As a CEO and business owner, I needed more perspective. I was stale. I felt isolated at the top.
I needed someone to question my answers.
Want to grow — personally as well as professionally? Feeling “isolated at the top?”
Are you right for my groups? Here are the minimum qualifications.
My Vistage CEO peer group is for leaders who run companies with annual revenues of $1M+, are facing the challenges and opportunities that come with growth and success, and want to share experiences and be held accountable by peers.
My Key Executive peer group is for executives who report directly to a CEO, are being groomed for the CEO position at companies with annual revenues of $1M+, and want to share experiences and be held accountable by peers.
My Solo Practitioner peer group is for client-based professionals, such as attorneys, accountants and consultants, who serve CEOs and senior executives, and want to share experiences and be held accountable by peers. This group does not have a minimum revenue requirement.
Qualitatively, I admit people who: are smart, ambitious, and successful, are trusting and trustworthy, are earnest, but don’t take themselves too seriously, are kind-hearted, play the big game — are willing to bring their biggest challenges, can engage — show up on time, focus (no cell phones), lean in, will confront their peers kindly, and are experienced enough to know they need to change — and energetic enough to do it.
My groups are for “A” Players. If you are an “A” Player, here is a message for you.
Here’s what current members say.
Chief Executive Group
“Vistage has not only provided me new perspectives and ideas to solve or tackle professional or business challenges, but is also been an environment to tackle personal and family challenges. I also have found that our meetings provide me a great refresh or reset every month that allow me to creatively think about my business and personal life outside of the day to day routine that we typically find ourselves in. The ability to share ideas or problems with peers in a transparent and trusted environment has proven to be extremely valuable to me.”
Rob Bush
Partner, NEWFIELD Capital Partners
"'Find a group of people who challenge and inspire you; spend a lot of time with them, and it will change your life' – as a relatively new member to Vistage, this quote has stuck with me and how I now view this impressive group that I’m grateful to have joined. I enjoy the opportunity to receive unbiased feedback on issues my business is facing. The leadership development, goal accountability, and monthly 1:1’s have been very valuable to me both personally and professionally. I’m fortunate to be in such a wonderful group with amazing leaders and people!"
Scott Dingle
"Michael’s Vistage group provides value to me in a number of ways. We have thoughtful discussions about critical issues that impact our business and lives, with a variety of viewpoints from trusted group members. We gain valuable knowledge and insight from expert speakers that often challenge us to be innovative and creative. Most importantly, our group is diverse in talent, experience and expertise; and they are committed to building relationships through understanding and candor."
Mike Fallot
CEO, MM Lending, LLC
"As a new member to the team, I have already gained a wealth of knowledge and ideas to implement for my business. Michael does an excellent job of facilitating our discussion not only in our group meetings but in the one on one coaching he provides. Investing in myself and investing in my business are key reasons that I joined Vistage."
Juan Gomes
President, Gomes Insurance Agency
“Vistage has been a great forum to discuss everything from sensitive and complex business problems to simple routine issues that need creative solutions with like-minded business owners and executives. The value I have received has made me a better leader and made MAG a stronger company. The friendships that have developed with the others in the group is an added bonus.“
Dean Harrison
President, Maximus Auto Group
"Vistage has been incredibly valuable in helping get my head up and out of the daily details, and focus on the bigger picture of advancing my business to the next level. These guys are a great ‘sounding board’ for confidential issues that cannot be shared with staff and investors. This Vistage group has provided insight and perspective for growing my business."
Mark L. Highbaugh, Sr
"Vistage is a monthly opportunity to raise your head up out of the daily issues with a group of your peers to solve difficult business problems and plan the future of your business."
John Hinshaw
President, Calhoun Construction Services
"Joining Vistage has been the smartest business decision I have made. Being able to present the challenges I have faced as a new to market start up medical practice has proven invaluable. Drawing off the expertise of the group members and leaning in together has only accelerated growth. Michael is the captain that guides us and the glue that binds us."
Jesse Jenkins
Medical Doctor MOBILE MD LLC
"Joining my Vistage peer group is a game-changer! To be surrounded and supported by highly motivated and like-minded leaders who challenge and inspire me to grow personally and professionally is an investment in not only my continued professional and personal growth journey but also of tremendous value to my organization. Michael's servant leadership style is influential, infectious and inspirational in our quest to make a difference in the lives of others and in the organizations we humbly and proudly serve."
Ray Mitchell
Founder & CEO, Thrive HR, Inc.
“While being President and CEO of Vimarc is rewarding, it can also be lonely at the top. Vistage offers the peer mentorship and accountability that help me make the difficult decisions necessary to continue my growth. While all of us come from different size companies and industries, we all share similar problems that we solve together. It has made a big difference in how I run my company.”
Richmond Simpson
President and CEO, Vimarc
"As a member of several industry groups I have grown to enjoy the comradery, the sharing, and learning from professionals in my own industry. Vistage is a great opportunity to get outside the “bubble” and away from potential blind spots of folks from my same industry. With my Vistage group, I interact with and learn from professionals in very diverse fields, who have very different skillsets. I look forward to learning something new at every meeting."
Scott Wesley
Futurist, Schiller Architectural Hardware
Key Executive Group
"Being a part of my Vistage leadership group has been invaluable to me as a business owner. Surrounded by mentors and friends who challenge and inspire me, I truly believe in the idea that “you are who you hang around.” After 28 years in business, including 25 alongside my late father and business partner, this group has become my trusted sounding board, filling the gap left by my fathers wisdom and providing the guidance I need to lead with confidence."
Dennis Hampton
President, CEO, Hampton Appliance, Inc
"I joined Vistage to enhance my leadership skills and gain fresh perspectives as I manage the dynamics of leading a team. Having been with my company for 18 years, I was eager to broaden my network and learn from peers in similar roles. Vistage offers a unique environment to exchange ideas, share experiences, and grow as a leader. It provides a space where I know I can process complex situations with confidence while continuing to contribute to my organization’s success."
Jessica Herman
"Becoming a Vistage member has been one of the best decisions I’ve made. The guidance from experienced leaders and the supportive community gave me the confidence and clarity I needed to navigate challenges and grow as a leader. If you’re considering joining, know that it’s an investment in yourself and your success."
Wendy Kays
Adam McDonald
"Joining Vistage has been a positive experience for not only my professional development but also networking with peers from other industries in our region. Being able to learn from other’s knowledge and challenges outside my organization is a unique opportunity that I really appreciate. I am excited for future growth with my direct team and leveraging the national network that Vistage offers."
Judd Wildman
Chief Commercial Officer, voestalpine Roll Forming Corporation
Trusted Advisor Group
"I joined Michael’s Vistage TA group to be part of a group of professionals who share the same core values to help each other. I like the fact that the group offers a confidential environment with like-minded peers from diverse backgrounds and different areas of expertise to collaborate, share ideas, and offer different perspectives to help hold me accountable and improve my mindset as a leader to better serve my clients."
Marck Brock
Fractional Chief Sales Officer, Apex Sales Solutions
"I joined Vistage to surround myself with a diverse group of experienced leaders who challenge my thinking, provide fresh perspectives, and hold me accountable to my goals. The value of being a member lies in the collective wisdom of the group, which helps me make better decisions, solve complex challenges, and grow both personally and professionally. It’s a unique space where meaningful connections drive real results."
Mike Hall
Executive Advisor, Culture Index
"We have become a tight-knit group of individuals who have learned that they can share anything professionally or personally, and the group is willing to come together to help. It's a group that helps with forward-thinking, and helps to hold you accountable. Each member has a unique background, and something special to offer. The connections each of them will bring to you are also invaluable."
Reanna Smith-Hamblin
President, CEO, Better Business Bureau
"As I scaled in business and leadership, I discovered that traditional networking events weren't providing the depth of insight I needed for complex decisions across different situations. Joining Vistage offered something fundamentally different: a confidential environment where I could dissect challenges unique to business leadership, from resource allocation to maintaining company culture and revenue targets. The ability to stress-test strategies with peers who have navigated similar complexities has transformed how I approach expansion opportunities and organizational structure across my business."
Katy Thomas-Young
CEO & Strategist, Bloom Consulting Firm
If you are right for my Vistage groups, I will apply my best efforts and energies to improving your life — and the lives of your families and employees — substantially.
If this sounds like you — or a friend you want to introduce to me — please contact me. I’m here for you. I care.
Wait. What? You don’t have time?
If your answer is “I don’t have time,” then I am here to question your answer. (Members say, “I come to Vistage to have my answers questioned.”)
Here are the Top 10 Reasons People Do NOT Join Vistage: