Mike Gerend

About Mike Gerend

I am an adaptive business leader who has skillfully traversed multiple industries and company life stages. I am expert at shaping and leading fast-growing environments, or those that have the potential to be fast-growing, into high functioning, best-in-class entities. Seeing the strategic possibilities in a situation, and bringing out the potential is my strike zone. I follow a principled approach of ‘just doing the right thing’ and strive to be a Level 5 leader in every aspect. My passion lies in situations that stretch me intellectually and have a certain ‘nobility’ in their mission. I am a thoughtful and self aware leader that places great value on organizational EQ. Creating a culture that merges wisdom, where people have some fun and work hard to win energizes me. I strive to find the best people, cast them properly and then lead and guide them across the goal line. I build a collegial environment that creates both an authentic bond across the team and fosters a competitive mindset that promotes tenacious accountability to do great things. I expect balance in my life and require those around me to do the same. As I look to my next opportunity I want to continue to build services and/or products that scream quality and value; that engages more customers at a deeper level to achieve first-mover status; and that is revolutionary in a way that creates competitive separation. I will work with and for people that I can trust that are motivated by a common cause. The company will be large enough to have the necessary resources and platform to move quickly to a national presence, and small enough to be nimble, responsive and maneuverable.

Experience

1. Operating Partner

   Norwest Equity Partners Nep

   Apr 2017 — Present · Minneapolis, MN, US

   Investing capital and resources to build companies into industry leaders.

Education

• University of Notre Dame

  BBA, Finance

  1982 — 1986

• Wisconsin School of Business

  MBA, Quantitative Analysis

  1989 — 1990