Our 2025 Speakers
Jill Blashack Strahan
Jill Blashack Strahan, Tastefully Simple Founder & CEO, is a top female entrepreneur and author. Graduating from a class of only 18 students, this Minnesota dairy farmer’s daughter has inspired thousands with her riveting stories and learnings about personal loss, a bold vision, and unshakable grit.
In 1995 Jill launched Tastefully Simple, offering high quality, easy-to-prepare food, in a 1,200 square-foot shed with no running water. From packing orders on a pool table, to building a $143 million company within 13 years, to 14 years of declining sales, Strahan learned priceless business and life lessons. She published a book about her journey, Simply Shine: Stories That Stirred the Fire,
Recognized as an exceptional CEO for creating a national brand built on the power of home tasting experiences, she has earned numerous awards for her achievements including Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year® national finalist with Whole Foods and Panera Bread, and induction into the Inc. 500 Hall of Fame. Strahan inspires others to lead with clear principles, courage and resilience. You will connect with her charismatic, down-to-earth nature and learn how to think differently to leverage your immense, transformative power.
Jill has one adult son, Zach, and her husband, Gary, has four children and nine grandchildren. Gary and Jill have an unconventional lifestyle—Jill’s home is in Alexandria, Minnesota, and Gary resides in Texas. “This way, he still likes me,” Jill quips. “After 20 years, we’re now together 80% of the time.”
Cory Hepola
Growing up in small town Perham, Minnesota, Cory is the Director, Writer, and Host of “My Town,” a documentary series which serves to break down the popular misconceptions with the rural lifestyle showing the opportunities in our small towns. Through 2 Seasons, so far, “My Town” has explored 15 different rural communities across 6 states, premiered on the big screen at the Twin Cities Film Fest, and has been nominated for Emmys Awards.
It’s all part of the purpose-driven work at The Brookshire Company where Cory helps “Companies Succeed and Communities Thrive” through Economic Development and High-Impact Storytelling.
Before Brookshire, Cory had a successful broadcast journalism career earning two more Emmy Awards for “Outstanding TV Anchor” at KARE 11 in Minneapolis and was named “100 People To Know” by Twin Cities Business Magazine as the Host of his own daily show on iconic WCCO Radio.
In 2022, Cory was honored by his alma mater – Concordia College – with the “Sent Forth Award” which is presented “to a young alumni who has made an impact early in their career, emphasizing service to others and demonstrating a strong vocational commitment.”
Chase Larson
Chase Larson, Executive Vice President and Chief Lending Officer at St. Cloud Financial Credit Union, DaLand CUSO board member, and board member of the TriUnity Foundation, is a dynamic leader with nearly two decades of strategic experience in finance, credit unions, and community banking. His expertise spans risk management, member business lending, strategic portfolio growth, and emerging areas such as digital finance, crypto, and tokenized assets.
As the executive driving SCFCU’s digital asset strategy, Chase leads the development and execution of innovative financial solutions, including the CU-Digital Asset Vault, ensuring the credit union remains at the forefront of this evolving space. His leadership extends across all facets of lending, fostering a culture of growth and innovation. This is evident in the successful launch of the Business Services Strategy, the SBA initiative, and the insured “Extra Mile Loan Program.” He is deeply committed to people development, coaching, and creating an environment where every team member can thrive.
Chase also plays a crucial role in SCFCU’s long-term strategy, particularly in integrating lending products with fintech infrastructure like DaLand’s R Path. His deep understanding of lending, risk management, and strategic growth ensures that SCFCU remains adaptable and competitive in a rapidly evolving financial landscape.
Debra Leigh
Debra Leigh has spent decades igniting change through the arts, education, and equity. Honored with the 2024 Athena Award and the 2023 Mayor’s Legacy Award in St. Cloud, she’s known for empowering women leaders, advancing anti-racism efforts, and promoting cross-cultural understanding. Her work lives at the intersection of performance and purpose—and she invites others to meet her there.
Clare Richards
Community organizer and CEO and Co-Founder of Impacks, a company that makes back-to-school shopping easy for parents, educators, and school administrators. Clare was named a "2025 Women in Business" honoree by the Minneapolis St. Paul Business Journal, a 2023 “10 Outstanding Young Americans" awardee by Junior Chamber International, and a "St. Cloud 5 Under 40" awardee in 2021 by the St. Cloud Times. She serves on a number of volunteer boards and co-founded the St. Cloud Rotaract Club in 2015.
Stephen Rider
Stephen Rider is a serial entrepreneur, published author, and small-business advocate. He co-founded BuzzCare, a rural healthcare logistics startup delivering prescriptions to underserved communities by drone, drawing on years of launching and running ventures.
Beyond BuzzCare, he owns a small housing company and a decal business, and previously ran a clothing brand in college, experience that he builds on while moving BuzzCare forward.
A passionate champion of rural economic development, Stephen also serves as Small Business Coordinator at the Initiative Foundation, where he consults entrepreneurs, tracks evolving regulations, and frequently meets with communities across a 14-county region.
He wrote Dear Wantrepreneur, a book that encourages would-be founders to move from idea to action. Stephen studied environmental science and business at Western Carolina University, relocated from Raleigh, NC to the St. Cloud area, and remains committed to building community through innovation and creativity.
