Meet the Ambassador Team!
Aaron Nicklay – Farmers Insurance | 2024 Ambassador Committee Chairperson
Aaron is a fifth-generation Eden Prairie resident and owner of Nicklay Agency-Farmers Insurance. Aaron provides comprehensive insurance options for individuals and small to medium businesses, including auto, home, life, health, medicare, recreation vehicles and property. Aaron is active in several community organizations and has been a dedicated member of the Chamber since 2011.
Aaron’s favorite Chamber activities are the after-hours networking event, the annual “Everything Spring” Home, Landscape and Garden Expo, the sporting clay event, and lunch and learns.
Aaron’s advice to new members: “My advice is to get involved in a committee. You can join and attend all the things you want but joining a committee will multiply that impact by 10.”
Marcia LeVoir – LegalShield
Marcia is an Independent Associate with LegalShield. For over 18 years, she has offered a portfolio of legal and identity theft services that protect families, employees, and small businesses. She especially enjoys working with families with special-needs children.
A highlight of Marcia’s Chamber membership is her active participation in both the Women’s and Ambassador Committees. She enjoys introducing prospective members to the dynamic events and programs the Chamber offers. As an Ambassador, she finds it deeply gratifying to welcome and mentor new businesses to help them maximize their Chamber experience.
Marcia’s advice to new members: “There is a universal truth that applies to the Chamber. Get involved, meet other members, focus on what you can contribute, and the benefits to you and your business will follow.”
Lauren Brettingen – Be Well Chiropractic
Dr. Lauren is a pediatric and prenatal chiropractor. As the owner of Be Well Chiropractic in Chanhassen, she’s a passionate advocate for community engagement. She became an active member of the Eden Prairie Chamber of Commerce just before her business’s grand opening in April 2023.
As a Chamber member, Dr. Lauren has cultivated a robust professional network and experienced a tangible impact on her business growth. Her favorite events are Business@Breakfast and the Entrepreneurial Luncheons, where she learns new ideas and insights to grow her business.
Dr. Lauren’s advice to new members: “Embrace the awkwardness. Everyone in the Chamber has, at some point, felt the same awkwardness of making the initial introduction. You never know where that introduction might lead you!”
Todd Loudenslager – Luebeck Geisler Hamm Wealth Management
Todd is the Managing Director of LGH Wealth Management. He graduated from West Point with a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering and an MBA from the Olin School of Business in St. Louis. He entered the wealth advisory profession in 2016 to continue his passion for serving others.
Todd’s business is based on meeting people and helping them connect with others. He enjoys the Chamber events that bring folks together in the same room, such as Business@Breakfast and Power Hours.
Todd’s advice to new members: “Set realistic expectations about what you get out of a membership. View it as an opportunity to contribute to the community, rather than a lead generation opportunity. If you put others first, you’ll get business out of it.”
Jody Carey – Jody Carey Copywriter
Jody is a copywriter who writes long-form content for businesses and nonprofits. With decades of marketing experience, she takes a strategic approach to writing website content, blog articles, profile stories, and annual reports. A proud Eden Prairie High School alum, she recently returned to E.P. after living out-of-state, up north, and overseas.
Jody joined the Chamber to reconnect with her hometown and get involved with the local business and school community. After her first year as a Chamber member, she joined the Ambassador Committee and enjoys welcoming new members.
Jody’s advice to new members: “Take a few months to settle in, then consider joining a committee to build deeper professional relationships while giving back to a vibrant community.”
Kim Guild – The Guild Group
Kim is a dedicated realtor with 20 years of experience, driven by integrity, professionalism, and seamless real estate journeys. Whether crafting a tailored marketing plan to showcase your unique property or navigating the negotiation process, Kim’s passion lies in delivering exceptional service every step of the way.
Kim joined the Chamber over seven years ago. She has served as an Ambassador for four years and is a chair of the Women’s Committee. Being involved has helped her become more comfortable with public speaking and connect on a deeper level with those in the community.
Kim’s advice to new members: “My advice to new members is two-fold. Show up and come from contribution, and what you give, you get ten-fold!”
Anne Byrne – Byrne Law Office
Anne provides legal advice and representation in family law, estate planning, and estate administration. She helps clients with Wills, Trusts, Health Care Directives, Powers of Attorney, Probate, Trust Administration, Divorce, Paternity, Child Custody, and Parenting Time. The first step is always a free initial consultation.
Anne has been a Chamber member since 2011, past Ambassador Committee Chair (twice), past Business@Breakfast facilitator, Board Member and 2025 Board Chair. Due to her involvement in these activities, the Chamber is her second or third referral source each year.
Anne’s advice to new members: “It’s not enough to just join the Chamber and expect your business to grow. I strongly recommend that you participate in activities. Joining a committee is also a great way to get involved.”
Desiree Stokes – Piepho Moving & Storage Co.
Desiree has 28 years of expertise in the moving and storage industry. She navigates the complexities of relocation with precision and care. Her commitment to seamless transitions and secure storage solutions has earned me a reputation for reliability and excellence. She’ll simplify the moving experience with seasoned knowledge and dedicated service.
As a Chamber Ambassador, Desiree actively contributes to the community’s growth and connects with local businesses. Being an ambassador aligns with her passion for creating a vibrant and collaborative business environment.
Desiree’s advice to new members: “Take advantage of the opportunities to connect with fellow members, share your expertise, and seek advice when needed. Building strong relationships within the Chamber can lead to valuable collaborations, increased visibility, and long-term business success.”
John Lee – Eden Prairie Lifestyle
John owns Eden Prairie Lifestyle Magazine and promotes the local business community. He spent over 10 years in international business development before becoming a publisher. John serves on the Chamber Board of Directors and the Ambassador Committee and is a dedicated supporter of the PowHER Up Networking events.
John is a regular attendee at morning and lunch events. What he gets from being in the Chamber is centered around the opportunity to connect and give back to the community. This is the foundation that in turn, supports all of us.
John’s advice to new members: “You get out of the Chamber what you put into it!”
Adam Weinblatt – Comparion Insurance
Adam joined the Chamber in 2007 to network and become more involved in the community. He likes the variety of events and says being part of the Chamber is about building relationships and giving before receiving.
Adam’s advice to new members: “The Eden Prairie Chamber is so welcoming, that you just need to take a small step to be a part of it. The mistake many make is becoming a member, but never utilizing their membership.”
Paul Kloster – PEK Accounting | Consulting
Paul is the Principal of PEK Accounting and Consulting. After graduating from the University of Minnesota with an accounting degree, Paul started his career in asset-based lending. This work experience led him to focus on helping small businesses. He has held accounting management positions for companies in distribution, advertising, and business consulting.
Paul has been a Chamber member for over ten years and as an ambassador, he stays connected to businesses in Eden Prairie. He is a regular attendee at Business@Breakfast held on the second and fourth Wednesday of every month.
Paul’s advice to new members: “Attend Business@Breakfast to learn about Chamber businesses and meet the owners and managers. You’re guaranteed to come away with two business networking connections.”
Tony Seipp – First Western Bank & Trust
Tony has worked in the banking industry for the last 29 years, most of that time as a commercial banker in the Twin Cities market. Tony started at First Western Bank & Trust as Vice President of Commercial Lending in January 2023 and immediately became very involved in Chamber events.
Tony joined the Ambassador Committee in the summer of 2023. As an ambassador, he enjoys meeting and mentoring many businesses and business professionals within Eden Prairie and the surrounding communities.
Tony’s advice to new members: “Get involved by attending as many of the great events that the Chamber offers as you can. You never know who you may meet and connect with, so take advantage of every opportunity!!”
Jason McBeth – Renovation Sells
Jason is the owner of Renovation Sells, offering cosmetic updates and creative solutions for homeowners looking to modernize their spaces and unlock hidden equity in their homes. Before starting his business, Jason spent 13 years in the healthcare industry designing and selling solutions to employers so their employees could maintain or improve their health.
Jason enjoys helping people in the community and interacting with local business owners through Chamber events. He regularly attends monthly events like Business@Breakfast, Member Mixers, and new member ribbon-cutting events.
Jason’s advice to potential members: “For those thinking about joining the Chamber, don’t hesitate, just do it. You’ll be welcomed with wide open arms. Everyone in the Chamber wants to see each other succeed.”
Don Tran – Mighty Dog Roofing
Don is a results-driven sales and business development professional with over 30 years of experience in the sales industry. He’s the Director of Sales and Business Development for Mighty Dog Roofing.
Don needs to build relationships and identify new business opportunities. His Chamber membership allows him to connect with other businesses and increase his visibility. Don utilizes the resources and support the Chamber offers, such as marketing and advertising opportunities, business referrals, and advocacy on behalf of local businesses.
Don’s advice to new members: “Maximize the benefits of your membership and help grow your business by regularly attending Chamber meetings and events to stay informed about local business trends and opportunities for collaboration.”
Steve Bowman – Tiger Plumbing, Heating and Air
Steve has been with Tiger Plumbing, Heating & Air since 2003 as a product specialist and sales manager. A Chamber member since 2010, Steve joined the Ambassador Committee in 2011 and served as the chair of the committee in 2016. He has also served on the Board of Directors and received the Charles DeBono Volunteer Award in 2015.
Steve has developed many good business relationships and personal friendships with other Chamber members. He always turns to the Chamber directory when looking for a company to do business with.
Steve’s advice to new members: “Attend as many Chamber events as possible, and make it a point to connect with two or three people rather than handing out a dozen business cards.”
Ted Vickerman – G4 Wealth Advisors
Ted’s favorite Chamber event is the morning Business@Breakfast because of the people, networking, and energy. He says it’s like getting an extra shot of expresso in your coffee and walking away energized for the rest of the day.
Ted’s advice to new members: “Schedule one-on-ones. You never know where a conversation will go. EP Chamber members are smart people who want to help.”
Matt Rosen – Sergeant Shortbread
Matt enjoys attending Business@Breakfast and membership mixers. The benefits he gets from being a member of the Chamber have been the number of connections that have turned into customers.
Matt’s advice to new members: “Be proactive! You can’t join the Chamber and think customers will start calling you out of the blue. You’ve got to be present and attend events to continually get your name out there.”
Matt Weber – BWS Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning
Matt is a sales leader at BWS Plumbing-Heating-Air Conditioning. He offers residential and light commercial plumbing and HVAC services for clients across the metro. You’ll find Matt coaching, officiating hockey in the winter, and golfing in the summer.
Matt says that being an ambassador is a huge honor. Any way he can give back to the community is always a plus. He enjoys ribbon cuttings and never misses a Chamber golf tournament. Networking plays a huge role in getting the BWS company name out there.
Matt’s advice for new members: “Get involved. Go to Business@Breakfast, meet people, and do 1:1s. You get out what you put in, and the Chamber is no different. It can and will help you and your business immensely.”
Erin Hargrove – Lakeside HR Group
Erin is the Director of Business Development and Growth Strategy for Lakeside HR Group. Lakeside HR Group is a nimble and results-driven HR consulting and recruiting firm that is well-versed in navigating the changing tides of your people strategies. Their consulting side serves as an extension of a small business’ HR team, offering both fractional HR support and interim resources. Their recruiting division helps companies with those hard-to-fill roles.
Erin’s first Chamber event was the PowHER breakfast, where she found the energy and the engagement exceptional. She appreciates the wide variety of Chamber events and times to accommodate a busy schedule.
Erin’s advice for new business members: “Engage and invite your team to participate in Chamber events. It shouldn’t be just one person from the business.”
Harry Ollington – Roko Advisors
Originally from England, Harry attended the University of Minnesota. He has a degree in Finance from the Carlson School of Management with a minor in Business Law. Harry works as a financial analyst in commercial real estate for Rokos Advisors. He helps companies restructure or renegotiate leases, prepares valuation assessments, and prepares financial models to examine return forecasting and risk analysis.
Harry enjoys attending both the Business@Breakfast events and the Legislative Luncheons. In addition to being an ambassador, Harry is on the Emerging Leaders Steering Committee.
Harry’s advice to new members: “My best advice is to be consistent and help others before asking for help. If you are consistently showing up to events, connecting, and helping others, you will start to see the rewards in the future.”
Lori Hogen – HAHLAH Consulting Group LLC
Lori is the president and CEO of HAHLAH Consulting Group LLC. As a small business consultant, Lori offers mediation and dispute resolution services and Positive Intelligence® coaching. If a client needs a spreadsheet designed for tracking something or needs a neutral to handle an employment investigation, HAHLAH Consulting Group LLC can step in and handle the task. HAHLAH when your business needs help!
Lori enjoys the women’s committee breakfasts and the Legislative Luncheons. At the women’s events, she meets small business owners similar to herself, and at the legislative luncheons, she learns so much while meeting a broader segment of chamber members.
Lori’s advice to new members: “Try to attend a chamber event every month because opportunities find you when you are present.”
Travis Anderson – Legacy Benefits
Travis is an agency owner at Legacy Benefits, where he helps businesses increase employee recruitment and retention without adding cost. Legacy Benefits looks to add communication to current benefit offerings and round off the packages where there may be gaps. Travis’s strategic focus revolves around cultivating partnerships with local enterprises and offering tailored, high-quality education on employee benefits. He says that it starts with a conversation, not a commitment.
His favorite Chamber event is Business@Breakfast because there’s always great energy to start the day and great connections made.
Travis’s advice to new members: “Be yourself. We are a community that wants to see everyone succeed. This group makes it easy to feel welcome, and when one of us wins, we all win!”
Kevin Honius – https://www.cortrustbank.com/
Kevin is Vice President of Commercial Lending with CorTrust Bank in Minnetonka, with 24 years of experience in the banking industry. His business philosophy centers around three core values: integrity, customer focus and innovation. He believes in conducting all business dealings with utmost honesty and transparency, knowing that trust is the foundation of any successful relationship. Kevin’s favorite Chamber events are anything that involves open networking. He can be found at the after-hours events and believes that the Chamber has something for everyone to meet like-minded business people in a wide variety of industries.
Aaron’s advice to new members: “Find something that fits you and get involved. Do things you like but also step outside your comfort zone from time to time.”
Eric Johnson – Comcast Business Services
Eric is a seasoned sales executive with 12+ years of outside B2B sales experience. He’s a Senior Account Executive at Comcast Business Services, where he helps small to medium-sized businesses increase productivity and improve their bottom line through advanced communication solutions. His focus is primarily on Enterprise Fiber Solutions and Comcast Hosted Voice Technology. Eric is active with Chamber events from luncheons to the golf tournament, but his favorite is the opportunity to build strong relationships with chamber leaders and welcome new members to the Chamber as a member of the Ambassador Committee.
Eric’s advice to new members: “Take advantage of networking opportunities, find ways to serve others, be active, build relationships and trust that the business will come.”
