Mentors
MESA Mentors Have “Been There, Done That”
MESA Mentors are a group of C-level executives with significant experience leading software companies of all sizes and at all stages of growth, and with a shared passion for mentoring. Together, they bring decades of “been there, done that” wisdom and expertise to emerging growth software CEOs. These span driving revenue growth, sales and marketing strategy and execution, leadership team formation and development, overcoming operational challenges, raising capital, building and managing boards, and achieving outstanding liquidity outcomes.
Leadership Team
Jim Moar
CEO (Retired), Optimine Software, Inc.
Jim Moar
Jim has a substantial track record in growing companies quickly and organically, both public and private, both technology and industrial companies, and both mid-sized companies and start-ups. OptiMine is an exciting SaaS-based, start-up company that is “best of breed” in optimizing digital advertising results and with substantial growth opportunity. For OptiMine, Jim raised $12M in VC money in a 3-year period. Previously, as COO of Identix, Jim led a turnaround doubling revenue to $90M in less than 3 years and transforming a $25M EBITDA loss to EBITDA profitability. Identix was then sold for $775M, over 70 times forward EBITDA. Jim has also been the COO or President of DataCard, Tennant, and Liquipak and the CEO of Reshare Commerce. Jim focuses on identifying the greatest points of leverage to quickly improve results, team-developed strategies, and execution.
Kent Lillemoe
CFO (Retired), Field Nation
Kent Lillemoe
Kent has spent the past 30 years working with emerging growth companies as a financial officer or director. He has been very fortunate to work with some outstanding entrepreneurs and teams as CFO of CyberOptics, Fargo Electronics, MinuteClinic and Field Nation. Kent’s interests and experience cover strategy, product management, financial management, operations and organizational development. Over his career, he has been a key contributor to corporate finance and acquisition transactions totaling $1.0B. Kent has a bachelor of science degree in accounting from the University of South Dakota, an MBA from the University of Minnesota and was named CFO of the Year by the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal in 2017.
Dan Kinsella
CFO (Retired), Sportsengine
Dan Kinsella
Dan has over 20 years of experience as CFO with fast growing companies. Most recently he was part of the team that rapidly grew local software maker SportsEngine culminating in an acquisition by NBC Sports in July 2016. He also led the IPO of Datalink Corporation and helped grow Shavlik Technologies until it was acquired by VMware, Inc. in May 2011. Dan was also the General Manager & CFO at JAMF Software – another rising star in the Twin City software community. Dan’s specialty is helping organizations develop the capabilities needed to get to the next level of market success. In 2015, Dan was named CFO of the Year by the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal. Dan is a CPA and holds a bachelor of arts degree from the University of St. Thomas.
Tim Bates
Exponential Group
Tim Bates
Tim Bates runs the Exponential Group, a fifteen-year-old company that works with young, early-stage technology businesses in the US, Europe, and Asia developing and bringing to market product and services in the areas of mobile, digital imaging, SaaS, big data and IOT technologies.
Tim started as a software engineer and was the inventor or co-developer of a number of leading-edge computer graphic software systems. He then moved on to managing, running, and starting technology companies that pioneered digital cameras, SaaS services, advanced database systems and e-commerce solutions helping them develop and build markets.
Over the last 25 years, he has been part of senior management teams that have raised close to $50 million in early-stage venture money with investors in the US, Europe, and Asia.
Tim is currently a board member or advisor to a number of companies and works with others as a mentor. He has a BA in Mathematics from St. Olaf College and an MBA from the University of St. Thomas.
John Tedesco
Founding Partner, Arena Partners
John Tedesco
John is an entrepreneur, chief executive and company director with 20-years’ experience building and scaling venture-backed technology businesses. He is a 3x founder, 5x CEO and 3x Independent Director of SaaS companies across a variety of industries including fintech, martech, proptech and location-based services. In John’s current role as Founding Partner at Arena Partners, John serves as a strategic and operating advisor to CEOs and boards of venture capital and private equity backed companies. John holds an MBA from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania and a bachelor’s degree from Fairfield University in Connecticut.
John Moroney
Principal, Sales Science
John Moroney
John Moroney is a sales management executive with over 35 years of experience in high technology products and services. He has a particular passion for sales process design and helping emerging companies uncover their “sales recipe’.
John sold and led sales at enterprise software companies including Fourth Shift (Infor) and Digital Market (Agile/Oracle). Before entering the software industry, he led manufacturing operations at high technology companies in the medical (Phillips), semiconductor (Texas Instruments) and computer industries.
Meet Our Mentors
Aric Bandy
EVP Cloud & Corporate Development
Aric Bandy
Bandy is a driven executive with a strong background in cloud technology, building high performance teams go-to-market and operational teams, and creating enterprise value. By combining a strategic view, a “get things done” entrepreneur mindset, a relentless drive to improve, along with strong EQ, he has built, grown, led and exited a number of cloud technology companies. A rich career that has spanned both software products and technology services.
Most recently, Bandy took over running a Cloud line of business which consists of our DevOps, SRE teams as well as Google Cloud service teams having previously built Agosto into a leading Google Cloud partner, then sold to Mill Point Capital and merged with Pythian. As EVP of Corporate Development, he led the integration of Agosto and Pythian, and acquired an SAP company.
Doug Bechtold
VP of ENGINEERING, PROPERTY MELD
Doug Bechtold
As a Chief Technology Officer, CTO, SVP of Product Engineering, and Technology Executive, Doug leads the effort to identify relevant market opportunities for the delivery of SaaS products to customers in the context of ESG. He partners across the organization to achieve growth while creating a culture of collaboration and accountability. He is an expert in the design and delivery of innovative SaaS software products in start-ups to Fortune 1000 companies including delivering cloud-computing technology solutions in financial services (T&E, mortgage processing, insurance claims, & payment processing) and agriculture sales. Doug also has an interest in applying his talents toward sustainability efforts or personal health and well-being.
Alex Becker
VP Sales, Linnworks
Alex Becker
Alex brings 30 years of Sales, Sales Leadership, and General Management experience leading cross-functional teams globally. His GTM experience transcends the SMB, Mid-Market, and Enterprise segments. He is a tenacious Go-to-Market problem solver in SaaS – in start-up, scale-up, and high-growth organizations. He genuinely cares about the success and well-being of others and is relentless with his time to mentor others in their pursuits.
Joe Blauert
CEO (Retired), Processpro Software
Joe Blauert
Over the course of 30+ years in software, Joe has held a variety of senior leadership roles at ProcessPro Software (CEO, VP Sales), HighJump Software (COO, CFO, GM), Open Systems (GM, VP Sales) and HelpSystems (VP M&A). He has led in high growth and business turnaround environments, always with an eye to process improvement and optimization. He has both a BSB and MBA from the Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota.
Michael Bromme
Tech-CRO
Michael Bromme
Michael has a passion for growth stage (product-market fit to $100M+ ARR) software companies that are disrupting markets with innovative technology. He has over 25 years of sales leadership experience working with companies that have pioneered solutions in Business Intelligence, SaaS, Database, Applied AI, Advanced Analytics, e-commerce, Retail, and CPG.
Areas of focus include all aspects of GTM development; sales process, business model development, contract negation, ICP/persona definition, CRM, playbook definition, organizational design, compensation planning, and most importantly hands-on leadership leading to revenue generation.
While always residing in Minnesota, Mike has enjoyed the opportunity to work with international companies like MicroStrategy, Retek (Oracle), Demandtec (IBM), and RelationalAI, developing markets and teams across the Americas and EMEA. He now lives in the Brainerd Lakes area, providing fractional CRO leadership to multiple startups.
Scott Brown
Investment Banker, Cherry Tree
Scott Brown
Scott Brown is a Senior Executive Director in Cherry Tree & Associates’ investment banking practice with a focus on Healthcare and Technology M&A. He brings a unique skill set as a 3 x Founder, Inventor, Executive, and Board Member. Prior to investment banking, Scott was CTO at Player’s Health, Revealix, Zipnosis, and OneOme and CEO at Transfur, Willow Wrap Innovations, and Ulfberht Software Systems. His experience spans over 25 years at public and private companies and includes building, scaling and transforming VC and PE backed companies. Throughout his career he has been involved in many fundraising events and M&A processes. With his vast operating experience, he advises owners and business executives on liquidity goals, recapitalizations and acquisition strategies. He holds a degree in Aerospace Engineering from Iowa State University, and has executive education from MIT Sloan School of Management.
Dustin Bruzenak
CEO, Modern Logic
Dustin Bruzenak
Dustin Bruzenak is the CEO of Modern Logic, where battle-tested strategists, designers, project managers, and principal developers, with decades of experience, are passionate about solving hard problems. Dustin has spent more than 20 years shipping digital products and technology for companies like Adobe & US Bank. His software is in the hands of millions of users worldwide. As an entrepreneur, Dustin has also founded and sold his own successful technology companies. He applies that experience both at Modern Logic and as an advisor, board member, and guide to companies seeking to build digital products that improve lives.
Pam Cabalka
CRO, CMO, CEO
Pam Cabalka
Pam has spent 30+ years as a senior executive, consultant, advisor, coach and mentor in innovative companies – from startups to $450+ million.
Pam’s expertise is in B2B sales, marketing and operations with vast expertise in successfully growing organizations and advising and coaching for growth. She grew one company from $21 million to $120 million in 2.5 years, another from $1 million to $23 million and has helped position 3 companies for sale or significant additional funding. She’s broken the glass ceiling multiple times and has led those organizations to achieve extraordinary results. Pam loves leading sales and marketing teams, coaching and working with successful executives to further develop their leadership skills and assist them in realizing their vision for the future!
Pam is a Certified Business Coach and is certified in Emotional Quotient.
She was a Director of the Minnesota Golf Association, the first (and only) female President of Edina Country Club, and has been a Marshall at 6 major golf tournaments, including 2 Ryder Cups. Pam holds a Bachelors’ Degree from Roanoke College, where she is member of the Board of Trustees and she holds an MBA from the College of William and Mary.
Mark Capaldini
Seasoned CEO, President, CMO, and VP
Mark Capaldini
Mark Capaldini spent 30 years in B2B SaaS businesses, roles including sales rep, division VP, division Chief Marketing Officer, Executive VP of Sales and Marketing, President, and CEO. In Minnesota, he worked at Thomson Reuters Legal and GovDelivery (now Granicus). Since 2013 Mark has been a CEO Coach and Advisor, including several years as an EOS Implementer. He has experience in and with start-up companies in addition to a BS in Engineering and Applied Science, and an MBA in general management.
Isaac Cheifetz
MANAGING PARTNER, CATALYTIC1 AND CHIEF MENTOR RECRUITER, MESA
Isaac Cheifetz
Isaac is Managing Partner of Catalytic1, an executive search and talent strategy consultancy. He uses his local network of SAAS executives to scout and qualify Mentor candidates for MESA.
Isaac focuses on searches for operating executives for growing SAAS and Analytics vendors, or similar intrapreneurial ventures in large corporations. Frequent searches are CEO, VP/SVP/EVP of Sales, Marketing, Product Management, Channel Management, and Technology.
For over 25 years, he’s helped companies design and hire ‘hybrid’ senior executives who have demonstrated their ability to leverage revolutionary and analytics technologies to build profitable businesses, having made a career intertwining his experience in executive recruiting and organizational design with his interests in history, strategy and workflow optimization.
He has consulted early-stage business-to-business e-commerce ventures on strategy, organizational design, and raising investor financing. He has served as an executive coach for many early-stage companies. Isaac is the author of Hiring Secrets of the NFL: How Your Company Can Select Talent Like a Champion., and wrote a monthly column for the Minneapolis Star Tribune from 2001 to 2023 on trends and best practices in the global economy.
Daren Cotter
TECH ENTREPRENEUR & INVESTOR
Daren Cotter
Daren is active in the MN Tech community as an investor, advisor, and mentor. He has invested in more than 100 startups and mentored dozens of companies in SaaS, Marketplace, and Consumer Tech/Internet sectors.
Josh Cutler
CTO
Josh Cutler
Josh Cutler is the CTO at Yardstik, where he leads the product and engineering, and operations teams. Previously he served as a United Health Group Technology Fellow and the Chief Data Scientist of UnitedHealthcare where he was responsible for defining, evangelizing and transforming the use or Artificial Intelligence in the UHC businesses.
Josh has worked on numerous data focused startups as a founder or early-startup employee.
Jack Dempsey
Senior Advisor of NEP
Jack Dempsey
Jack Dempsey is a Senior Advisor (Operating Partner) at Norwest Equity Partners (NEP), the Minnesota-based middle market private equity firm. His role at NEP includes working with portfolio company CEOs and management teams on growth and strategy opportunities. Prior to NEP he was a senior partner at McKinsey & Company, where he spent 18 years; and at Pentair, Inc. where he was President of several global business units over a 5 year time frame. He is an active mentor in the Twin Cities start-up community – including mentoring at more than a dozen Techstars accelerator programs – and Venture Capital and Angel Investor.
Mike Ducatelli
President, Duke Enterprises
Mike Ducatelli
Mike is an accomplished sales and marketing executive with an impressive multi-industry senior sales leadership record of success in high-growth b2b SaaS companies, along with a turnaround track record. He brings over 35 years of sales and marketing, and general management leadership experience to MESA.
Having led sales & marketing organizations for several different organizations from startups to large technology firms, he offers a broad background of experience to any organization. Mike’s passion and skill set is to develop comprehensive go-to-market strategies and growth plans to deliver high-growth and sustainable revenue performance. In the past he has served in senior sales leadership positions for Lawson Software, PTC, Calabrio, and several other diverse technology companies. Mike has been part of six successful startups and turnarounds.
Mike has a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering and Operations Research from the University of Massachusetts.
Chad Eckes
Principal and Founder, C Squared E
Chad Eckes
Chad Eckes is an all-around strategy, marketing, and M&A athlete, with over 25 years of professional experience spanning roles in consulting, product management, marketing, corporate development, and finance, within enterprise (B2B) technology, software and software-as-a-service (SaaS) businesses.
An independent consultant since 2008, Chad has served over 35 clients, helping them achieve their growth goals through improved go-to-market strategies, voice-of-the-customer intelligence, sales enablement, and marketing effectiveness. Prior to becoming an independent consultant, Chad worked in senior leadership roles within 3M Company and Accenture.
Chad holds an undergraduate degree in economics and mathematics from Northwestern University and an MBA from the MIT Sloan School of Management. He is also a certified Pragmatic Institute™ product manager.
Michael Faulise
Managing Partner, Faulise Consulting
Michael Faulise
Michael is an influential and well-regarded C-Suite executive with extensive experience developing and driving world-class sales, marketing, and growth strategies in diverse and rapidly evolving environments. Demonstrates a proven track record of success catapulting sales, revenue, and change moving the enterprise forward. Adept at building powerful teams and relationships, establishing expectations, communicating vision, and monitoring performance to maximize effectiveness. Visionary and ambitious senior executive leading day-to-day operations, shaping the strategic direction, and driving business execution to accelerate growth.
The Founder of both Tap Inc and tap|QA. tap|QA a National IT Consulting Firm with a niche focus in Quality.
Through his sales/marketing experience Michael is instrumental in leading Sales and Marketing programs with a focus on both local and national growth. His efforts helped to shape how tap|QA would grow into one of the largest niche based testing consulting firms with 200 consultants at its peak.
Angie Franks
CEO, ABOUT
Angie Frank
Angie Franks has over 25 years of technology leadership experience ranging from sales and marketing for a pre-revenue start-up in Kansas City to CEO of a hospital information systems company.
Currently, Angie is CEO of ABOUT. Before that, Angie was the Chief Marketing Officer for SportsEngine, a division of NBC Sports. SportsEngine is a technology company serving the youth and amateur sports industry. Her responsibilities included overall leadership for the brand, communications, marketing and product functions.
Prior to SportsEngine, Angie was President and CEO of Healthland, a national leader in providing information systems designed specifically for rural hospitals. Owned by Francisco Partners, a private equity firm based in San Francisco, Angie led dramatic results in growth, visibility and success for Healthland. Under her leadership the company grew at a 30% CAGR. The company was also recognized by Twin City Business magazine as a 2012 Small Business Success story winner.
Angie spent seven years as vice president of market development for Lawson Software. She also held leadership positions at GeoAccess (now owned by Optum), Healtheast and Medic Computer Systems. Angie and her family reside in the Twin Cities.
George Hadjiyanis
SVP, PARALLAX
George Hadjiyanis
Bruce Hagberg
CEO, riteSOFT, LLC
Bruce Hagberg
With more than 30 years of software development and international business management experience, Bruce has worked for riteSOFT and Wolters Kluwer Financial Services to produce software solutions that improve operational efficiency and increase profitability. As a former accountant with a B.S. in Finance, he understands the importance of the bottom line. Bruce serves on the Board of Directors for the Central Minnesota Manufacturing Association (CMMA), and was Bruce was honored with the Small Business Owner of the Year Award in 2020 by the St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce.
Chad Halvorson
Founder, CEO of When I Work
Chad Halvorson
Chad Halvorson is the Founder and CEO of When I Work. When I Work is a complete employee management platform used by over 200,000 workplaces that ensures restaurants and other shift-based industries have reliable shift coverage, engaged employees, and can make faster decisions through integrated scheduling, time tracking, and team messaging.
Paul Hanson
VP of IT, Opportunity Partners
Paul Hanson
Paul has over 30 years of experience as a business and technology leader, with 14+ years as a Chief Operating Officer and Chief Information Officer. He has founded or co-founded small businesses as well as developed successful teams at mid to large organizations. Career highlights include raising over $30M in venture funding for two software startups. Paul was awarded his first patent in 2012.
Paul is currently a member of the executive management team of Opportunity Partners, one of the largest social services agencies in Minnesota which supports nearly 2,000 people with disabilities each year. He leads the technology team serving 650+ users and managing over 30 locations.
Paul mentors high tech startups in the Minnesota Cup and serves as an advisor to several other tech startups. He received Bachelor of Science degree from Minnesota State University Mankato in 1984, with a major in Computer Science, minor in Business Administration, and resides in Eden Prairie with his family.
Chris Heim
President and CEO at Abetech
Chris Heim
Chris is a growth-focused executive with 12 years of executive experience, who welcomes the challenge of working within fast-paced, technology-based, and innovative companies. As CEO of Rimage Corporation, Chris helped orchestrate the spinoff from a public company to a private company with a PE investor.
Currently, as President and CEO at AbeTech, Chris is leading the company through significant growth – doubling revenues from $50M to $100M (via organic growth and five acquisitions), as well as guiding culture amidst the increase from 80 to 130 team members. His specialties include strategy, market development, Traction EOS principles, and fostering team-focused culture.
Alongside his executive duties, Chris serves as an elected city official and sits on the board of directors for the CEO-Roundtable organization.
Kevin Jansen
Strategic CFO (Retired) Mayhill Consulting
Kevin Jansen
Kevin has spent the past 25 years acquiring, operating, and selling businesses for his own personal financial gain or the financial benefit of his partners or clients. He has a particular passion for entrepreneurial businesses from start-up to $25 million in revenue given the dynamic opportunities and broader challenges that those companies present. His professional experience includes selling 26 companies for others, raising $1 billion through four public offerings of securities, and personally acquiring and operating a 25-employee company that returned 109x his initial investment upon exit three years post-acquisition. Kevin is a three-time cancer survivor, published author, avid traveler, and father of five as part of a blended family. All those experiences have contributed to his unique personal and professional problem-solving skills.
Andrew Johnson
CEO at Yardstik
Andrew Johnson
Andrew, a seasoned technology leader with proven experience in scaling venture-backed companies, brings a clear vision and pragmatic approach to high growth start-ups. Getting his start at Compellent, where some of Minnesota’s greatest tech leaders and companies have spawned from, Andrew went on to lead massive growth efforts in senior leadership and executive roles at companies like Branch and Dialpad, helping both reach over $100M in annual recurring revenue during his tenure. Andrew is now CEO at Yardstik, a measurably better background screening, compliance, and fraud-prevention platform that is growing 100%+ year over year.
Rob Juncker
SVP, Product Development, Code 42
Rob Juncker
Rob has over 15 years of executive experience in startup, early and growth stage software companies focusing on business to business products. Rob recently transitioned into an executive role at Ivanti as VP of Engineering after the Shavlik Business unit was purchased from VMware. At VMware he was Senior Director of R&D for the SMB Solutions team which he joined after Shavlik Technologies was acquired by VMware in 2011. He served as Shavlik’s Vice President of Engineering and Technology Operations prior to the acquisition. Prior to Shavlik, Rob co-founded Gearworks and served as their Chief Technology Officer before it was acquired by Xora (now ClickSoftware). Rob brings a wealth of knowledge in the areas of software development, quality assurance, software architecture, SaaS based solutions, mobility, channel development, business partnerships and team development.
Aaron Kardell
VP, Product at Lone Wolf Technologies
Aaron Kardell
Aaron serves as the VP, Product at Lone Wolf Technologies. He brings a wealth of real estate tech knowledge from his time as the CEO of HomeSpotter, which he founded in 2009 when he and his wife were searching for a new home — they wanted a better way to do that — the solution, to utilize their iPhones. Before founding HomeSpotter, Aaron authored several Facebook and iPhone apps, including World Conquest and iGarageSale. Aaron also founded Altona Ed, a K-12 education software startup that was later acquired. Aaron is a lifelong entrepreneur who founded his first software business in high school and enjoys biking, running, traveling, and spending time with his family.
Brett Keirstead
CSO, CHIEF OUTSIDERS
Brett Keirstead
Brett is an experienced, passionate Sales leader with a diverse background in helping organizations grow revenue and increase enterprise value. Brett has led sales in several highly successful MN-based software companies including Jobs2Web and Avionte. He is the author of the book We Are All Sales, People published in 2020 that focuses on advancing the sales profession and helping non-salespeople improve their communication and relationship management skills at work, home, school, and in their community. Brett is a certified coach and mentors several rising executives in building growth organizations in their businesses.
Sam Kemp
CFO, Built Technologies
Sam Kemp
Sam Kemp is a technology executive with experience across finance, strategy, operations, and investments. Currently he is the Chief Financial Officer at Built Technologies, the largest software platform enabling construction finance and lending. At Built he oversees finance, analytics, strategy, and accounting.
Prior to joining Built, Sam was the Chief Strategy Officer at GoDaddy, the world’s largest platform serving digital identity, web presence, and commerce needs for small businesses. Prior to joining GoDaddy, Sam was a leading equity research analyst at Piper Sandler, covering a broad set of internet companies across marketplaces, fintech, ad tech, SaaS, and infrastructure business models.
Sam holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance from the University of Minnesota, Carlson School of Management.
JP Little
JP Little LLC and Crosslake Certified Practitioner, Crosslake Technologies
JP Little
JP has over 30 years of experience in software engineering, product/program management, senior business, and technical leadership, and corporate strategy. His focus has been across the health IT spectrum, including payers, EMRs, PBMs, and pharmacies. He is trusted as an advisor to executives on how to deliver change and re-architect their business.
JP has a BS in Computer Science from the University of Minnesota, and an MS in Computer Science from the University of St. Thomas.
Jean Machart
COO, Children’s Cancer Research Fund
JP Little
Jean Machart is COO at Children’s Cancer Research Fund, responsible for leading Operations, Finance, Technology and HR; and an EIR at DigitalDX, a Silicon Valley Venture Fund focused on investing in start-ups that apply AI to early diagnosis.
Previously, Jean was a Vice President at UnitedHealthcare (UHC), leading global teams within Operations, and the development and management of Enterprise Digital and Artificial Intelligence Platforms, with a scale impacting over 60M consumers. Prior to UnitedHealthcare, she was an Officer at Ameriprise Financial, with responsibilities of owning a $1 billion P&L as a General Manager, guiding Digital Transformation as a direct report of the CIO, and leading product organizations of over $70 billion in assets. Additionally, Jean began her career at American Express in foundational Finance roles.
She holds a MBA from the University of Minnesota in Operations and Technology; a BBA from the University of Wisconsin in Finance and Mathematics; and, a certificate from Harvard on Competing in the Age of AI. Currently, she is on two paid Boards and a member of the NACD.
Jason Marx
CEO, WOLTERS KLUWER TAX & ACCOUNTING
Jason Marx
Jason is the Chief Executive Officer of Wolters Kluwer Tax & Accounting. In this role, Jason leads the global division responsible for the development and delivery of customer-focused software, solutions and information services that serve tax, accounting, and audit professionals. Prior to this, he served as President & CEO of Wolters Kluwer Tax & Accounting – North America, President of CCH Small Firm Services and VP & General Manager, Wolters Kluwer Financial Services.
Jason has more than 35 years of leadership experience in the financial services, accounting and information technology industries, with proven abilities to drive top line growth, accelerate market share and deliver innovative, award-winning customer solutions.
Brian Olsem
President, Versare Solutions
Brian Olsem
Brian has over 25 years experience leading and building technology and services companies primarily focused on serving Enterprise clients. For the past 20 years Brian has served a variety of company executive and sales leadership roles for technology businesses within Taylor Corporation. Prior to Versare Brian was leading a portfolio of technology businesses and solutions within the Taylor Customer Facing Technology Sector. Growing businesses, solving complex client problems, and adjusting quickly to market, client and employee needs are a just a few of the passions that drive Brian on a daily basis. Brian currently resides in Waconia with his wife and four children.
Douglas Olsem
Supply Chain/CIO Executive (Retired), Schwan’s
Douglas Olsem
Doug has over 35 years of executive leadership in a private Fortune 500 private company. He has a proven track record of developing company growth, driving operational efficiency, and talent development. He has extensive experience in supply chain and information technology. Doug has also played a key role in developing a data company from scratch. He also played a key role in a food-based business division start-up that saw it grow sales to over 100 million dollars. During his career, he has initiated and lead several initiatives to drive profitability to the bottom line through cost savings, automation, and overall operational excellence initiatives. Helping a company grow and working with people to make things better are things that Doug loves to do.
Ivan Pandiyan
Executive at GE Healthcare
Ivan Pandiyan
Ivan Pandiyan is a life science, health care, medical technology executive with over 25years of global leadership in startups and fortune500 companies such as Medtronic and Danaher and GE. He has successfully led product and technology strategy planning and execution including M&A and competitive go to market strategy. He has mentored over 50+ startups in the Minnesota community at gBeta Medtech and MN Cup. Ivan has a masters degree in electrical engineering from The University of Texas and an MBA from The University of Chicago Booth School of Business.
Mary Lynne Perushek
CIO, VPIT
Mary Lynne Perushek
Mary Lynne is an accomplished national and regional award-winning chief information officer, with more than 40 years of business and technology leadership. She is recognized for delivering strategic and complex transformation technology and business model change. An experienced global leader in both private and public companies ranging from, mid-size to Fortune 500 companies, she has the IT and security expertise for industries in engineering construction, manufacturing, retail, and high tech. Known for business leadership and advocating technology to solve and transform business while driving value through adoption. Career highlights include being named 2022 CIO of the Year, and having a patent awarded to members of her team for an innovative technology product in the energy sector.
Mary Lynne continues to share her passion for technology as a mentor and has served as the Board Chair of Genesys Works Twin Cities and as a board member of numerous professional organizations and entities focused on higher tech including the Innovation Advisory Council and University of St Thomas. She, along with her family reside in the Greater Minneapolis Area.
Dave Sandhoefner
CRO
Dave Sandhoefner
Dave is a seasoned professional with more than two decades of experience leading SaaS go-to-market (GTM) teams. He leverages a growth mindset to cultivate strong teams, develop growth strategies, and orchestrate scale.
He has developed broad vertical experience across multiple industries including retail, manufacturing, technology, and banking while leading GTM teams at Thomson Reuters, SPS Commerce, Sovos, and Delaget. Dave graduated from Minnesota State University, Mankato and has his MBA from Augsburg University.
Ken Schempp
Entrepreneur & CEO of eDocument Resources
Ken Schempp
As Entrepreneur and CEO of eDocument Resources, Ken was responsible for developing business strategies, leading innovation, and defining a vision for technology consulting and implementations. Under his leadership, he created opportunities that enable organizations in the industries of healthcare, insurance, manufacturing, finance, government, and human services to achieve greater operating efficiency while at the same time reducing costs. Ken has also been highly involved in all aspects of sales and sales leadership over his career.
In 2016 Ken initiated and directed a small non-profit (Connect the Dots) to provide an avenue to “give back” to the local community by assisting the underemployed. This is an ongoing effort as Ken has joined with UpWorks MN in a leadership role.
Ken is a graduate from the University of Minnesota Carlson School of Management. In 2006, the Twin West Chamber of Commerce nominated Ken as an Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year, a distinction based upon business leaders who guide their organization with sound business strategies, financial success and community involvement.
Ken has spent many years “backpacking” around the world and continues his love to explore the world as well as the north woods as an outdoor enthusiast.
Will Sigsbee
Senior Advisor CommonWealth Health Advisors
Will Sigsbee
Will is an accomplished healthcare executive with a broad background in helping companies in various stages of growth, commercialize products and solutions. His ability to build a vision and execute precise sales and marketing strategies has led to outstanding growth and company performance in healthcare verticals like medical devices, software solutions, and interoperability tools. As a former CEO and President of two early-stage software companies, Will has a wealth of hands-on experience taking companies from pre-revenue to exit. His 18-plus years of large company sales and leadership, combined with 10 additional years with healthcare start-ups, has helped Will build strong companies that scale effectively and manage resources efficiently.
Will brings a keen eye for product commercialization, turn-around management, strategic planning, and sales optimization in a broad range of healthcare spaces.
Connell Smith
Fractional CEO, Pivotal Strategies Consulting
Connell Smith
Connell Smith has over 30 years’ experience building and directing successful technology businesses from software startups to large global corporations. Currently Connell operates as a fractional CEO, helping turn around small businesses with growth challenges.
Previously Connell ran a business division for Entrust, a global digital security, identity and access management technology business; helped build two software startups, in collaborative enterprise ebusiness solutions, and hosted mobile applications, both as VP of Product Operations responsible for the product marketing, product management and software development organizations; and ran a unit for Rockwell Automation, a $5B global leader in automation and control products.
Connell has an MBA in Marketing and Finance from the University of Minnesota, and Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees in engineering from the University of Toronto, Canada.
Ryan Smith
Co-Founders & Co-Owner
Ryan Smith
Ryan Smith is a growth-focused software executive and founder with a wide breadth of executive experience across various companies. Most recently, he has focused the last 5 years in the industrial ERP software and Fintech spaces. After acquiring LinenMaster in 2019, Ryan directly oversaw the go-to-market, support, and product management aspects of the company. Later, he assisted with the acquisition of LaundryTrak, another software company in the linen management space, and its integration with LinenMaster. Additionally, Ryan co-founded Maxiterations, a fintech SaaS startup aimed at building software to improve the small business lending and modeling processes, in early 2022.
Prior to that, Ryan spent ten years building the global fixed income sales and trading group at what is now StoneX Group. In his role, he worked closely with the sales and software development teams.
Ryan graduated from Princeton University with a B.S.E. in Operations Research & Financial Engineering and from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania with a M.B.A. He also has previous mentoring experience across multiple organizations, is a CFA Institute charter-holder, and is a member of the local EO community.
Kevin A Spanbauer
CEO, Edwards Ridecare
Kevin A Spanbauer
Kevin possesses a track record of providing resources to technology companies with core competencies in business development and building high-performing teams, but also acting as a business catalyst to connect clients to investor communities, customers, partners, and other technical resources. He acts as a “Trusted Adviser” to software companies at various stages of growth. Kevin has built some of the strongest relationships as anyone in Minnesota’s software industry, . He holds Bachelor of Science degrees in Computer Science & Mathematics, along with an MBA from the University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh.
Troy Thibodeau
CMO / CPO, LIGHTSPEED DMS
Troy Thibodeau
Troy has spent the past 22 years in go-to-market leadership positions at high growth SaaS businesses, repeatedly scaling businesses over 10x during his tenure. Troy’s had experience leading Sales & Marketing, Product, Technology & Operations teams at both smaller, high growth businesses and business units of larger multinationals. Troy’s passion for identifying market needs, addressing those needs with compelling technology offerings and driving customer delight to fuel business growth have lead to multiple successful business investments, acquisitions, and exits.
Most recently, Troy helped lead Ascentis to grow 300% over 4+ years and a successful sale to one of the HR Tech industries largest providers, UKG. Prior to Ascentis, Troy held leadership roles at Sovos, Concur, Gelco and Honeywell. Troy takes his greatest reward from helping grow talent, build high performance teams, and loves opportunities to make dry, technical industries interesting and meaningful.
Mike Thyken
Retired Technology Executive, CEO Cyber Technology Management
Mike Thyken
Mike has more than 35 years of leadership, business, and technology experience. He was CTO at CaringBridge, CIO at SunOpta, VP of Technology at Merrill Corporation, CIO at Select Comfort, and help other senior leadership and technology roles at Jostens, Target, and IBM. Along with the corporate roles, Mike has held Board positions with Braun Intertec, Agile Frameworks, Summit Brewing, and My Formulary. Additionally, Mike has been active in non-profit roles with the University of St. Thomas, the UST College of Engineering, and STARBASE MN. He has also started up two of his own companies.
Mike has an undergrad degree from the University of St. Thomas and an MBA from the Carlson School at the University of MN. The wide variety of industries, business models, and growth models give him a broad toolbox and playbook from which to work with startups.
Jason Tober
CEO, Delaget
Jason Tober
Jason has more than 20 years of senior leadership experience in high growth technology businesses. He co-founded his first company at the age of 24, a boutique technology consulting firm which was acquired three years later. More recently Jason led global Sales and Alliances at Shavlik Technologies until it was acquired by VMware, Inc. in 2011 where he served as Sr. Director, Sales. Jason joined JAMF Software in 2012 where he led global Sales & Marketing prior to joining Delaget in 2015 as CEO. Delaget, a 2015 Eureka! Award winner, is a SaaS analytics company, leveraging Big Data in the restaurant vertical to improve operations, minimize loss and deliver revenue and profitability growth. Jason holds a BA in Biology from St. Olaf College.
Robert (Bob) Tuttle
VP Sales, Blue Yonder
Robert (Bob) Tuttle
Bob is a driven and inspirational executive leader with a career-long record of success in high-growth b2b SaaS companies, including Retek (SVP Field Ops, Retail ERP), Verisae (SVP Field Ops, CMMS and IoT), Vcommerce (CEO, Ecommerce), and Agile Frameworks (Field Data Collection).
Bob is especially skilled at creating growth strategies, finding product and market fit, coaching, mentoring, and building culture and high-performance teams, and is currently working with companies to identify growth strategies, prepare for capital raises, and develop ML/AI initiatives and strategic moves.
Bob has been a mentor to many through Columbia University’s School of Technology Management and MESA.
Strategic Planning • Growth • Executive Advisory • Business Development • Capital Raise • Coaching & Mentoring • Product Market Fit • Productization of Services • GTM Reengineering.
Steve Vantassel
CEO (Retired), Packet Power
Steve Vantassel
Steve has spent his nearly 40-year career in technology companies. He joined Packet Power as employee number two in 2008 and built it into the leading provider of wireless monitoring systems for the data center industry. As the SVP of Hospitality Solutions at Softbrands, he grew their property management and central reservation software business from $24 million to $47 million in five years. He first entered the startup world as an executive at Net Perceptions, where he oversaw product development, after spending 15 years in sales and market management at IBM.
Steve has experience raising funds from various sources, knows M&A on both the buying and selling side, and has extensive experience in doing business globally. He enjoys serving on several boards.
Jody Vogelaar
CMO
Jody Vogelaar
Jody Vogelaar is an award-winning and data-driven chief marketing officer with more than two decades of expertise building digital, e-commerce, SaaS and subscription businesses in domestic and international markets for some of the world’s biggest media brands. He spent the last 5 years as CMO for NBC Universal’s diverse portfolio of twenty B2C and B2B technology businesses including Fandango, Rotten Tomatoes, GolfNow, and SportsEngine, together reaching more than 80 million consumers each month.
Prior to NBC, Vogelaar led growth marketing for Roku streaming products adding 20MM active users during his tenure. A longtime marketer at Disney & News Corp, leading global digital and e-commerce projects.
Vogelaar is the recipient of more than 35 marketing and creative industry awards from PROMAX, CTAM, the American Advertising Federation, the AOP, and is a Peabody award recipient.
Kurt Waltenbaugh
Serial Entrepreneur, Managing Advisor Kestrel Rising, Founder Carrot Health
Kurt Waltenbaugh
Kurt Waltenbaugh is a serial entrepreneur with a career focused on the consumer: using data to predict and influence behavior. Understanding consumer behavior, Kurt has built successful analytic solutions, products and companies in the health care, retail, education, and credentialing industries. Currently offering advisory, consulting, and CEO mentoring & coaching through Kestrel Rising, Kurt is helping create entrepreneurs improve, to make the world a better place.
Kurt was the founder of Carrot Health, a consumer+health data and predictive analytics platform offering engagement insights to payer and provider customers. Carrot Health was sold in 2021 to Unite Us. His previous companies were sold to Oracle (Retek) and Pearson Education (Integral7). Kurt was responsible for product strategy at Optum, Inc. (UnitedHealth Group), building data analytic businesses for the provider, payer and employer markets.
When not working with customers, Kurt is with his wife, Tracy, guiding their three children toward adulthood, and planning the next camping trek into the wilderness.
Jeremy White
Founder, CodeWeavers Inc.
Jeremy White
Jeremy White is a technologist that has worked with open source software and operating system level technology for the past 30 years. He is the founder of CodeWeavers, Inc., the corporate sponsor of the open source Wine Project. The Wine project provides the ability to use Windows applications on UNIX like systems, including macOS, Linux, and Chrome OS. The Wine project is directly responsible for the success of Valve’s SteamDeck and is the technology powering Apple’s Game Porting Toolkit.
Jeremy served as CEO of CodeWeavers for 27 years and exited CodeWeavers by establishing an employee ownership trust, providing for the long term health of the staff, customers and community surrounding the company.
Jeremy is a graduate from Carleton College in Northfield, MN and an active volunteer with the FIRST robotics organization.
In Memoriam
Todd Krautkremer
MESA Co-Founder and Mentor
In Memoriam - Todd Krautkremer
Todd J. Krautkremer
January 27, 1960 ~ May 17, 2024
Todd Krautkremer, a remarkable individual, has left an indelible mark on those fortunate enough to have known him. Over his nearly 40-year career, Todd touched thousands of lives and influenced dozens of companies. His multifaceted roles—as an innovator, corporate leader, entrepreneur, and mentor—shaped the landscape of the software-driven industry.
As a co-founder of MESA (Minnesota Emerging Software Advisory), Todd’s vision and unwavering dedication contributed to the mission and design of the organization, making it what it is today. Beyond business, he selflessly shared his expertise and experience as a mentor to Minnesota-based startup founders for over a decade. Todd’s legacy resonates through the countless lives he impacted.
Todd was more than a colleague; he was a forever friend. May his legacy continue to inspire generations to come.
We honor Todd’s memory and his beloved family with gratitude and admiration.
CMO (Retired), Cradlepoint | Part of Ericsson
Todd has over 35 years of executive experience in startup, early, and growth-stage software-driven companies. His expertise spans strategy and team formation, sales and marketing, strategic partnerships, capitalization, and M&A. He recently retired as CMO of Cradlepoint where he was instrumental in its $1.1B acquisition by Ericsson. After the acquisition, he also became head of marketing for Ericsson’s Enterprise Wireless Solutions business unit. Previously, he was in Silicon Valley as CMO of Pertino, a software-defined cloud networking startup (acquired by Cradlepoint). He also served as COO of Red Lambda, a big data security startup, and was CEO of Gearworks for six years (based in Minnesota). At Gearworks, Todd orchestrated a turn-around, raised over $40 million in venture capital, and led the company to the rank of the fastest growing industry player in the location-based workforce management space before it was acquired by Xora (and eventually Oracle).
Prior to Gearworks, he was in Silicon Valley as VP of Worldwide Marketing for Packeteer (IPO) and also served as VP of Marketing at Sync Research (IPO). As an innovator and mentor, Todd was nominated for the 2009 Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award, holds two patents on application-intelligent networks, and sat on several technology and private company boards.
Todd Krautkremer – Interview Entrepreneur Week 2021
