Meet the Team
A DEDICATED COLLECTION OF EXPERTS
We cultivate a thriving community of operations leaders dedicated to mastering leadership and driving organizational success. By joining CBC, you gain access to transformative leadership growth, actionable strategies, and a supportive network of like-minded professionals. The return on investment extends beyond individual development, delivering measurable impact and value for sponsoring organizations.
A DEDICATED COLLECTION OF EXPERTS
At CBC, we do not give answers—we ask the questions that force leaders to think deeper, challenge assumptions, and find their own next move. Our facilitators champion three core qualities. They bring deep business expertise, knowing where to poke, prod, and challenge members to consider blind spots they might otherwise miss. They read the room, ensuring all voices—especially the quieter ones—have space to contribute. And they lead with humility, asking the right questions rather than handing out answers, so each leader discovers their own best path forward.
Our facilitators come from three backgrounds: former executives with hard-earned wisdom from sitting in the seat, active owners and CEOs building their own teams, or technical experts who bring deep industry knowledge to the table. Regardless of their background, each facilitator shares the same commitment—to challenge, support, and elevate the leaders in the room.
Dave Hagford
Founder
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Dave Hagford is the founder of CBC and a pioneer in CEO peer groups for the manufacturing industry in Minnesota. With decades of experience, he built one of the most respected CEO roundtables in the region, creating a space where leaders sharpen each other through direct, high-value conversations.
Dave’s legacy is rooted in challenging leaders to think bigger, act decisively, and build organizations that thrive beyond them. His commitment to leadership development has shaped countless executives, driving stronger businesses and a more resilient manufacturing sector. His impact continues through CBC’s growing network of peer groups, ensuring the next generation of leaders has the same high-level, no-BS conversations that drive real results.
Karl Vasquez
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Karl Vasquez is the glue that holds CBC together. He is accountable for the logistics, scheduling, and behind-the-scenes coordination that keep monthly meetings and one-on-one member sessions running seamlessly.
With tenacity to get the job done, Karl ensures that every moving piece—across multiple groups and members—comes together without excuses or delays. His work allows CBC’s facilitators and members to stay focused on what matters most: having the right conversations to drive real leadership growth.
Mike Verdon
Facilitator
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Mike Verdon has led from the top across multiple manufacturing organizations and industries, bringing firsthand experience in the challenges of scaling businesses and developing leaders. He understands the weight of leadership—the tough calls, the uncertainty, and the responsibility of preparing the next generation.
A true steward of leadership development, Mike does not just advise—he challenges, guides, and pushes leaders to grow. His ability to cut through the noise and focus on what truly moves organizations forward makes him a rare gem in the advising and development space.
Josh John
Head of Operations & Co-Facilitator
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Josh John builds the infrastructure that makes CBC work. From the systems that keep everything running to the platform that allows facilitators to deliver their best work, he ensures that nothing gets in the way of what matters most—leaders growing leaders.
Josh believes that leadership is never learned from a single source. The best leaders are shaped by diverse influences, mentors, and perspectives that challenge and expand their thinking. His role is simple: set the stage for members to thrive, push their abilities further, and ensure that every conversation pushes the members forward.
Coming Soon
Co-Facilitator
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Our co-facilitators bring real-world leadership experience and a sharp ability to challenge and develop those around them. They are not here to lecture—they are here to ask the tough questions, push members to think critically, and drive meaningful conversations that lead to action.
Coming Soon
Co-Facilitator
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Facilitation at CBC is about creating the space for leaders to grow. Our co-facilitators understand the weight of leadership, the responsibility of decision-making, and the value of learning from those in the fight with you.
THINK YOU'RE THE RIGHT FIT FOR OUR TEAM?
We are always looking for high-caliber leaders who know how to challenge others, ask the right questions, and guide powerful discussions. Think you fit the type of team we are building? Let’s talk. Get in contact and let’s have a discussion.
Take the first step toward transforming your leadership journey—connect with us today and discover how CBC may be a catalyst for your impact!