Caleb Spitler

Caleb Spitler helps organizations solve one of their most expensive problems: disconnection. As a nationally sought after keynote speaker and communication coach, he has worked with leaders from the NFL, Amazon, Disney, Google, and Uber to improve how they connect in high stakes moments. When teams connect first, they perform better, communicate clearly, and stay longer.

Caleb is the founder of BecomeAGreatSpeaker.com, where he equips leaders, coaches, and consultants to craft messages that move people and drive results. Through his Connect First Principle and PAID method, he gives teams a simple framework that leads to measurable outcomes. His talks help reduce employee turnover, improve collaboration, boost manager effectiveness, and increase the impact of every customer and team interaction. Audiences walk away equipped, energized, and ready to lead with clarity and confidence.

Whether at TEDx, corporate retreats, or national conferences, Caleb delivers one of the most talked about sessions on the agenda. He combines proven strategy with humor, heart, and stories that stick, leaving teams better connected and ready to perform at their best.

Cory Hepola

Cory Hepola is a 3-time Emmy-Award Winning Documentarian & TV Anchor. Growing up in small town Perham, Minnesota, Cory is the Director, Writer, and Host of the popular documentary series – “My Town” – which serves to break down the negative stereotypes associated with the rural lifestyle showing the opportunity, innovation, and connectedness in our small towns & businesses. It’s all part of the purpose-driven work at The Brookshire Company where Cory helps companies succeed and communities thrive through Site Selection, Brokerage, and Storytelling.

Before Brookshire, Cory won an Emmy-Award as the creator and host of the docuseries “Rural By Choice,” had a successful broadcast journalism career earning two more Emmy’s for “Outstanding TV Anchor” at KARE 11 in Minneapolis, and was named “100 People To Know” by Twin Cities Business Magazine as the Host of his own daily show on iconic WCCO Radio. In 2022, Cory was honored by his alma mater – Concordia College – with the “Sent Forth Award” which is presented “to a young alumni who has made an impact early in their career, emphasizing service to others and demonstrating a strong vocational commitment.”

In his speech, Cory inspires communities and companies to understand the power of storytelling, detailing the outside challenges and offering positive solutions.

Drew Moldenhauer

Drew Moldenhauer is the visionary behind Blue Ethos Specialized Training, where he serves as the Owner and Master Instructor. With a strong focus on empowering individuals and organizations, Drew offers comprehensive training that goes beyond technical skills, highlighting the critical importance of situational awareness and community engagement. His extensive background in public safety leadership, coupled with years of practical experience, makes him a sought-after expert in the field of active threat preparedness and high-stakes teamwork.

Drew holds a Master’s Degree of Science in Public Safety Executive Leadership from St. Cloud State University and is an experienced educator, having served as an Adjunct Professor at multiple respected institutions. He recently completed a year of full-time teaching at Bemidji State University, where he further refined his teaching techniques and curriculum development skills. As a published author, Drew co-authored the book How Smart Police Officers Use Situational Awareness to Improve Safety with Dr. Richard Gasaway, providing valuable insights on improving safety through situational awareness. His thought leadership extends to major platforms like Police1 and Officer.com, where his articles reach a broad audience.

As a respected international speaker, Drew has delivered impactful presentations at numerous high-profile conferences, offering expert guidance on topics like de-escalation, active threat preparedness, and situational awareness. Known for blending practical experience with academic rigor, Drew engages audiences through interactive discussions and real-world examples, ensuring that professionals at all levels leave with actionable strategies. His presentations are not only informative but also resonate deeply, empowering teams to be more prepared, aware, and effective in their roles

Desiree Petrich

Michelle Young

As an educator, television personality, speaker, and activist, Michelle Young inspires many. Her persona exudes charisma and positivity, and her message is strong and passionate.

After receiving her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Bradley University in 2015, Michelle began her career. As a 5th-grade teacher, she delivered engaging educational content and also spread her message of self-love and acceptance to the young minds she was molding.

Prior to teaching, Michelle’s success was measured in the classroom and on the court. She showed her prowess in balancing the demands of her studies while making a name for herself as a Division I basketball player.

In 2021, Michelle charmed audiences of The Bachelor and became a nationwide sensation reaching the runner-up spot during season 25. She returned to captivate viewers as the star of season 18 of The Bachelorette.

Each of these endeavors have built the foundation for her influence as a brand ambassador, nonprofit supporter, and public speaker. Michelle is linked with companies like Lancôme and Coca Cola and also advocates for nonprofits such as The Fashion Foundation and Be The Match. Michelle strives to use her expertise in the field of education and her love of health, wellness, and fashion to reach a wide variety of audiences, helping them realize their full potential.

Through empathy and experience, Michelle speaks on mental health, overcoming anxiety, identity, and practicing self-love. She is also a passionate advocate for children and youth, striving to be a positive influence.

Through her triumphs and struggles, Michelle has the knowledge and experience combined with the positivity and strength to empower others through the message she is eager to share.

Invite me to create an engaging and relatable experience with your audience! I am available for keynote speaking engagements, guest appearances, hosting, and more.

Jason Hunt

Jason A Hunt is an engaging keynote speaker, leadership trainer, and author known for helping individuals and organizations unlock the power of people-centric influence. With over two decades of experience across diverse industries — from manufacturing and senior care, to finance and public service — Jason provides practical insights on influence, leadership, and self-development that drive real results.

The president of the National Speakers Association of Minnesota and a Certified Speaking Professional (CSP – a distinction that only 17% of professional speakers worldwide hold), Jason’s dynamic presentations blend humor, actionable strategies, and relatable stories. His signature principles of Care, Connection, Collaboration, and Courage empower leaders at all levels to create strong cultures, communicate effectively, and achieve meaningful outcomes.

Jason’s first major leadership role was to run a branch of 100 church members in outer Siberia when he was only 19. He later took on the position of principal of a large middle school, where he failed miserably. Through the school of hard knocks, he learned that leadership has little to do with title and a lot to do with influence – your ability to get people to think or act differently. He left education to help others understand how to develop influence with people. He is now the founder and CEO of Eye Squared Leadership and he has had the pleasure of influencing over 30,000 people in organizations large and small. Jason has worked with Fortune 500 companies, government organizations, and small businesses, delivering transformative sessions that resonate long after the event concludes.

Erik Therwanger

Erik is the founder of Think GREAT and the Think GREAT Foundation, which awards scholarships to military spouses. He draws from his experiences as a U.S. Marine, executive business leader, sales professional, and entrepreneur to help organizations achieve new levels of success. He uniquely combines leadership development, sales performance, and strategic planning into strategies and techniques that empower team members and leaders to exceed expectations. Erik has inspired audiences across the country in nearly every industry Think GREAT is a Certified Veteran-Owned Business and Erik is also author of The Think GREAT Collection.

Ben Utecht

Ben Utecht

Experience a commanding corporate presence that inspires, teaches, and coaches on building a world championship organizational culture with Ben Utecht. Standing at 6 foot 7 inches and weighing 260 pounds, Ben is not only an NFL Super Bowl Champion Tight End but also the Chief Culture Officer who received the esteemed “Uncommon Leader Award” from NFL Hall Of Fame coach Tony Dungy for his exceptional leadership performance on and off the field. After retiring from football, Ben embarked on a remarkable career path, becoming a sought-after speaker for Fortune 500 companies, sharing his expertise in building high-performing cultures.

As the Chief Culture Officer for True North Private Equity, overseeing a family of companies spanning multiple industries, Ben brings his passion for people and culture into corporate leadership. Additionally, he is culture and brand ambassador for Realty Group, an owner of Conquer Ninja Gyms, a top US Ninja Fitness/Entertainment Franchise, and the founder of SoleCareRx, and the Culture Operating Strategy. To further enhance his impact on talent acquisition and leadership development, Ben became a partner in Behavioral Essentials, a technology company specializing in customized behavioral assessments and benchmarking.

Ben firmly believes that culture can be designed intentionally rather than left to chance. Empowering companies to define, create, implement, and lead culture strategies that drive bottom-line improvement while inspiring and developing individuals is his primary focus. Ben is working with Wiley Publishing to release his business book “The Champions Creed: Build your Culture on the power of Belief!” The book will release this spring.

Above all, Ben treasures the joy of sharing his life with his wife and four daughters.

Achievements:
2003 Team Captain – University of Minnesota
2003 First Team All Big Ten Tight End
2007 Super Bowl XLI Champion – Indianapolis Colts
2012 Dove Award Nominee
2013 Minnesota Brain Injury Alliance Ambassador Award
2014 Public Leadership in Neurology Award (American Academy of Neurology)
2019 Tony Dungy “Uncommon Leader” Award Winner

Amy Hockert

Amy Hockert

Amy Hockert is a television news anchor in the Twin Cities. She’s spent nearly 20 years as a news anchor, reporter and Senior VP with news organizations such as KARE-11, BringMeTheNews.com, and FOX9.

Amy’s personal and professional journeys are incredibly rich and diverse.

She’s spent several years volunteering at orphanages in China and helping those living in poverty in Ecuador. She is passionate about philanthropy, whether it’s overseas or in her own backyard.

Amy also knows how to re-define success when life doesn’t go according to plan. At the height of her television news career, Amy’s priorities shifted. She got married and started a family. By thinking outside the box, she successfully re-shaped various, smaller roles around her primary role as a mother of young children.

Three years ago, Amy re-entered the workforce full-time. She became Senior VP of a digital news organization where she managed the delivery/distribution of news content and assembled and oversaw the news team. And even more recently, Amy’s professional journey came full circle when she joined FOX9 as an anchor and special projects reporter.

Petra Marquart

Petra Marquart is an inspirational speaker who has received rave reviews at conventions and conferences around the globe. She is currently principal in the global speaking and training firm, Petra Marquart and Associates and president of See ME, Inc., which provides customer-service training for long-term care communities. She is listed in Who’s Who of American Women and the author of the best-seller, The Power of Service: Keeping Customers for Life.

Petra has written customer-service training programs for Mall of America, US Bank, Fairview Health Services, Honeywell Space Systems, Minnesota Department of Administration, US Department of Veteran Affairs, US Department of Homeland Security, The MENTOR Network, Senior Linkage Line, and the Wisconsin Department of Child Protective Services.

Whether speaking on customer service, leadership, personal power, or performance, Petra’s skilled stage presence comes, in part, from her experience working as a performer in Las Vegas with such stars as Elvis Presley, Tina Turner,and some of the most recognized names in the world.