• Local Event

    THE IOWA CEO SUMMIT®

    The Iowa CEO Summit® is the state of Iowa's only gathering created just for CEOs, Presidents and business owners of Iowa companies. This unique event offers an opportunity to learn from thought-leaders and connect with other talented top executives running some of the most successful organizations in Iowa.

    Presented by REF Iowa
    The Iowa CEO Summit

    The Iowa CEO Summit® is the state of Iowa's only gathering created just for CEOs, Presidents and business owners of Iowa companies. This unique event offers an opportunity to learn from thought-leaders and connect with other talented top executives running some of the most successful organizations in Iowa.

    Wednesday, Nov 6, 2024
    • PST: 5:45 am - 1:00 pm
    • CST: 6:45 am - 2:00 pm
    • EST: 8:45 am - 4:00 pm
    Register

REF Iowa

Leaders Powered by Collective Intelligence

REF is a Global organization of Peer Advisory Boards for Top-Tier Business Leaders.

Members access the Collective Intelligence of their Peers in an environment of trust and confidentiality, locally and globally.
We propel Collective Intelligence through a personal, professional, and business development approach.

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  • REF, formerly "Renaissance Executive Forums" is a global organization that brings together peer advisory boards for top-tier business executives.

  • Forum Groups are the core of the different REFs memberships.

  • Members access the Collective Intelligence of their Peers in an environment of Trust and Confidentiality.

  • Founded in the USA 30 years ago.

  • Peer advisory board comprised of 12 to 15 CEOs, Presidents, Owners (depending on membership type) 

  • Non-competing industries

  • Meet one morning a month

  • Facilitated by a certified REF Forum Leader

  • Safe space for discussion and debate

  • Culture of transparency, trust and confidentiality

In their Forum Groups, Members present their biggest challenges and exchange constructive, actionable advice from a diversity of perspectives. This gives them the clarity they need to find transcendent solutions and achieve their personal, professional and business goals. 

Regular monthly Forum meeting structure:

  • Educational Component: Update doses with Experts on topics of interest for Business Leaders. 

  • Round Table: Exchange dynamics of personal and business best practices.

  • Case: A member presents their biggest challenge, and other members of the group share what they would do in their shoes.

Special annual Forums:

  • Escape: One-day group retreat focused on personal development.

  • Offsite: Group trip featuring workshop on strategies for personal and professional success.

  • All Members Meeting: Annual meeting with other local or regional Groups.

  • Access to REF's app: Network & Digital Community

  • Expert Insights: Webinars with Experts about major shifts and trends.

  • Industry & Interest Networks: International Forum Groups, exchange of best practices and opportunities.

  • Events: Global, Regional & Local Network.

  • Unique Experiences: Curated trips, leisure & retreats.

  • Improved decision-making

  • Accelerated personal, professional and business growth

  • Global network of Business Leaders

  • Meaningful relationships

At REF, Members tap into the wisdom that emerges from the Collective Intelligence of leaders with exceptional backgrounds.

  • REF provides a unique space where members gain clarity to make their most important and challenging business, professional and personal decisions.

  • Selective trust-based Forum Groups made up of top-tier business leaders (by invitation only).

  • Forum Groups led by Forum leaders with business experience.

  • Case method.

  • Holistic approach: Personal, professional, and business growth.

  • Continuous education through leading professionals.

  • Introspection, reflection, and planning.

REF Iowa Events

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We believe evolved and connected leaders are a positive force in the world.

Meet our Team in REF Iowa

Mike Kleis
Partner & Forum Leader
About
Partner & Forum Leader
Mike Kleis
Iowa, Iowa
(641)204-1564
mkleis@ref.global
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About

I’m a seasoned business leader and advisor with more than 35 years of broad business experience in Leadership Development, Strategy Development, Business Planning, Marketing, Sales/Distribution Management, Process Improvement, as well as Customer Service, Operations, and Product Development/Management. I’m known for my strategic approach and ability to connect the dots between business plans and results, I’ve worked closely, over the past 20 years, advising more than 100 independent businesses ranging in size from $1M to $100M in annual sales.

Lead a Forum

Our Purpose

Is to accelerate the personal, professional, and business evolution of our Members, because we believe evolved and connected leaders are a positive force in the world.

The value of every forum meeting lies in the enriching effect of members diversity of perspectives in giving and receiving feedback of their peers.
Requirements:

CEO, Owner, President, or equivalent.

Qualifying company criteria:

  • SMB: $5M-$100M in revenue or 20-350 employees.

  • Enterprise: More than $100M in revenue or more than 350 employees.

Explore Membership
The value of every forum meeting lies in the enriching effect of members diversity of perspectives in giving and receiving feedback of their peers.
Requirements:

C-Suite with direct reports.

Qualifying company criteria:

  • More than $5M in revenue and more than 20 employees.

Explore Membership

REF's Testimonials

    • “It’s a great opportunity to learn from peers and build a trusted network of support, outside your own four walls, that you can always count on.”
      Jess Held
      Executive Vice President and COO, Lessing Flynn Advertising
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    • “If we are going to grow our business, we have to keep growing as individuals.”
      Chad Rubner
      CEO at Express Logistics, Inc.
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    • “To join a Forum Group was a no-brainer for me. I surround myself with successful people who can give me advice on crucial business decisions, and cheer me on.”
      Ron Petersen
      President of Summertime Farms
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    • “Having the opportunity to share my wrestles, my story, and my vulnerabilities with other business leaders has been a great value add to me as a business owner.”
      Adam Grubb
      Owner & CEO of Jerry's Homes
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    • “I found a group of individuals who were going through similar situations and can provide valuable insight to help me navigate my biggest business challenges.”
      Hiram Houghton
      President of LaunchIT Corp.
      LinkedIn icon

    Ready to reach the next level?

    Start a conversation with REF Iowa

    If you're interested to partner with us or lead a forum let's start a conversation!