John Trakselis

My business experience

Prior to joining Vistage International, I served as a partner in a Big 8 accounting firm, as a financial and operations executive for three family-run businesses, and as an executive recruiter. My experience covers a variety of industries, including manufacturing, retail, pharmaceuticals, high-tech, E-commerce (B2B and B2C), healthcare, wholesale distribution, transportation, public utilities, telecommunications, logistics and professional service companies. As a corporate executive, I had responsibility for retail and wholesale operations, light manufacturing, finance, information systems and human resources.

My Vistage experience

I started my Vistage Chief Executive group two years ago. I also started a Vistage Trusted Advisor group last year.

We're all smarter together than any one of us individually.
Open hearts and open minds receive more and give more.
Make the pie bigger rather than for ever-diminishing slices—abundance rocks!
Create an environment where we can live in integrity by walking the talk and talking a lot.

My Vistage groups

Members of my Vistage Chief Executive group represent the following industries: consumer and commercial banking, commercial A/V distribution, computer hardware and related services, investment banking, ERP software and installation, trucking, light manufacturing, a non-profit association and Internet B2B and B2C company. The group is very well-read and includes a number of athletes who are committed to their mental, physical and spiritual growth. The group values gender, ethnic, racial and religious diversity, and presently includes one female CEO and one Korean-born CEO.

Who is the "ideal" Vistage member?

The ideal Vistage member is a man or woman who wants to learn and grow (mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually), who is curious about almost everything, and who is willing to engage with others as a peer and an equal.

More about John Trakselis

I received a BS in Economics from St. John's University in Minnesota, and an MBA from the University of Chicago. I also passed the CPA exam in Illinois and practiced as a CPA for approximately 20 years.

I am currently Executive Vice President for the Chicago Chapter of Financial Executives International (FEI) and will serve as President of the organization for two fiscal years, beginning July 1, 2009. FEI has 700 members in Chicago and 15,000 members throughout the U.S. and Canada.