Next Level Leader Craig Pratt

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.

When you are dealt with the extraordinary in life, the people in your corner truly do matter. 
 
Nick Oprish tells his story from growing up in Bloomington, MN to a degree at the University of St Thomas, meeting his wife Melissa and being blessed with 3 beautiful kids and a career in corporate America.  
 
In 2019 his journey took an unexpected turn that made him double down on his determination and resilience not only to survive but to make the most out of the next chapter of his life.  
 
This is his story of life, love, gratefulness, hope and resilience of the mind and body.  

 

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. 

Ryan French, better known as Monday Q Info on Twitter, is a golf writer and journalist who pride himself on telling the stories of players chasing the top tours in the world and the dedication and sacrifice it takes to get there. French became particularly well-known for his coverage of “Monday qualifiers,” which are events held on the Monday prior to a professional golf tournament where golfers who are not otherwise exempt can try to earn a spot in the field. He started a Twitter account, Monday Q Info, which quickly gained a following among golf fans and professionals alike for its timely and accurate information about these qualifying events. Ryan currently hosts several podcasts and runs the Monday Q Info website.

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.