Founder Message
Greetings, C9 Members + Friends!
What a fall it’s been! This edition is packed with Member News, event recaps, a look at what’s ahead, and a few ways to get involved. So let’s dive in.
Registration is going strong for our November SPARK event, Preparing for 2027, which is next week already! TODAY is the LAST DAY to register, so if you haven’t yet, giddyup!
Our 2027 Community Supporter program is off to a fantastic start. The top two tiers are almost full! We’re locking in our next year’s Community Supporters by Monday, December 21st. Check out what’s new for 2027 below, and reach out if you’d like to nab a spot.
In September, our C9 Well event sparked rich conversation and plenty of takeaways. If you missed it, or want a refresher, you can watch the video recording or listen to the audio podcast version. In October, we hosted our C9 Community Appreciation Event at LuceLine Orchard, our way of saying thank you to everyone who makes this community so special.
Later in October, Coalition9 sponsored the B2B Marketing session at the AMA of Minnesota + Fab Four Labs event “Know What’s Next: 2027,” and I had a blast moderating the panel. Then on October 30th, our C9 Gives Foundation team of volunteers joined me at the Junior Achievement North Dream Accelerator. It’s always inspiring to see our community show up for the next generation of leaders. Check out the recaps and pics below.
Looking ahead, we’re heading back to Sauna Camp Minnesota for our next C9 Well event on Thursday, December 10th! Keep an eye on your inbox for your invite. Read on for more details.
As we head into this season of gratitude, I feel so fortunate to be part of a community this generous, curious, and supportive. To our Members, Community Supporters, C9 team, and everyone cheering us on—thank you for all you bring to Coalition9.
Cheers,
Aaron Eggert
Coalition9 Founder + Community Leader
Member Highlights
THE POWER OF NINE PODCAST
Meet some of our Members and Community Supporters on The Power of Nine Podcast.
Episode 113:
C9 Well - Planning the Next Chapter: Wealth, Care, and Legacy
Kelly Pedersen | CAISSA Wealth Strategies
Karl Tsuchiya | Hellmuth & Johnson
Joshua Wert | English Rose Suites
Alan Turkus | Interim Healthcare of the Twin Cities
Tim Flemming | Evolve Partners + C9 Facilitator
Watch on YouTube
Episode 114:
Mammoth Heart
David Buonfiglio | Watch on YouTube
Here’s what’s coming up next:
November 19, 2026: Simeon Priest - Founder of Equal Parts Cocktail Company and Guide at Pinnacle Business Guides
December 2026: C9 SPARK - Preparing for 2027 (Live Event Recording)
Listen and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts:
Spotify for Creators | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Pocket Casts
All of our videos, including podcast episodes, event recordings, and everything C9, are now available on our YouTube Channel.
Check it out—and don't forget to subscribe. We would love a review from you as well! We take great pride in the community we’re building, and your reviews have a huge impact on welcoming new listeners.
MEMBER NEWS
C9 facilitator Nathan Young announced that How to be Second is hosting a virtual financial workshop: “How to Build and Read a P&L,” on Wednesday, November 18, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM. This workshop will focus on ONLY using the Profit and Loss statement and communicating around it. It’s built to cover early but critical topics in the H2B2 COO Financial Training program, helping those who are administrative assistants all the way to senior leaders who are unfamiliar with hands-on financials and financial reporting. Email Nathan with questions. Learn more + register
C9 Community Supporter Sales Homie is promoting their Sales Squad Peer Group Community with a free informational event called “Headshots & Happy Hour” on Wednesday, December 2, 2026, from 3:00 to 5:00 PM at their offices in Edina. Headshots available and happy hour (no costs!). Email C9 Member Nate Zoellner or call 651-558-7977 with questions. Learn more + register
C9 facilitator Beth Elliott from Tangled Rabbit launched Founders Founding, a monthly, in-person Work Zone for emerging and early-stage founders. Beth created it from the same belief that brought her to C9: building a business is better when you have a community around you. The next Work Zone is December 14, 2026 from 9:30 to 11:30 AM at Neighborhood House in St. Paul. Come build relationships, get practical help from experts, and work to build community with other founders. C9 members attend free with code C9FREE. Email Beth with questions. Learn more + register
After serving as COO, C9 Member Tracy Truesdell was recently named CEO of Marine Vinyl Fabric! Her focus is on profitability, sustainable growth, and building a business that thrives beyond its founder. Congratulations, Tracy, on this exciting next chapter!
C9 Member Tracy Truesdell also continues to grow Prism Clarity Group, her leadership and business advisory company, helping organizations connect people, processes, strategy, and profitability through its Scan | Map | Mind approach.
C9 Community Supporter Security Bank & Trust Co. made its first appearance on the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal’s Fast 50, ranking No. 42 with 41.8% revenue growth over two years. Led by President and C9 Member Andy Schornack, the Minnesota community bank continues to grow by earning the trust of business owners and the families behind them. Experienced bankers, local decisions, and technology that makes banking easier are helping Security serve more businesses across the Twin Cities and surrounding communities. Email Andy with questions. Learn more
C9 Member Joe Beard announced that, after two years in development, Bionic Giant is launching GTDK-12. As leaders, we know how transformative workflow mastery and clarity are under pressure. GTDK-12 brings the proven Getting Things Done (GTD) methodology directly to K-12 education—giving teachers, administrators, and students practical systems to reduce overwhelm, reclaim focus, and thrive. If you have an educator, administrator, or teacher in your family or circle of friends, please pass this along! Email Joe with questions. Learn more about GTDK-12.
C9 Member Brad Shaw was named President of Eckroth Music! Congratulations, Brad! Learn more
C9 Member Ben Hill from Hill Public Affairs announced that he will be leading communications for the Governor Klobuchar transition and serve as its spokesperson. Congrats, Ben!
C9 Community Supporter Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal (MSPBJ) announced their 2027 Most Admired CEOs award honorees. They recognize chief executives at some of the Twin Cities' key organizations for their professional achievements, community involvement, and steady leadership. This year's honorees will be celebrated at the MSPBJ's Executive of the Year and Most Admired CEOs Awards Dinner on February 9, 2027 at the Renaissance Minneapolis Hotel, The Depot. Learn more about the event + this year's honorees. Check out the C9 Members who made the list:
C9 Member Sara Dziuk from Junior Achievement North. This recognition goes to show how incredible Sara's commitment is not only to the students and staff of JA North, but to the betterment of the communities they serve. From sharing her passion and enthusiasm at events all over our region to sitting down with local government and business leaders, Sara continues to lead JA North into the future with a bold vision for student success.
C9 Member Chris Kelly from AssetHR. For those who work alongside Chris every day know how much this one means. From the beginning, he built AssetHR on a simple idea: relationships over revenue. When Chris shared the news, he was quick to point out that the recognition isn't his alone. In his words, "While my name may be attached to this recognition, it belongs just as much to the incredible team at AssetHR, our clients, my family, and everyone who has been part of this journey."
Do you have news you want to share? Submit the information through our C9 Member News Form, and we'll be sure to highlight you in future updates! Please note: This is exclusive to C9 Members, facilitators, and Community Supporters. Questions? Contact Brenda Harvieux, C9 Director of Marketing + Communications, at brenda@coalition9.com.
Become a 2027 Coalition9 Community Supporter!
We’re locking in our 2027 Community Supporters by Monday, December 21, 2026.
We're happy to announce that we have almost filled the top two tiers of our 2027 Community Supporter Program and have limited spots available:
Prospering Level - Only 2 of 6 available
Thriving Level - Only 2 of 6 available
Evolving Level - Unlimited
Find out how you can support our community in changing business nine leaders at a time while amplifying your brand to our 275+ (and growing) Members—entrepreneurs, leaders, decision makers, and influencers—plus thousands of podcast listeners, event attendees, email subscribers, and social media followers.
What’s New for 2027:
Strategic Introductions: Get thoughtful, proactive connections to C9 Members whose goals align with your expertise.
Proof of Performance Reporting: Receive tangible metrics and regular updates that clearly show the impact of your partnership.
Spotlight on Our New Community Platform: Expand your digital presence and share your thought leadership on our new community platform, launching in Q1 2027.
Additional Spotlight in Partnership with MSPBJ: Check out our 2026 Community Supporter Program article. We have more planned with our partnership in 2027 showcasing supporters like you.
As our community continues to grow, so does our positive impact on the greater business ecosystem. Are you ready to be a part of that?
Join Coalition9 as a Community Supporter today!
Reach out to C9 Founder + Community Leader Aaron Eggert to discuss how we can partner to amplify your brand.
Last Day to Register! November C9 SPARK Event - Preparing for 2027
C9 SPARK Event - Preparing for 2027
Wednesday, November 18, 2026 | 8:00 to 11:00 AM
Location: Huntington Bank Stadium in Minneapolis.
Registration Deadline: Wednesday, November 11, 2026 by 5:00 PM
Join the C9 Community at Huntington Bank Stadium for a panel discussion on preparing for 2027—from the economy to human capital, and the M&A scene to how the midterm elections may potentially impact businesses in Minnesota—and everything in between. 😉
Panelists from Tradition Capital Bank, Insperity, Seiler Law, and Erickson Public Affairs, along with moderator Whitney-Lehr Ray, President + Publisher of the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal, will help guide us into 2027.
Coffee and light breakfast snacks will be provided.
Tickets are complimentary for all C9 Members + 1 guest; reach out to Cece at 877-822-0999 or hello@coalition9.com for the discount code. General admission tickets are available for $19 plus fees.
Expert Panelists
Hayley Monnens - Tradition Capital Bank
Keith Mishler - Insperity
James Olsen - Seiler Law
Tara Erickson - Erickson Public Affairs
Event Moderator
Whitney-Lehr Ray - Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal
Event Schedule
8:00-8:30 AM: Check-In + Relationship Building + Breakfast Snacks
8:30-10:30 AM: Panel + Small Group Discussions
10:30-11:00 AM: Relationship Building (optional)
EVENT PARTNERS
EVENT SUPPORTERS
SAVE THE DATE! December C9 Well Outdoor Sauna + Cold Plunge
C9 Well Outdoor Sauna + Cold Plunge
Thursday, December 10, 2026
Location: Sauna Camp Minnesota in Independence, MN
Join us for our December C9 Well Series Event!
A representative from Sauna Camp Minnesota will discuss the benefits of combining sauna with cold plunge. Then the group will experience the transformative powers of a wood-fired, cedar barrel sauna and a cold plunge in Lake Independence.
Limited to 50 attendees.
Email invites are coming soon, so watch your inboxes!
C9 Gives Foundation Project Ascent Mentorship Program
Get Matched with a C9 Gives Foundation Project Ascent Mentor!
Since launching Project Ascent, the C9 Gives Foundation's Mentorship Program, we've been blown away by the response from our community. Now it's time to match them with the entrepreneurs and leaders they're here to support!
If you're an ascending entrepreneur or leader actively building your company, Project Ascent was built for you. Not as a casual coffee connection or an informal arrangement, but as a defined leadership commitment designed to create meaningful progress through focused guidance, accountability, and real-world perspective.
And we know your time is one of your most valuable resources. The entire framework was designed with that in mind:
Each cycle runs for a minimum of 6 months
Your monthly commitment is only about two hours
One 90-minute kickoff session followed by bi-weekly 30-minute check-ins
A structured cadence that keeps momentum going without taking over your calendar. 👍
Project Ascent is run and supported by the C9 Gives Foundation, the philanthropic and community-building arm of Coalition9 dedicated to strengthening entrepreneurs and the broader business ecosystem.
If you're ready to take your leadership to the next level, fill out the Project Ascent Request a Mentor form! Learn more about the program at c9gives.org
Request a C9 Gives Mentor Today!
Event Recap - C9 Well: Planning the Next Chapter
C9 Well - Planning the Next Chapter: Wealth, Care, and Legacy
Tuesday, September 29, 2026
This event featured candid, practical conversations about business succession, making personal wealth last, and caring for aging parents. Our moderator Tim Flemming (Evolve Partners + Coalition9 Group Facilitator) sat down with Kelly Pedersen (Caissa Wealth Strategies), Karl Tsuchiya (Hellmuth & Johnson), Alan Turkus (Interim HealthCare of the Twin Cities), and Joshua Wert (English Rose) to share actionable advice for life’s inevitable transitions.
The experts discussed:
Proactive Brain Health: Why dementia isn’t a foregone conclusion, and the six lifestyle levers that help protect your brain.
The “Household CFO”: Why retirement can now last 30–40 years, and why passing knowledge to your next trusted decision-maker spares your family costly, reactionary choices.
Legal + Business Guardrails: What operating agreements, powers of attorney, and trusts should cover before a crisis hits.
Approaching Parents with Love: How to start supportive care and estate planning conversations without threatening a parent’s sense of control.
Home Health + Hospice: What Medicare covers, and why families almost universally wish they’d started hospice sooner.
Critical Mistakes to Avoid: The safe deposit box trap and why you shouldn’t rush to act after a loss.
Check out some pics below! Watch the event recording on our YouTube channel, or listen to The Power of Nine Podcast version wherever you get your podcasts.
Thanks to our Event Partners, C9 Well Event Series Partner, and all our Community Supporters!
EVENT PARTNERS
C9 WELL EVENT SERIES PARTNER
Event Recap - C9 Community Appreciation Event at LuceLine Orchard
We’re so grateful to everyone who joined us on October 10th for our C9 Community Appreciation Event at LuceLine Orchard! 🍎 Seeing you and your families connect, laugh, and enjoy the orchard together reminded us why we do what we do.
It was strangely warm for October, but with the sun shining and a nice breeze, it turned out to be a pretty great day to celebrate together. Thanks to every one who shared their photos! You can check a few out below. 👇
This event is our way of showing appreciation for the C9 Community. We couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve built together. THANK YOU for all you bring to Coalition9! ❤️
The team at LuceLine Orchard was fantastic as always, and we’re lucky to have had such welcoming hosts.
We’re also fortunate to have our C9 Community Supporters, whose year-round commitment makes this event possible. Get to know them in them in teh 2026 C9 Community Supporters section or on our Community Supporter page.
Event Recap - Know What’s Next: 2027 - AMA Minnesota
American Marketing Association of Minnesota + Fab Four Labs
Know What’s Next: 2027 - Your Marketing Playbook for the New Year
Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2026
Coalition9 sponsored the B2B Marketing session at the American Marketing Association of Minnesota and Fab Four Labs event at Mystic Lake, where our Founder + Community Leader Aaron Eggert had a blast moderating.
Thanks to C9 Member Darin Lynch (Irish Titan), Jennifer Zick (Authentic), Elizabeth Fechter (Bridgewater Bank), and Joshua Parks (Ghostfit Apparel) for all of their insights. Shout out to C9 Member Greg Alexander from Fab Four Labs for welcoming Coalition9 as a sponsor.
Event Recap - C9 Gives Volunteers at JA North Dream Accelerator
C9 Gives Foundation + Junior Achievement North
Dream Accelerator
Friday, Oct. 30, 2026
Our C9 Gives Foundation team spent a morning at Junior Achievement North's Dream Accelerator, coaching students as they explored their strengths and mapped out future career paths. The students from New Century School brought real curiosity and lit up when they saw how their talents could connect to a career. We’re pretty sure we met a few future C9ers! Huge thanks to Robert Morse, Brandon Norberg, Tom Halloran, Taylor Lagieski, and the duo from RSM US LLP for giving your time, and to the JA North staff for an incredible experience.
Coalition9 Subscribable Events Calendar
Stay up-to-date on all of our events + gatherings! Our events calendar is powered by AddEvent and supports all major calendar platforms, including Apple, Google, Outlook, Outlook.com (online), Office 365 (online), and Yahoo.
When you subscribe, all Coalition9 events will be synced to your preferred calendar (may take up to 24 hours to populate). You can find directions on how to subscribe on our Events Page.
Become a Coalition9 Member!
Now is the perfect time to invest in your growth and development. We're continually building a community of Members who are serious about growth, committed to showing up, and willing to invest in one another for the long term. That's how deep, transformational relationships are built. That's how real evolution happens.
Current Openings + New Groups
We have a few openings in current groups. If you've been considering joining, this is your moment. Let's find the right group for you!
Contact C9 Founder + Community Leader Aaron Eggert at aaron@coalition9.com to learn more about the C9 Member experience and apply online for C9 Membership.
About Coalition9 Membership
Do you want to connect with others who share your mindset? Coalition9 isn't a networking group—it's a business community focused on building long-term relationships with good people like you.
We provide a community where a diversity of experiences in business and life is celebrated. You'll build lasting relationships with fellow Members through authentic conversations and a focus on leading with intentionality. Our memberships are designed to promote interactive learning regardless of what stage you’re at on your journey while connecting you to the resources and people that will help you be your best.
Leadership is lonely. But it doesn't have to be. Build your tribe in the Coalition9 Community!
2026 C9 Community Supporters
PROSPERING LEVEL
THRIVING LEVEL
EVOLVING LEVEL
Cece: Coalition9's Concierge Service
Cece is Coalition9's concierge service. C9 Members can text Cece with questions, current needs, and connection requests, and Cece will take it from there.
Want to learn more about this revolutionary new way to engage with our Members? Visit our Cece page or send us a message. We're saving Cece for Members and Supporters 😉.
Follow Coalition9 on Social Media
If you haven't already, follow Coalition9 on social media! We post fun Coalition9 Community event photos, The Power of Nine Podcast episode releases, C9 Community news, content recommendations, and a bunch of other good stuff.
Changing business nine leaders at a time.™
THE POWER OF NINE™
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