POWER CONNECTIONS

Star of ABC’s ‘Shark Tank,’ Top Business Speaker, Serial Entrepreneur, Venture Capitalist and Investor, Featured in Harvard Business Review Case Study in 2023

Kevin O’Leary’s success story began in his native Canada, “with a big idea and zero cash.” In 1986, he founded SoftKey Software Products, later to be called The Learning Company, in his Toronto basement. Under O’Leary’s leadership, the company became a giant in its sector before it was acquired for $4.2 billion. In 2000, O’Leary founded O’Leary Ventures, a generalist venture capital investment platform that has since invested in start-ups and early-stage companies across virtually every sector. In 2003, he co-founded Storage Now, a leading developer of climate-controlled storage facilities, which was later acquired for $110 million. His next investment, Stream Global Services, was later acquired for $820 million.

More About Kevin O’Leary

In 2006, O’Leary joined the Canadian cast of Dragon’s Den, the international business reality show and forerunner of the U.S. Shark Tank franchise. His tough critiques and brutal honesty made him a popular judge. In 2009, he was invited to join the founding cast of ABC’s Shark Tank, alongside Mark Cuban, Robert Herjavec, Lori Greiner, Daymond John, and Barbara Corcoran. Shark Tank continues to be one of the most popular television programs of all time, garnering multiple awards and nominations, including four Emmy awards. Reflecting his commitment to “eco-preneurship,” O’Leary also co-hosted The Discovery Channel’s Project Earth series, which explored radical ideas to combat global warming.

O’Leary currently serves as chairman for a portfolio of companies that reflect his guiding principles for business. They include venture capital investment platform O’Leary Ventures; Beanstox, an automated internet-based investment advisory service; and O’Shares Investments, which provides ETFs for long-term wealth management. He is the founder of O’Leary Financial Group, and Chief Sommelier of award-winning O’Leary Fine Wines. Since 2021, O’Leary has also been a strategic investor in WonderFi, now one of the largest regulated crypto asset trading platforms in the world.

A strong believer in financial education and fostering the next generation of entrepreneurs, Kevin O’Leary is the author of a bestselling series of books: Cold Hard Truth; Men, Women and Money; and Family, Kids and Money. He has spoken to future entrepreneurs at Harvard Business School, MIT Sloan, Notre Dame, Waterloo and McGill. Corporate speaking audiences have included Ernst & Young, MassMutual, First Third Bank, Constant Contact, Comcast, Zendesk, Cisco Systems, National Conference of State Legislatures, and ExxonMobil.

O’Leary serves on the investment committee of Boston’s prestigious 200-year-old Hamilton Trust. He is an avid chef, wine lover, world traveler, photographer, electric guitarist, guitar collector, and die-hard New England Patriots fan.

Mr. O’Leary received an honours bachelor’s degree in environmental studies and psychology from the University of Waterloo and an MBA in entrepreneurship from the Ivey Business School at the University of Western Ontario.

As Bedrock’s Chief Executive Officer, Kofi Bonner leads the company’s efforts to create thriving urban centers in Detroit and Cleveland by engaging in transformative development projects and community partnerships with a specific focus on businesses attraction, growth and development.

Kofi brings a wealth of experience in managing intricate development endeavors in urban areas. His ability to drive urban development projects and foster community growth has led to numerous awards and recognition from prominent national and international professional associations. Kofi also serves on the Detroit Board of Directors for the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, the Board of Trustees for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Museum in Cleveland, the Board of Trustees for the University of California Berkeley Foundation, the Board of Trustees for the Ashesi University Foundation and the Board of Trustees for Neighborhood Defender Service (NDS), Inc.

Prior to joining Bedrock in 2020, Kofi served as Co-Chief Operating Officer at FivePoint Holdings in California, overseeing the entitlement and development of various major multiphase master plan communities. Kofi has also held the positions of Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer for the Cleveland Browns, becoming one of the first African Americans in such a leadership role within the NFL.

Ambassador John Rakolta, Jr. (ret) is the Chairman of Walbridge, a privately held construction company founded in Detroit in 1916. The company is one of the largest contractors in the United States.  He is the former US Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Commissioner General of Expo Dubai 2020 having served from 2019-2021. He played a hands-on role in the diplomatic breakthrough between Israel and the UAE, serving as a go-between in the delicate negotiations resulting in the historic signing of the Abraham Accords. The groundbreaking accords forged the foundation for normalization of diplomatic relations across the region resulting in more Middle Peace agreements signed in 5 months than had been signed in the previous 25 years.

John served as the Chair of the State of Michigan’s Growing Michigan Together Council. Established by Governor Gretchen Whitmer, the council was focused on growing the population by attracting young talent and building a statewide framework – through education, innovation and infrastructure – that will expand opportunity for every resident.

John joined Walbridge in 1971, shortly after graduating with a degree in Civil Engineering from Marquette University. He also completed the Smaller Company Management Program at the Harvard Business School. However, his first job at Walbridge was at age 12, working at the company construction yard painting safety barricades yellow under the watchful eye of his grandfather, then the yard manager. After joining Walbridge, he worked as a project engineer, estimator and held positions of increased responsibility. He was named Chief Operating Officer in 1975, followed by President in 1979, and succeeded his father as Chairman, CEO and majority Owner in 1993.

Walbridge is consistently ranked as the top U.S. builder of automotive and manufacturing facilities and has achieved considerable market diversity led by the expansion into the hyperscale data center market. In 2019, the company began supporting automotive customers with their transition to an all-electric future providing construction services focusing on redeveloping current, as well as building new facilities throughout North America. The company also serves customers in aviation, education, health care, power and energy markets.

Ambassador Rakolta has been honored for his public service commitment including:

•   Outstanding Business Leader Award, Northwood University, 2024

• United Arab Emirates Zayed II Medal, 2021
• United States National Security Medal, 2020
• The Detroit News Michiganian of the Year, 2019
• Urban Land Institute Michigan Lifetime Achievement Award, 2017
• New Detroit Leadership in Race Relations Award, 2015
• Urban League of Detroit Distinguished Warrior Award, 2014
• Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year, 2010
• Engineering Society of Detroit’s Horace H. Rackham Humanitarian Award, 2010
• Woodrow Wilson Award for Corporate Citizenship, 2005
• Romanian National Order of Merit, 2000

A third-generation Romanian American, John served as Romania’s Honorary Consul General to the United States from 

1996-2019.

John and his wife, Terry, have four children: Eileen, Lauren, Paige, and John III.

Few leaders embody the spirit of resilience found at Henry Ford Health, across the state of Michigan, and throughout our region more deeply than Bob Riney.

With more than 45 years of service at Henry Ford Health, Bob has played a pivotal role through many times of transformation, including the organization’s current era of unprecedented growth and expansion. A proud graduate of Wayne State University and lifelong Detroiter, Bob’s career at Henry Ford began in 1978 and has given him a uniquely comprehensive understanding of the health system’s operations, organizational culture, and connection to the communities it serves.

Appointed CEO in 2022, Bob has been instrumental in spearheading some of Henry Ford Health’s most ambitious projects to date. His leadership is central to the groundbreaking joint venture with Ascension Michigan, which unites the two major health systems to enhance care delivery across the region. This joint venture has taken Henry Ford Health from five to 13 hospitals; approximately 33,000 to 50,000 team members; and 250 to 550+ sites of care, while expanding access to advanced clinical care and cutting-edge research for communities throughout Michigan and beyond.

Bob’s leadership has also been key to the Destination: Grand project, a complete re-imagination of Henry Ford Health’s Detroit campus that will include a new 20-story, 1.2M sq. ft. hospital tower with all private rooms for patients, a new Emergency Department more than double the size of the existing one, 28 operating rooms, and its own Central Energy Hub, making it one of the largest fully electric-capable hospitals in the country. This development is not only about improving healthcare infrastructure; it’s about reshaping the future of health for the city and region. Destination: Grand will serve as a beacon of medical innovation and a cornerstone for Detroit’s revitalization, creating lasting positive impacts for decades to come.

Before becoming CEO in 2022, Bob held numerous Henry Ford Health leadership positions including: President, Healthcare Operations and Chief Operating Officer (2017 – 2022); Chief Operating Officer (2003-2022); Senior Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer (2002–2003); and Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer (2000–2002).

Bob is a passionate contributor to the overall quality of the community as well as his profession, and he is often sought out for input on major strategic issues. His current board and community roles include: Trustee, Alfred I. duPont Charitable Trust; Board Member, Detroit Zoological Society; Board Member, Board Chair, The Parade Company; Board Member, Hudson-Webber Foundation; Board Member, Caymich Insurance Company; Board Member, Detroit Regional Chamber; Board Member, Business Leaders for Michigan; Board Member, Downtown Detroit Partnership; Board Member/Incoming Chair, Detroit Regional Partnership; Board Member, The Detroit Economic Club (DEC); and Board Member, Motown Museum.

Rick Snyder is currently CEO of SensCy, a cybersecurity company focused on small and medium sized companies.  Prior to SensCy, he served two terms as Governor of Michigan (2011-2018), leading an economically depressed state to top-10 status. Michigan became a national and regional leader in private sector job creation and increases in per capita income. He was responsible for restructuring Detroit and multiple other major economic, educational, infrastructure, cybersecurity and quality of life programs were also implemented during his tenure.

Rick also founded two $100 million venture capital firms.  He previously served as chairman and president of Gateway, a leading PC company. During his six years working at Gateway, it grew from 600 to 13,000 employees and $600mm to $6 billion in revenue.

His career began at Coopers & Lybrand where he rose to partner in six years where he did tax and mergers and acquisitions services.

Jacob Bacall was born in 1955 in Telkaif-Mosul, Iraq, to a Chaldean Christian family. He completed high school in Baghdad before pursuing Mechanical Engineering studies in the United Kingdom. In 1977, he immigrated to the United States, where he joined his brother, Eddie, in the family’s retail drugstore business before transitioning into real estate. By the early 1990s, he had begun investing in income-generating properties, quickly establishing himself as a successful businessman. Over the years, his real estate ventures expanded to include shopping centers, office buildings, senior living communities, hospitality, and multi-family properties.

Jacob is deeply involved in the Chaldean community and has served on the boards of several key organizations, including the Chaldean Iraqi American Association of Michigan (CIAAM)—the oldest Chaldean establishment in America, founded in 1943—the Chaldean Chamber of Commerce, and the Chaldean Community Foundation.

In addition to his business and community work, Jacob is an author. His books Chaldeans in Detroit (2014) and Chaldean Iraqi American Association of Michigan (2018) were both published by Arcadia Publishing. His latest book, Chaldean Catholic Church, co-authored with Bishop Bawai Soro, is set to be released in the spring of 2025.

Jacob resides in West Bloomfield, Michigan, with his wife, Anne. They have four children and seven grandchildren.

Jase Bolger started multiple small businesses in Michigan before service in elected office for a decade, concluding with four years as Speaker of the Michigan House of Representatives from 2011-2014.

Though working with his colleagues and Governor Rick Snyder, Michigan became a Right to Work state, the job-killing and complex Michigan Business Tax was repealed and the investment-punishing Personal Property Tax on business equipment was repealed for manufacturers and small businesses.  Detroit’s longstanding insolvency was finally resolved through the state’s assistance and bankruptcy settlement.  Lansing went from budget deficits and government shutdowns to reduced state debt and growing budget surpluses.  

In 2015, Bolger founded Tusker Strategies, LLC offering advice for political and public policy success. He provides support to the West Michigan Policy Forum as well as key Michigan political donors.

Jase and Molly have two adult children and enjoy living in both Grand Rapids and Norton Shores, MI.

Brian Calley is a collaborative leader who combines the skills from an accomplished private sector career with an extensive record of public service and a reputation for getting things done. He is passionate about making the world work better for all people and uses an inclusive problem-solving approach to make a difference. 

As President and CEO of the Small Business Association of Michigan, Brian is able to put his passion for Michigan’s small businesses to work. He serves as a director of a publicly traded community bank, and as a Trustee of Oakland University. Additionally, he sits on various boards, including Special Olympics Michigan, Sparrow Health System, Disability Rights Michigan, and the Autism Alliance of Michigan.

Calley had the honor of serving as Michigan’s 63rd Lieutenant Governor from 2011-2018. Prior to that, Calley served two terms in the Michigan House of Representatives, two terms as an Ionia County commissioner and worked for over a decade in community banking. He holds a BA from Michigan State University, an MBA from Grand Valley State University and an MPA from Harvard University. 

Calley is an avid runner, having completed more than a dozen full marathons and a capable piano player. He and his wife Julie live in Portland with their three children: Collin, Reagan and Karagan.

Emily D’Agostini Kunath is an attorney and principal at the D’Agostini Companies.  D’Agostini Companies has surpassed 50 years in business as a privately held real estate developer and property manager.  It is an active participant in the southeast Michigan real estate market; developing and managing commercial/industrial properties in southeast Michigan.  D’Agostini Companies is also an active residential subdivision developer in southeast Michigan.  Emily oversees all in house legal and accounting functions, with emphasis on family office, estate and income tax planning, leasing, purchase and disposition, joint ventures, condo work and property management.  She graduated from Emory University School of Law and has a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Michigan.  At Emory, she successfully competed nationally with Emory’s Moot Court Society and was a member of Emory’s National Team in 1997-98.  She is active with the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC), serving on the Michigan Governmental Relations Committee and the Continuing Education Program Committee.  Ms. Kunath is also a licensed builder in Michigan.

Jerry Darby leads all major infrastructure development and planning for the Henry Ford Health System as wellas planning and implementation of the $3 billion New Center Detroit development.

Since coming to Detroit over 3 years ago, Jerry has engaged with the local community, including joining the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation (DEGC) board and the Midtown Detroit Inc (MDI) Board of Directors as a
member of the Executive Committee.

With over 30 years of experience as a management consulting leader in the health care industry, Jerry has planned, developed, and activated more than 30 million square feet of space during his career and has worked
with nearly all the top 20 US News & World Report Best Hospitals.

Jerry has a Master of Business Administration in Finance from the University of Iowa, a Bachelor of Arts in Pharmacy from Ferris State University and has a certificate from the joint Global Senior Management Program with the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and IE Business School in Madrid, Spain.

Derek Dickow serves as an executive coach, a strategic networking advisor and is the founder of Power Connections. He works with CEOs, elected leaders, and top innovators, sharing his expertise through his ‘5 Pillars of Purpose-Driven Networking.’

Through Power Connections, his team organizes high-impact conferences that foster meaningful connections and growth among business leaders.

In addition to his role as a board member of the Small Business Association of Michigan, Dickow is a proud ambassador for the Children’s Foundation, a member of the National Speakers Association and Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce.

In his spare time he enjoys wake surfing and hitting a 3 Wood 240 yards with a nice baby draw.

Jeff Donofrio is President and Chief Executive Officer of Business Leaders For Michigan, a statewide organization driven by CEOs from the state’s leading employers, all working toward a shared goal: making Michigan a Top 10 state for jobs, talent and a thriving economy. 

Under Jeff’s leadership, the organization has influenced significant policy outcomes to make Michigan a state where businesses want to invest and grow and people want to live and work, including increasing the state’s economic competitiveness, advancing K-12 education reforms, expanding talent pathways and strengthening Michigan’s business climate. 

He previously served as director of the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO). Before LEO, Jeff was the executive director of Workforce Development for the City of Detroit and an executive at Ford Motor Company. He also led the Michigan operations for Congressmen John D. Dingell and Sandy Levin and served in the Granholm administration.  

Jeff grew up working in his family’s small businesses and earned his bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University and MBA from Georgetown University. 

He is Chairman of the Board of Directors of Launch Michigan (Michigan’s bipartisan nonprofit organization to reform K-12 public education) and is Chair of the Michigan Workforce Development Board. 

Dan Fischer is a seasoned banking executive with a distinguished career spanning several decades. Currently serving as the CEO of Citizens State Bank since September 2020, he has brought his expertise to lead the institution to new heights.

Before his role at Citizens State Bank, Dan served as the President, CEO, Chief Lending Officer, and Director at The Citizens Bank of Logan from November 2014 to August 2019.
Dan’s previous leadership roles include Chairman and President at Urban Trust Bank, Executive Vice President at Associated Banc-Corporation, and Senior Vice President at Fifth Third Bancorp.

Dan’s career trajectory is a testament to his dedication to the banking industry and hiscapacity for leadership and strategic vision. As the CEO of Citizens State Bank, he continues
to steer the institution toward success, drawing upon his wealth of experience in the financial sector.

A family owned and operated company since 1973, Singh Development is a nationally ranked builder and developer that actively develops, builds, and manages real estate throughout Michigan, North Carolina, and Virginia. Singh’s diverse portfolio includes residential apartments and townhomes, senior living communities branded under the Waltonwood name, single family homes and subdivisions, commercial real estate, and golf. The company continues to pride itself on its thoughtfully conceived developments, innovative design and planning, quality construction, hands-on management, and excellent customer service.

Andy Gutman, President of Farbman Group and related companies, oversees the myriad of Farbman companies including those he created, its > 30,000,000 rsf of commercial real estate and its 200 + employees. Andy worked for much of his career in the arenas of Accounting, Finance and Asset Management and previously held the title of Chief Financial Officer. He has spent over 30 years in commercial real estate working for international and family owned, multi- generational commercial real estate companies. Andy is also a song writer and an author. He has licensed numerous songs for commercial use and is the proud author of several Children’s Books. Gutman is a strong proponent of, and participant in, community activities, serving on several boards throughout his career and currently serves on Midtown Detroit, Inc.’s Board of Directors, the Detroit Chinese Business Association’s Board of Directors, the Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce’s and Foundation’s Board of Directors and Executive Committee, a member of EO Detroit, and a member of the Greater Metropolitan Association of Realtors.

As Principal at Ronnisch Construction Group, Frank brings over 20 years of experience in commercial real estate and construction. Known for his strategic vision and ability to build lasting industry relationships, he specializes in ground-up construction, redevelopment, and complex project execution. Frank plays a central role in business development and operations, guiding projects from concept through completion with a focus on quality, efficiency, and client satisfaction. His deep understanding of construction processes, coupled with his leadership and investment insight, make him a driving force behind the continued growth and success of Ronnisch Construction Group.

R.J. King is editor of DBusiness magazine, DBusiness Daily News, Hustle and Muscle, and Detroit 500, all of which cover companies in metro Detroit and Michigan that are expanding locally, nationally, and internationally. Mr. King is the author of six books — “Taboo;” “Grounds for Freedom: Saving Chernobyl,” a silver medal recipient of the Midwest Book Awards; “Detroit: Engine of America,” a gold medal recipient of the Midwest Book Awards; “8 Track: The First Mobile App;” “Passport to the Corner Office: The Starter’s Guide to Corporate Life;” and “Mystical.” He also own the publishing company, Written in Detroit. Since 2011, DBusiness magazine has been honored with more than 65 Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals in the Editorial Excellence Awards from the Alliance of Area Business Publishers, including being named the top regional business magazine in the country. Prior to launching DBusiness in 2006, Mr. King was a business writer for The Detroit News for 16 years, where he wrote more than 4,000 articles covering economic development, automotive, aerospace, health care, technology, and more. Mr. King is a board member of Beyond Basics, Detroit Public Safety Foundation, Detroit Aircraft Corp., Detroit Spacecraft Corp., and ASX. In addition, he serves on the Board of Trustees for The Parade Co. and Detroit Sessions. He is a member of the Detroit Athletic Club, and on the board of the DAC Executives Club and the DAC Car Club. Named a Knight of Woodward, he lives in the Boston-Edison Historic District and is a member of the University of Michigan Alumni Association. In 2014, Mr. King was inducted into the International Heritage Foundation’s Heritage Hall of Fame (youngest recipient).

Ryan Maibach is the President + CEO of Barton Malow. A fourth-generation builder, Ryan began his career in his family’s business in 1997 upon graduation from Purdue University. Before being appointed President of Barton Malow Company in 2011, Ryan worked as an Assistant Project Manager, Project Manager, Director of Specialty Contracting, and Vice President of Specialty Contracting and Industrial Operations. After being appointed President, Ryan has worked to expand the enterprise through rapid alignment, strategic growth, and innovation.  

As a devoted member of the Detroit business community, Ryan serves various organizations. He has been recognized with numerous accolades throughout his 25-year career. He was named to Building Design + Construction’s 2009 “40 Under 40” list, appointed the 2010 “Young Engineer of the Year” by the Engineering Society of Detroit, and he also appeared on the respective 2012 “40 Under 40” lists of Crain’s Detroit Business and Engineering News-Record (Midwest region).

Dannis Mitchell is a nationally recognized leader in commercial real estate and construction, serving as Senior Director of Community Engagement at Barton Malow. With over 20 years of industry experience, she leads enterprise-wide strategies that connect workforce development, strategic procurement, and community partnerships to drive business performance and strengthen contractor pipelines. A licensed commercial real estate advisor and University of Michigan graduate, Dannis leverages her expertise to connect large-scale development projects—over $5B since 2014—to the communities they serve, while creating scalable programs like the award-winning Barton Malow Boot Camp and the Motor City Contractor Fund. She also coaches emerging leaders and supports capacity-building for small businesses and nonprofits through strategic advising and development-focused partnerships. In 2025, she became the first Michigan-based nominee to raise over $100K in nine weeks for the American Heart Association’s Woman of Impact campaign, earning national recognition as a Centennial Club honoree featured in TIME Magazine.

She is a Crain’s Notable Woman in Commercial Real Estate and a graduate of both the Harvard Young American Leaders Program and the Cinnaire WE Build Development Program.

Senator Jeremy Moss prioritizes policies supporting local government and local communities, as well as increasing transparency in state government. He is the President Pro Tempore of the Michigan Senate, where he is also serving his second term.

Always looking to build relationships across the aisle, Moss has successfully had legislation signed into law to reduce unfair employment barriers for people with past criminal records, help homeowners make home improvements by lowering property taxes, allow public-private partnerships to rebuild crumbling bridges, and to create more pathways for students who dropped out of high school so they can complete their degree.

Moss holds the distinction of having been the youngest-ever elected official on the Southfield City Council (2011) and has not let up on public service since. After City Council, he was elected to the Michigan House of Representatives, serving as the Democratic Caucus Whip, and then became the Assistant Democratic Leader in his first term in the Michigan Senate.

Moss earned his bachelor’s degree in journalism from Michigan State University, where he participated in multiple student-led humanitarian aid missions nationally and across the globe. He lives in Southfield.

Akram Namou is the Chief Executive Officer and founder of Namou Hotel Group. Namou Hotel Group owns, operates, and manages a portfolio of hotels that span across Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio. His expertise and strategic vision has grown the company from one hotel to being the largest private company in the Midwest. Namou was born in Iraq and he studied there as well as in England. He came to Detroit, MI in 1980 and began his career in accounting as a Certified Public Accountant and is still the principal of Elite CPA Group, PLLC. in Madison Heights, which was established in1984. He purchased his first hotel in 1992 and currently has relationships with many brands including Hyatt, Marriott, Hilton, IHG, and Wyndham among many others. He has been listed in DBusiness Detroit Magazine as one of the most powerful leaders for the past five years, among many other accolades. Namou has always emphasized the importance of faith, family, and education and lives his life according to prioritizing these and instilling them in his own family. Three of his four children are actively involved in the company. In his free time he like to travel with his wife, Azhar and spend time with his four children, Chanelle, Shawn, Darron (Dina) and Desiree and especially with his two grandchildren, Daniel and Isaac.

Senate Republican Leader Aric Nesbitt grew up as the middle child on a six-generation family farm in West Michigan. He went on to earn an economics degree from Hillsdale College, later earning a master’s in international business. He received the “Distinguished Alumnus” award from Hillsdale for his work as a conservative reformer.

Aric was elected to represent Van Buren County and part of Allegan County in the Michigan House of Representatives. He served three terms, achieving results for hardworking taxpayers by balancing budgets and reducing debt, lowering the tax burden, eliminating thousands of rules and regulations, and defending our values. He served as the House Majority Floor Leader and chair of the House Committee on Energy and Technology. Aric also served as a member of Gov. Rick Snyder’s cabinet, managing an agency that generates nearly $1 billion annually for public education. 

In 2018, Aric was elected to the state Senate. He now represents the 20th District, which includes portions of Berrien, Van Buren, Allegan and Kent counties. He has passed legislation to save drivers billions of dollars on auto insurance and fought to stop tax increases on families and small businesses. 

Aric currently lives in Porter Township, with his wife Trisha, daughter Catherine, and son William near the family farm.

Gideon Pfeffer is a seasoned real estate investor and CEO and Managing Partner of The GSH Group, where he leads strategic partnerships, capital markets, investment oversight, and daily operations. Under his leadership, GSH has raised and invested over $350 million in equity and built a $1 billion+ portfolio of 8,000+ apartment units across six states.

Gideon is also the Managing Partner of Multifamily and Commercial Construction (MFCC), a full service construction company specializing in residential and commercial construction services, both rehabilitation and new construction.

Before founding GSH and MFCC, Gideon created a successful real estate firm that acquired, renovated, and managed thousands of single-family homes throughout the Midwest and Southeast. His career has been defined by a focus on workforce housing and value-add investment strategies.

He was recognized as a 2022 EY Entrepreneur of the Year (22),  2024 Syracuse University’s 50 Fastest Growing Alumni Businesses, and dBusiness Magazine’s “30 in Their 30s”. Additionally and serves on several nonprofit boards dedicated to affordable housing and community revitalization.

A real estate investor, developer, financier and entrepreneur, Mr. Rutledge is the Founder, Chairman and CEO of Oxford Capital Group, LLC, an award-winning international real estate private equity, asset management, property management and development firm headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. Oxford’s investment activities have concentrated on complicated, large-scale acquisitions, developments and redevelopments. Its primary areas of focus are hospitality, mixed use, senior housing, multifamily, urban retail, parking, and other operationally intensive forms of lifestyle real estate, including health, fitness, spa, athletic and sports/entertainment destination clubs, rooftop/nightlife venues and other destination food & beverage outlets. Mr. Rutledge is also the Founder, Chairman and CEO of its primary hotel operating affiliate, Oxford Hotels and Resorts, LLC., the Co-Founder, Chairman and CEO of Oxford Living, LLC, its Canadian senior housing management and investment platform and the Founder, Chairman and CEO of Oxford Residential, LLC, its multifamily development affiliate.

Andrew Stein joined The Children’s Foundation as President & CEO in January 2023.  The Foundation actively supports and encourages innovative ideas, programs, and research aimed at improving the physical and mental health of children. By providing funding, resources, and expertise, they empower individuals and organizations to develop and implement solutions that address the evolving needs of children and the community. Andrew was drawn to this role because of the unique platform The Foundation offers to create a community where all children have equitable opportunities to lead healthy lives in his home state of Michigan. 

Kids have been at the center of everything Andrew has done professionally.  For 14 years, he was a part of City Year, serving in a variety of leadership positions.  Beginning as an AmeriCorps Member working full-time in Washington, DC Public Schools, Andrew eventually became the Executive Director of City Year Detroit, where he more than doubled the size of the organization, increasing the number of students served every day from 2,500 to 7,000.  

Andrew is an alumnus of Detroit Country Day School, Michigan State University, and Georgetown Law School. He lives in Detroit with his wife and three children. He is active in the community, serving as treasurer of New Detroit, a board member of the Sherwood Forest Association, and numerous other coalitions and committees focused on children, education, and workforce development.  He was the recipient of the Detroit Young Professionals Vanguard award and Leadership Detroit Class XXXVIII.

As one of the only female leaders in the industry, Stewart’s dynamic approach to business and community have
established her as a respected and admired leader, innovator and trailblazer. With a strategic vision and an unrelenting
drive for success, Stewart has been instrumental in Gardner White’s continued expanded footprint in southeast
Michigan to include 13 retail locations throughout metro Detroit, Ann Arbor and Saginaw, and a team of over 1000
employees and growing. Recently, Stewart announced the addition of GW HOME, a new brand of curated stylish
furniture and home décor offerings.

As the fourth-generation leader of the 113-year-old, family-owned and operated company, Stewart joined the family
business in 2012. She recently took the helm as chief executive officer of Gardner White, Michigan’s #1 furniture and
mattress retailer, in April 2024, after serving as president since 2017.

Stewart is committed to leading through innovation and reinvention. Her background in clean energy inspired Gardner
White to implement conservation measures to reduce energy use and costs by converting lights to energy-efficient LED
and creating a recycling center. Gardner White was the first in the furniture industry to provide free pickup of used
bedding, the first furniture retailer in the Midwest with same day delivery, and among the first furniture retailers to let
customers track its delivery trucks in real time.

Stewart is invested in the personal and professional development of team members, providing an empowering and
inclusive career-building environment. Under her leadership, Gardner White has been named Best Places to Work by
lead industry publication Furniture Today for three consecutive years.

With a deep dedication to Gardner White’s mission to change lives through furniture, Stewart has a strong passion for
community and partnership, currently serving on the board of directors for Business Leaders for Michigan, The Parade
Company, Math Corps, Detroit Economic Club and American Home Furnishings Hall of Fame Foundation.

Stewart attended the University of Michigan where she served as student body president and earned a Bachelor of Arts
degree in business administration in 2002. She went on to earn a Master of Science degree in economics from The
London School of Economics and Political Science in 2004 and worked in the environmental and clean energy fields for
over a decade. Stewart served as a program coordinator for the Social Science Research Council from 2004 to 2006, and
in 2007, joined the Clinton Global Initiative in New York as a commitments senior manager where she focused on its
clean energy portfolio. In 2009, she was appointed to the position of Clean Energy Advisor at the U.S. Department of
Energy, where she worked for four years for Secretary of Energy Dr. Steven Chu, a Nobel Prize-winning physicist, and
developed a solar energy research and development initiative to drive down the installed cost of solar energy to be costcompetitive
with traditional forms of electricity. In 2010, she was named Deputy Director at SunShot.

Stewart is married and the mother of two daughters.

John is one of Michigan’s most recognized experts in public relations.

Whether developing a message, assembling a strategy, generating publicity or building relationships, nobody does it better. John has consistently been recognized for his expertise, knowledge and ability to get the job done and was named the most effective public affairs professional in the 2019, 2021 and 2023 MIRS/EPIC- MRA survey of Capitol insiders.

He started his own public relations firm after serving as Director of Communications and Press Secretary to Michigan Gov. John Engler, eventually becoming the longest serving press secretary for any governor. Early in his career, John led communication strategy for multiple campaigns for statewide office.  He served as spokesman for the Bush/Cheney campaign in Michigan, was a member of the Bush/Cheney recount team in Florida and took part in the Bush/Cheney transition office. 

In 2011, he merged his firm with the Rossman Group, creating Truscott Rossman, Michigan’s largest and most respected bi-partisan public relations firm. 

He has served as a speaker and panelist for many media and government related conferences. He also chaired the Emergency Public Information Committee by appointment of the Secretary of Health and Human Services.  To promote democracy, John volunteered as a trainer on communications and media issues with members of Parliament in Ukraine. 

Active in volunteer and philanthropic activities, John is also a community leader.  He serves on the Michigan Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, the Board of Directors of the Grand Rapids Economic Club and is an At Large Board Member of the Ottawa County Ground Water Board. He has served on the Michigan Capitol Commission, Sparrow Hospital Foundation, Michigan Community Service Commission, the Michigan State University International Alumni Association, and as Governing Board Chair of Ele’s Place for grieving children. 

He is a proud Michigan State University alumnus, earning a bachelor’s degree in communication and a major in political science.

Roger Zlotoff, 64, is President and Chief Operating Officer of Uniprop, Inc.  He has been with Uniprop since October 18, 1999.  Mr. Zlotoff is primarily responsible for raising equity capital, managing partnership investments, evaluating acquisitions of existing properties and leading the development process for new properties.  From 1997 to 1999, Mr. Zlotoff served as Director of Business Development for Vistana, Inc. in Orlando, FL.  Previously, Mr. Zlotoff was Managing Director for Sterling Finance International from 1994 to 1997 and was a corporate banker with First Union National Bank from 1988 to 1994.  Mr. Zlotoff received his B.A. from the University of Central Florida as a philosophy major, and received his Masters Degree in International Business from the University of South Carolina. On May 13, 2011 Mr. Zlotoff was appointed as Principal Executive Officer.