Climb will feature dynamic, in-person lessons from a great slate of leadership and industry experts. Stay tuned for exciting speaker-related announcements. Climb participants will also be exposed to and challenged by lessons found in the top business and personal development books that every aspiring leader must know and live by.
Participants will be challenged. Climb will be fun and highly interactive. Participants will not be permitted to hide; each will be pushed and engaged.
An emphasis will be placed on action. Therefore, the program will culminate with each participant creating a personal mission statement as it relates to his or her role in the FEI Member company. Climb means taking leadership “to the street” and making a difference.
Wednesday, May 15th
LUNCH ON YOUR OWN
12:00 PM
Arrival and hotel check-in
12:45 PM
Meet in the hotel lobby for shuttles to SRS
1:30 PM – 2:00 PM
Welcome
2:00 PM – 3:15 PM
The Power of Because, Gerry O’Brion
The #1 most loved and impactful concept Gerry O’Brion teaches to CEOs and business owners is “the power of BECAUSE.” This one idea shows companies how to become the #1 choice in crowded industries and drive clarity all the way from the CEO to the front lines.
Gerry O’Brion has helped thousands of businesses become the #1 choice in crowded industries. He is the Founder of What Big Brands Know® and the creator of The Power of BECAUSE framework of influence which shows companies how to stand out in the sea of sameness.
Gerry spent his career as an executive for brands like Procter & Gamble, Coors Light, Quiznos, and Red Robin. He has an MBA from the University of Michigan and a BBA from the University of Wisconsin.
View Gerry's BIO »
Gerry O'Brion
Gerry O’Brion is a marketing keynote speaker and author who translates big brand strategies into knowledge that any business can use to win in the marketplace. Gerry’s presentations drive growth with companies of all sizes from small businesses to billion dollar brands. Gerry built his career growing big brands and distills that experience into creating strategies and real ideas that are actionable immediately.
After earning his MBA at the University of Michigan, he worked with Procter & Gamble on brands such as Crisco, Tide, Mr. Clean, and Spic & Span. Next, at Coors Brewing Company he managed Coors Light, a $2 billion business. He was then VP of Marketing for the $1.5 billion Quiznos restaurant chain. Gerry was most recently VP of Marketing for Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, a $1 billon brand.
3:15 PM – 3:30 PM
BREAK
3:30 PM – 4:30 PM
Goal Setting: Accomplish More in Life & Business.
Gerry O’Brion
View Gerry's BIO »
Gerry O'Brion
Gerry O’Brion is a marketing keynote speaker and author who translates big brand strategies into knowledge that any business can use to win in the marketplace. Gerry’s presentations drive growth with companies of all sizes from small businesses to billion dollar brands. Gerry built his career growing big brands and distills that experience into creating strategies and real ideas that are actionable immediately.
After earning his MBA at the University of Michigan, he worked with Procter & Gamble on brands such as Crisco, Tide, Mr. Clean, and Spic & Span. Next, at Coors Brewing Company he managed Coors Light, a $2 billion business. He was then VP of Marketing for the $1.5 billion Quiznos restaurant chain. Gerry was most recently VP of Marketing for Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, a $1 billon brand.
4:30 PM – 4:45 PM
BREAK
4:45 PM – 6:00 PM
First, Break All the Rules
Max Holland
What do the world’s greatest managers do differently? Using the New York Times #1 Best Seller First, Break All the Rules, we’ll explore the fallacies of standard management thinking and how good managers create and sustain employee satisfaction.
Listed by Time Magazine as one of “The 25 Most Influential Business Management Books,” First, Break all the Rules focuses on how standout managers obtain and keep talented people in their organizations. Some key ideas outlined in the book include what the best managers do and don’t do: they treat every employee as an individual; they don’t try to fix weaknesses, but instead focus on strengths and talent; and they find ways to measure, count, and reward outcomes.
View Max's BIO »
Max Holland
COO, FEI Group and President, Home Solutions
As COO, Max is responsible for leading the organizational operations in accordance with the key strategic initiatives, business plans and membership programs that ensure FEI Group’s organizational goals and objectives are met. In addition, he is responsible for leading the growth and development of FEI Group’s Home Solutions division. Before joining the FEI Group leadership team, Max was most recently Vice President of Sales for Mannington, where he was responsible for the leadership and development of their residential sales organization. He has an extensive background of more than 28 years of sales and sales leadership experience in the pharmaceutical and the commercial and residential flooring industries that include sales, sales training and development, organizational management, vertical market / channel leadership, and strategic account leadership.
Max and his wife Tammy live in Acworth, GA and have two sons. Gray, their oldest, is 23 and just graduated from Samford Univesity. He lives in Raleigh, NC and is starting his career in sports marketing. Daniel is 21 and is finishing his junior year at Georgia Southern University. The family dogs, Pippi and Izzy, run the show.
6:00 PM – 6:15 PM
Action Planning
Graham Howerton
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Graham Howerton
President, FEI Group
As President, Graham is responsible for leading all divisions at FEI Group including management of sales strategies, long-term strategic plans, membership programs and financial statements in coordination with the FEI Group CEO, CFO and COO. In addition, he is responsible for the development and execution of all FEI Group key events and programs. Graham has been with the FEI Group for nearly 20 years serving in several key management roles. Prior to FEI Group he spent nine years in the building products industry with Armstrong Flooring and Anderson Windows. After graduation from Florida State University, he spent 5 years with Marriott in addition to running several privately owned restaurants as the General Manager.
Graham and his wife Polly live in Acworth, Ga with their 15-year-old daughter Claire, their son Preston who is a senior at the University of Georgia and their daughter, Savannah who is 24 and pursuing her career in fashion merchandising.
6:30 PM – 7:00 PM
No Child Hungry Give Back Event
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Group Dinner at SRS
Thursday, May 16th
BREAKFAST ON YOUR OWN
7:30 AM
Meet in the hotel lobby for shuttles to SRS
8:00 AM – 8:30 AM
Leadership Expectations
Graham Howerton
View Graham's BIO »
Graham Howerton
President, FEI Group
As President, Graham is responsible for leading all divisions at FEI Group including management of sales strategies, long-term strategic plans, membership programs and financial statements in coordination with the FEI Group CEO, CFO and COO. In addition, he is responsible for the development and execution of all FEI Group key events and programs. Graham has been with the FEI Group for nearly 20 years serving in several key management roles. Prior to FEI Group he spent nine years in the building products industry with Armstrong Flooring and Anderson Windows. After graduation from Florida State University, he spent 5 years with Marriott in addition to running several privately owned restaurants as the General Manager.
Graham and his wife Polly live in Acworth, Ga with their 15-year-old daughter Claire, their son Preston who is a senior at the University of Georgia and their daughter, Savannah who is 24 and pursuing her career in fashion merchandising.
8:30 AM – 9:45 AM
AMP: Autonomy, Mastery and Purpose (3 Things We All Need to Perform at Our Highest Level)
Kris Kuester
Unlock the keys to workplace fulfillment with our class on Autonomy, Mastery, and Purpose! Discover how autonomy fosters creativity and innovation, while mastery drives excellence and skill development. Understand the power of purpose in driving motivation and engagement. Join us to transform your workplace into a hub of self-driven, skilled, and purposeful individuals, primed for success!
View Kris's BIO »
Kris Kuester
Director of People Development and Learning, Nationwide Marketing Group
Kris Kuester is Director of People Development and Learning at Nationwide Marketing Group, North America’s leading buying, marketing, and operational support organization for independent retailers. Kris holds a BS in education from the University of North Dakota and holds several professional certificates in Leadership and Workplace Culture. Kris and his wife have a daughter, and he spends much of his time outside playing golf or riding one of their 3 horses.
9:45 AM – 10:00 AM
BREAK
10:00 AM – 11:15 AM
Finance for the Non-Financial Leader
Carl Seidman
Most financial statements don’t tell the full story. They only show the results of the past. But what if you could thoroughly understand what’s happening in your business, foresee the future, and position for greater growth, profitability, and cash flow? This isn’t wishful thinking — it’s completely practical if you have the right tools in place. In this first of two sessions, a financial specialist will walk you through dynamic financial planning. You will experience a live demonstration and conversation exactly how business leaders incorporate operating and strategic assumptions in their financial planning models. You will decipher what levers within the business provide opportunities and which are the sources of constraint. Upon conclusion of this session, you’ll never look at financial planning & analysis the same.
View Carl's BIO »
Carl Seidman
FP&A + CFO learning & development • Financial advisory and consulting
Carl Seidman is a trusted business advisor specializing in financial planning & analysis (FP&A), business strategy, and finance transformation. He advises Fortune 500 corporations and middle-market companies, helping establish effective FP&A practices, processes, and teams.
Carl also serves as an FP&A advisor, fractional CFO, and management consultant to entrepreneurial businesses throughout North America and Europe and assists them with strategic financial planning, value enhancement, and revitalization. Carl’s FP&A development methodologies and curriculums have been implemented by leading organizations as part of their financial leadership development programs (FLDPs) for top talent and emerging leaders. More than 13,000 corporate finance professionals globally have attended his training programs, workshops, and seminars.
Carl is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) has earned other professional credentials including the CIRA, CFF, CFE, CGMA, AM (Accredited Member in Business Valuation), CSP (Certified Speaking Professional), Certified Anaplan Model Builder, and was a National Association of Certified Valuators and Analysts (NACVA) 40 Under Forty honoree. He holds a BA in finance and economics and an MS in managerial accounting.
Carl lives in metro Chicago with his wife and twin sons.
11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
LUNCH
12:30 PM – 1:30 PM
Financial Fundamentals Workshop
Carl Seidman
Interpreting the financials of a business can be notoriously challenging. But it doesn’t need to be. Understanding the core pillars of finance and the elements that drive them are key to influencing financial performance. In this second of two sessions, you’ll reduce the intimidation factor and increase your confidence. You’ll leverage the numbers to proactively plan ahead, instead of relying on them to tell you what’s already happened. And you’ll demystify business financials in ways that paint a fuller picture and empowering your decision-making.
View Carl's BIO »
Carl Seidman
FP&A + CFO learning & development • Financial advisory and consulting
Carl Seidman is a trusted business advisor specializing in financial planning & analysis (FP&A), business strategy, and finance transformation. He advises Fortune 500 corporations and middle-market companies, helping establish effective FP&A practices, processes, and teams.
Carl also serves as an FP&A advisor, fractional CFO, and management consultant to entrepreneurial businesses throughout North America and Europe and assists them with strategic financial planning, value enhancement, and revitalization. Carl’s FP&A development methodologies and curriculums have been implemented by leading organizations as part of their financial leadership development programs (FLDPs) for top talent and emerging leaders. More than 13,000 corporate finance professionals globally have attended his training programs, workshops, and seminars.
Carl is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) has earned other professional credentials including the CIRA, CFF, CFE, CGMA, AM (Accredited Member in Business Valuation), CSP (Certified Speaking Professional), Certified Anaplan Model Builder, and was a National Association of Certified Valuators and Analysts (NACVA) 40 Under Forty honoree. He holds a BA in finance and economics and an MS in managerial accounting.
Carl lives in metro Chicago with his wife and twin sons.
1:30 PM – 1:45 PM
BREAK
1:45 PM – 3:15PM
10 Things Successful Leaders Know and Do Well
Kris Kuester
Join us on a transformative journey to understand what great leaders know and do well. During “10 Things All Leaders Know and Do Well.” you will learn the essential skills that set exceptional leaders apart from the others. This commonsensical list will provide you with the things all great leaders use to effectively communicate, strategically plan, inspire and motivating teams. Discover how to leverage these commonly known but uncommonly practiced items. Join us and unlock your full leadership potential to drive success and inspire others!
View Kris's BIO »
Kris Kuester
Director of People Development and Learning, Nationwide Marketing Group
Kris Kuester is Director of People Development and Learning at Nationwide Marketing Group, North America’s leading buying, marketing, and operational support organization for independent retailers. Kris holds a BS in education from the University of North Dakota and holds several professional certificates in Leadership and Workplace Culture. Kris and his wife have a daughter, and he spends much of his time outside playing golf or riding one of their 3 horses.
3:15 PM – 4:45 PM
Lead with Perspective
Amy Leslie
A series intended to teach talent optimization to leaders, including Predictive Index (PI) basics, boosting self-awareness with PI, leadership thrive zones, situational leadership, motivating others, difficult conversations, hiring with data and boosting employee engagement.
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Amy Leslie
CEO, Perspective Consulting
Amy Leslie is CEO of Perspective Consulting, a talent optimization firm, and a Premier Certified Partner of the Predictive Index. Amy has 2 decades of experience building, leading and turning around teams inside environments ranging from start-ups to Fortune 100 companies. She has run business units with P&L responsibility.
Amy and her team help build great organizational cultures and inspiring leaders. She believes organizations who are intentional and strategic in the way they build teams, hire people, and lead them are more successful at achieving their goals and have happier humans at work!
4:45 PM – 5:15 PM
Action Planning
Graham Howerton
View Graham's BIO »
Graham Howerton
President, FEI Group
As President, Graham is responsible for leading all divisions at FEI Group including management of sales strategies, long-term strategic plans, membership programs and financial statements in coordination with the FEI Group CEO, CFO and COO. In addition, he is responsible for the development and execution of all FEI Group key events and programs. Graham has been with the FEI Group for nearly 20 years serving in several key management roles. Prior to FEI Group he spent nine years in the building products industry with Armstrong Flooring and Anderson Windows. After graduation from Florida State University, he spent 5 years with Marriott in addition to running several privately owned restaurants as the General Manager.
Graham and his wife Polly live in Acworth, Ga with their 15-year-old daughter Claire, their son Preston who is a senior at the University of Georgia and their daughter, Savannah who is 24 and pursuing her career in fashion merchandising.
Friday, May 17th
BREAKFAST ON YOUR OWN
7:30 AM
Meet in the hotel lobby for shuttles to SRS
8:00 AM – 8:15 AM
Leadership Expectations
Graham Howerton
View Graham's BIO »
Graham Howerton
President, FEI Group
As President, Graham is responsible for leading all divisions at FEI Group including management of sales strategies, long-term strategic plans, membership programs and financial statements in coordination with the FEI Group CEO, CFO and COO. In addition, he is responsible for the development and execution of all FEI Group key events and programs. Graham has been with the FEI Group for nearly 20 years serving in several key management roles. Prior to FEI Group he spent nine years in the building products industry with Armstrong Flooring and Anderson Windows. After graduation from Florida State University, he spent 5 years with Marriott in addition to running several privately owned restaurants as the General Manager.
Graham and his wife Polly live in Acworth, Ga with their 15-year-old daughter Claire, their son Preston who is a senior at the University of Georgia and their daughter, Savannah who is 24 and pursuing her career in fashion merchandising.
8:15 AM – 10:30 AM
The Sales Brain: Building Presentations That Excite Your Customer
Robb Best
Be prepared for any audience at any time. Learn tips and techniques to make your next presentation come alive through the latest discoveries in neuroscience. Develop and enhance your speaking skills, and learn how to turn the driest, most mundane information into a dynamic, compelling presentation. No matter your subject, deliver your message with poise, power and confidence.
View Robb's BIO »
Robb Best
CEO, Best Mindframe
Robb Best, a highly sought-after speaker, is currently the Senior Advisor of Cognitive Strategy for Elkay Corporation. He is a 28-year industry veteran, having led a nationally recognized company during its most profitable years.
His fascination with neuroscience has led to the development of a communication and sales system based on human behavior. His current blog, MindframewithRobb is regularly read in 14 countries.
10:30 AM – 10:45 AM
BREAK
10:45 AM – 12:00 PM
Decision Making: The Essence of Great Leaders
Robb Best
How effective is your current decision-making strategy? Science provides startling lessons about how the human brain actually makes decisions, and what you can do to increase your chances for making better choices. Discover the surprising reasons the famous pro/con list method is not well suited for the fast-paced 21st century.
View Robb's BIO »
Robb Best
CEO, Best Mindframe
Robb Best, a highly sought-after speaker, is currently the Senior Advisor of Cognitive Strategy for Elkay Corporation. He is a 28-year industry veteran, having led a nationally recognized company during its most profitable years.
His fascination with neuroscience has led to the development of a communication and sales system based on human behavior. His current blog, MindframewithRobb is regularly read in 14 countries.
12:00 PM
Shuttles to hotel or depart directly to airport from SRS using Uber/Lyft
Book departing flights no earlier than 2 PM.