“MEP was a fabulous program. It opened my eyes to different approaches and methods that I can apply to my everyday work. Prior to taking the program, I heard how much you learn not just from the professors but also from the interaction of all the other classmates working through various case studies and problems. This was definitely true. The interaction with my classmates was very valuable. Thank you for a wonderful program! I wish I could take it again!”
Denny Meyer
Product Manager
Wenger Corporation
“I did extensive research on the top general management programs in the country, as well as the London Business School, and decided that making the trip from Boston to Minnesota for MEP was the best choice. From the quality of instruction to the quality of the other participants, this program was first-rate.”
Andrew Wheeler
Vice President
Windmoeller & Hoelscher
“If you want to acquire a profoundly deep understanding of the ‘language’ of business—what it means and how to use it—and you still want the time to live your life, have a family, and do your job, then MEP is the perfect choice.”
Tim Dufault
President
Cuningham Group Architecture
“The instructors and curriculum were absolutely excellent. I was continually inspired by the topics covered, and consistently found direct application to my work. Overall, my eyes were opened to the amazing potential of a business run well. I believe this program has equipped me to provide more effective leadership and more insightful contribution, particularly in the area of business strategy.”
Chris Wolf
ATV Product Line Sales Manager
Polaris Industries
“ I would highly recommend MEP to anyone in management as an excellent way to sharpen skills and create new ones. In fact, I would even recommend the program to everyone with an MBA to make sure your knowledge and perspective are up-to-date.”
John McCormick
Vice President
Lifetouch
“MEP gave me the skills to better understand how to anticipate and drive change, how to work with people at all levels, and how best to develop and sell a corporate mission. And that’s only part of it. I came away with far more than I expected.”
Judith Walker
Vice President Regulatory Affairs
Chief Compliance and Ethics Officer
Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Minnesota
“This program was like no other. If you put forward the effort and give it 100%, you get 110% out of it. Almost all modules had multiple take-aways that I could immediately implement within my company. The main issue for me is prioritizing them. I would recommend this to any business owner or high-level executive.”
Ryan Kotula
Owner/Partner
Northern Tool & Equipment
“The MEP instructors were exceptional—very knowledgeable and able to effectively communicate a lot of difficult information in a brief period. Each of them had considerable real-world business experience that made everything we discussed that much more relevant and interesting.”
Helen Sanders
Senior Vice President, Operations
SAGE Electrochromics
“Although I work in the non-profit association world, MEP has been very helpful, and I have many 'take aways' for our organization.”
Murray Sagsveen
General Counsel
American Academy of Neurology
“My MEP experience was phenomenal! The administration, faculty, and curriculum were all top notch. The knowledge I gained from this program strengthened my skills in all aspects of business, leadership, and strategy. Additionally, my fellow MEP participants provided me, and will continue to provide me, an invaluable sounding board for my career.”
Michael Capuzzi
State Claims Manager
Progressive Insurance
“MEP provided a diverse learning and networking experience that exceeded all of my expectations.”
S. Mark Tyler
President
OEM Fabricators, Inc.
“I chose to attend the Minnesota Executive Program at Carlson Executive Education over similar programs at Harvard, Stanford, and Northwestern Universities. I based my decision on the broad scope of the program's content, the variety of companies attending from different market segments, and its reasonable cost. I also liked it being offered one week a month for four months, so that I did not have to take too much time off of work at once. MEP met my initial expectations, as I found the program to be an excellent executive development experience.”
Hossein ZiaShakeri
Sr. Vice President, Strategic
Marketing & Business Development
Spectra Logic
“Provides an excellent opportunity to expand one’s understanding of the multiple functional areas of strategic business management, while at the same time builds peer relationships with people from a variety of industries.”
Timothy Rossini
Vice President
Golden Valley Microwave Foods
“After 25 years of varying experiences and training opportunities, I was in search of a development program to focus my actions for the balance of my working career. After considerable review of the many offerings in the marketplace today, I chose the Minnesota Executive Program. The scope of MEP is extensive; the curriculum is fresh and dynamic yet rooted in historical experience; and the program’s faculty is knowledgeable and passionate about their subject matter and focus. This experience and new found business contacts will be invaluable to me in the years ahead.”
Frank G. Hallowell
Vice President & CFO
ExpressPoint Technology Services, Inc.
“The learning experience I received by participating in the MEP exceeded my expectations. I learned a lot about what it takes to effectively run a business not only from the instructors, but especially from the high caliber classmates with whom I interacted on a daily basis. I especially enjoyed the diversity of the companies that participated — from the Fortune 500 to the small, family-owned business. I am using much of what I learned in my job today as I work toward making our company great!”
Chris Duininck
Vice President
Duininck Companies
“In MEP, we examined proven, leading-edge business strategies and leadership principles vital for success. New insights and perspectives gained at MEP were immediately applied to impact business results. The participation of seasoned executives from diverse industries allowed for a great exchange of expertise and established a well-rounded executive network to call on in the future.”
Randy Swanson
Market/Product Planning, Worldwide
John Deere Power Systems
“Great program. A great boost of information to my career. Wonderful opportunity to meet and work with other high performing classmates worthy of my time and energy.”
Todd Johnson
President & CEO
Reuben Johnson & Son, Inc.
“This program (MEP) has helped prepare me to advance my career within my current company. I will be able to add more value to my position for the company immediately. As a result of MEP, I have matured as an executive manager.”
Todd F. Anderson
Director of Professional Services
Otto Bock Health Care
“MEP provided an excellent opportunity to move ‘outside the box’ of your own discipline and work experience. The pace was challenging, but rewarding.”
Vicki Rasmusen
Vice President/Corporate Audit
Carlson Companies, Inc.
“MEP provides a unique and rich learning environment by exposing business leaders to a diverse group of other business leaders, companies, and industries. The variety of ways to learn: peer to peer, small group discussion, case studies, lecture, reading, etc. provided a well balanced and challenging program.”
David Gandrud
Senior Director
Carlson Companies, Inc.
“So often as we reach positions of leadership within an organization we feel confident in our knowledge and ability to deliver uncompromising results - otherwise why would we be in such a position? MEP was instrumental in helping me understand that I didn't know what I didn't know. I've had many years of education, both as an undergraduate and graduate student. Having already achieved a BS degree and MBA degree, I was amazed at how much has changed and what details I had forgotten. The scope of knowledge presented through the MEP program was strategic and highly effective! This program really hits the critical areas for a leader to truly move from good to great. It was an unforgettable experience for me that I feel privileged to have received.”
Mary Post
Chief Operating Officer
American Academy of Neurology | 
