Steve Keihner founded and sold a nationwide courier business, but after the sale, found himself searching for more. This led him to transform a small roadside furniture stand into Terra Outdoor Living, a $53M leader in outdoor design with 13 retail locations and its signature VENTANA line. By introducing incentive programs, prioritizing a people first approach, and bringing in top talent, Steve crafted a culture of accountability where creativity flourishes. Despite tariffs, he scaled commercial sales while maintaining 20% margins. In 2023, he appointed a new president and shifted into a mentorship role.

As CEO of Immanuel, a senior living and healthcare facility, Eric Gurley led a bold pivot that redefined the organization’s future. By divesting from hospital ownership, he re-centered Immanuel on its mission, expanding from seven to 18 communities, adding three PACE centers and growing staff from 600 to 1,700. He also created two foundations that now steward more than $100M in assets, providing millions in grants, scholarships and resident assistance. Eric’s servant leadership philosophy, “It’s not about me; it’s about raising others,” shaped a culture where compassion, equity and humility endure. Now preparing for retirement after 15 years at the helm, Eric mentors future leaders, equips the board for long-term success and ensures that seniors of all incomes can age with dignity.

After losing her job in 1991, Mercy seized the opportunity to turn her business idea into a reality. Driven by a mission to provide the best experts to uncover the truth and improve people’s lives, Mercy founded ForensisGroup, an expert consulting firm, from her Altadena home. It is now a top 100 minority-owned and women-owned business in L.A., serving 30,000 cases and 20,000 clients. Through her Force for Good™ she has planted 7,000+ trees all over the world, served 2,000+ meals and awarded 100+ scholarships in the Philippines, creating a ripple effect of positive change.

When Heatron emerged from bankruptcy in the early 1980s, H.B. Turner joined as sales manager, later buying the company with his partner as an ESOP. Over 34 years, they built the business into a respected manufacturer of heating elements and electronic assemblies. H.B. expanded into new markets, acquiring ECA Manufacturing in 2000 and Peachtree Lighting in 2012. That same year, he co-founded EC Manufacturing, a contract manufacturer for RJ Reynolds. At its peak, the company employed 1,500 people, operated 24/7 in a 150,000 sq. ft. facility with 30 robotic lines and produced 700M circuit boards.

Bob Herbst’s journey from founding the CPA firm, Fisher, Herbst & Kemble (FHK), to a successful transition into Whitley Penn in November 2023 exemplifies his entrepreneurial spirit. As a prominent public accounting firm in San Antonio, Whitley Penn provides audit, tax, consulting and digital services to a variety of industries. Now with more than 850 employees, the firm has become one of the largest practices in Texas, providing top-tier service to clients across the state and beyond.

Brett Levin began his career fresh out of college as a Service Technician, quickly rising through roles in Sales Admin and Account Management before becoming Sales Manager at MHS Lift, Inc.— his family’s second-generation business. In 2012, Brett and his brother purchased the company from their father and grew it from $36M to $165M, expanding its reach to all 50 states and over 2,250 customers. In 2022, Brett launched an ESOP, fostering a culture of ownership and accountability while honoring their legacy.

Steven Green's journey from mechanical engineer to CEO of Piñon Midstream, a company specializing in the gathering and treating of sour gas in the Delaware Basin, is a testament to his unwavering commitment and strategic acumen. Starting in the field, Steven honed his skills in operations and engineering, eventually leading a team of 240. In 2020, he took a bold leap, resigning from his SVP role at a midstream group to focus on Piñon Midstream, a venture that culminated in a $950 million sale in less than five years.

What began in 1995 as a financial consulting firm with just seven employees has expanded into a $6 billion asset management leader, with Michael Blehar steering its success. As a founding partner of Fort Pitt Capital Group, Michael consistently puts the pedal to the metal, selling 50% of the company and merging with a private equity group in 2015. In 2024, his strategic foresight led to a merger with Kovitz Investment Group, expanding their reach to $33 billion in combined assets. Under his leadership, Fort Pitt maintains a 46% profit margin and serves 3,500 clients with 81 employees.

After beginning his career in software sales, Mark Lewis discovered his passion for leadership when he had the opportunity to become a service manager. “It felt like hand in glove when I started leading people, I felt like I was doing what I was supposed to be doing in life,” Mark recalls. This led to him founding Advanced Business Solutions, a company that installs and maintains computers for businesses. Having instilled the “ABS” way, Mark created a values-driven culture that has resulted in a 90% client retention rate and a 99% client satisfaction score.

When it comes to overcoming down markets, the “Gasket Doctor” Mark Pahios knows the cure, leading United Gasket Corporation to grow consistently year over year, quadrupling revenue and net profit. Starting as an engineer at an automotive parts manufacturer, he eventually transitioned to sales before acquiring United Gasket. Now with over 40 years experience, he’s grown the company from one to six locations and 17 to over 150 employees. In December 2024, Mark sold the business to a private equity firm, achieving a seamless integration while retaining his entire staff. By aligning their weekly core value reviews with the new company’s EOS, he ensured a harmonious cultural blend.

After years in academia and serving as assistant hockey coach for RIT’s first national championship team, Mark Davitt made the leap to launch ConServe, an accounts receivable management firm. Focused on building a strong foundation, he grew the company to over 860 employees and $130M in revenue. “Our goal was simply to be the best,” he shares. As a leader, Mark made celebrating milestones and events a team priority, including 15 years running on the Rochester Top 100 companies. He also encouraged giving back through their “Jeans for Charity” program and their ConServe Matching Gift program.

Starting as a young entrepreneur on a Nebraska farm, Dusty sold chickens door-to-door from 4th grade through high school, igniting a passion that led to a career as a turnaround CEO. His turnarounds varied from an international media company, to a private college, a national leadership convention and CDF Capital, a $650 million investment and lending organization. Each role was marked by culture transformation and strong financial performance. His unique focus was on organizations at the intersection of faith and commerce.

Starting as a high school music teacher, Mike decided to march to the beat of his own drum as he transitioned into the business world. After helping grow two businesses, he founded his construction technologies enterprise in 2014. Within 10 years, Mike grew the 45-employee company from $8M to $32M in revenue with a 12% EBITDA. His commitment to his team’s success is evident in his management incentive program and the $1M he shared from his exit proceeds with four key executives. Mike’s journey to exit was a personal one, as he lost loved ones and battled cancer, reminding him that there is more to life than business.

For 85 years, Stansell Electric Company has operated with honesty, integrity and true pride in their work. Starting with a computer summer job in Nashville, David's passion for problem-solving led him to co-found a consulting company. After it was sold to a subsidiary of Volkswagen, he left to join the family business, which had 70 employees and under $10M in revenue. Under his leadership, Stansell Electric has grown tenfold, now employing 300+ people and focusing on high-tech infrastructure projects. David has prioritized professionalism, defining processes and creating a “culture compass” to articulate their values and purpose.

“Helping people help people” isn’t just Alimed’s motto — it’s the force behind its purpose and progress. When Adam joined in 2019, he walked into a whirlwind of challenges: two failed administrations, the founder stepping back due to illness and COVID-19. Recognizing the need to pivot, he led a multi-year, multi-million dollar overhaul of systems and invested in upgrading resources across the organization. In 2024, Adam and his family office ownership led Alimed through a process to fund future growth with a capital partner aligned with the company’s values. The transaction, completed in Q3 2025, positions Alimed to expand its offerings and scale within five years.

In the community of Opportunity, Washington, Gary Gessel developed a strong work ethic growing up on his family’s small farm. While studying at BYU, he took time off and honed his leadership skills during his two-year mission in New Zealand. Gary joined Milgard Windows and Doors in 1992 as CFO, with his role expanding steadily until he became President. In 2008, faced with an 80% drop in new home construction, Gary pivoted Milgard’s focus from 70% new home construction to 70% replacement and remodel, stabilizing the business during the recession.

With a heart as big as Alaska, Floyd Shilanski built his legacy by uplifting others — whether hiring military spouses when others wouldn’t, mentoring the next generation or helping clients live their “bucket list” dreams. In 1980, he launched Shilanski & Associates, now one of Alaska’s longest-standing independent RIAs. Beginning as a six person office, it’s now grown into a global team of nearly 30, serving families worldwide. While Floyd led revenue growth from $0 to $6.8 million and expanded assets from $200M to $583M, his proudest accomplishment was passing the reins to his children and advisors, who’ve since achieved nearly 800% growth.

At just 25, Tony Rickards stepped into leadership at Archer Mechanical & Maintenance after his father’s passing, determined to honor his legacy. Since then, he’s grown the $4M entity into a $111M market leader in mechanical contracting. Tony’s leadership has built a trusted workforce and reputation as the go-to resource for high-profile projects, including constructing the Astra Tower, Utah’s tallest building. At his core, Tony is passionate about “building people in partnerships to build extraordinary buildings,” a philosophy that has guided his team’s growth and culture.

With a passion for creating spaces that inspire and strengthen communities, Joel Blackstock founded his firm 30 years ago, envisioning a culture of opportunity that would last in perpetuity. Since then, he’s grown revenue from $2M to nearly $25M, expanded across 20 states, and secured his company’s place as the largest architecture firm in Birmingham and among the top two in Alabama. Over 10-15 years, Joel gradually sold stock to younger partners to transition ownership slowly. This allowed him to mentor future leaders and establish a formal leadership transition.

What started as a college job selling pest control door-to-door has since blossomed into a thriving career for Jeff Davenport, who grew Official Pest Prevention into a multi-million dollar success. Jeff founded the company when he was 28-years-old alongside his brother, expanding it to 170 employees and $20M in revenue over 21 years. With Jeff’s marketing acumen and his brother’s financial expertise, they propelled the company to new heights. Their shift from door-to-door to online sales led to explosive growth, adding 11,000 new customers in 2021.

Founded by his father-in-law, Gene Earhart was one of three sons-in-law who purchased and managed Wellington Security, a small electronic security firm specializing in fire and burglary alarm systems. After his brother-in-law’s unexpected passing in 2007, Gene stepped up to keep the $1.5M entity afloat. A year later, the economic crisis led to the loss of their biggest client, slashing revenue by 50%. Against the odds, Gene transformed the company by implementing EOS and focusing on a recurring revenue model, ultimately scaling it to $8M with 10% year-over-year growth.

With a keen eye for analytics and a heart for culture, Peter Heald transformed Signature Analytics into San Diego’s leading outsourced accounting provider. In November 2024, the firm joined Citrin Cooperman Advisors LLC, a Top 20 national professional services firm. Because Signature Analytics was prepared, due diligence was wrapped up in just 60 days, ensuring a smooth transition for clients and the team. The move expanded Citrin Cooperman’s Southern California presence and added 65 professionals, strengthening outsourced accounting and advisory services.