Senior Leaders
BARB ANDERSON
Chief Financial Officer, VGM Group, Inc.
Barb is VGM’s chief financial officer; a role she’s had since 2022. She is the lead financial voice of the company and provides vital strategic, analytical, and financial perspectives for the VGM family of businesses. Barb also serves on the Board of Trustees -the governing body of the VGM Group, Inc. Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). She joined VGM in 2017 as the corporate controller, where she built a strong, cohesive, and professional accounting team and strengthened financial reporting.
BRAD OLSON
President, Two Rivers Marketing
With more than 25 years as a marketing professional, Brad brings a wide variety of B2B marketing expertise to our clients. As president, Brad works closely with the talented leaders within Two Rivers, ensuring that we implement creative, market-driven strategies enabling our clients’ businesses to grow. Brad is active in the marketing industry and serves on the Iowa State University’s Marketing Advisory Council. He is also active in our clients’ industries: holding leadership positions within the Association of Equipment Manufacturers.
CHRIS WENDLAND
Chief Legal Officer, VGM Group, Inc.
Chris Wendland, JD, is the Chief Legal Officer of VGM Group. In his current role, Chris oversees all legal matters for VGM Group, ensuring compliance and providing strategic legal guidance to support the company’s growth and innovation. Chris has worked closely with VGM and all of its business units since 1997, providing legal services through his private practice. He began serving as Secretary on the VGM Board of Directors in 2008 and most recently held the role of General Counsel. Throughout this time, Chris played an integral role in key VGM acquisitions and other transactions.
CHRISTA MIEHE
President, Corporate Communications
Christa is president of Corporate Communications & Events. Christa was instrumental in merging three VGM divisions: VGM Marketing, Hellman, and VGM Events into what is now one entity. Previously, she was president of Marketing and Shared Services for VGM Group, Inc. Christa has been with VGM since 2002, starting in VGM Creative before leading VGM’s event services.
Senior Leaders
JEREMY KAUTEN
Chief Information Officer, VGM Group, Inc.
Jeremy has been chief information officer since 2018. Jeremy focuses on protecting computers, networks, programs, and data from unauthorized access, change, or destruction. In addition, he coordinates the optimization of technology throughout VGM’s business units. Jeremy has senior leadership responsibility for VGM Education and Corporate IT. He started in VGM’s Forbin division in 1997.
JEREMY STOLZ
Chief Executive Officer, VGM Group, Inc.
Jeremy Stolz is CEO of VGM Group, Inc., stepping into the role in 2024. Stolz has been with the company since 2003. In 2009, he developed and launched VGM Fulfillment, becoming president of the division in 2017. Under his leadership, VGM Fulfillment grew to become one of VGM’s largest divisions and a key player in the CPAP resupply business. In the summer of 2022, Stolz took over as president of VGM & Associates, another core VGM Group company, in addition to his role with VGM Fulfillment.
JIM NYGREN
President, VGM Insurance Services
Jim is the president of VGM Insurance Services, a division of the VGM Group, that specializes in providing insurance solutions and risk management services to over 8,000 customers in the home medical equipment, home health and hospice, physical therapy, orthotic and prosthetic, and golf and hospitality industries. He also serves as senior vice president of asset management. Jim joined VGM in 2014 and has held positions in VGM Marketing, HOMELINK, and most recently, as chief financial officer.
LINDY TENTINGER
President, VGM & Associates
Lindy is the president of VGM & Associates, taking on the role in 2024. Throughout her career, Lindy has immersed herself in HME, with a passion for advancing and elevating the industry as a whole. She is also an established thought leader on a number of topics, including branding, technology, and leadership, and regularly speaks at various industry conferences and authors articles for publication. She joined VGM in 2017 as senior vice president of marketing in VGM & Associates, later serving as president of VGM Forbin/ forbinfi, which provides digital marketing solutions, as well as IT and security/compliance services to businesses, with a focus on the HME and financial industries.
Senior Leaders
MATT WALLER President, HOMELINK
Matt has served as president of HOMELINK since 2021. Prior to becoming president and a member of the senior leadership team, Matt served as HOMELINK’s senior vice president of sales and marketing, where he helped successfully develop and implement five new product lines and transformed the home & vehicle modifications department. He has been with VGM since 2012, starting as director of sales in VGM’s Forbin division.
PETER MARTIN
President, VGM Fulfillment
Peter is the newest member to the Senior Leadership team of VGM, serving as president of VGM Fulfillment. Prior to joining VGM, Peter was on the leadership team at Target Corp since 2012, most recently serving as group vice president – food supply chain, where he was responsible for all aspects of Target’s $10 billion food and beverage supply chain operations across the United States.
SARA LAURES
Chief People Officer, VGM Group,
Inc.
Serving as chief people officer since 2020, Sara oversees people and culture strategy, human resources, talent acquisition, organizational development, and facilities management, and manages corporate projects that support VGM’s multiple businesses and its employees. Sara has grown Women in Leadership at VGM and helps guide the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee. Sara joined VGM in 1998 and has held positions in HOMELINK and VGM Education.
2026 Class Roster
ELP Capstone Presentation
Scoring Sheet
Presenter Name(s):
2026 Cohort
Total Possible Points: 100
Quick Reference: Score to Points Conversion
2026 Program Syllabus
INSTRUCTORS CELL
Ann Thomas 319-830-5462
Brooke Kraft 319-939-7064
Goals of the Program
OFFICE LOCATION
VGM Headquarters (B2)
VGM Headquarters (B2)
To formalize VGM’s approach to workforce planning and engagement.
• Develop and retain high potential employees.
• To prepare the future leaders of our organization.
• To provide a platform for mentoring and coaching throughout the organization.
Expectations
• 90% attendance and participation of class discussions (that means you can miss one session).
• Doing all assigned work.
• Active listening and questioning.
• Participants are expected to set and achieve personal and professional goals, enhancing overall development.
• Participants will be expected to write and turn in personal reflections that align with learning, when assigned.
• Participants will gain knowledge in financial analysis, understanding financial statements, and making informed financial decisions.
• The program culminates in a capstone project where participants are expected to participate in the process of group planning and delivery of the project.
Course Materials
• Assessments: CliftonStrenghths, Insights Discovery
• Microsoft Teams
• PowerPoint
• Cloverleaf
• Digital Handbook
• Name tent
Reflection Prompts
After each session, we highly encourage you to reflect on what you have learned and how it can impact your interactions, work, and goals. Here are some prompts to guide you.
OPTION 1
Classic Reflection
Take a few moments to reflect on today’s presentation and discussion. What ideas or moments stood out most to you, and why? Consider how these insights show up in your day-to-day work and where you can intentionally apply them moving forward.
OPTION 2
Application-focused
As you reflect on this session, identify one or two key takeaways that resonate with you. How do these insights connect to your role today, and what is one practical way you can put them into action in the coming weeks?
OPTION 3
Growth-oriented
Think back on the themes and conversations from this presentation. What challenged your thinking or reinforced what you already knew? Reflect on how you can translate those takeaways into meaningful impact on your work and leadership approach. Develop and retain high potential employees.
DATE SESSION REFLECTIONS
Mar. 10
Apr. 14
Jun. 16
Jul. 14
Aug. 11
Sept. 8
Oct. 13
Oct. 20
How VGM Generates Revenue
A. VGM Associates & Fulfillment
B. HOMELINK
C. VGM Insurance
D. The van Halem Group
E. 2RM
F. Strategic Imaging
G. VGM Education
H. Forbin
I. United Publications
Sells interactive online courses for HME and DMEPOS providers allowing licensed professionals to satisfy continuing education requirements.
Combines a membership-based service model for HME providers with large-scale medical supply distribution and logistics services. This includes membership fees that provide rebates from contracted manufacturers and product fulfillment by processing, warehousing, and shipping CPAP supplies nationwide.
Provides technology, digital marketing, and managed IT services to external businesses through subscription-based services, ongoing support, and project-based consulting. Generates recurring revenue through subscriptions, marketing services, and web hosting to help small medical and financial businesses connect with their customers. Also bills clients based on hourly time-and materials project work.
Consulting services specializing in audit defense, appeals and compliance work for our customers. Our rates are based on type of service-reactive or proactive. Reactive services (audits, appeals) are hourly. Proactive (compliance packages, proactive claims audits) are either monthly or project fees.
Connects insurance companies with its large network of healthcare providers. Generates margins based on the spread between what the contracted rate the insurance company pays for a claim and the contracted rate remitted to a healthcare provider for the service.
A business-to-business marketing agency that provides a wide variety of marketing services including creative services, content marketing, digital and media services, and public relations.
Sells print and digital advertising within two main publications. Hosts premier industry event which include sponsorships and attendee revenue.
Receives premiums for coverage that our captive takes the risk on. Our captive provides general and professional liability insurance coverage for durable medical equipment and orthotics and prosthetics manufacturers. They also receive commissions for settling other types of insurance policies where another insurance company takes the risk on the policy.
Printing service that includes traditional marketing materials (booklets, newsletters, and pamphlets) as well as custom branding on items like office attire, drinkware, and golf equipment.
Part 1: Goals for the Program
Using the session overviews, what are 3-5 goals you have for yourself going through this program?
Part 2: Goals for Your Work
What are 3-5 goals you have for yourself in your work?
Insights Discovery Colors
Insights Team Color Wheel
CliftonStrengths Team Table
CliftonStrengths Team Table
Gallup CliftonStrengths Themes
CliftonStrengths® Themes
Achiever
® People exceptionally talented in the Achiever theme work hard and possess a great deal of stamina. They take immense satisfaction in being busy and productive.
Activator
® People exceptionally talented in the Activator theme can make things happen by turning thoughts into action. They want to do things now, rather than simply talk about them.
Adaptability
® People exceptionally talented in the Adaptability theme prefer to go with the flow. They tend to be “now” people who take things as they come and discover the future one day at a time.
Analytical® People exceptionally talented in the Analytical theme search for reasons and causes. They have the ability to think about all of the factors that might affect a situation.
Arranger
® People exceptionally talented in the Arranger theme can organize, but they also have a flexibility that complements this ability. They like to determine how all of the pieces and resources can be arranged for maximum productivity.
Belief
® People exceptionally talented in the Belief theme have certain core values that are unchanging. Out of these values emerges a defined purpose for their lives.
Command® People exceptionally talented in the Command theme have presence. They can take control of a situation and make decisions.
Communication® People exceptionally talented in the Communication theme generally find it easy to put their thoughts into words. They are good conversationalists and presenters.
Competition® People exceptionally talented in the Competition theme measure their progress against the performance of others. They strive to win first place and revel in contests.
Connectedness®
Consistency
Context
People exceptionally talented in the Connectedness theme have faith in the links among all things. They believe there are few coincidences and that almost every event has meaning.
® People exceptionally talented in the Consistency theme are keenly aware of the need to treat people the same. They crave stable routines and clear rules and procedures that everyone can follow.
® People exceptionally talented in the Context theme enjoy thinking about the past. They understand the present by researching its history.
Deliberative® People exceptionally talented in the Deliberative theme are best described by the serious care they take in making decisions or choices. They anticipate obstacles.
Developer
® People exceptionally talented in the Developer theme recognize and cultivate the potential in others. They spot the signs of each small improvement and derive satisfaction from evidence of progress.
Discipline® People exceptionally talented in the Discipline theme enjoy routine and structure. Their world is best described by the order they create.
Empathy
® People exceptionally talented in the Empathy theme can sense other people’s feelings by imagining themselves in others’ lives or situations.
Focus®
People exceptionally talented in the Focus theme can take a direction, follow through and make the corrections necessary to stay on track. They prioritize, then act.
Futuristic® People exceptionally talented in the Futuristic theme are inspired by the future and what could be. They energize others with their visions of the future.
Harmony
® People exceptionally talented in the Harmony theme look for consensus. They don’t enjoy conflict; rather, they seek areas of agreement.
Ideation® People exceptionally talented in the Ideation theme are fascinated by ideas. They are able to find connections between seemingly disparate phenomena.
Includer
® People exceptionally talented in the Includer theme accept others. They show awareness of those who feel left out and make an effort to include them.
Individualization® People exceptionally talented in the Individualization theme are intrigued with the unique qualities of each person. They have a gift for figuring out how different people can work together productively.
Input
® People exceptionally talented in the Input theme have a need to collect and archive. They may accumulate information, ideas, artifacts or even relationships.
Intellection® People exceptionally talented in the Intellection theme are characterized by their intellectual activity. They are introspective and appreciate intellectual discussions.
Learner
® People exceptionally talented in the Learner theme have a great desire to learn and want to continuously improve. The process of learning, rather than the outcome, excites them.
Maximizer
® People exceptionally talented in the Maximizer theme focus on strengths as a way to stimulate personal and group excellence. They seek to transform something strong into something superb.
Positivity
® People exceptionally talented in the Positivity theme have contagious enthusiasm. They are upbeat and can get others excited about what they are going to do.
Relator
® People exceptionally talented in the Relator theme enjoy close relationships with others. They find deep satisfaction in working hard with friends to achieve a goal.
Responsibility
® People exceptionally talented in the Responsibility theme take psychological ownership of what they say they will do. They are committed to stable values such as honesty and loyalty.
Restorative™
Self-Assurance®
Significance
People exceptionally talented in the Restorative theme are adept at dealing with problems. They are good at figuring out what is wrong and resolving it.
People exceptionally talented in the Self-Assurance theme feel confident in their ability to take risks and manage their own lives. They have an inner compass that gives them certainty in their decisions.
® People exceptionally talented in the Significance theme want to make a big impact. They are independent and prioritize projects based on how much influence they will have on their organization or people around them.
Strategic® People exceptionally talented in the Strategic theme create alternative ways to proceed. Faced with any given scenario, they can quickly spot the relevant patterns and issues.
Woo®
People exceptionally talented in the Woo theme love the challenge of meeting new people and winning them over. They derive satisfaction from breaking the ice and making a connection with someone.
Copyright © 2000, 2020 Gallup, Inc. All rights reserved. Gallup® CliftonStrengths® and each of the 34 CliftonStrengths theme names are trademarks of Gallup, Inc. SED_Col_Res-CSQRC_enUS_011619N_bk This document may be copied or reproduced for individual use. It cannot be altered or modified without the written permission of Gallup.
Leadership Standards
CREATEYOUR FUTURE
1. CREATE YOUR FUTURE
Leadership Focus: Growth & Development
• Guides others with feedback and mentorship
• Takes initiative to develop themselves and others
• Demonstrates learning agility and seeks continuous improvement
2. OWN YOUR OWNERSHIP
Leadership Focus: Accountability & Respect
• Accepts responsibility for team outcomes
• Models accountability and demonstrates ownership of successes and failures
• Demonstrates professionalism and reliability
3. PROTECT OUR COMPANY
Leadership Focus: Judgment & Trust
• Leads with sound judgment and ethical decision-making
• Builds a culture of trust and integrity
• Considers the broader impact of decisions on the organization and our people
4. CHEER EACH OTHER ON
Leadership Focus: Team Empowerment
• Shares credit and celebrates team wins
• Motivates through collaboration, inclusion, and compassion
• Supports others’ success and well-being
Leadership Standards FINDTHEFUN INYOURDAY
5. FIND THE FUN IN YOUR DAY
Leadership Focus: Culture & Connection
• Creates a positive, engaging team environment
• Connects through shared experiences
• Encourages authenticity and joy at work
6. PROVIDE MEANINGFUL & MEMORABLE SERVICE
Leadership Focus: Commitment & Communication
• Communicates with clarity and intent
• Aligns team goals with overall business strategy and initiatives
• Models honesty and humility in interactions with customers, partners, and coworkers
7. WELCOME CHANGE
Leadership Focus: Agility & Vision
• Embraces change with curiosity and courage
• Provides direction during uncertainty
• Models adaptability and alignment
MAKEA DIFFERENCE
8. MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Leadership Focus: Impact & Purpose
• Aligns team efforts with meaningful outcomes for customers and community
• Encourages innovation that drives positive change
• Supports employees in finding meaning and value in their work
Power of One Leadership Proficiency Rubric
LEADERSHIP STANDARD LEADERSHIP FOCUS
Create Your Future Growth & Development
BEGINNER INTERMEDIATE ADVANCED EXPERT
Rarely seeks feedback; limited selfinitiative; passive in learning Occasionally seeks feedback; sets some development goals; open to learning
Regularly mentors others; proactively develops self and team; demonstrates learning agility
Consistently drives collective growth; recognized as a learning role model; cultivates a culture of continuous improvement
Own Your Ownership
Accountability & Respect Avoids responsibility; inconsistent reliability; limited professionalism
Protect Our Company Judgment & Trust
Accepts personal responsibility; mostly reliable; demonstrates basic professionalism Models accountability; holds self and team to high standards; reliable under pressure Inspires team accountability; trusted for integrity; consistently delivers on commitments and fosters respect
Cheer Each Other On Team Empowerment
Makes decisions without considering broader impact; limited ethical awareness
Considers organizational impact; understands basic ethical principles; builds some trust
Leads with sound judgment; consistently ethical; actively builds trust and integrity
Sets ethical standards; consults on complex decisions; trusted advisor for organizational integrity
Rarely acknowledges others; limited collaboration; indifferent to team well-being Shares credit occasionally; participates in team efforts; shows basic compassion
Celebrates team wins; motivates through inclusion; supports team success and wellbeing Champions collaboration; drives team empowerment; creates a culture of compassion and inclusion
Power of One Leadership Proficiency Rubric
LEADERSHIP STANDARD LEADERSHIP FOCUS
Find the Fun in Your Day Culture & Connection
BEGINNER INTERMEDIATE ADVANCED EXPERT
Passive or disengaged; rarely fosters positive environment; limited connection Occasionally engages team; participates in creating positive moments; connects with some colleagues
Creates an engaging team environment; encourages authenticity and joy; connects through shared experiences
Cultivates vibrant culture; models positivity; builds deep connections and fosters team joy daily
Provide Meaningful & Memorable Service
Commitment & Communication Communicates reactively; unclear intent; limited alignment with business strategy Communicates with some clarity; aligns team goals occasionally; demonstrates basic honesty Communicates with purpose; aligns team goals with strategy; models humility and honesty
Welcome Change Agility & Vision
Resists change; limited adaptability; uncertain in ambiguity
Accepts change; adapts with guidance; provides some direction in uncertainty
Sets communication standards; ensures strategic alignment; role model for service excellence and authentic interactions
Make a Difference Impact & Purpose
Focuses on tasks over outcomes; limited innovation; unclear sense of purpose
Connects work to outcomes; encourages some innovation; supports team meaning
Embraces change; models adaptability; leads team through uncertainty with vision
Drives change; inspires curiosity and courage; provides clear direction and alignment during transformation
Aligns team efforts with meaningful outcomes; drives positive change; helps team find value in work
Inspires purposedriven impact; leads innovation for community and customer benefit; empowers employees to find deep meaning in their work
Capstone Project 2026
The ELP Capstone is a practical demonstration of leadership in action. Participants will access their current work environment and intentionally apply concepts from the program. Participants are encouraged to ground their work in real challenges, engage stakeholders for input, and reflect on what they learned through the process.
Cohort members will choose one of the two pathways:
1. Leveraging emerging technology to increase impact.
2. Exploring industry trends with the potential to transform our workplace.
Presentations will be completed in groups of four, with two groups presenting on each pathway. A strong capstone will not only showcase technical understanding but also address change management, including how to build trust, set guardrails, and support team members as new ways of working are introduced.
A PowerPoint template will be provided, though teams may adapt it to support your story. Final presentations should be approximately 20 minutes.
Option One
Emerging Technology Maximization in Everyday Work
This pathway focuses on how leaders can responsibly and effectively integrate emerging technology such as AI integrated tools into their own workflows and the work of their teams. This capstone may explore questions such as:
• Where are we spending time on low-value, repetitive tasks?
• How might AI improve efficiency, quality, or insight without replacing critical human judgment?
• What are specific use cases within the business unit that show value?
Example: Insight-Driven Risk Identification - AI analyzes claims and coverage data to surface trends or emerging risks, supporting better proactive guidance without replacing professional judgment.
Option Two
Exploring Emerging Trends That Will Shape the Future of Work
This pathway focuses on identifying and analyzing emerging trends (technological, social, economic, or industry specific) that have the potential to significantly reshape how we work, lead, and create value. Look beyond current state operations and examine what is coming next with emphasis on how leaders can proactively respond rather than react. Through research, select one emerging trend relevant to VGM and assess its potential impact on people, processes, customers, and culture. This capstone may explore questions such as:
• What signals suggest this trend is gaining momentum?
• How could it disrupt or enhance our current ways of working?
• What opportunities or risks does it present for our organization?
• How should leaders prepare teams for what’s ahead?
Example: AI-Free Trust Revolution - Human-created content, human judgment, and transparent decision-making become differentiators in response to skepticism toward AI-generated work.
Session Notes And Reflections
Program Introduction And Trust & Change
MAR. 10 •
2-4
P.M. • D4 EXECUTIVE BOARDROOM
Speaker:
Notes:
Reflection Prompts →
EQ & Communication
APR. 14 • 2-4 P.M. • WALSH THEATER
Speaker:
Notes:
EQ & COMMUNICATION REFLECTION
Reflection Prompts →
Decision Making & Senior Leader Panel
MAY 12 • 2-4 P.M. • WALSH THEATER
Speaker:
Notes:
DECISION MAKING & SENIOR LEADER PANEL REFLECTION
Reflection Prompts →
Time Management & AI Unwrapped
JUN.
16 • 2-4 P.M. • WALSH
THEATER
Speaker:
Notes:
Reflection Prompts →
Understanding Team Dynamics & Conflict Resolution
JUL. 14 • 2-4 P.M • WALSH THEATER
Speaker:
Notes:
UNDERSTANDING TEAM DYNAMICS & CONFLICT RESOLUTION REFLECTION
Reflection Prompts →
Financial Acumen & Analysis
AUG. 11 • 2-4 P.M • WALSH THEATER
Speaker:
Notes:
FINANCIAL ACUMEN & ANALYSIS REFLECTION
Reflection Prompts →
Performance Management
SEPT. 8 • 2-4 P.M. • WALSH THEATER
Speaker:
Notes:
PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT REFLECTION
Reflection Prompts →
Capstone Planning
OCT. 13 • 2-4 P.M. • WALSH THEATER
Speaker:
Notes:
CAPSTONE PLANNING REFLECTION
Reflection Prompts →
Capstone Presentations and Graduation Celebration
OCT.
20 • 2-5 P.M.
Speaker:
Notes:
• WALSH THEATER AND EMPLOYEE OWNERS LOUNGE (B2)
CAPSTONE PRESENTATIONS AND GRADUATION CELEBRATION
Reflection Prompts →