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About Allied Executives
About Allied Executives
About Allied Executives
Have you been struggling to grow your business? Do you wish you had someone with experience who could help when you have questions? Are you continually implementing new tools and practices only to revert to your old ways? Are you strapped for time because you are too busy working “IN” the business instead of “ON” the business? No matter what type of business you have, the challenges you face as a business owner are more common than you think.
Allied Executives peer groups bring structure, support, and accountability for our members to clearly identify what they want and how to achieve it with candid discussions and practical advice. The time commitment is minimal, and the results can be applied immediately.
What Members Say
I have been a member of an Allied Executives peer group facilitated by Tom Fafinski for roughly 6 years. During that time, my firm has grown from 2 lawy more...
Greg WalshPartner
Walsh & Gaertner, PA
Member since: 2008
I find my membership in Allied Executives to be informative, enjoyable and intellectually stimulating. My Peer Group provides an excellent forum f more...
Scott DongoskePresident
Winthrop & Weinstine, P.A.
Member since: 2009
My Peer Group consists of high level down to earth practical business owners with real time advice. Our Peer Group Director/Facilitator keeps the meetin more...
Karin GessnerPresident & CEO
RADIA
Member since: 2010
Have you been struggling to grow your business? Do you wish you had someone with experience who could help when you have questions? Are you continually implementing new tools and practices only to revert to your old ways? Are you strapped for time because you are too busy working “IN” the business instead of “ON” the business? No matter what type of business you have, the challenges you face as a business owner are more common than you think.
Allied Executives peer groups bring structure, support, and accountability for our members to clearly identify what they want and how to achieve it with candid discussions and practical advice. The time commitment is minimal, and the results can be applied immediately.
Our Team
Our Team
John P. Palen
Founder & CEO
Allied Executivesm: 651-274-2292
e: jppalen@alliedexecutives.com
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While working for a national business consulting firm I watched my clients and friends grow with excitement implementing new tools and practices…only to see them revert to their old ways.
I started Allied Executives in 2000 because everyone needs to be held accountable…even business owners. You need a network of trusted advisors that can help you gain positive momentum and a strategic vision for your company and your life.
I have had over 20+ years of experience with support group facilitation. I owned and operated multiple businesses and participated as a board member for small businesses and non-profits including Chairman of the Board for a non-profit.
What motivates me is to see our members grow personally and professionally. It is my passion to provide a community that you can trust and to work with you to help you and your business reach its full potential.
Our Team
Kurt Theriault
President
Allied Executivesm: 952-484-0166
e: ktheriault@alliedexecutives.com
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I started where you are now, my first experience with Allied Executives was as a member.
My four-year membership allowed me to grow both personally and professionally, positively exit from a successful national sales productivity consulting practice, and pursue a passion for helping others build and grow successful businesses. The support and education I received while in the peer group during this time had a profound effect on me. I knew I wanted to be a part of this solution long-term.
I want to help you shorten the timeframe between plans to results. My background and special expertise reside in design, delivery, and facilitation of sales strategy, sales process implementation, skill development programs, interview and selection protocols, field coaching programs, measurement tools and strategy, and sales and marketing collaboration.
Let your new peer group bring focus on expanding your reach, improve the quality of your offerings and develop additional value-added services to help you grow and tackle your toughest challenges.
Our Team
Judy Schaefer
Chief Operating Officer
Allied Executivesm: 651-249-9816
e: jrschaefer@alliedexecutives.com
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I started working for Allied Executives in 2010. Over the years with Allied Executives I have learned you are NOT alone. We all believe we are unique and individual, but the truth is many people experience what you have or are experiencing right now…the benefit is someone has already found a solution or learned a lesson you don’t need to repeat, saving you time and money.
Surround yourself with successful people who will challenge your thinking, expand your point of view, give you new ideas, and even affirm what you may already be thinking.
My diverse background allows me to work on multiple projects at Allied Executives that are aimed to give you an exceptional membership experience. I enjoy the challenge of meeting and exceeding our member's expectations. If I don’t have the answer for you, I know where to get it.
We only succeed if you do and I want to be a part of your success.
Our Team
Thomas Fafinski
Peer Group Director
Allied Executivesm: 612-865-1700
e: tfafinski@alliedexecutives.com
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I have been facilitating Allied Executives Peer Groups since 2008. I have seen many members like you gain focus and clarity, eliminate uncertainty and achieve life & business breakthroughs. Being a part of Allied Executives both as a facilitator and as a member has been exciting to see the growth in my life and my peer group members lives.
Aside from directing Allied Executives peer groups and coaching Allied Executives members, I am a partner with Virtus Law. I have practiced law for roughly twenty years. I am a business owner and real estate investor. I am a frequent author and speaker. I graduated from the College of St. Thomas, cum laude, and William Mitchell College of Law, again with honors [ranking 13th in my class].
I would like to be a part of your journey to success…how can I help?
Our Team
Tom Vettel
Peer Group Director
Allied Executivesm: 612-616-9928
e: tvettel@alliedexecutives.com
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I bring 36+ years of business experience as an owner, CEO, investor, advisor and board member to my peer group facilitation. You will experience collaboration and creative problem solving within our Allied Executives peer groups. The value of being a part of a peer group most of my career has had a huge impact in my life and so I thoroughly enjoy facilitating a peer group now.
I started my first company at the age of 23 with my father growing the business to the largest cleaning supply wholesaler in the Midwest. After selling, I founded T. Vettel Advisory, LLC and I coach high-potential executives in organizations around the Twin Cities. I have been recognized nationally for my work on business ethics and core values.
I want to be a part of your success story.
Our Team
Michael Vinje
Peer Group Director
Allied Executivesm: 612-963-2230
e: mvinje@alliedexecutives.com
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As an Allied Executives facilitator, I leverage my years of corporate experience along with my success in starting, building, and running my own business. After selling my firm that grew from startup to $33M in revenue, I participate in professional services transactions with CFA Minneapolis as an Investment Banker.
I understand first-hand what company owners and business leaders are thinking about as you contemplate the various decisions made within a business. We like to think we know everything, but the truth is there are times we have questions that we’d like to run by someone with experience. Surround yourself with successful peers that can help you grow and benefit from their expertise and experience in a trusted peer group environment.
It’s an exciting adventure to be a part of a “right-fit” peer group, come see how it can affect your bottom line.
Our Team
Tim Keran
Peer Group Director
Allied Executivesm: 651-387-1785
e: tkeran@alliedexecutives.com
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I have 25+ years of executive management experience and have been on my own personal continuous improvement journey since 1987. Part of my journey has been in various local and national business peer groups for over twenty years. I learned early about the impact being a part of a peer group can have both on my life professionally and personally. I now facilitate peer groups at Allied Executives hoping to participate in your growth and success.
After selling my general commercial printing company, I started Altus Business Advisors which is a business improvement company. I serve business owners and leaders who are interested in improving culture, accountability, and results in their companies.
Attend a meeting and see what I’m talking about, you won’t regret it.
Our Team
Mimi Palen-Clare
Peer Group Director
Allied Executivesm: 612-518-7539
e: mimi@alliedexecutives.com
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With a diverse client base representing virtually all major industries and companies both large and small, I help organizations assess and leverage internal resources to dramatically improve their processes, people, customer and community perceptions, & profitability.
For more than 20-years, I have had the privilege of partnering with CEO's, business owners, and executive teams who (1) want to develop a clear and profitable roadmap for their businesses, (2) understand that their greatest value driver is their people, (3) desire to be good corporate citizens.
As a trusted advisor and coach, I help client companies that are poised for growth to craft robust and executable business plans, facilitate organizational restructures, bolster leadership capabilities, and create transition plans.
As a Peer Group Director, I create an environment where members can:
- tap each other’s talents
- have deep conversations to seek constructive advice, counsel, and feedback
- openly discuss both business and human challenges, improvement opportunities, and solutions that lead to growth and sustainable business success.
Our Team
Kathy Hollenhorst
Peer Group Director
Allied Executivesm: 612-290-9877
o: 612-333-3233
e: khollenhorst@alliedexecutives.com
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I am a corporate marketing executive turn entrepreneur; with 30+ years of business leadership in companies ranging in size from $15M to $5B across various industries. I was fortunate to join my Allied Executives peer group over 6 years ago after joining Creatis as President/CEO and minority owner in 2014. As I expect you know, it’s lonely running a company of any size and my peer group was my safe place to get ideas, solve problems, vent frustrations, get energized and find comfort in knowing that I was not alone.
Following the purchase of Creatis in early 2021 by a national firm, I am thrilled to be returning to business coaching & consulting practice where I strive to help other business leaders Go with Grace during professional and personal transitions to the next new thing. I am especially excited to now have the capacity to be an Allied Executives Peer Group Director which I have been aspiring to do for some time.
Being part of a strong community of business leaders is a must! Won’t you join us?