2021 Leaders Lab profiles

Leaders Lab is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to engage Minnesota’s developing business leaders (approximately late 20s to 30s). It will enhance your personal and professional growth, connect you with business leaders statewide, and provide understanding into what drives Minnesota’s economy and how policy affects the success of business in our state. The program consists of four sessions two-day sessions. To learn more about Leaders Lab, click here. 

Check back to this page as more of our wonderful 2021 Leaders Lab participants are profiled!

 

Profiled on September 2

Tell us a piece of good news that happened this past year in your life.
Earlier this year I found out that I would be given the opportunity to champion BMO Harris’s Minnesota effort around our Empower initiative. The initiative started to address racism and inequities faced by minority-owned businesses and communities. BMO Harris is responding to these challenges by committing $5 billion over 5 years through lending, investing, giving and engagement in our local communities. The cause, both nationally and locally, is a passion of mine. The Twin Cities and greater Minnesota have an opportunity to be an example as we continue to strengthen our communities with a focus on inclusivity. 

What’s your favorite thing that’s made in Minnesota?
Tough question because so many great things are made her in Minnesota but for me I would say Paddle North Paddle Boards. Paddle boarding on various lakes across the Twin Cities is one of my favorite summer activities; especially now that I have taught my three daughters to love it.

Where did you grow up?
I grew up on Grand Forks Air Force Base in North Dakota. The experience of both my time on the base as well as in the local community shaped my work ethic and focus on community.

What’s the number one thing you are looking forward to?
I am looking forward to my three daughters going back to school in-person come September 8! Beyond that, I am looking forward to the continued revitalizing of downtown Minneapolis. As someone who works downtown Minneapolis, the liveliness and commerce has always been energizing. I very much look forward to seeing more companies rollout “back to office” plans, allowing for the various businesses who are supported by the workers to reopen.

Tell us something super interesting about yourself.
I serve in the Air National Guard as a U.S. Air Force Intelligence Officer. My 16 years in the Air Force has seen me go from work maintenance on F-16’s on the flight-line, to assisting in Targeting in support of drone operations across the world. The experiences, relationships I have built and the leadership opportunities have shaped me. 
 

 

Profiled August 26 

Tell us a piece of good news that happened this past year in your life. 
I had the amazing opportunity to partner with one of the top medical device trade publications, MassDevice, to launch a podcast series called MedtronicTalks. After spending countless hours planning and developing the podcast series, I was able to gain the trust and support of my colleagues and we successfully launched the series in April 2021. This timing was perfect as Medtronic recently underwent a reorganization and I was able to schedule every single one of our new Operating Unit leaders, as well as our CEO, to participate in the series to give a “behind the scenes” glimpse of every area of Medtronic. The launch of the podcast series has been wildly successful and we have many other exciting things to come. 

What’s your favorite thing that’s made in Minnesota?
The people! “Minnesota Nice” is a real thing and I’m reminded of that every time I leave the state.

Where did you grow up? 
I grew up in Albert Lea, Minnesota, which is located in the very south of the state. (Not to be confused with Albertville, as it often is – ha!) 

What’s the number one thing you are looking forward to?
I have never looked forward to something more as I am about the world opening back up and coming back to life after this last year and a half of the pandemic. I cannot wait to be able to hang out with friends and family, especially the elders in my family, and not have to spend the holidays apart! I’m also really looking forward to starting a family with my wonderful husband in the coming years.

Tell us something super interesting about yourself. 
My first professional experience was in London, UK, where I interned at a very prestigious restaurant and event hall while in college. I had the opportunity to intern there during Queen Elizabeth’s Diamond Jubilee. The Queen regularly visits the restaurant so we had some amazing material to work with for our marketing efforts to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee.  
 

 

Profiled on August 25

Tell us a piece of good news that happened this past year in your life. 
In the worst of circumstances with all that happened last year, I was able to slow down this past year and spend time doing the things I love to do, but typically are the first to fall off when life gets crazy. This winter I was able to go skiing essentially every weekend since it was something I felt safe doing and I absolutely loved it. I also was able to read a lot more which is another hobby that I really enjoy.

What’s your favorite thing that’s made in Minnesota?
I am a big fan of post-it notes and use them every day at work!

Where did you grow up? 
I grew up in Mendota Heights, Minnesota. I am the youngest of five and have four older brothers which definitely influenced a lot of who I am today - I can't even play Scrabble without being overly competitive!

What’s the number one thing you are looking forward to?
I'm really looking forward to being able to travel again. My next spot I'd love to go is Alaska! I've never been before and it looks absolutely beautiful!

Tell us something super interesting about yourself. 
During quarantine, I think I watched Wheel of Fortune every night - the habit has now stuck and I am slightly obsessed!
 

 

 

Profiled on August 24

What’s your favorite thing that’s made in Minnesota?
Minnesota craft beer! I can’t pick just one favorite but I love visiting Minnesota’s craft breweries, especially on a hot summer day.

Where did you grow up?
I was born and raised in Stillwater, MN. My parents still live there. One of my favorite things to do in my free time is take my kids downtown Stillwater and go boating on the St. Croix River.

What’s the number one thing you are looking forward to?
I am looking forward to bringing my kids to our annual church festival. It is a huge festival with a petting zoo, great food, games and much more. Due to COVID, the festival has been canceled the last two years. I am looking forward to getting back to normal and enjoying the festival in 2022!

Tell us something super interesting about yourself.
I met my husband in college and we have been together for almost 13 years. We have two amazing kids and a brand new fox red lab named June!

 

 

Profiled on August 19

Tell us a piece of good news that happened this past year in your life.
I was named the Commercial Services Team Leader for the Baker Tilly Minneapolis office in June 2020.

What’s your favorite thing that’s made in Minnesota?
I’m a big craft beer fan, so I enjoy trying out beers from breweries around the state.

Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Madison, WI. I moved to Minnesota to attend the University of Minnesota and never left.

What’s the number one thing you are looking forward to?
Getting back to traveling. I used to travel a fair amount for work and for fun, but haven’t traveled (beyond a few hour car ride) in well over a year.

Tell us something super interesting about yourself.
I’m a third generation Partner at Baker Tilly. Both my father and my grandfather were Partners at the firm, and there has been a Tredinnick Partner at the firm for over 70 years.
 

 

Profiled on August 18

Tell us a piece of good news that happened this past year in your life.
My brother graduated with a B.S. in Computer Engineering

What’s your favorite thing that’s made in Minnesota?
Modist Dreamyard beer

Where did you grow up?
Florida

What’s the number one thing you are looking forward to?
Bowhunting season

Tell us something super interesting about yourself.
I caught a 62" trophy mahi mahi in Kauai.

 

 

Profiled on August 16

Tell us a piece of good news that happened this past year in your life.
I was part of an art project where 80 local artists created 150 decorated sailboat sculptures to celebrate Detroit Lakes’ 150th anniversary. They’re scattered around the city, making for an epic treasure hunt! One of mine is being installed at a park and the other will be in the library.

What’s your favorite thing that’s made in Minnesota?
Peace Coffee! I love their organic, fair-trade decaf.

Where did you grow up? 
Fargo, ND

What’s the number one thing you are looking forward to?
Travel! I’m excited to see different areas of the state this summer during our program.

Tell us something super interesting about yourself. 
I love to learn and am always actively searching for new skills to master. In the last four years since I’ve been working at SJE, I’ve taught myself how to film and animate videos, including in 3D. I also have my Part 107 license to fly drones commercially. 
 

 

Profiled on August 12

Tell us a piece of good news that happened this past year in your life.
A piece of good news from this past year is that my colon cancer continues to remain in remission. 4 years and counting!  

What’s your favorite thing that’s made in Minnesota?
My favorite thing that is Minnesota made is my custom printed mousepad made by MicroStore, Inc. MicroStore, Inc. is a small printing company that my parents started when I was younger and it is nice to have a personal touch on my desk. 

Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Le Sueur, Minnesota

What’s the number one thing you are looking forward to?
I am looking forward to getting a “behind the scenes” look into other industries and learning about what makes their industries tick. 

Tell us something super interesting about yourself.
I have had the opportunity to travel to 9 different countries and 24 states. I am excited for the chance to explore more. 
 

 

Profiled on August 10

Tell us a piece of good news that happened this past year in your life.
I bought my first house! 

What’s your favorite thing that’s made in Minnesota?
Vetterstone is one of my favorite building materials and is mined right here in our own backyard! 

Where did you grow up?
I'm a Mankato native, born and raised. 

Tell us something super interesting about yourself.
I started my own business at 22 years old and haven't looked back since.
 

 

Profiled on August 6

Tell us a piece of good news that happened this past year in your life. 
In this past year a highlight in my career was being promoted to a leadership role during the pandemic, but overall the best news has been becoming an aunt for the first time. I didn’t know I could love so big until I met my niece! 

What’s your favorite thing that’s made in Minnesota?
Waldmann’s beer! I came to the love the small brewery in Saint Paul over the last year and it’s definitely a hidden gem. 

Where did you grow up? 
New Richmond, WI

What’s the number one thing you are looking forward to? 
Traveling and being around all of my favorite people on a regular basis again. This past year taught me how important it is to prioritize and spend time with those you love, and I look forward to a normal summer doing just that. 

Tell us something super interesting about yourself. 
I love to cook and rarely use a recipe! Experimenting in the kitchen is something I love to do.

 

 

Profiled on August 4

Tell us a piece of good news that happened this past year in your life.  
My wife and I became guardians of her younger siblings, Bri’Jon (15) and John (17). They are great kids and we love all of the new energy in our household!

What’s your favorite thing that’s made in Minnesota?  
Post-its, amazing! They completely cover my household and are the only reason I’m on time for things.

Where did you grow up?
Ogilvie, MN. I typically default to “a small town near Mille Lacs lake."

What’s the number one thing you are looking forward to?
At Leaders Lab?  Definitely the stories and Q&A with Minnesota’s CEOs. Their stories are so motivating, and always reiterate the importance of respecting and investing in people.  

Tell us something super interesting about yourself.  
I didn’t enter the corporate world until my 30’s. Prior to banking I was a career firefighter/paramedic for 10 years, most of which was spent with the St. Paul Fire Department.  
 

 

Profiled on July 21

Tell us a piece of good news that happened this past year in your life. 
During the past year I have been able to find time to slow down. I have spent more time focusing on myself and doing things that truly make me happy. It’s been a hard year but it has made me more resilient and mentally stronger.

What’s your favorite thing that’s made in Minnesota?
Faribault Blankets! They are great quality and keep you warm during these Minnesota winters. I also think it’s really cool that they are one of the last mills that us the vertical weaving technique. 

Where did you grow up? 
I grew up in Apple Valley, Minnesota. Go Eagles!

What’s the number one thing you are looking forward to?
I am looking forward to spending time outside, going up to the cabin and being on the lake this summer. There is nothing better than a Minnesota summer!

Tell us something super interesting about yourself. 
I am an only child.