What happens when a succession plan is also a growth strategy? Done right, transforming a business into an ESOP doesn’t just secure the future—it reshapes culture, influences recruiting, sparks collaboration, and impacts retention.

Sam Olinger, COO of Christensen Group, and host Scott Sustacek dive into what makes ESOPs such a powerful —but often misunderstood—tool for business growth, employee engagement, and long-term stability.

From challenges in balancing expectations for transparency to creating all-company moments that build trust, Sam shares real stories of what it takes to turn 100% employee ownership into a culture and growth driver.

It’s a candid conversation about leadership, legacy, and the hidden levers that keep employees not just working—but truly invested. Whether you’re curious about ESOPs or simply looking for new ways to engage your people, this conversation reveals why ownership can be a game-changer.

What happens when a CEO dares to lead with purpose — even when the stakes are high? In this episode, Storm Creek CEO Teresa Fudenberg joins Scott to share the remarkable story behind the reinvention of a brand built on “Doing Good and Doing Well.” From repurposing millions of plastic bottles to building a culture that attracts mission-driven talent, Teresa opens up about the challenges, pivots, and bold decisions that shaped Storm Creek’s transformation. You’ll hear how a pandemic-era pivot sparked a movement, why sustainability is more than a buzzword, and how a clear, compelling vision can inspire an entire team to rally behind a shared mission.

The transformation of Storm Creek’s brand and culture into a growth engine didn’t just happen — it was fueled by Teresa’s unwavering core values and visionary leadership. As you listen, you’ll see why she was nominated as an Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year. Whether you’re a CEO, founder, or future-focused leader, this conversation will leave you thinking differently about impact, growth, and the kind of legacy your business can create.

What if stepping back could actually move your business forward? In this episode of CEO 2 CEO, host Scott Sustacek sits down with John Martin, Chairman of FlutterBee Education Group, for an interesting conversation on how selling a minority stake in his company became the catalyst for compounding value, faster growth, and greater fulfillment.

John’s thoughtful and purposeful journey into recapitalization is a must-hear for any founder considering private equity.

From choosing the right advisor to navigate the deal process to the selection considerations, John shares what he learned—and what surprised him most—about giving up some control to gain long-term value.

This conversation goes beyond dollars and deals. It’s about building something bigger, staying true to your vision, and finding joy in the evolution of your business.If you’ve ever thought, “I can’t grow this alone,” or wondered how to get your business to the next level, this conversation will hit home.

The CEO Roundtable is comprised of executives representing many fast-growing Minnesota companies who desire to share their ideas, experiences, and insights.

Our CEO Roundtable leadership development groups include entrepreneurs interested in growing their companies by leveraging the knowledge of their peers.

What does it take to build a company where culture isn’t just talked about—but lived at every level? In this episode of CEO 2 CEO, host Scott Sustacek sits down with Travis Peterson, Founder and CEO of Snap Install, to explore how intentional culture can drive performance, loyalty, and long-term growth. From his early experience in a toxic workplace to starting his own business to building a team of over 150 employees and 1,200+ contractors, Travis shares candid lessons on hiring for fit with the company, leadership, and staying connected as a founder—even as the company scales. Having evolved from operator to visionary, you’ll hear why he still interviews every candidate, attends team meetings just to listen, and stands behind a “no-asshole policy”— and, most importantly, why culture at Snap Install isn’t about being perfect, but about being intentional.This episode is perfect for CEOs, founders, and leaders who want to stay rooted in purpose while growing their business (and themselves) from the inside out.

Thought leadership isn’t just for Fortune 500 executives. It’s for any CEO with expertise, passion, and a story to tell.

In this episode of CEO 2 CEO, host Scott Sustacek talks with Alexis Walsko—founder and CEO of Lola Red, a Minneapolis-based PR firm—about how thought leadership can amplify your brand and elevate middle-market companies in surprising ways.

From launching a PR agency at 22 to shaping messaging strategies for B2C and B2B brands alike, Alexis brings real stories and sharp insight on leading with visibility, voice, and values. You’ll also learn where to start (hint: LinkedIn), why your influence matters more than you think, and what kombucha, Kyle Rudolph, and Parts Town have in common.

Whether you're trying to grow credibility, attract the right audience, or build customer trust, this conversation reveals how CEOs who are an authentic voice of their brand win.

The Twin Cities is an EOS hotbed with many companies using or considering the Entrepreneurial Operating System, aka Traction, to help accelerate growth. In this episode of CEO 2 CEO, host Scott Sustacek sits down with Brent Lau, Partner, COO, and CFO at Medina Electric to dive into the transformative power of EOS and its impact on Medina Electric’s business growth, leadership alignment, and customer strategy. Brent explains how Medina actively uses the Vision/Traction Organizer (VTO) as a roadmap, ensuring that every team member—from leadership to new hires—understands the company’s vision, values, and goals. They also dig into how EOS not only helped get the right people in the right seats but also to attract talent; how it instilled accountability throughout the company; guided decisions about their customer portfolio; and why hiring an EOS implementer was a game-changer.
If you want insights on scaling with structure, wondering whether there is a “right size” for a company to utilize EOS; or debating self-implementation vs. hiring an expert —this episode is for you!

In this episode of CEO 2 CEO, host Scott Sustacek sits down with Adam Berry, CEO of Summit Orthopedics. With orthopedic facilities popping up at a rapid pace in the Twin Cities and Minnesota, Adam shares how Summit is carving out its unique niche in this crowded and competitive market. Get a rare view of the fast-moving world of orthopedic care and discover the strategic game plan that has accelerated Summit Orthopedics’ growth.

Adam dives into the demographics driving investment and the critical decision-making process behind both building and closing locations. He provides some intriguing perspectives on how Summit strategically places their facilities, innovates patient care, and differentiates their orthopedic care.If you're navigating a rapidly changing marketplace and considering how you differentiate and compete, this is a compelling episode with a growth-focused CEO and a well-known Minnesota brand.

AI is everywhere in our lives and changing every day. This is a hot topic for every leader. In this episode of CEO 2 CEO, host Scott Sustacek goes overtime with Andrew Fernholz, CEO of Ambient Consulting in exploring the ways lower middle market companies can leverage AI.

In this wide-ranging conversation, Andrew shares his experience with the transformative power of AI. We discuss the best ways for CEOs to begin and we start by talking about the ‘why’ and how it can help your team or customers. Andrew shares his insights on how AI is not about replacing jobs but reshaping the work we do - improving efficiencies, enhancing engagement and boosting effectiveness. We then venture into building a differentiated strategy. We get deep into leveraging AI to improve efficiency in hiring and employee retention, from the possibility of shifting from traditional credentials to competency-based hiring to upskilling employees to stay competitive. It is all fascinating stuff!

If you're curious about leveraging AI to drive strategy and growth in your business, this is an episode you will want to hear.