Leadership in Motion: Inside the 2025 Vistage Member Excellence Awards

In a world that never stands still, leadership can’t remain static — it must evolve, adapt, and transform.

That’s the spirit behind the 2025 “Leadership in Motion” edition of the Vistage Member Excellence Awards e-book.

This year’s e-book celebrates members who are driving their businesses forward with vision, ingenuity, and purpose — leaders who build high-performing teams, embrace fresh thinking, and shape the future with unwavering confidence.

As you explore their remarkable journeys of growth, resilience and impact, may these stories inspire and challenge you to elevate your own leadership journey.

Pivot Power

Inna Tuler | Burbank, California
President & CEO, Maintco Corp.
Vistage member since 2017

From concert pianist to leading a $20M company, Inna Tuler’s leadership journey is one of discipline and perseverance. Arriving in the U.S. with just $200, Inna and her husband built Maintco Corp, a construction and facility services company. After her husband’s passing in 2011, Inna took the leap in becoming CEO while raising three kids.

It was a bold move that paid off; Maintco grew from $10M in revenue in 2010 to $20M in 2020, expanding to serve major Fortune 500 clients like Starbucks and CVS. During the pandemic, Inna demonstrated her resilient and innovative spirit by quickly pivoting to meet shifting client needs, all while upholding a people-first culture. Maintco boasts a near-zero turnover, with 85% of employees rising through the ranks internally.

Her secret? Recognizing that your people are the biggest asset.

Inna’s Leadership Lessons:

• Lead with vulnerability.
• Practice what you preach.
• Invest in your people.

Agile Advantage

John Marchica | Scottsdale, Arizona
CEO, Darwin Research Group
Vistage member since 1998

John is an author, an entrepreneur and a certified risk-taker. He staked his financial stability and started his first company, FaxWatch, in 1994 with a couple of credit cards.

He moved his team from Chicago to Arizona, driven by a desire for autonomy and creativity. His strategic foresight led to the successful exit of FaxWatch and the founding of Darwin Research Group, which now serves 8 of the top 10 and 70% of the top 20 pharma companies. They are currently profiling over 600 institutions, providing in-depth customer insights and advanced market intelligence to healthcare executives.

John’s commitment to integrity, accountability, and trust has been pivotal in building a company known for its unbiased, high-quality market research.

John’s Leadership Advice:

• Never promise what you can’t deliver.
• Follow through on commitments.
• See the truth in people, not just the best.

Culture Compass

Michael Powell | Chicago, Illinois
Executive Director, Beat The Streets Chicago
Vistage member since 2021

Build trust, love one another, and tell the hard truth — these principles define BTS’s philosophy, impacting 4,500 inner-city youth per year at the world’s largest youth-based sports nonprofit. Michael has expanded BTS from 25 kids in 2018 to 4,500 kids across 34 locations by identifying his knowledge gaps and hiring exceptional talent.

Michael seeks those with hustle and a drive to change lives. BTS offers wrestling, trips around the world, and significant academic, social-emotional, and family support, with 100% of graduating seniors advancing to college, military, or trade school. This year, he raised $3.4M, ensuring ongoing success.

Michael is now training the next generation to continue his legacy, guided by the ethos, “This is a safe place, but don’t expect to be comfortable. You’re going to grow, and you’re going to become somebody.”

Michael’s Leadership Tips:

• No chinks in the armor.
• Be calm and decisive in conflict.
• Lead from the front.

Clarity Code

Jennifer Hildebrand | Minneapolis, Minnesota
President & CEO, Professional Engineering Services, Ltd.
Vistage member since 2023

From a young age, Jennifer Hildebrand’s mother taught her perseverance and the importance of taking risks. Years later, she put these lessons into practice by acquiring Professional Engineering Services Ltd. (PE Services), a civil engineering and construction management firm.

With many years in the highway/heavy industry, she grew PES from 15 to 57 employees, increased revenue by 30% and improved operational efficiency across all areas. Focused on equipping her team for success, Jennifer created a Manager Skills Training program and a mentorship initiative, with 80% employee participation.

PE Services was recently awarded the ACEC-MN Firm of the Year and recognized by industry associations for its involvement in complex project delivery. She believes in her team, and they believe in her leadership.

Jennifer’s Leadership Advice:

• Trust your team to deliver results.
• Do what’s best for the project.
• Follow through on commitments, always.

Lasting Legacy

Brett Levin | Pennsauken, New Jersey
President, MHS Lift, Inc.
Vistage member since 2002

Brett Levin began his career fresh out of college as a Service Technician, quickly rising through roles in Sales Admin and Account Management before becoming Sales Manager at MHS Lift, Inc.— his family’s second-generation business.

In 2012, Brett and his brother purchased the company from their father and grew it from $36M to $165M, expanding its reach to all 50 states and over 2,250 customers. In 2022, Brett launched an ESOP to foster a culture of ownership and accountability while honoring their legacy.

Committed to innovation and integrity, he helped develop the company’s 26 guiding principles — the “MHS Way.” His leadership also extends to the community, serving as Chairman of the Ronald McDonald House of Southern New Jersey.

Brett’s ESOP Advice:

• Plan ahead.
• Engage with experts.
• Preserve your culture.

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