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Business Owner Peer Groups

Intentional Growth Circles

Being a business owner is lonely!

Running a small business can often feel like a solitary journey, where you’re the only one facing your unique challenges. But the truth is, regardless of the industry, small business owners encounter similar issues. Smart business owners who aspire to grow know they can’t do it alone.

Find the Support You Need with Peer Groups

Who can challenge you to grow, help you solve complex problems, and provide an unbiased perspective? Your peers can! Join an Intentional Growth Circle peer group and participate in facilitated, confidential meetings with peers from non-competing markets.  Grow your business through peer-driven problem solving!

BENEFITS

WHY YOU SHOULD JOIN
AN INTENTIONAL GROWTH CIRCLE

  • Shared Insights: Gain valuable perspectives and ideas from fellow business owners facing similar challenges.
  • Collaborative Problem-Solving: Work together to find innovative solutions to your business problems.
  • Unbiased Feedback: Receive honest, constructive feedback from peers who understand your situation, rather than from your employees or spouse.
  • Networking Opportunities: Build strong, supportive relationships with other business owners in non-competing markets.
  • Confidential Support: Share your concerns in a safe, confidential environment.
  • Increased Accountability: Stay focused and motivated to achieve your goals with the support of your group.
  • Personal Growth: Develop your leadership skills and gain new insights into your own business practices.
  • Access to Resources: Benefit from the collective knowledge and resources of your peers and the facilitator.
  • Reduced Isolation: Gain fresh ideas and approaches from a variety of industries.
  • Diverse Perspectives: Combat the loneliness of business ownership by connecting with others who understand your journey.

TESTIMONIALS

HEAR WHAT PAST AND PRESENT MEMBERS SAY ABOUT BEING IN AN INTENTIONAL GROWTH CIRCLE
"When I was first approached to see if had interest in the group, I was reluctant. My company is small and I wasn’t sure that I could benefit from it or be of value to the group. What I have learned is big or small we all have the same issues! People, marketing, sales, websites, recruiting or simply time management. Once a month we get together and the first thing that is always said is, did a month really just go by?
Todd WagnerPresident,
Peter Albrecht Company
“I've found much success in being a part of Kelly's group because it's a set-aside time to focus on whatever is top of mind at that moment. Often things are so 'busy' that we don't take the time to slow down, stop, uninterrupted, and just process through and even solve or decide what the next step is. As business owners sometimes we're too close to the issues and we get lost in the weeds. It's beneficial to hear from the group what their experiences have been with similar but ultimately different situations to help us gain perspective for how we might reframe how we look at and address our own problems. Through this process, we're able to look for opportunity or focus on growth.”
Ashley KosharekFounder & CEO,
AMK Cleaning Services
"As a young entrepreneur I was very intrigued by what a peer group could offer me and my business. I could not anticipate the impact it had for me both personally and professionally. Through support, reassurance, and open candid conversation it has assisted in many hard to digest and often times intimidating decisions that come with the territory of a small business owner. I highly suggest entrepreneurs of all size and experience to be involved in a peer group."
Jake ZwiefelhoferOwner,
Red Cedar Agronomy
“We have all heard it, you need to take time to work on your business not in your business. The group creates a focus for me and helps me hold myself accountable for the things I should be doing. It centers my focus on what is important and I enjoy hearing that our group has helped members with issues they were struggling with.”
Glen Senger,President,
Mavrix Welding Automation
“The group helps in a number of ways. It offers a unique opportunity to spend one morning a month concentrating solely on being a small business owner, without the day-to-day interruptions that always come along with the role. You are able to speak to other owners who know exactly what you’re going thru and can understand and sympathize and help on a level that no one else can. It doesn’t matter how different each business is – we all share concerns on hiring staff and taxes and money and how to keep everyone happy and motivated (including ourselves!).”
NancyPartner,
Commercial Services Firm
“The confidentiality in the group is one of the things I appreciate the most! I feel comfortable talking about the business issues I have that I cannot share with anybody else. I also appreciate how we tackle issues together (brainstorming and finding solutions). I always leave the meetings with solutions and in a better state of mind!”
Tomi StoyanovaOwner,
ToyVentive
“I love this group – absolutely worth every penny. I look forward to the meetings, to see what new tidbits of info I will learn from the others. It’s great to have people who are in your same / similar position to bounce ideas off of in a completely safe environment. As I said (and others said last meeting) – this is my support group / counseling session! I’ve come to really rely on conversations inside this group to help me figure things out with my business, from small hints at how to keep employees happy to larger issues of how to work with difficult staff / managers.”
Past MemberPartner,
Technical Support Firm
“Meeting with other small business owners helps keep focus on growth, provides insight that I would not otherwise receive, and encourages me. I always leave those meetings with ideas, inspiration, and feeling like I have friends who get it.”
Michael FrederickPresident/Owner,
Heale Manufacturing
“The saying “it’s lonely at the top” is so true; as an Owner, you cannot have many necessary conversations with an employee of yours. You need a confidante that can relate to your situation and has the wisdom of a tenured business owner. I have already had two of my business challenges addressed by Kelly Berry and the group, and come away with renewed energy and a plan for moving ahead. I highly recommend any small business owner to engage in such a collaborative team, for the benefits are significant and mutual.”
Past MemberFounder & CEO,
Software Development Company
“Confidentiality is a must with our group. Because of that, I was able to lay out a fairly advanced problem with my company’s marketing direction a few months ago. Fellow members asked hard questions that even my own staff would never have thought to ask, and frankly I was uncomfortable answering. Then, based on their independent experiences, the business owners in our group offered some possible solutions. I agreed with a number of ones for which I would probably not arrived at on my own. I implemented a couple of them and got an unexpected outcome, yet one that moved my company forward. We are continuing to implement one of those courses of action to our advantage even today. Thanks to our CEO peer group for some of their “tough” love.”
Past MemberPresident/Owner,
Electronics Manufacturing
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INTENTIONAL GROWTH CIRCLES

Intentional Growth Circles are offered either in-person or virtually.  Pick the option that works for you.  Right now, in-person groups meet in Western Wisconsin.  All other groups are virtual (with some in-person meetings).  Learn more by selecting a choice below.

future together western wi roundtable

In-Person Peer Groups in Western Wisconsin

Our Intentional Growth Circle peer groups meet monthly for half-day sessions in a dedicated, interruption-free conference room in the Eau Claire area. These in-person meetings provide a structured environment where business owners from non-competing, non-referring industries can share experiences and solve executive-level problems.

How Intentional Growth Circle Peer Groups Operate

As a licensed facilitator, I ensure our sessions stay on schedule and that discussions remain relevant and balanced. No one person dominates, ensuring a fair exchange of ideas.

Our roundtable process enables business owners to discuss sensitive issues with peers instead of employees or family members. Through experience sharing, members gain valuable insights, address problems, and identify new opportunities. The group provides accountability and support during difficult decisions, emphasizing shared experiences over direct advice. This fosters trusted relationships where members can share both business and personal concerns.

Common Discussion Topics

  • Hiring and firing
  • Succession planning
  • Financial planning
  • Handling difficult customers
  • Marketing strategies
  • And more…

Commitment to the Group

Members are expected to attend as many meetings as possible throughout the year, as the group’s value comes from consistent participation and engagement.

Join Us

Contact Kelly to inquire about available openings and to see if your business qualifies.

LEARN MORE
future together - rural groups zoom meeting

Rural Business Owner Peer Groups

Our Intentional Growth Circles for Rural Business Owners meet monthly for 90-minute sessions via Zoom, with in-person full-day events held twice a year at a central location. With a focus on confidentiality and honest communication, problems get solved during these discussions, whether virtually or in person. All meetings are live and unrecorded.  

Through experience sharing, members gain valuable insights, address problems, and identify new opportunities. The group provides accountability and support during difficult decisions, emphasizing shared experiences over direct advice. This fosters trusted relationships where members can share both business and personal concerns.

How Our Intentional Growth Circles for Rural Business Owners Operate

Group members meet virtually every month with the same 6-8 small business owners. Together, they focus on problem-solving, addressing urgent issues, and finding new ways to grow their businesses. These groups are especially beneficial for business owners in small towns, connecting them with peers in similar situations across different geographic locations.  Twice a year, we meet in person for a day to help build connections among members and give us more time to discuss business growth issues and plans.

As a licensed facilitator, I ensure our sessions stay on schedule and that discussions remain relevant and balanced. No one person dominates, ensuring a fair exchange of ideas.  Virtual meetings follow a research-based protocol to ensure rapport-building with your peers in a virtual setting.

Common Discussion Topics

  • Employee recruitment and training
  • Succession planning
  • Financial planning
  • Handling difficult customers
  • Marketing strategies
  • And more…

Commitment to the Group

Members are expected to attend as many meetings as possible throughout the year, as the group’s value comes from consistent participation and engagement.

Join Us

Consider the unique perspectives and benefits that come from connecting with other rural business owners outside of your region. Contact Kelly to inquire about available openings and see if your business qualifies to join a Rural Intentional Growth Circle.

LEARN MORE
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