Mike Kleis brings more than 25 years of business experience and leadership to Renaissance EXECUTIVE FORUMS. He has amassed extensive knowledge and practice in Strategy Development, Business Planning, Lean Process Improvement, Marketing & Sales, Customer Service and Operations. Mike has a rich background leading cross-functional teams and crafting marketplace strategies and is noted for his balanced perspective, collaborative approach and ability to simplify complex issues. Mike founded and grew a successful business consulting practice that still serves an array of loyal small and mid-size business clients including manufacturers, distributors, specialty retailers and service providers. The firm's work is centered on taking the mystery out of growing and running a business, as well as teaching and implementing proven fundamental practices owners and managers need to be successful.

 

Mike's background includes more than 20 years at Pella Corporation where he held senior leadership positions, led strategic initiatives, pioneered the application of lean/six sigma process improvement techniques in marketing & sales and created a new consumer-direct business model for window replacement. During his tenure with Pella, he coached and advised the owners and managers of the more than 50 independently-owned distributors of Pella windows and doors across North America in the implementation of financial & operational practices, marketing & sales strategies and customer satisfaction programs. Collectively, in 5 years under Mike's guidance, these businesses improved net income by more than 6 points, grew revenues by more than 70% and completely reshaped the customer experience culminating in Pella being recognized as #1 in customer satisfaction by J.D. Powers & Associates.

 

As President and Owner of Renaissance EXECUTIVE FORUMS - Iowa, Mike utilizes peer advisory boards, one-on-one coaching and a host of proprietary resources to help business owners and CEO's address their toughest challenges and biggest opportunities so they can take their businesses to the next level. Mike earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Management from Central College and has completed extensive post-graduate course work at Drake University and Northwestern University - Kellogg Graduate School of Management.

 

Mike and his wife, Dawn reside in Pella, IA where they enjoy cheering on their son and daughter in their college and professional endeavors. He serves on the NFIB Leadership Council for Iowa, the Board of Directors of Bethany Christian Services, the Central College Economics, Accounting & Management Department Advisory Council and the Parents Council of Central College. Mike is also active in short-term missions with his church.

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