After decades of building and selling successful companies, MESA Mentor Aric Bandy continues to share his hard-won insights with Minnesota’s next generation of innovators. A lifelong learner and advocate for founder-led leadership, Aric brings both business acumen and heart to his mentoring role. Tell us a little about yourself, Aric. [...]
MESA honored the 2025 graduates of its mentoring program at its Annual Reception on October 29, hosted by Elite Partner BGM. The evening celebrated founders who have transformed their companies—and themselves—through MESA’s structured mentorship model. Each story reflected the program’s enduring mission: to accelerate growth, strengthen leadership, and grow the [...]
Paul Hanson has been helping ideas take shape for nearly four decades—from early software startups to social service nonprofits. A retired business and technology executive with experience spanning companies like Cargill, Northwest Airlines, and Bluestem Brands, Paul’s passion for problem-solving and mentorship has been a throughline of his career. Since [...]
At a time when artificial intelligence is reshaping every corner of the business landscape, Modern Logic stands out as a company helping organizations not just adapt, but thrive. A MESA Premier Partner and long-time supporter of the entrepreneurial ecosystem, Modern Logic is led by CEO Dustin Bruzenak, who is as [...]
Born in the wake of George Floyd’s death, TurnSignl was founded to bring safety, accountability, and peace of mind to drivers during traffic stops and accidents. What started in Minnesota has since expanded nationwide, now protecting more than 200,000 people through its innovative real-time legal support platform. When Jazz Hampton [...]
At the intersection of capital, strategy, and hands-on leadership, Brimacomb Capital is more than an investor—it’s a growth partner for emerging technology companies. A Partnership Mentality That Runs Deep Brimacomb was founded by Rick Brimacomb in 2005. A key focus of his business is Brimacomb Capital, specializing in technology and [...]
Nick Gawreluk didn’t just stumble into the printing industry—he built a career, a global perspective, and now, a company around it. What started in a high school graphic arts program has evolved into Print Profit, a software platform designed to help printing businesses of all sizes see their numbers clearly [...]
From practical legal solutions to deep community roots, Fredrikson brings strategic value to startups—and to MESA. As one of Minnesota’s largest and most respected law firms, Fredrikson has long been a go-to resource for companies navigating complex legal landscapes. But for emerging software startups, their value extends beyond legal advice—they [...]
At MESA, we’re lucky to work with some of Minnesota’s brightest tech leaders—people who not only bring deep expertise but a genuine desire to give back. Dustin Bruzenak is one of those leaders. A veteran technologist with a track record spanning Adobe, Ecolab, and multiple startups, Dustin is now the [...]
At MESA, our partners are more than just sponsors — they are champions of innovation, committed to strengthening Minnesota’s software economy. CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen LLP) exemplifies this mission through its deep engagement with the tech community and unwavering support for software startups. As a MESA Premier Partner, CLA brings a powerful [...]
Jeff Eckerle’s journey with MESA has come full circle—from startup founder and mentee to dedicated mentor. In this spotlight, Jeff shares insights from both sides of the table and what keeps him committed to growing people through business. Tell us a little about your background, Jeff. My path into software [...]
In the complex world of healthcare, communication is paramount. Yet, the simple question, "When will the doctor be here?" often remains unanswered, leaving hospitalized patients and their families in a state of anxious uncertainty. This pain point is what drove CEO/Founder Michael Pitt, MD, to envision Q-rounds, a software solution [...]
Scott Brown has built and scaled companies through some of the biggest tech trends of the last two decades. As a MESA mentor, he brings invaluable operator perspective to Minnesota startups, sharing the wisdom gained from a career on the front lines of innovation. Tell us a little about your [...]
The Minnesota Emerging Software Advisory (MESA) is proud to announce a remarkable milestone for its mentees: collectively, they have raised an impressive $1.1 billion in funding. This achievement is a testament to the value of consistent, experience-driven mentorship. By connecting startup CEOs with seasoned software executives, MESA empowers software startup [...]
Modern Logic, a proud Premier Partner of MESA, has taken a bold step in redefining the technology landscape for small and mid-sized businesses. As a Technology Support Agency, Modern Logic is dedicated to bridging the gap between traditional IT services and the custom software solutions companies need to thrive. Smarter [...]
Derek Borkowski, a pharmacist turned tech entrepreneur, created Pyrls, a digital platform revolutionizing how healthcare professionals access and utilize drug information. Born and raised in Winona, Minnesota, Derek Borkowski witnessed firsthand the impact of community businesses on local life through his mother's work in a pharmacy and his family's towing [...]
Minneapolis, MN – December 17, 2024 Minnesota Emerging Software Advisory (MESA), a non-profit, pro bono mentoring organization inspired to make Minnesota’s emerging growth software economy rank among the most vibrant and respected in the nation, is pleased to announce the appointment of John Moroney as its new President. Moroney is [...]
Each of MESA's Premier Partners is essential to our growth and impact. These companies offer a range of professional support helpful to entrepreneurs and we trust their unique skills and services. In this spotlight, we're highlighting our three Premier Partners: RSM, Modern Logic, and Wise IT Consulting. MESA is excited [...]
Imagine practicing a sales pitch like a professional athlete – perfecting your approach and response to an endless variety of real-life situations. That’s the beauty of Brevity, an AI-powered role-playing software designed to help large and medium-sized enterprise sales teams onboard sellers more rapidly, enhance their skills, increase win rates, [...]
With an unwavering entrepreneurial spirit, Daren Cotter’s journey began in a college dorm room and culminated in the sale of his company, InboxDollars. But the journey didn’t end there. Today, Cotter is a seasoned angel investor and mentor, using his experience to support and grow the next generation of tech [...]
Being the CEO of an emerging software company can be incredibly challenging. MESA mentors have been there and can offer you unbiased guidance to help your business flourish.
There’s no substitute for experience. If you are a seasoned software industry executive, local early-stage software companies could benefit from your knowledge and expertise.
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