Next Level Leader

Matt Buresh is a fourth generation funeral director in a family business that began in Detroit, MI in 1897. He currently owns and operates six locations in Northeast Michigan as one of the oldest family owned funeral homes at 127 years.  This is his story about facing adversity at a young age and how it helped him to find his calling, define his character and build a foundation for how to care for others. A former athlete and medical student found that God would lead him to the family profession he now treats as a ministry.  The path evolved into foster care to continue his mission to give a life, share a life, change a life and save a life.

From bricklayer to the CEO of a thriving National IT Consulting firm, Richard shares his lessons learned through his Forbes published book, “Relationship Equity.” His no nonsense, common sense approach to life will undoubtedly inspire you to challenge the way you think.

In 2021, Chandler Withington had a life many would envy. He had achieved his dream of becoming a PGA Head Professional at Hazeltine National, had hosted a victorious Ryder Cup in 2016 and had another Ryder Cup scheduled to return to Hazeltine in 2029. When Chandler suddenly resigned from his position in the fall of 2021, many wondered why. Chandler visits with us to share his perspective on life, family and pursuing a career, along with what he is doing now. 

In this episode, host Craig Pratt talks with Jeff Mader about his life, career, and motivations. 

Jeff Mader retired at the beginning of 2023 from the CIO position at Sun Country Airlines. Jeff started working in IT in 1980. Most significant was his nearly twenty- four years at Target where he progressed to a senior level VP reporting to the CIO.

Jeff also served as the first CIO of Imagine Companies prior to joining Sun Country Airlines. He has significant background in retail, transportation, and manufacturing. Jeff received his BS degree from Minnesota State University, Mankato majoring in Computer Science, Finance, and Business Management. He received his MBA from University of St Thomas and completed a Mini-Master of Information Technology also at the University of St Thomas.

Jeff’s signature strengths are developing IT leaders, improving IT performance, IT cost rationalization, and business and IT strategy development. Jeff is widely regarded as a top IT leader that has helped to develop many of the people who are currently in executive level IT positions today.

Jeff is a very active volunteer leader in the battle against cancer. He chairs the MN Chapter of the American Cancer Society and is co-founder and chair of CIOs Against Cancer. CIOs Against Cancer mission is to fund early stage cancer researchers who have been vetted by the American Cancer Society.

Jeff formerly served on the board of United Through Reading, a non-profit organization that supports deployed military families by helping deployed Moms and Dads read bedtime stories to their children at home. He was the board chair for a term. His 12 year tenure on the board concluded at the end of 2021.

Jeff lives in Prior Lake, MN with his wife Judy and enjoys boating, hiking, hunting, and anything outdoors. They have one son, Sam who is a medical device engineer working at Boston Scientific.

Nick Hernandez is a St. Paul native who co-founded 3 advisory firms after starting his career at IBM. Alongside his wife, Mary Alice, they have four grown children, three of whom are parents, and six energetic grandchildren. In 2020, he founded Adelante Advisors with Jackie Hartman, a guide service helping people navigate life transitions and find deeper meaning and purpose.

Wade Wyant is a recovering serial entrepreneur and business coach…He has helped multiple businesses significantly increase their revenue and valuations. In this book you will learn the multiple lessons Wade has learned along the way. Key learnings include how to lean into conflict, embrace the grind, make tough decision and it’s all about the team at the end of the day.