Leadership isn’t a solo pursuit. Behind every strong leader are countless voices, experiences and perspectives that shaped them. In a world full of change and rising uncertainty, the value of trusted mentors remains as important as ever.
Growing up in a hardworking household with caring, supportive parents who encouraged me to work hard, ask questions and reach for the stars provided a strong foundation. With that foundation, plus a willingness to make (countless) mistakes, a commitment to working hard, and an openness to learning from others, my path eventually led me to grow into leadership roles in my career and my community.
A large part of that growth is thanks to mentorship. I’ve had many informal mentors through the years, but two have been instrumental. I’ve leaned on both at nearly every major career decision and countless times in between. Combined, they have more than 80 years of experience in the banking industry and have been leaders for most of that time. Through mentorship, Dave Gaddie and Phil Rolle helped shape the leader and person I am today. Their insights have been invaluable. I regularly run thoughts, strategies and even hesitations past them, knowing I’ll get honest, thoughtful and experience-based feedback.
I’ve also found it deeply rewarding to pay it forward by stepping into a mentorship role to help others grow. What I’ve learned is that mentorship isn’t about having all the answers — it’s about being present, honest and helping someone think clearly when their path feels uncertain.
We’re living in a time of heightened uncertainty. Economic and geopolitical shifts have many people questioning what’s ahead. That’s why this is the perfect moment to seek out guidance, be open to mentorship and be willing to offer it to others. If you’re just starting out, find someone whose experience you respect, and ask questions. If you’ve been in the game for a while, keep your door open. The best leaders don’t just guide, they lift others up.
In many cases, the answer you’re seeking becomes crystal clear after asking just one simple but powerful question: “Can I run something by you?”
We make it easy to put your business in front of thousands of potential customers. Tell us your goals, and we’ll help you choose the right mix of outdoor displays, publications, and coupons to maximize your reach.
AdMax is a locally rooted advertising network founded in 1992. We help businesses get seen in the Northland with high visibility placements such as bus benches and backlit displays in Canal Park along with trusted community publications and campus initiatives. In 2025, we partnered with Finden Marketing to pair our proven local reach with modern digital expertise.
Absolutely. We are happy to discuss goals, placements, and pricing. You can reach us through our contact page, call us directly, or email info@duluthian.com. Our team will respond quickly and help you choose the right options for your business.
We connect your brand with locals, professionals, visitors, and students through proven and affordable channels:
Outdoor and Transit: Bus benches and backlit displays in high traffic areas
Publications: Placements in respected community magazines and directories
Campus Outreach: Student focused promotions through Campus Coupons
Creative and Strategy: Message, design, and campaign planning, enhanced by our 2025 partnership with Finden Marketing
No. AdMax and Finden Marketing are separate companies that partnered in 2025. AdMax provides the local placement network which includes outdoor advertising, publications, and campus outreach. Finden adds digital strategy, creative, and analytics. Together we offer integrated packages that make your advertising work harder online and offline.
