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Meet the 2023 Speakers
Holly Connaker
Founding Realtor
COMPASS | REALM Global
Holly has an unwavering dedication to providing her clients with an extraordinary real estate experience which has been the driving force behind her success. Renowned for her unparalleled expertise in representing residential homes, luxury estates, new construction, lakeshore properties, and equestrian properties in the beautiful state of Minnesota, she has truly established herself among the elite class of local Realtors. In 2022 alone, Holly and her esteemed team achieved an astonishing sales volume exceeding $70 million, solidifying their position in the top 1.5% nationally and an impressive 12th place in the state of Minnesota. As a founding partner at COMPASS, Holly possesses access to exclusive non-MLS and pre-market properties, ensuring her clients have unparalleled opportunities in the market.
Raad Ghantous
Principal / Senior Designer, Raad Ghantous & Associates, and VP of Design, Identity Hospitality
Raad’s career spans 20+ years, which includes extensive experience working for design industry giants and architectural icons. Raad has had opportunities to work on projects in diverse global locations from California to Cabo San Lucas, Bermuda, Spain, Japan, China, Taipei, the nation island of Mauritius, and The United Arab Emirates. Along with a degree in design, Raad has a background in business, holding a degree in Economics from The American College of Switzerland and an MBA in Marketing from the Peter F. Drucker graduate school of business at Claremont Graduate University. From his international work and personal global experience, Raad seamlessly integrates creativity and design, with project management and business strategy.
Susan Thayer
President/CEO
Rabbit Creek, LLC
Growing up in Atlanta, Susan Thayer’s entrepreneurial spirit developed at an early age as she could often be found early Saturday morning rearranging her bedroom and selling what wasn’t wanted any longer at the end of the driveway. A true Southern Belle, the neighbors in her community found it hard to resist her charisma and personality. Susan’s professional career began in downtown Atlanta with Georgia-Pacific Corporation where she worked for more than 5 years throughout many divisions of the company honing her sales and negotiating skills. Later in her professional career, she combined her love of home building and interior design when she created, developed and managed a 5,000 square foot showroom for a prominent national homebuilder creating a unique buying experience for homeowners selecting designs and finishes. Her reputation for service continued to develop and has become the hallmark of her success today. Her experience in the residential home industry spurred Susan to continue her education in design and architecture classes. The furniture industry was fascinating to Susan, and she eventually came to Minnesota as a manufacturers representative for a large furniture company. Susan is very active in the American Society of Interior Designers and has served on the Board of Directors. She is a member of the Women’s Presidents Organization and a Rotary Club International Paul Harris fellow. Her community involvement has centered on assisting those with special needs through Minnesota Independence College and Community.
James McNeal
Owner/Principal Architect
James McNeal Architecture and Design
James is owner and Principal Architect with 41 years of experience in residential and commercial architecture. He is well known for his captivating ability to draw works of art in front of his clients in three dimensions - most of the time during a meeting taking place. This gives him the advantage to clearly communicate what the spaces and exterior design will look like before the beginning design phases are complete. He is an active participant in the whole design process from beginning to end. James is a member of the Institute of Classical Architecture and Art, the American Institute of Architects (AIA), is licensed in MN, WI, CO, FL and AZ and is NCARB Certified.
Richard Tucker
Managing Director
Compass Minnesota
Throughout his career, Richard has built a stellar reputation for his extensive knowledge, exceptional negotiation skills, and unwavering dedication to his agents. His deep understanding of the local market dynamics in Minnesota has allowed him to successfully navigate the ever-changing real estate landscape and consistently deliver outstanding results. As Managing Director and the Broker of Record, Richard oversees the operations of Compass in Minnesota, ensuring that the highest standards of professionalism and integrity are upheld. He provides valuable guidance and support to his team of agents, empowering them to excel in their roles and provide exceptional service to their clients. Richard's commitment to excellence is reflected in his numerous accolades and achievements throughout his career. His expertise and leadership have made him a trusted advisor and sought-after resource for agents in the Minnesota real estate market. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Richard is known for his warm and personable nature. He values building long-lasting relationships with his clients, always putting their needs and goals at the forefront. His unparalleled work ethic, coupled with his genuine care for his clients, has earned him a loyal client base and numerous referrals. In his spare time, Richard enjoys staying active in his community and participating in philanthropic endeavors. He believes in giving back and making a positive impact on the lives of others. With Richard Tucker at the helm, Compass in Minnesota continues to thrive as a premier real estate brokerage, providing exceptional service, innovative solutions, and unparalleled expertise to clients across the state.
Todd Polifka
President
Custom One Homes
Todd Polifka is a seasoned professional in the residential construction industry, with a career spanning over two decades. He began his journey in 2001 and has since been actively involved in various facets of the industry, serving as a remodeler, trade partner and builder. In addition, Todd has a long history of involvement on industry boards at Housing First MN (Minnesota) and NARI (National Association of the Remodeling Industry) reflecting a commitment to actively participate in and contribute to the residential construction and remodeling sectors. Throughout his career, Todd has consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to delivering an exceptional client experience while maintaining an unwavering focus on producing top-quality residential construction projects. Todd Polifka's extensive skill set encompasses a range of specialties, including: Leadership: Todd is a proven leader in the residential construction field, known for his ability to inspire and guide teams to success. Strategy and Strategic Thinking: He possesses a keen strategic mindset, capable of crafting and executing plans that drive business growth and project success. Marketing and Sales: Todd understands the importance of effective marketing and sales strategies in the construction industry, allowing him to connect with clients and drive business development. Residential Construction: With over two decades of experience, Todd is well-versed in all aspects of residential construction, from planning and design to execution and completion. Building Science: He is knowledgeable in the latest building science principles, ensuring that projects are not only aesthetically pleasing but also built to the highest standards of energy efficiency and sustainability. Brand Building: Todd is adept at building and maintaining a strong brand image for his construction ventures, helping them stand out in a competitive market. Connector: He excels at networking and creating valuable connections within the industry, which can be instrumental for collaboration and growth. Ability to Manage Multiple Segments: His versatility is evident in his ability to effectively manage various segments of the construction industry, ensuring a well-rounded approach to business. Todd Polifka's dedication to delivering a heightened client experience and consistently producing unmatched quality in his residential construction projects has established him as a respected figure in the industry. His combination of leadership, strategic thinking, and diverse skills make him a valuable asset in the world of residential construction.
Nancy Nelsen-Flom
Founder/Showroom Manager
INTERSOURCE by STARK
Nancy Nelsen-Flom is a proud ASID Industry Partner member since 2004 and living her passion for design since her first “crush” on the color orange, circa 1974. It was a dash of nature and a pinch of nurture that led her to a design career. Her father owned a floor covering dealership—her own personal textile playground to explore my natural interests. After graduating from the University of Minnesota with a Bachelor of Science in Interior Design in 1988, she spent five years in commercial interior design and two years at her father’s company learning technical aspects of flooring. She ventured out on her own to create INTERSOURCE, Inc. a through the trade commercial and residential full-service floor covering dealership that 26 years later, lives by the tagline exceptional flooring solutions and extraordinary service.
Mark Benner
President
Mark Eric Benner - Architects, Ltd.
Mark Benner, AIA is the visionary force behind the inception of Mark Eric Benner — Architects, Ltd., a dynamic architectural design firm committed to delivering unparalleled creative excellence to a diverse clientele. Rooted in the belief that exceptional architecture emerges from a harmonious fusion of innovative design concepts and masterful communication, our practice has meticulously crafted cuttingedge methodologies that seamlessly integrate state-of-the-art technology to maximize project potential and value. Mark's professional journey was profoundly enriched as a principal and architect at Orren Pickell Designers and Builders, a prestigious luxury residential design/build enterprise in Chicago's northern suburbs. Since joining the firm in 1995, Mark spearheaded the implementation and advancement of the company's pioneering CAD initiative, overseeing the realization of nearly four hundred homes with a collective construction value exceeding $275 million.
John Quinlivan
Founder
Gordon James Construction & Development
John has been in the construction industry since 2005, when he founded Gordon James. His background in the field: his father was a contractor, and he managed the construction of a Maple Plain coffee shop that he and his wife Kim owned for over 13 years. John spent the first 18 years of his career in telecommunications, ending as the Vice President of Sales for Qwest Communications. Eighteen years in sales and sales management taught him the value of attentive customer service. It was confirmed by an informal survey he conducted. Whenever I was in the coffee shop, I would ask people who had built new homes in the area whether they'd hire the same contractor again." Out of 100 people queried: Thirteen said yes and eight said maybe. The 79 who said no cited late completions, over-budget expenses and unresponsive follow-ups. As a result, John formed his strategy for building Gordon James through word-of-mouth. Kim & John live in Independence with their two kids, Lauren & Ben. According to John, “Everyone knows I love spending time at the cabin with my family… what they don't know about me is that I'll get up early sometimes on Sunday mornings and watch re-runs of Dr. Phil. It makes me realize how good I've got it!”
Sam Thompson
President
Transitions In Business
Sam Thompson is the president and founder of M&A firm Transitions In Business. He is a Certified Business Intermediary (CBI) and a Mergers & Acquisitions Master Intermediary (M&AMI) who has helped countless business owners successfully sell their company. Sam’s many years of experience help him seamlessly and confidentially guide business owners from the early stages of selling all the way through closing. Prior to becoming a business intermediary, Sam was the founder and CEO of a $16 million, 150 employee conference and event management company.
Robert Hull
President
JMAD
Robert is a design professional with backgrounds in both design and construction of custom residential homes of a wide variety of styles. He specializes in working in 3D for all aspects of the design phase, from the initial schematic design through the smallest details. Being able to virtually walk through the project before it is a reality helps clients to visualize their buildings inside and out from the outset of a project in a way that 2D drawings cannot. He also has a strong background in design, drafting, and architectural visualization/rendering. Robert has received a Bachelor of Architecture degree for his undergraduate education and a Master of Architecture degree for his graduate education, both from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. He is a native Minnesotan.
Elizabeth Cohen
General Manager
Studio M Interiors
As a versatile and accomplished Sales and Business Manager, she has consistently achieved success in diverse sectors, prominently the luxury home furnishings and apparel industries. She currently leads the business operations of a dynamic and innovative interior design firm. Throughout her career, she has been recognized as a strategic thinker, adept at devising and implementing sound business strategies that drive profitability for both individuals and companies. Her track record speaks to consistently delivering profitable outcomes while upholding the highest standards of excellence. Her leadership style is the cultivation of a thriving culture of excellence with a focus on people, processes, and projects. She takes pride in building and nurturing a respectful, healthy, and creative workplace environment. She is driven to continuously contribute to the success and growth of the organizations I work with, leaving a lasting impact on both the companies and the people with whom I collaborate.
Duane Draughon
Owner
VizX Design Studios
Duane Draughon is a well-known and highly respected outdoor living designer with over 20 years of experience in the industry. As the owner and lead designer of VizX Design Studios, he has gained national recognition for his cutting-edge outdoor living designs that incorporate a modern design style. Duane's designs are unique and breathtaking. Duane began his career as an apprentice with a local landscape design firm in Columbus, OH, where he started designing outdoor living spaces in 1998. After working for Talk Landscape Design for a few years, he decided to start his own outdoor living construction company called PaverStone Design Group. Duane's unique and cutting-edge design style quickly gained attention, and his company went on to win multiple awards and be featured in local and national publications. During his time at PaverStone Design Group, Duane realized that clients were interested in his design style and wanted to see what they were ultimately buying before the project even started. This led to the birth of VizX Design Studios, where he could present his designs in 3D and capture clients across the United States. Duane took a significant risk by closing his construction company and moving to Chicago, IL, to pursue his dream of running an Outdoor Living Design Firm. This decision paid off, as VizX Design Studios has grown into a highly successful business that has received national recognition. Duane's background in engineering and architectural drafting, as well as his years of owning his own construction firm and attending seminars, and completing elective coursework, have provided him with a wealth of design experience. His work has been featured in numerous publications and media outlets, including CNN, Inc. Magazine, The Chicago Tribune, and other local newspapers and magazines. Duane is passionate about outdoor living and enjoys sharing his expertise with others. He is dedicated to empowering contractors and designers in the outdoor living space. With his extensive knowledge and experience in the industry, Duane continues to push the boundaries of outdoor living design and inspire others to do the same.
Cathy Paper
President
RockPaperStar
Cathy Paper, M.A. is the founder of RockPaperStar, a consulting firm that specializes in coaching and training for individuals, business owners, and executives by offering creative programs to improve process and performance. Cathy has coached leaders at Best Buy, Paramount Pictures, John Deere, Apple, and Zappos as well as many Minnesotabased privately held companies and service firms. With energy and enthusiasm, Cathy shares her networking savvy, change management expertise and marketing skills to guide dedicated leaders to define and reach goals for their teams and organizations. Her naturally competitive nature—Cathy runs, played rugby and was a Minnesota State Tennis Doubles Champion— is inspiring and contagious. Cathy earned her BA at Williams College and holds a Master’s Degree in Organization Development from the University of St. Thomas. She is a national speaker, a columnist for the American City Business Journals; a winner of the National Association of Women Business Owners “Woman on the Way” award, given to a woman business owner who has demonstrated ahead-of-the-curve achievement for herself and her company; and Minnesota Business Magazine’s “Real Power 50.”
Abby Lund
Showroom Manager/ Designer
DOM Interiors
Abby is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Stout, with a Bachelor of Fine Art in Interior Design. For the past 8 years, she has shared her design talents at Dom Interiors, where she is currently the Showroom Manager in Minneapolis. Her showroom is in the iconic International Market Square, where Abby works with a global network of architects and designers on private residences, workplaces, and multi-unit projects. Abby will bring out the best that PHS MN offers. She is planning to pull together current members, new colleagues, veterans, and aspiring business leaders and owners to build a substantial and effective network in the Twin Cities and beyond. Her fresh approach will focus on Coming Together to Grow Together'. Look for meaningful local and regional events, collaboration, and connection between other PHS cities, and some fun along the way!
Pamela S. McNally
Senior Vice President
National Kitchen & Bath Association
Pamela is Senior Vice President, Marketing + Digital for the National Kitchen & Bath Association. Prior to joining the NKBA in June 2020, she was Vice President of Digital for SANDOW, and Executive Vice President of Client Strategy/Solutions for Interior Design, a SANDOW brand. Pamela oversaw digital initiatives for SANDOW’s portfolio and worked with the company’s top clients to create custom interactive programs with a focus on mobile and social engagement. She also spoke extensively on digital and future trends, and was a featured speaker at NeoCon, High Point Market, Design Chicago, InterACT, DCOTA, IDS, and was invited to speak at annual meetings and conferences put on by top companies such as Haworth Inc., Gensler and HOK. Before joining SANDOW, Pamela was Vice President of Digital and Editorial for Niche Media, a publisher of regional magazines in top U.S. cities. Before that, she was Editorial Director of Custom Media at Hachette Filipacchi where she oversaw the development of publications for brands such as Mercedes-Benz, Cadillac, Aveda, Avon and AOL. Previously, she had held editorial positions at Fairchild Publications where she started her career.
Meet Experts Moderators
Jon Coty
General Manager
DWELL44 Modern Design Showroom
Joshua Ferri
Owner
Lakeside Decking
Sheryl Lea Vanderpol
Owner
Untapped Resource LLC
Hamid Kashani
Owner - Principal Architect
Habitat Architecture
Jayne Morrison
Owner
Jayne Morrison Interiors
Meet Emerging Leaders
Calie Pierce
Senior Interior DesignerChe Bella Interiors Design + Remodeling
Ashley Holeton
Design and Project Development
Highmark Builders
Marco Rebollar
Sales Associate
Tapis & Decor