Hear From Intrepid Leaders

Forrest Jackson

CEO | Jackson Pottery

“When you consider the impact that a roundtable discussion with CEOs from various industries provides, there has been no better format for me in helping grow the business. I passed on several like groups over the years because I didn’t feel as if it would provide the right context for my personal development as a leader. Dennis promotes a level of engagement with his facilitation that takes CEOs to the next level and for that I am so very grateful.”

Cass Powell

VP | Ricochet Fuel

“I have been in my peer group for seven years now, and the amount I have learned and grown over those years is immeasurable. It is a respectful, intelligent, thought-provoking group that is not afraid to call you out when needed. Dennis asks the best questions to get to the real root of the problem, then helps you find solutions. I am forever thankful for my group and my leader and am excited to keep challenging myself.”

Rick Rolland

CEO | Rolland Safe & Lock

“Most of CEOs born with the entrepreneurial spirit bring all the “sail” they need to propel their vessels. Where my group brought the highest value to me was by providing a unique and balanced rudder that optimized our ship’s speed and direction. Without this important counterpoint to our energy, growing our business would have clearly been much more difficult.”

Jerry Browder

CEO | Signet Health

“The past four years as a member of a CEO Peer Group has been invaluable in assisting me with growth and learning. Our company is better organized, more innovative, and purposely strategically focused as a result of my involvement in Vistage. The ability to learn from an elite group of some of the most talented CEOs in the DFW Metroplex is unavailable at any price from consulting firms or other sources.”

Tammy Gillespie

CEO | Switchplace

“The five years in my group has had a tremendous impact on me. For me, the value is being involved with other CEOs who share many of the same challenges. It’s an opportunity to process issues with people who understand the same challenges associated with leading a company. My group never ceases to amaze me with their brilliant insight. Dennis Howard is a true thought leader that has a unique ability to drill down to the issue at hand. He navigates through the dialogue staying focused on the issue, many times challenging you to see things differently. You walk away with insightful, actionable items that bring you closer to resolutions.”

Kelly Selby

CEO | Community Pharmacy

“Being a member of one of Dennis’ CEO groups has completely revolutionized the way I approach my business. He has been instrumental in transforming my mindset and helping me push my business into new territory. Dennis has a unique way of helping people see their own strengths and weaknesses, which allow you the ability to grow professionally and personally. I have found Dennis to be a very effective leader.”

Marc Pieroni

CEO | Benefit Corp

“Dennis Howard possesses confident leadership with a passion on driving entrepreneurial performance. The in-depth wealth of knowledge, creative problem solving, and engaging positive energy this brings to my professional and personal life has made a tremendous impact on growing my business. His “can do” attitude, relentless motivation, and “live your best day today” mindset will be the transformation needed to get to the next level.”

John Orfield

VP | Boka Powell

“My group provides me access to great minds and stimulating ideas that have significantly benefited my firm. My business, architectural and interior design is largely populated by like-minded individuals and Vistage allows me to consider ideas outside of my professional echo chamber. Each month, I am confronted by best practice concepts that when integrated into our firm, have benefitted our profitability and culture. Dennis’ good-natured prodding, as our leader, helps keep me from being stagnant; he monthly challenges us to journey towards excellence.”

Mark Edwards

Former CEO | Halff

“The five years in my group has had a tremendous impact on me. For me, the value is being involved with other CEOs who share many of the same challenges. It’s an opportunity to process issues with people who understand the same challenges associated with leading a company. My group never ceases to amaze me with their brilliant insight. Dennis Howard is a true thought leader that has a unique ability to drill down to the issue at hand. He navigates through the dialogue staying focused on the issue, many times challenging you to see things differently. You walk away with insightful, actionable items that bring you closer to resolutions.”

Jason Sutton

GM | Infinity Pharmacy

“My peer group has been an invaluable experience. I have a professional outlet, allowing me to meet with other professionals and get unbiased perspective on business decisions. At times, I feel like I am on an island, but this affords me the ability to process issues, hear how others would handle the situation, and ultimately make the best decision for my company. I have used what I’ve learned to build a stronger, but more transparent culture within our company; allowing us to exceed all expectations in growth and customer service.”

Chris Graham

CEO | Verado Energy

“In one of my first group meetings I presented a staffing challenge that I thought was unique to my organization and that I had been struggling with internally for a few months. After explaining my situation and hearing the different perspectives around the table from big and small companies, I realized that my problem was not completely unique and had been addressed by several in our group at various times. With the lessons learned from my group’s previous experiences, I was able to implement staffing changes with confidence. The result to my organization was quick and impactful. It was like dropping sandbags from a hot air balloon, performance was immediately elevated to a new level with an optimized and improved bottom line. I may have been reluctant to bring some challenges to our group before, but not anymore!”

Teresa Gast

CEO | Privus

“So many changes have happened to me over the last three years and Vistage gave me the support to make some difficult choices. When I look back to where I was versus where I am today, it would not be possible without the ongoing support of my coach Dennis Howard.”