For the last 18 years as president and CEO at Enterprise Minnesota I’ve had the best job I could imagine. The people I’ve worked with and the clients we’ve served made it a passion. It just didn’t feel like work.
Over the years, our clients, staff, and partners have helped highlight what manufacturing is: an economic anchor for our communities, a source of genuinely promising career opportunities for our younger people, and a fount of pride for the companies that drive it all. I am thankful for everyone behind the renaissance.
Our clients are our reason for being, and the demographics of manufacturing in Minnesota make this job exciting. Small family businesses hum along, and we get to play a minor role in their success. It is gratifying to witness a one- or two-person shop grow to 10 employees, and then 20, as they improve operations and reach new markets.
Our clients consistently recognize our talented and dedicated staff for their extraordinary effort and results.
Our partners have provided more support for manufacturing than many will ever know. Minnesota’s technical colleges have helped manufacturers launch a true revival in preparing the next generation of qualified employees, a movement that now extends into middle and high schools across the state, and a shift I never would have anticipated.
The Minnesota Initiative Foundations have supported us from the beginning, providing financial resources and connecting us with manufacturers in their areas as we worked together to elevate the profile of manufacturing in their regions. Our financial supporters — the companies that have consistently sponsored the State of Manufacturing® survey, advertised in this magazine, and helped underwrite our events — are a key reason we’ve built the reputation of manufacturing across the state.
Over the years, our boards of directors have been exceptional. They serve because of their passion for manufacturing and are always available, from serving on panels to hosting facility tours to testifying before the legislature.
Elected officials at every level of government have come to support both manufacturing and Enterprise Minnesota. I am thankful that so many have taken the time to tour their local manufacturers and learn firsthand about the impact of manufacturing in their communities.
I’m delighted to hand over the reins on March 2 to Mark O’Leary, an experienced leader with the style and people skills this organization needs and deserves. We had originally talked about a 90-day overlap for a leadership transition. With Mark, 30 days will be plenty. It’s going to be fun to watch from the outside as he finds new ways to grow, diversify, and build on the phenomenal people and reputation of this organization.
Return to the Spring 2026 issue of Enterprise Minnesota® magazine.
