDonald’s spanned two decades, during which he managed one of the highest-performing locations in the country and contributed to the company’s multi-unit expansion. A dedicated longevity athlete and marathon runner, Arthur continuously applies his commitment to excellence both in business and personal performance. His ability to optimize operations, foster leadership, and drive profitability makes him a distinguished executive in the industry.

Adam Rynd is a seasoned business leader, entrepreneur, and investor with a proven track record of success across real estate, retail, technology, and finance. As the Owner and Designated Broker of Coldwell Banker Cascade Real Estate, he has built the firm into the premier brokerage in Central Washington, overseeing more than $300 million in annual transactions. In addition, he leads WOODIN ENTERPRISES LLC, a thriving retail business portfolio that has achieved consistent 35%+ annual revenue growth. With prior leadership roles at Salesforce and Microsoft, Adam has extensive experience in sales, contract negotiation, marketing strategy, and operational management. His ability to develop and execute strategic initiatives, combined with his commitment to innovation and community impact, has made him a driving force in every industry he operates in.

I'm excited to share my professional journey, from launching a small business to leading a global brand. Over the years, I've built expertise in global sourcing, retail partnerships, manufacturing, and logistics, while also mentoring future entrepreneurs and supporting women and minority-owned businesses. Passion, persistence, and patience have guided me throughout my career. Here is my biography.

Rodney Murrell is a dynamic business leader with over 20 years of experience in sales leadership, strategic business development, and workforce solutions. As Division Vice President of Sales at Asure Software, he has played a key role in expanding market reach and fostering long-term client relationships across the United States and the United Kingdom. His expertise in aligning people, technology, and business objectives has consistently driven operational efficiency and revenue growth. With a proven track record at industry-leading organizations such as FM:Systems, SuccessFactors, ADP, and Ceridian, Rodney is recognized for his ability to deliver innovative solutions and build high-performing teams. Beyond his corporate achievements, he is committed to mentorship and leadership development, demonstrating his dedication to empowering individuals and organizations to achieve their goals.

Todd Oseth is an accomplished C-level executive with over 20 years of experience driving growth, innovation, and operational excellence across industries such as semiconductors, SaaS, IoT, and enterprise storage. With a track record of launching new products that increased revenues by 30% and profits by 15%, he has led organizations ranging from startups to billion-dollar enterprises, managing teams of up to 2,000 people. Oseth has closed high-profile deals exceeding $100 million, including with global leaders, and has successfully implemented cutting-edge technologies like AI and blockchain to drive business transformation. As a visionary leader with a strong background in engineering, sales, and marketing, he brings deep industry expertise and a passion for innovation, guiding companies through rapid change, market expansion, and sustainable growth.

Jerry Elliott is a transformative business leader with a proven track record of driving exceptional financial performance and operational excellence across telecommunications, technology, and media industries. Known for turning around underperforming companies, he has successfully led organizations to industry-leading positions by implementing strategic growth initiatives, optimizing financial structures, and fostering high-performance teams. As President, CEO, and board member of multiple publicly traded and private equity-backed companies, Jerry has consistently delivered shareholder value through innovation, execution, and disciplined leadership. His ability to navigate complex business challenges, coupled with his deep expertise in finance, operations, and corporate strategy, has made him a sought-after leader in dynamic and high-stakes environments.

Carol Trotter is a seasoned financial executive and business leader with a strong background in accounting, resource planning, and budgeting. As Co-founder of Elevate Pros, Inc., she leverages her CPA and PMP certifications to help businesses optimize financial operations, align resources strategically, and drive operational efficiency. With over two decades of experience across various industries, Carol has held key leadership roles in finance, consulting, and corporate strategy, consistently delivering solutions that enhance fiscal stability and organizational growth. Her collaborative approach, combined with her deep expertise in program budgeting and process optimization, makes her a trusted partner for businesses seeking to strengthen their financial foundation and achieve long-term success.

Kevin Sloan is a seasoned business leader with over 15 years of experience driving growth and innovation across diverse industries. As the Owner and President of TRIRIG and Eggers Electric Inc., he combines strategic insight with operational excellence to deliver exceptional results. A dedicated mentor and Chief Acquisition Coach at Next Gen Business Owners, Kevin empowers aspiring entrepreneurs to navigate the complexities of business acquisitions, unlocking financial freedom and career fulfillment. Fluent in English and Italian, Kevin brings a global perspective to his work, crafting impactful strategies and fostering meaningful connections worldwide. With a proven track record of success and a passion for empowering others, Kevin Sloan is a visionary professional shaping the future of business leadership.

Mark Ruzycki is a seasoned entrepreneur and business leader with over 40 years of experience in founding and managing successful ventures across the automotive, retail, wholesale distribution, and real estate industries. Renowned for his creativity, adaptability, and strong work ethic, Mark has built a legacy of cultivating businesses from the ground up, fostering loyal relationships with employees and suppliers, and delivering sustainable growth. As an industry advocate and educator, he has shared his expertise through product education sessions and advisory roles, leveraging his deep knowledge and strategic insight to drive innovation and success. Now, Mark seeks to bring his wealth of experience to corporate boards, offering mentorship, strategic guidance, and a passion for helping organizations achieve their goals.

Michael Ekstut is a seasoned business leader with over 30 years of experience in the life sciences industry, specializing in drug discovery, development, and regulatory strategy. He has held senior leadership roles at industry-leading companies, including Certara, where he guided the company’s commercial and product strategy in the regulatory and access sector. Michael is known for his strategic vision and ability to drive innovation, optimizing clinical development programs and supporting biopharma companies in navigating complex regulatory landscapes. His deep expertise in business consulting, technology, and operational management has enabled him to successfully advise executives and investors across pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and medical devices. Currently serving as a Senior Advisor at InSilicoTrials, Michael continues to leverage his vast experience to help organizations maximize the impact of their clinical development programs and investments.

Ty Cameron is an innovative and driven executive with over 25 years of experience in launching start-ups and developing new divisions within established businesses. With a strong foundation in corporate strategy, complex deal structuring, and scaling for growth, Ty brings unique expertise across Media-Entertainment, Technology, and Consumer Brands. Known for his entrepreneurial mindset and commitment to fostering diverse teams, he has a history of generating measurable impact and increasing revenue through strategic vision and detailed execution. An advocate for leadership and inclusivity, Ty’s insights have been featured in industry publications such as Variety Magazine, and he has participated in numerous panel discussions on topics like diversity and business leadership. His informal advisory role with Mars-Reel and his involvement as a University of Chicago Ambassador underscore his dedication to contributing to innovative ventures while building meaningful connections in his industry.

Steve J. Roesner is a seasoned executive with over 40 years of leadership experience across industries such as manufacturing, composites, and traffic services. With a strong educational foundation, including an M.B.A. from the University of South Dakota, Roesner has driven remarkable growth in every organization he has led. His career highlights include growing sales from $22 million to $85 million at K-Products, doubling revenue to $48 million at Den Hartog Industries, and transforming Quatro Composites from a startup to a $52 million enterprise. Currently, as CEO of Vogel Traffic Services, Roesner continues to drive innovation and growth, expanding sales from $14 million to an estimated $42 million by 2024.

Dane LaVigne is a seasoned entrepreneur and business leader, blending strategic vision, technological innovation, and operational expertise in the construction and remodeling sectors. As the Owner and Managing Member of Gutters Etcetera LLC and LaVigne Companies LLC since 2019, Dane has cultivated a reputation for delivering exceptional customer experiences and building high-performing teams. His prior experience in the life insurance industry honed his leadership in sales, customer relations, and negotiation, skills that he now leverages to drive growth in the remodeling industry. A hands-on leader, Dane’s approach fosters a culture of respect and accountability, enabling his companies to scale rapidly while maintaining quality and consistency. His marketing acumen, evident in the 60% of his brands ranking in the top three locally, and his development of a proprietary CRM tool have further streamlined operations and boosted efficiency. Beyond his own ventures, Dane consults with other small businesses and plays a pivotal role in forming partnerships with Fortune 500 companies, demonstrating his ability to navigate complex business environments. His leadership, rooted in integrity and innovation, continues to shape industry standards, making him a valuable asset to corporate boards and high-level strategic discussions.

Steve Guillaume is a seasoned business leader with over 30 years of experience in P&L management, business development, and operational leadership across multiple industries. As a proven expert in driving top-line growth and enhancing profitability, Steve has led successful initiatives in business acquisitions, product innovation, and market expansion. His hands-on leadership style, strategic vision, and deep industry knowledge have consistently resulted in significant improvements in EBITDA, operational efficiencies, and customer satisfaction. Known for his integrity and strong communication skills, Steve excels in leading cross-functional teams and negotiating high-value contracts that drive long-term success.

Amy E. Boren is a seasoned marketing research professional with over two decades of experience in both qualitative and quantitative market research. As the...

In the world of business, few leaders demonstrate the resilience and strategic vision that Catherine McCann embodies. With over three decades of experience, Catherine has built and grown successful enterprises across diverse industries, from dry cleaning to logistics. As the CEO and Co-Founder of Best Companies, she transformed a single dry cleaning store into a $10 million enterprise, showcasing her exceptional strategic acumen. Her journey is marked by adept navigation through significant challenges, including an 89% revenue drop during the COVID-19 pandemic, which she overcame through innovation and adaptability. Catherine’s extensive knowledge in strategic planning and entrepreneurship, coupled with her ability to inspire high-performing teams, has established her as a respected leader. Her commitment to effective communication and relationship-building has not only driven her businesses to success but also made her a sought-after speaker and mentor in the professional community.