Speakers & Sessions
View the inspiring speakers and sessions scheduled for the 2026 Annual Convention in Palm Springs.
 | Session One Productivity with Purpose: Turning Strategy into Results Tuesday, October 13 | 0:00 pm – 0:00 pm
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Randi Braun is an ICF-certified executive coach, Wall Street Journal best-selling author, and member of the Forbes Coaches Council. She has partnered with more than 50 organizations—including Microsoft, Uber, Accor Hotels, Cox Communications, and Anthem Insurance—to help leaders improve productivity, build stronger teams, and create healthier workplace cultures. A sought-after speaker, Randi's insights have been featured in CNBC, The Washington Post, Forbes, The Chicago Tribune, and other leading media outlets. She is the author of Something Major: The New Playbook for Women at Work.
In a world where change is constant, productivity isn't about doing more—it's about focusing on what matters most. Discover practical strategies to improve focus, streamline your work, leverage technology, and increase your impact. Walk away with actionable tools to help you and your organization navigate change, improve performance, and drive sustainable growth.
| ✓ | Eliminate inefficiencies and streamline day-to-day workflows |
| ✓ | Prioritize what matters most to sharpen focus and impact |
| ✓ | Leverage technology to work smarter, not harder |
| ✓ | Build sustainable habits that drive long-term performance |
 | Session Two AI as a Force Multiplier for Business Owners — How to Use AI as Your Analyst, Advisor, Coach, and Executive Assistant Tuesday, October 13 | 0:00 pm – 0:00 pm
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Mike Gauss is a business executive, strategic advisor, and wealth management leader with extensive experience helping business owners build stronger, more profitable organizations. As the former President of a multi-billion-dollar manufacturing and consumer products company, he led strategic growth initiatives, operational transformation, and acquisitions across multiple business divisions. Today, Mike advises business leaders on growth strategy, financial decision-making, and leveraging emerging technologies—including AI—to improve performance and create lasting competitive advantage. He is known for delivering practical, actionable insights that organizations can put to work immediately.
AI isn't just a trend—it's a practical tool for working smarter and making better business decisions. Learn how to use artificial intelligence to improve productivity, streamline operations, analyze business performance, and uncover new opportunities for growth. Whether you're new to AI or ready to take the next step, you'll leave with ideas you can implement right away.
| ✓ | Analyze financial performance and identify operational opportunities |
| ✓ | Evaluate strategic decisions with greater confidence |
| ✓ | Streamline workflows and enhance team effectiveness |
| ✓ | Discover practical ways to integrate AI, no matter where you're starting from |
 | Back by Popular Demand! Session Three KEYNOTE — Economic and Policy Update — Navigating What's Ahead Wednesday, October 14 | 0:00 pm – 0:00 pm
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Alex Chausovsky is a leading market researcher and economic analyst with more than 20 years of experience helping organizations understand the trends shaping today's business environment. His expertise spans economics, industrial manufacturing, automation, workforce development, and emerging technologies. Alex has advised companies across North and South America, Europe, and Asia, and his insights have been featured by NPR, the BBC, and The Wall Street Journal. Known for translating complex economic data into practical business strategies, Alex equips leaders with the knowledge they need to anticipate change and make informed decisions.
Back by popular demand, economist Alex Chausovsky delivers an engaging, data-driven outlook on the economic and policy trends shaping today's business environment. Gain practical insights into inflation, tariffs, labor markets, interest rates, and more to help your organization navigate uncertainty and make confident, informed decisions.
| ✓ | Break down key indicators including tariffs, inflation, and interest rates |
| ✓ | Understand labor market conditions, consumer demand, and business investment patterns |
| ✓ | Anticipate market shifts before they impact your business |
| ✓ | Position your organization for growth in a dynamic, evolving economy |
| Session Four From Insight to Action: Roundtable Discussions on What's Next Wednesday, October 14 | 0:00 pm – 0:00 pm
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Alex Chausovsky is a leading market researcher and economic analyst with more than 20 years of experience helping organizations understand the trends shaping today's business environment. His expertise spans economics, industrial manufacturing, automation, workforce development, and emerging technologies. Alex has advised companies across North and South America, Europe, and Asia, and his insights have been featured by NPR, the BBC, and The Wall Street Journal. Known for translating complex economic data into practical business strategies, Alex equips leaders with the knowledge they need to anticipate change and make informed decisions.
Don't let the conversation end with the keynote. Join Alex Chausovsky for an interactive roundtable where you'll have the opportunity to ask questions, share perspectives, and discuss practical strategies for responding to today's evolving economic landscape. Collaborate with peers and leave with ideas you can apply to your own organization.
| ✓ | Explore the real-world impact of current economic trends |
| ✓ | Ask questions and share perspectives with Alex and your peers |
| ✓ | Navigate uncertainty and adapt to changing market conditions |
| ✓ | Turn economic insight into action to drive business growth |
 | Session Five Business Owners Panel: Leading Through Change – Strategies for Growth, Innovation, and Long-Term Success Thursday, October 15 | 0:00 pm – 0:00 pm
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Keith Jordan is President and Owner of Colorado Air Filter, a leading commercial air filtration distributor serving customers throughout the Rocky Mountain region. With more than 25 years of experience in the indoor air quality and filtration industry, Keith is passionate about helping customers improve building performance while advancing innovation across the distribution community. He currently serves as Secretary of the NAFA Executive Committee and Board of Directors, where he helps guide the association's strategic initiatives and supports the continued growth of the air filtration industry.
How are today's industry leaders preparing for tomorrow's challenges? Hear directly from NAFA business owners and executives as they discuss workforce development, technology, market trends, and growth strategies. Gain practical insights and real-world lessons to help your organization adapt, innovate, and succeed in an ever-changing business environment.
| ✓ | Hear candid insights on opportunities and obstacles facing the air filtration industry |
| ✓ | Explore how leaders are approaching growth and investing in their businesses |
| ✓ | Learn how panelists are developing teams and leveraging technology |
| ✓ | Walk away with practical ideas and lessons learned for positioning your company for long-term success |
  | Session Six The Business Leaders Playbook for Growth, Wealth, & Succession Thursday, October 15 | 0:00 pm – 0:00 pm
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Skyler Sandry is a wealth management leader with experience in relationship management, portfolio strategy, business development, and client service. As leader of the Sandry Meloan Ryan Gragg Group, he helps clients and business owners make thoughtful financial decisions and plan with confidence. Skyler began his wealth management career in 2016 and has built his approach around clear communication, strong relationships, and practical guidance tailored to each client's goals. He brings a collaborative, service-focused perspective to helping leaders strengthen their financial strategies and prepare for long-term success.
Keith Ryan is a Financial Advisor with RBC Wealth Management, where he helps individuals, families, and business owners develop comprehensive financial strategies for long-term success. Prior to joining RBC, Keith spent nearly 17 years with Northwestern Mutual, earning recognition as one of the firm's top advisors nationally while building and leading a successful financial planning practice. He holds the Chartered Financial Consultant® (ChFC®) and Chartered Life Underwriter® (CLU®) designations and specializes in integrating investment and insurance strategies to help clients achieve their financial goals. Keith is passionate about helping people gain confidence in their financial future through thoughtful planning and personalized guidance.
A successful business deserves a smart financial strategy. Learn practical approaches for managing cash, increasing enterprise value, planning for future transitions, and using compensation and benefits to attract and retain top talent. Walk away with actionable ideas to strengthen your business and prepare for what's next.
| ✓ | Learn practical financial strategies to help maximize value both inside and outside your company |
| ✓ | Explore how to manage excess cash and decide when to reinvest in the business versus diversify investments |
| ✓ | Prepare for ownership or leadership transitions and learn how to increase enterprise value ahead of a future sale |
| ✓ | Discover how to use compensation and benefits strategies to attract and retain top talent, and leave with actionable ideas for long-term success |
  | Session Seven Shipping Air: How Freight Really Moves—and What It Means for Your Business Thursday, October 15 | 0:00 pm – 0:00 pm
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Bio coming soon.
Jake Redenbaugh is a Team Captain and Account Manager at MegaCorp Logistics. After leading multiple sales teams at AT&T to Presidents Club achievements, Jake joined MegaCorp Logistics during the height of Covid in 2020. At MegaCorp, Redenbaugh leads a team of five operations logistics managers responsible for parts of, or the entire supply chain for 30 unique customers, in both 3PL & 4PL capacities. Redenbaugh's team generated over 15 million dollars in revenue in 2025, with the brokers on his captain team collectively generating over 200 million dollars. Redenbaugh was awarded Captain of the Year in 2024, and will pass the 30,000 load mark of his career before 2026 is over. While Redenbaugh handles a wide variety of commodities — from bottled water to oversized windmill blades — his very first customers were in the air filtration industry, and it remains his favorite freight to move. Redenbaugh is married to his beautiful wife Jasmine, and together they have 4 kids, ranging from one to twelve. While free time is limited, Jake serves in his church as Lay Clergy and enjoys Disney hotel lobbies where he works while the family gets to tear up Small World!
Every shipment affects your bottom line—but do you know what happens behind the scenes? Gain an insider's look at today's freight and logistics landscape, from carrier selection and pricing to AI-powered transportation technologies. Discover practical strategies to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and build a stronger, more resilient supply chain.
| ✓ | Get an insider's view of how freight really moves—from carrier selection to pricing negotiations |
| ✓ | Understand the market conditions that influence cost, capacity, and service |
| ✓ | Explore the advantages and challenges of various shipping modes through real-world examples |
| ✓ | Learn how AI and transportation management systems are creating new efficiencies, and leave with practical strategies to reduce costs and strengthen your supply chain |