Mick Jagger and Dairy Queen
Going to the Dairy Queen was a big event for my wife, Susan and her siblings. Their family of six would pack into the Chevy Caprice Classic station wagon, drive around St. Paul and look at all of the large [...]
The Toughest Goodbye
My heart goes out to all of the families who are losing loved ones to COVID-19. We were so fortunate to say goodbye to our 97-year-old mother, “Aggie” in her own bed, in her own home surrounded by family a [...]
Relevant Leadership Podcast with Ty Bennett
Ty Bennett is an insightful new voice and author who believes "Partnership is the New Leadership." His core message revolves around the importance of leaders inspiring others through partnership, communication, and connection. I was honored when Ty reached out to [...]
Make a Difference in the Lives of Clients, Coworkers, Family and Friends
Quite by accident, I stumbled onto the Harley-Davidson company’s 100th-year-anniversary celebration in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. I flew from my home in Minneapolis to Milwaukee for a speaking engagement. Once I landed, I rented a Ford Taurus beige car for my trip. [...]
Leaders Make the Walk
Everything I learned about leadership, I learned in high school. The first part of my speaking career was spent as a motivational speaker for high school students. I spoke in over 3500 high schools about making the most out of [...]
Hot, Clean, Showers Earn the Return
How do you build a business from one gas station in 1958 into the largest operator of travel centers in North America with more than 750 locations and the 14th largest privately held company with annual revenue of more than [...]
Eggs Over Easy to Create Engagement
My bride, Susie and I enjoy traveling for speaking engagements to one of our absolute favorite cities, “The Big Easy” New Orleans. It is real, it’s authentic. It is like no other city. The food, the people, the music, the [...]
Ask the Right Questions to Get the Right Answers
In the restaurant industry, they refer to it as “Two minutes or two bites”. That is when the server circles back to the guest and asks, “How is your meal?” I have made a point of listening to my fellow [...]
Choose to Listen
A lot of executives say that they truly understand their clients, however, few are intentional enough to listen to what they really need.
An Interview with Mark
I am a lucky guy. I am in love with my bride of 38 years, Susan, and I feel very fortunate to work with her in the development of my career. Our work together gives me the opportunity and privilege to speak [...]