MN CEOs You Should Know

Pat founded six successful search tech companies over 30 years, with partnerships in telecom, defense, and advertising. As Seekr Technologies CEO, he pioneers AI solutions, redefining content evaluation and empowering users with bias free applications. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Andrea Walsh is president and chief executive officer of Minnesota-based HealthPartners, a nonprofit, integrated health system providing health plan coverage to 1.4 million members and health care to 1.4 million patients. She leads a team of more than 28,000 colleagues dedicated to a vision of health as it could be, affordability as it must be, through relationships built on trust Walsh has served as president and CEO since 2017. During her tenure, HealthPartners has continued to deepen its reputation as a national leader in high-quality, affordable care and coverage. She’s led with a focus on building healthy and high-performing teams, and forging partnerships to improve health equity, children’s health, mental health, and other important areas of community health and well-being. Prior to serving as CEO, Walsh was executive vice president and chief marketing officer at HealthPartners for nearly 15 years, and prior to that served as corporate counsel leading legal, compliance and public affairs. Walsh began her career as a lawyer in private practice. In the early 90s, she was appointed assistant commissioner at the Minnesota Department of Health and led health reform efforts to increase access to affordable health care coverage, known today as MinnesotaCare. She graduated cum laude from the University of Minnesota Law School and has degrees in business and English from the University of Kansas. Walsh is active in the community and currently serves on the boards of the Y of the North and the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis. In 2020, she was named Executive of the Year by the Minnesota Business Journal and in 2025, she was inducted into the Twin Cities Business magazine’s Minnesota Business Hall of Fame. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Corey Scott is the CEO of Midwest Dairy, the dairy promotion organization that works on behalf of dairy farm families across 10 Midwestern states to build trust and demand for dairy products. Scott joined Midwest Dairy as CEO in March 2024. Prior to Midwest Dairy, Scott served as the Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Athian and held several leadership positions for more than 15 years with Land O’Lakes and its sustainability division, Truterra LLC. She received her Executive MBA and undergraduate degrees from the University of Minnesota and the Carlson School of Business. In 2023, she was selected as one of GreenBiz’s 12 Women Cultivating Sustainable Food Systems and earned a U.S. Dairy Sustainability Award for her work in reducing dairy’s overall environmental footprint. As CEO, Scott provides strategic leadership to Midwest Dairy’s staff and supports the Midwest Dairy Board as the organization works to fulfill its vision to bring dairy to life and its mission to give consumers an excellent dairy experience. Through her leadership, Midwest Dairy maximizes dairy farmers’ investment in the dairy checkoff by strategically collaborating with partners, focusing on research, and building consumer trust and demand for dairy. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tim Bratland is the President of Crystal Foods Dairy Company, which is headquartered in Edina, Minnesota, and the leading natural retail cheese brand in the upper Midwest. Tim has over 30 years of experience in large and small CPG companies and worked in multiple functions including Finance, Integrated Marketing Communications, Brand Management, Sales, Operations, Integrated Business Planning, and Integration Management, which has given him unique insights into all aspects of a business and allowed him to create an enterprise that is cohesive, coordinated and competitive. His experience has allowed him to successfully implement Integrated Business Planning into multiple companies, lead integrations of acquired companies, and modernize and future-proof Crystal Farms by developing a new three-year strategic growth plan. His ability to simplify complex issues, desire to engage employees at all levels, and ability to always see a glass as “half full” have created an organization that is motivated, engaged, and empowered. He holds a BBA from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and an MBA from the Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota. Outside of leading Crystal Farms, Tim strongly believes in giving back to his community. He is involved in his local church and serves on several boards, including the Alumni Board of the University of Wisconsin School of Business, and the Ronald McDonald House-Upper Midwest Charities. He also currently serves as the Co-Chairperson of the Twin Cities Wisconsin School of Business Alumni Relations Committee. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Robert Barrosa is the President and CEO of Electrify America, where he leads the company’s mission to build a seamless and customer-focused EV charging network across North America. Since joining Electrify America in 2018, he has held several executive leadership roles overseeing technology, energy management, product planning, and infrastructure development to support the fast-paced deployment of Electrify America’s charging stations. Electrify America operates more than 5,600 chargers across 1,080 stations in 47 states, plus the District of Columbia, and seven Canadian provinces. With more than 16 years of experience in EV infrastructure, Robert has helped shape Electrify America’s growth. He led the launch of the Electrify Canada charging network in 2018 and has overseen key business areas including partnerships, marketing, and e-commerce, as well as the Electrify Home and Electrify Commercial business units. In 2025, drivers completed more than 20 million charging sessions on Electrify America’s network, a 21% increase over the prior year. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Emily was appointed as chief executive officer of Americans for Prosperity in 2017. As CEO, Emily drives the organization’s mission and strategy to build a permanent grassroots presence that educates and activates citizens to advocate for policies that will help people improve their lives. Emily has been a public policy advocate for the past decade, building policy coalitions of principled lawmakers to unleash opportunities for all Americans to pursue their dreams. Emily also served as the director of special projects at Koch Companies Public Sector, where she worked on a team to build some of the capabilities that make up the Stand Together community today. Emily has over two decades of experience in policy and politics.  She spent 12 years serving the U.S. House of Representatives, working for various House Republican leaders in the Speaker’s office and at the House Republican Conference, including Vice President Mike Pence. Emily is a graduate of Middlebury College, with a focus on international politics and economics. Originally from Minnesota, Emily and her husband now live in suburban Virginia with their two children. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this inspiring episode, we're joined by Kathleen Enright, the President & CEO of the Council on Foundations, as she shares her remarkable journey and the incredible work of her organization. From her childhood in Kentucky to her current role as a leader in the philanthropic sector, Kathleen's story is a testament to the power of passion, dedication, and collaboration. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of the podcast, NetApp CMO Gabie Boko, a seasoned tech leader who shares their journey from startups to leading a major company like NetApp, sits down with us. We discuss the importance of learning from failures, finding passion in tech, and making a difference in the industry. The conversation also touches on the company's mission to remove friction between data and innovation, and how AI is integrated into their customers' and team's work. With a focus on data infrastructure, NetApp is changing the game in the AI era. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of CEOs You Should Know, Adam West chats with Kenny Larson, CEO of Slumberland Furniture. Kenny shares the story of how his family business has evolved over the years, from its humble beginnings as a mattress specialty store to its current status as a full-line furniture retailer with 120 locations across 12 states. They discuss the challenges of navigating the ever-changing retail landscape, including the impact of tariffs and the rise of e-commerce. Kenny also talks about Slumberland's commitment to giving back to the community through its foundation, which has donated over 65,000 mattresses to kids in need. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Laura Jacobson serves as Co-Vice President of Heppner’s Auto Body & Glass alongside her husband Jesse. With 20+ years of leadership, she’s driven growth, service excellence, and community impact, solidifying Heppner’s reputation as a trusted leader in auto repair.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

James Vagle is the CEO of Housing First Minnesota, leading efforts to expand homeownership and strengthen the homebuilding industry. A Navy veteran and seasoned advocate, James brings vision, integrity, and deep policy expertise to Minnesota’s housing future. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Elizabeth Gray serves as Audubon’s Chief Executive Officer, leading the organization toward its vision of a future where birds thrive. A champion of science-based conservation and a renowned expert in global conservation and climate change, she joined Audubon in March 2021 as President and Chief Conservation Officer and was named CEO later that year—the first woman since Audubon’s founding in 1905 to hold the role. She leads more than 800 staff working across the Americas to alter the course of climate change and habitat loss. Since her arrival, she has led a landmark $826 million campaign, the groundbreaking release of the Migratory Bird Explorer, and the unifying Flight Plan strategy, reinforcing Audubon’s commitment to hemispheric conservation through the power of birds. Under Elizabeth’s leadership, Audubon has embraced a multicultural, multigenerational approach, ensuring its work reflects and engages all the communities connected to conservation across the Western Hemisphere. Prior to Audubon, she most recently served as Global Managing Director of The Nature Conservancy’s (TNC) Climate Change program, where she played a key role in securing a $100 million philanthropic gift—one of the largest in TNC’s history—and managed the natural climate solutions initiative it funded. A proven fundraiser, she has secured six-, seven-, and nine-figure gifts to advance conservation and climate solutions. Trained as an ornithologist, she has spent 30+ years as a conservationist, spending considerable time in the field nationally and abroad. She also led two of TNC’s most notable impact capital projects, the $130 million Cumberland Forest Impact Investment Fund, which supported sustainable forestry in the Appalachians, and a groundbreaking urban conservation program in Washington, D.C. She holds a PhD in ecology from the University of Washington and an AB with highest honors in psychology from Harvard University.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Reuben D. Rotman is the founding President and CEO of the Network of Jewish Human Service Agencies. The Network was established in 2017 following the merger of two predecessor associations, as an international membership association, with the mission of strengthening and advancing the Jewish human service sector. Today, The Network serves as the leading voice for the sector; the go-to for best practice research, innovation, and partnerships. Supporting its 180+ member organizations, The Network’s goal is to strengthen the capacities of its member agencies and to advance the scope and impact of the Jewish human service sector. Reuben came to the Network having served as the CEO of Jewish Family Service of MetroWest New Jersey, where he held several increasingly responsible positions for 21 years. Previously, Reuben held positions with UJA Federation of New York, Jewish Family Service of Metropolitan Detroit and Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit. Reuben currently serves as a member of the Board of Directors of SourceAmerica, which connects the non-profit sector to the US Federal government and commercial sectors to secure employment opportunities for persons with disabilities, and also serves as the Treasurer of the Board of Directors of Social Current, a national organization which seeks to activate the power of the social sector by bringing together a dynamic network of human service organizations and partners. In 2021, Reuben was included among the listing of the international listing of the 100 People Positively Influencing Jewish Life, as published by the Algemeiner Publication. Reuben earned a double Master of Arts from Brandeis University; in the Management of Human Services from the Heller School for Social Policy and Management and in Jewish Communal Service from the Hornstein Program for Jewish Professional Leadership. Reuben also earned his Bachelor of Arts in Near Eastern and Judaic Studies and in Sociology also from Brandeis University.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Alex Neist is the visionary founder and CEO of Hostage Tape, the #1 selling, original mouth tape that has revolutionized the market and drastically changed how millions sleep. The company has inspired over 200,000 customers worldwide and formed high-profile partnerships with the UFC and Joe Rogan's podcast, emphasizing the importance of quality sleep. Before his entrepreneurial success with Hostage Tape, Alex was an Arena Football League quarterback. He later enjoyed a prosperous career in sports technology, building a seven-figure software business that provided video analysis tools for coaches and teams, which was eventually acquired. However, personal challenges, including chronic snoring that led to marital strife and divorce, prompted a significant life transformation. The turning point in Alex's life came when he discovered the concept of mouth taping through James Nestor's best-selling book, Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art. This simple yet effective technique not only improved his sleep but also profoundly impacted his physical health and mental well-being. He lost 25 pounds, regained his energy, and reconciled with his family. Fueled by his personal transformation, Alex founded Hostage Tape in 2022 to provide others with the same life-changing benefits he experienced. The company's rapid growth and success reflect Alex’s commitment to promoting nasal breathing and improving sleep quality. Alex’s journey is a testament to personal resilience and the power of change. After reconnecting with his ex-wife, the couple has since gotten back together, and Alex now enjoys a fulfilling family life, sharing the benefits of mouth taping with his loved ones. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cabby Lolmaugh was appointed President, Chief Executive Officer in January 2019. After serving four year years in the U.S. Marine Corps., Mr. Lolmaugh joined our company in 2001, working in the warehouse of our Roseville, Minnesota store. From that time through 2014, he served in various roles at several locations, including Store Manager in Roseville, one of the company’s largest and most successful stores. In 2014, Mr. Lolmaugh was asked to lead the company’s pro customer strategy. Under his leadership, the company developed various programs focused on training, product assortment, merchandising and marketing to increase the level of service to the pro customer. In 2016, he became our organization’s first Director of Talent Development, and was responsible for creating and implementing a comprehensive new sales associate and store manager training program throughout the Company. This work included launching new training, development and compensation programs for new sales associates and senior assistant store managers, which became the foundation of our talent development strategy. In 2017, Mr. Lolmaugh was promoted to Vice President of Retail Stores West; responsible for the leadership and management of approximately half of our stores. In February 2018, he was promoted to Senior Vice President, Chief Operating Officer.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a world where innovation often outpaces empathy, Brandon Sawalich stands out as a rare leader who blends both with purpose. As the President and CEO of Starkey, one of the world’s leading hearing technology companies, Brandon has spent over 31 years transforming not just a business—but an entire industry 1.   From his first job in hearing healthcare at age 19, Brandon discovered a calling, not just a career. His journey is one of grit, vision, and a deep belief in the power of people. Under his leadership, Starkey has championed cutting-edge hearing solutions while staying rooted in human connection. He’s a vocal advocate for purpose-driven leadership, healthcare innovation, and policy reform that puts people first. Tune in to this podcast and learn how Starkey has evolved and the impact that they have on our community.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Michael McDermott, founder and former CEO of Kona Grill, is a seasoned restaurant industry leader with a track record of creating and growing successful concepts. His portfolio includes the development of Tavern23, Rojo Mexican Grill, and Sushi on Shea. With extensive experience and a passion for innovation, Michael is now leading Chi-Chi’s into its next chapter. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Carlos M. Llanes Jr. is the founder and CEO of Spartan Carrier Group, one of the most dynamic and fastest-growing logistics companies in North America. A U.S. Army combat veteran, accomplished executive, and man of deep Christian faith, Llanes has built Spartan into a powerhouse—closing in on $75 million in annual revenue in under three years, all without venture capital or outside investment. Recognized as one of the Top 500 Largest Hispanic-Owned and Veteran-Owned Businesses in the United States, Llanes’ company has earned national attention for its rapid growth, operational excellence, and unwavering values. Spartan Carrier Group operates over 650+ assets across 12 locations in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada, providing asset-based transportation, 3PL solutions, cross-border logistics, warehousing, and freight management. Llanes’ leadership is shaped by four combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan with the 101st Airborne Division, and by a steadfast belief that his success is a direct result of his Christian faith. Guided by biblical principles of service, integrity, and stewardship, Carlos leads a mission-driven organization that prioritizes people over profit and purpose over prestige. Spartan Carrier Group has earned the trust of major clients such as Toyota Motor North America, Foot Locker, Highland Dairy, and leading Tier-1 automotive suppliers. The company boasts a 98% on-time delivery rate and is at the forefront of nearshoring efforts, supporting over 24 million square feet of warehousing and cross-docking space through key alliances across the U.S.–Mexico border. More than a logistics company, Spartan is a movement—one powered by faith, forged in discipline, and focused on revolutionizing the supply chain industry. As Llanes continues to scale his operations and influence, he stands as a rising star in logistics, a bold entrepreneur, and a living testament to the power of purpose-driven leadership.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kent Roers, co-founder of Roers Companies, has 25 years of experience in real estate and finance. Since its founding in 2012, Roers Companies has become a leading developer in the Twin Cities, recognized for its significant contributions to the local real estate market. The company has achieved remarkable growth, being named the top developer in the region. Roers Companies is known for its strong workplace culture, innovative development strategies, and commitment to quality housing. It's a company worth paying attention to due to its consistent success and positive impact on the community.  Download this podcast to learn more about real estate in the Twin Cities and how Roers is helping improve our community! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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