2023 CEOs Unwrapped: A Leader’s Journey Through Successes and Strategic Moves, Shaping the Future in 2024 (December 20, 2023)

In this exclusive episode, listen in for a deep dive into the unfolding stories of CEOs who navigated the intricate landscape of 2023, unwrapping the triumphs, challenges, and strategic moves that defined their leadership journey.

Discover firsthand insights from visionary leaders as they share the pivotal moments that shaped their companies and set the stage for the future.

Panelists:
Doug Cardon, CEO, The Shield Companies
Jennifer McCollum, CEO, Linkage, Inc
Jeremy Andrus, CEO, Traeger Pellet Grills, LLC

Moderated by: Derek Lundsten, President & Chief Culture Officer, LifeGuides

BIOS

Doug Cardon is currently the co-founder and CEO of EcoShield Pest Solutions, a leading pest management company in the United States. His collaboration with now partner and Co-Founder, Greg Nygren, began with their joint efforts in building Safeguard, a residential pest services company. In 2006, they joined forces to establish EcoShield Pest Solutions.  The company ranks as the 4th largest privately-owned company in its sector and is among the top 10 pest management companies in the US.

Beyond business success, EcoShield, under Doug's guidance, has become renowned for its commitment to community leadership. The company has initiated impactful programs, including Exterminate Hunger, Shield for Soldiers, and National Day of Service.

Jennifer McCollum is CEO of Linkage, a SHRM company, where she oversees the strategic direction and global operations of this leadership development firm. With a mission to “Change the Face of Leadership,” Linkage has dedicated more than 35 years to improving leadership effectiveness and equity in hundreds of organizations globally. Linkage provides assessments, training, coaching, consulting and conferences, with solutions designed to Accelerate Purposeful Leaders; Advance Women Leaders; and Create Inclusive Organizations.

Jennifer is a highly sought-after consultant and speaker, with deep expertise in Inclusive Leadership and Advancing Women Leaders. In addition, Jennifer is the author of the forthcoming book In Her Own Voice: A Woman’s Rise to CEO: Overcoming Hurdles to Change the Face of Leadership, due in November 2023, as well as a contributing author to Leadership in a Time of Crisis.

Jeremy Andrus is President & CEO of Traeger Grills, the original wood pellet grill brand that has taken the outdoor cooking world by storm. He and a financial partner acquired the company in 2014, transforming it from a small, regional, 26-year-old business into a multi-hundred-million-dollar brand that owns over 50% of the global wood pellet grill market. This was largely achieved by Jeremy leading an overhaul that would result in moving the company’s headquarters from Oregon to Utah and rebuilding its team with an emphasis on the people and culture behind the company. Jeremy took Traeger public on the NYSE in July 2021.

Jeremy was named EY Entrepreneur of the Year in 2016, MountainWestCapital Network Utah Entrepreneur of the Year in 2017, and was inducted into the Utah Technology Council Hall of Fame in 2018.

Follow Doug on LI → https://www.linkedin.com/in/doug-cardon-2913206/
Follow Jennifer on LI → https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferscherermccollum/
Follow Jeremy on LI → https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremybandrus/