Inner Circle of the Twin Cities

Inner Circle Holds My Feet to the Fire
Inner Circle has REAL IMPACT…

“I started my business as a young teen, fixing and reselling bikes I bought with money from my paper route. When I joined Inner Circle I had one store, now I have twelve. I’m proud of that growth and credit Inner Circle with helping me achieve it while maintaining a life I love to live.

I was a workaholic early on. But I take my commitment to family seriously and I wanted to have more time with Jane, my wife and partner in business. Everyone talks about what they want out of life, but actually making it happen, that’s another story. I started by announcing during my Vision Quest my goal to take two weeks of vacation each year.

My Inner Circle held my feet to the fire. And I learned that the company could survive, even thrive, without me. Now I structure my schedule to spend up to twelve weeks each year with my wife at our vacation home in Hawaii. Everybody needs to coast occasionally!”

Erik “The Bike Man” Saltvold, President/Founder of Erik’s Bike Shop

Inner Circle Gives Me Bold Confidence
Inner Circle has REAL IMPACT…

“When I had an idea for a new chisel – one with a large polymer cap on the head – my Inner Circle encouraged me to pursue it. And they pitched in to make it a reality. One member introduced me to a retired scientist who helped me get materials tested and certified. Another helped me with packaging and promotional design.

I presented a prototype to a major retailer who now carries the line in 600 stores. We have a product line that substantially differentiates us from the competition and a company with a bright future.

Our chisel has a big target, so you feel more confident and can hit harder. My Inner Circle gives me that kind of confidence. It helps business owners like me move past our comfort zones – beyond what we already know and do – to make bold but smart decisions.”

Downie McCarty, President of Baltimore Tool Works

Esperanza Guerrero-Anderson, Former CEO, Milestone Growth.

It’s lonely at the top, and as the president I have to make a lot of decisions, often difficult ones. The Inner Circle peer members offered a forum where I gained insight, advice and help as they have also been there, facing the same thing.

Patrick Maloney, Data Print Distribution.

Inner Circle is ideal for a company that is struggling or one that is successful--and any in between. All companies have blind spots that only outsiders can see. Inner Circle has helped me learn “to do it right!”

David Foy, Counselor Realty.

I tend to be a workaholic and the members tell me that there is a time to work and a time to shut down working. Every month it’s an opportunity for significant business and personal growth where you get a chance to improve your business’ bottom line.

Tony Belden, Engineering America, Inc.

Inner Circle is where I take our burning questions. My peers are not into “Minnesota Nice,” and are very direct with their comments and insights. They don’t hold back, but that’s why I joined them. Often I say, “I never thought of it that way….” The group has forced me to think outside that box, to get away from my normal pattern of dealing with things.