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Jon Tock

Professional Consultant Dedicated to Making Technology Frictionless for your Organization

Five years in Vistage Worldwide, Inc. Hard to believe it’s already been half a decade of monthly meetings, tough questions, real accountability, and friendships that have sharpened me both personally and professionally. Vistage has been one of the most impactful investments I’ve made as a leader. It’s a room where you can’t hide, can’t posture, and can’t stay comfortable. You’re challenged to think bigger, lead better, and own your blind spots. For the past four years, I had the privilege of being led by Allen Hauge. Allen, thank you for the steady leadership, the wisdom, and the way you pushed our group to operate at a higher level. You created a space where honesty and growth weren’t optional, they were expected. This year marked a transition, and I’m grateful to now be under the leadership of Dennis Hummel. Dennis, thank you for allowing me into your amazing group and already bringing fresh perspective, energy, and insight to the group. I’m looking forward to what’s ahead and the next level of growth in this group. Five years in, and I can confidently say: growth doesn’t happen by accident. It happens in rooms like this. Grateful for the journey and excited for what’s next!

Carlos Vela Canul

CEO & Co-Founder DaCodes | Coding the world of tomorrow. We are hiring!

One year ago, I joined Vistage Worldwide, Inc. and it’s been one of the best decisions I’ve made. Yesterday marked my first anniversary as a member, and I was honored to receive a small award from my chair (Jim Cooney) along with kind words from my peers. It was a simple gesture, but it meant a lot. Vistage has been more than just a business network for me, it’s been a space of learning, challenge, and support. Over the past year, this group has helped me rethink and sharpen some of the most critical areas in my journey as a founder: - US sales strategy - Talent management - Leadership and decision-making - Personal balance and focus To my chair, thank you for your guidance. To my fellow members, thank you for your wisdom, honesty, and support. Gretchen Watson James Morley Jason Bolin Mark Veltri Marty Schmitt, CCM Nellie Chappell-White Nick Wolk Steve McGough Dimitri Ang James Clark Jeff Johnson

Jordon Allard

Jordon Allard

CEO, Founder, and Owner of ASPIRE Therapy and Wellness - The Premier Therapy Partner for Colorado Senior Living Communities

Joining Vistage has been an incredibly valuable experience for me, both personally and professionally. Being part of a peer advisory group has given me the unique opportunity to draw from the knowledge and experiences of leaders across various industries. The guidance and solidarity I’ve found through these connections have been instrumental in shaping my approach to leadership. I’m especially grateful for my executive coach, Todd Lancaster, whose advice has been truly invaluable. His insights have helped me navigate complex situations to continually improve the culture and organization. The resources Vistage Worldwide, Inc. offers—like the Executive Summit in these photos—are remarkable. Whether it's business culture, economics, finances, work-life balance, or technology, the summit covers every aspect imaginable, providing a comprehensive view of what it takes to lead effectively. Since joining, my personal growth has been substantial. It's crucial to lead with humility, and to understand that leadership is a continuous journey. I won’t always get it right, but every day I strive to be better for my team and my organization. That to me is what I love so much about leadership: there will always be room for growth. 🙌 #Leadership #PersonalGrowth #Vistage #HumbleLeadership #ExecutiveCoach #PeerAdvisory #CultureMatters

Jack Burke

Jack Burke

CEO & Chief Visionary Officer | CMO | Creative Director | Brand Storyteller | Entrepreneur | IP Developer | Philanthropist | Videographer | Graphic Design Artist | Marketing Strategist | Illustrator | 3D Animator

Ten years ago, I walked into my first Vistage Worldwide, Inc. meeting thinking I had to be the smartest person in the room. After all, that’s what leadership is, right? I was wrong. And that’s exactly why I’ve stayed. Back then, I was juggling a thousand things just like most CEOs. Running a business, putting out fires, making hard decisions in a vacuum. What I didn’t realize was that leadership isn’t about having all the answers, it’s about surrounding yourself with people who challenge you to ask better questions. In that first Vistage meeting, I sat across from a room full of people who weren’t there to impress anyone. They were there to grow, to share and honestly, listen deeply, and hold each other accountable. It was humbling. It was energizing. And it was exactly what I needed. Over the past 10 years, Vistage has become more than just a leadership group for me - It's become a sounding board, a mirror, a catalyst for every major decision I’ve made. We’ve celebrated wins together. We’ve dissected failures with brutal honesty. We’ve been through economic cycles, personal milestones, and even pandemics. And through it all, we’ve pushed each other to think bigger and lead better. If you’re a CEO, founder, or executive and you’re feeling the weight of always having to “know." You don’t have to carry it alone. Find your group . Ask better questions. Grow with people who will never let you get too comfortable. I’m grateful for a decade of that kind of growth and continued mentorship from David Zerfoss and Barbara Zerfoss. Here’s to the next ten!

CW

Courtney Wright

Serial Entrepreneur | CEO | Best-Selling Author | Keynote Speaker | Women’s Leadership & Business Growth Expert

Joining Vistage was one of the best decisions of my career. Walking into a room full of CEOs who challenged me, held me accountable, and called me out changed how I lead and think. It’s not about feeling comfortable, it’s about growth…even when it’s uncomfortable. If you’re the smartest person in your circle, you’re in the wrong circle. Vistage reminded me that real growth happens when you surround yourself with people who push you to be better. Find your room, the place that stretches you and keeps you honest. Because if you want to get ahead, you have to step into a group that raises the bar every time. ( this is my graduation picture-each member was asked to bring a shoe that reminded them of me-some GOOOOD stories....They all had me at their comments.....) Some day I WILL have that Shoe career! Lady Boss - Courtney Wright Vistage Worldwide, Inc.

Gary C. Cooper

Gary C. Cooper

Chairman of Palmetto Infusion | CEO & Founder of The Carolus Company | Investing in human and business potential

I used to think leadership meant having all the answers. I was wrong. I found out the reality when a room full of CEOs and executive coaches held up a mirror to my blind spots. For years, I was a “doer” and a workaholic. When you’re used to rolling up your sleeves and solving problems yourself, learning to step back and guide instead of executing is a whole new muscle. Letting go is never easy. That’s where Vistage Worldwide, Inc. made a difference. My group became more than peers. They became like brothers and sisters. They know me well enough to call out my blind spots, challenge my thinking, and remind me that I don’t have to face leadership struggles alone. Dave Pardus, Rick Siedman, Jane Chesnutt, Sarah Castle, Beth Robertson, PMP, Luke Blessinger, Rick Self, and Dan Mucci have been instrumental in shaping who I am today. What I’ve learned is this: leadership doesn’t grow in isolation. It grows in trusted circles, where people have no agenda except to see you become the best version of yourself. If you’re a business leader, I can’t recommend strongly enough finding a peer group that will both support you and hold you accountable. It’s not just about growing your business; it might just change your life.

Scott Berger

Scott Berger

COO - Triton Global Services, Inc. | Integrator | Scaling Operations | Executive Management | Strategy

I’m proud to share that I’ve just received my 1 Year Member Award from Vistage Worldwide, Inc., and I’d like to take a moment to share my appreciation on how this has impacted me personally and professionally. For those unfamiliar, Vistage is the world’s largest executive coaching and peer advisory organization for emerging businesses and their leaders. Through a blend of confidential peer group meetings, executive coaching, expert speaker workshops, and a global network, Vistage helps executives challenge their thinking, make better decisions, and grow as leaders. Over the last year, I’ve been both pushed and inspired by a room full of exceptional leaders who never let me settle for surface level thinking. Their unfiltered, honest feedback has helped me evolve as COO of Triton Global Services by challenging assumptions, sharpening strategy, and strengthening our company's ability to scale with purpose. Thank You to: Triton Global Services, Inc. and our CEO, Greg Keef for the opportunity to participate in this transformative experience and for prioritizing leadership development at the highest levels. Our Vistage Chair, John Kidwell for your wisdom, accountability, and for consistently curating impactful speakers who bring fresh perspectives to each session. My fellow Vistage members whom I thank for the trust, candor, and conviction you bring into the room. You’ve helped me become a more grounded, strategic, and courageous leader. Professional development isn’t just something I value for myself, it’s a cornerstone of how we grow Triton. I believe the best way to scale a business is to scale its people. Triton is actively working to identify programs for more of our team to engage in similar leadership development opportunities. Investing in our people is one of the most impactful ways we invest in our future.

Gary C. Cooper

Gary C. Cooper

Chairman of Palmetto Infusion | CEO & Founder of The Carolus Company | Investing in human and business potential

If it wasn't for my peer group at Vistage Worldwide, Inc., I'm not sure where I would be in both my business and personal life! As business owners, we gain something invaluable by connecting with like-minded entrepreneurs: understanding that we face the same challenges. Our peers see our blind spots with fresh eyes while sharing common stresses and fears. We all fear losing control. There are so many struggles in owning a business and delegating to others – the fear of not being useful, important, "busy," or taking on a new role in the business. These are challenges fellow owners immediately recognize and understand. Finding these peer relationships has been a game-changer for me. They've helped me become self-aware in ways I never could have achieved alone. Our Vistage peer group has become much more than “business help” for many of us. We are each other’s moral support. Much like extended family, we walk through life together, the good times and the bad. I highly recommend connecting with other entrepreneurs who understand your unique challenges. These personal connections aren't just good for your business - they might help save your sanity. Thanks for the photo - Ken Golde!

Curtis Bakle

Curtis Bakle

President & Fractional CEO | Ezraterra and Palmetto Premier Consulting | Business, Leadership, and Operations Consultant | Transforming Corporations’ Growth with the Operational Excellence Agility™ Framework

A few years ago, I felt something was missing in my leadership journey—a deeper connection and broader perspective. This year, I discovered Vistage Worldwide, Inc., and it was a turning point for both my career and personal development. From the first meeting, I joined a diverse community of leaders with unique insights and experiences. The sense of camaraderie was immediate and the alignment felt like this was right where I needed to be. I quickly gained valuable perspectives from accomplished business leaders and CEOs from different industries. Vistage became a safe space to share fears and receive honest feedback. With support from my peers, I found clarity and confidence in my decisions. Vistage pushed me to become more self-aware, resilient, and adaptable. One standout moment was navigating a major strategic pivot with the group’s support, which inspired confidence and optimism, and overall positive business results. If you’re an established CEO or executive seeking deeper connections and transformative growth, I'd love to share my experience with Vistage. If this feels right to you - send me a DM.

Brian L. Davis, Ph.D

Brian L. Davis, Ph.D

Vistage Best Practice Chair, Midwest Region | Executive Coach

What’s the value of Vistage? Just ask Jim Ginther. "I have been a Vistage member for nearly ten years, through two significant business transformations. When I started, my business was a second-generation family business led by my brothers-in-law and me. Within a couple of years, Vistage helped me transition to a professionally run, fast-growing and highly profitable business. I took many of the concepts and ideas learned from Vistage speakers and peers to dramatically increase the value of my business. Last fall, my Vistage group helped me navigate a rigorous process to sell a majority stake in the business for ten times what it was worth when I started with Vistage." I love to hear how Vistage Worldwide, Inc. has impacted my group members. But even more than that, I love to see the benefits in their lives and businesses. Thanks, Jim, for your commitment to growth and to your Vistage group! #VistageGroup

Ryan Hamilton

Ryan Hamilton

TOTY® Award Winner - Specialty Toy of The Year 2025, HEXEL®. Chief Executive Officer at Plus-Plus USA. Passionate about Play!

Having just completed my first full year as a member of Vistage Worldwide, Inc. I want to take a minute and share the value it's brought to me. Every month, I have the privilege of sitting with a group of thoughtful business owners and executives from my region who all have a growth mindset and an abundance mentality. Each one of us is leading an organization, but in many different fields - commercial HVAC, finance, cabinetry, hospitality, automotive, and more - and it's incredible how much value this group delivers, month after month. Each meeting, we help each other process issues we're facing in our businesses, and we hear from inspiring speakers on a wide range of topics. Last month we heard from David Robinson, who shared from his military aviation service and inspired us to build high performance teams. I always finish the meeting day full of ideas, inspired to go back to Plus-Plus USA and lead our team forward. Special thanks to Brian Boughner for introducing me to the group and to Will B., our fearless chair. If you want to know more about Vistage, hit me up!

Kimberly Svoboda

Kimberly Svoboda

Founder & CEO | Board Chair | Leadership & High Performance Teams Expert

🎉 Celebrating One Year with My Vistage Group! 🎉 In December we celebrated my first anniversary with an incredible group of leaders and visionaries in the Vistage Worldwide, Inc. community. Reflecting on this past year, I am immensely grateful for the wisdom shared and the relationships built. A special shoutout to Aimee Daniels, our award-winning, exceptional Master Chair, whose guidance has been pivotal in our journey. Your leadership and dedication inspire us daily! I love learning from you and all you bring to our group and my life. Connecting with so many successful business owners and leaders has been a privilege. Every meeting and every conversation adds value to my professional and personal growth. And, of course, it wouldn’t be the same without the smiling Richard Davis and Gustavo Gilchrist in the background! I feel like everyone in the group truly has my back, and I have all of yours. But why did I join a Vistage CE group? I've been a Vistage speaker since 2018 and felt a little like I was on the outside looking in. The groups I worked with across the country had great leaders and powerful relationships with one another. I could see how they genuinely supported each other's success, and I wanted that, too. I sat on the fence for a while, and when I asked Kevin McKeown, Vistage Master Chair, SCOTT SEAGREN, CPCC, ORSCC, PCC, and David Galowich for their thoughts on joining, their encouragement helped me make the right choice. Here’s to many more years of learning, growth, and success together! Aspiration Catalyst® #PowerofVistage #Leadership #BusinessGrowth #AnniversaryCelebration lnkd.in/dfuYjhYz

Rob Flanagan, MA, CFE

Rob Flanagan, MA, CFE

CEO & Cultural Co Founder at Houndstown USA Eggnog Connoisseur and 80's Music Trivia expert

FIVE YEARS!???? Like many new CEOs, I felt incredibly isolated five years ago with a good old case of imposter syndrome. While I had had many years of mentorship and training, having the full responsibility of a company's performance on my shoulders was more daunting than I had anticipated. While at IFA in 2019, I randomly checked LinkedIn and saw a post from Christina Kay Russell, MBA, CFE, that mentioned Vistage Worldwide, Inc. and how it had supported her. In my typical way, I thought, "Well, Christiana is a rock star; I should check out Vistage." And I did. Two weeks later, I joined. Through Vistage, I found an amazing network of people who support both professional and personal growth, are happy to lend a hand, and, perhaps most importantly, say, "You are not alone." I didn't even realize that yesterday was my five-year anniversary as a part of Vistage. I am incredibly proud that I joined and that I covered the expense out of my pocket for the first two years. In my humble opinion, the titles assigned to us are superfluous; what matters is that we lean into our professional roles from a performance perspective and how we make a difference in the world. Those two sides can create tension within ourselves that, at times, is hard to reconcile. Finding mentorship through any channel is a powerful way to find the balance. Thank you Rick Rodgers my vintage chair for close to four years now. Your professional and personal support has been the bedrock of my journey. There is no higher praise than "You changed my life," and you have. And thank you to Jackie Bondanza and Hounds Town USA for supporting that journey both financially and personally.

Nick Francis

Nick Francis

Strategic audience building for global business | Chief Executive at Casual | Author

🏔 'Here' is the only 'There' 🏔 Just got back from an amazing retreat on Lake Tahoe with my incredible Vistage coaching/mentoring group. We enjoyed a fantastic weekend in the mountains with all the trappings, not to mention the time with of some of the Bay Area's most inspiring and supportive entrepreneurs. I particularly valued the presentation we received from Todd Musselman, who among many other things came - hyperbole aside - about as close to sharing the meaning of life with us as anyone I've heard. It was such a profound and powerful session that most of us in the room were almost speechless after he left. The answer - simple to say, hard to achieve - is presence. Being 'in the moment', whatever we're doing, particularly with loved ones. Understanding that for your family, providing doesn't equal love, presence is love. Appreciating that as much as we strive and fight to get 'there', the only true 'there' is here. Valuable lessons for entrepreneurs everywhere who often use their businesses to fill holes elsewhere in their lives and upbringings. Huge thanks to Todd, • Julie Reinganum, Michael Drewniany, Hazelyn Talatagod and everyone in Vistage Worldwide, Inc. CE 642. #leading #entrepreneurship #lifelessons

Jim Ristuccia

Jim Ristuccia

Connecting CEO's to Build Power Peer Groups | Vistage Chair | Executive Coach and Mentor | Strategic Compassionate Leader

Best day of the month is Vistage day. So pleased to share Vistage Master Chair Bob Dabic with my Vistage Worldwide, Inc.group. We spent a morning diving into learning to be intentionally connected leaders. We learned about circles of controls, self-limiting beliefs, 4 fatal fears, how to LUV (Listen, Understand, and Validate), the P.I.N.G question, using Be-Do-How to change mindset (and results), and how to be carefrontational. All empowering tools to show up as a better, more connected, and more effective leader. Vistage excels with sharing tools for its members and Bob is the master. 👏⭐️ And that wasn't even half the meeting. The rest of the day we learned more about our host Randy Jurgensen and his companies Decorative Stone Solutions, INC. and Wholesale Stone Solutions. Thanks Randy for hosting. 🙏🏻 After lunch we learned how to leverage the Vistage worldwide networks to connect with the other 45,000 world wide members to help make better decisions. Most importantly, we provided insight, perspective, and suggestions around several key decision points that our members need to make; such as selling their company to the right suitor, establishing the right culture going back to the office, and getting the leadership team onboard with scaling the company. All difficult, challenging decisions with no right answer. With Vistage you have an unbiased board of directors to help you through these decisions. What question would you like to ask my board for perspective on? Gareth Evans Jim Woodruff National Powersport Auctions, Mark Laska, Ph.D. Linda Black, DVM, PhD Alicia Guillette Bryant Walker Greg Petree Brian Foran Ray Varela Richard Jacqueline Martinez Richard Phillips Francisco Lopez Anthony Poston Glen Keoghan James Huber John Williams Liesl Bernard #vistage #sasndiegobusiness #ceoleadership #peergroups #peeradvisory

Jim Ristuccia

Jim Ristuccia

Connecting CEO's to Build Power Peer Groups | Vistage Chair | Executive Coach and Mentor | Strategic Compassionate Leader

Best day of the month is Vistage day. So pleased to share Vistage Master Chair Bob Dabic with my Vistage Worldwide, Inc.group. We spent a morning diving into learning to be intentionally connected leaders. We learned about circles of controls, self-limiting beliefs, 4 fatal fears, how to LUV (Listen, Understand, and Validate), the P.I.N.G question, using Be-Do-How to change mindset (and results), and how to be carefrontational. All empowering tools to show up as a better, more connected, and more effective leader. Vistage excels with sharing tools for its members and Bob is the master. 👏⭐️ And that wasn't even half the meeting. The rest of the day we learned more about our host Randy Jurgensen and his companies Decorative Stone Solutions, INC. and Wholesale Stone Solutions. Thanks Randy for hosting. 🙏🏻 After lunch we learned how to leverage the Vistage worldwide networks to connect with the other 45,000 world wide members to help make better decisions. Most importantly, we provided insight, perspective, and suggestions around several key decision points that our members need to make; such as selling their company to the right suitor, establishing the right culture going back to the office, and getting the leadership team onboard with scaling the company. All difficult, challenging decisions with no right answer. With Vistage you have an unbiased board of directors to help you through these decisions. What question would you like to ask my board for perspective on? Gareth Evans Jim Woodruff National Powersport Auctions, Mark Laska, Ph.D. Linda Black, DVM, PhD Alicia Guillette Bryant Walker Greg Petree Brian Foran Ray Varela Richard Jacqueline Martinez Richard Phillips Francisco Lopez Anthony Poston Glen Keoghan James Huber John Williams Liesl Bernard #vistage #sasndiegobusiness #ceoleadership #peergroups #peeradvisory