About KCEO
The KCEO program is a year-long learning platform designed to give students hands-on business knowledge, essential life skills, and an entrepreneurial mindset. This isn't just any other class— it's a journey that takes students beyond the school walls and into the heart of our business community for real-world, real-life experiential learning.
THE KCEO PROGRAM
The KCEO program offers more than just textbook learning. Participants are immersed in real-life experiences where they take risks, manage results, and learn from outcomes. You'll be paired with a community mentor, write a business plan, and start your own functioning business. The networking opportunities from visiting 40+ businesses each year build confidence for students whether they’re starting their own business, going to college, or working for a company. The program also includes three major class projects: the Badge Project, a Class Gala event, and starting your own business showcasing it at a Spring Trade Show.
A COLLABORATIVE EFFORT
KCEO is a collaborative effort involving three school districts: Atwater-Cosmos-Grove City, New London-Spicer, and Willmar Public Schools. The program relies on partnerships with local businesses that provide funding, expertise, meeting space, business tours, and one-on-one mentoring. These partnerships and class projects equip students with essential business skills such as networking, problem-solving, communication, critical thinking, and leadership.
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This isn't just another class—it's a journey that takes students beyond the school walls and into the heart of our business community. Students gain practical experience by visiting local businesses, learning from guest speakers, coordinating a fundraising event, and participating in a class business. This hands-on approach prepares participants for the real world like nothing else.
A TRIBUTE TO OUR FOUNDER, GARY GEIGER
It was in 2011 that Gary Geiger of Heritage Bancshares learned of a program in Effingham, Illinois called CEO - Creating Entrepreneurial Opportunities. He shared the basics of the program with a small group of local business people and asked if there would be interest to learn more about the program. It was a few weeks later that he arranged for a web presentation by the founder of the Illinois program - Craig Lindvahl. After the presentation, Gary asked if the business group thought we should have such as program in Kandiyohi County area. It was a unanimous ‘yes’. That began a 2-year effort lead by Gary to establish what is now known as KCEO - Kandiyohi County Creating Entrepreneurial Opportunities. Gary leveraged the incredible good-will and contacts network he had built from years of doing business and community involvement in the Willmar Lakes area to launch KCEO. Once that was secure, he led the campaign to gain 50+ investors to fund the program and the expertise they had to originate in the private sector. He then lead the board for KCEO to ensure it remained true to its roots.
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It is with great gratitude that we thank Gary for supplying the insight and energy to KCEO. It has and will continue to bring benefit to area businesses, but more importantly to the students that have the opportunity to take advantage of KCEO.
Our Facilitator
Kelly Johnson
Kelly Johnson is a seasoned educator with over 15 years of experience. She holds an undergraduate degree from Minnesota State University Moorhead and a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from St. Mary’s University. A lifelong learner and visionary leader, Kelly is passionate about helping others achieve their goals through strategic planning and support. She is dedicated to fostering a nurturing environment that promotes growth and learning while integrating 21st-century skills for all her students.
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Kelly's commitment to student empowerment and community engagement is exemplified by her involvement in the KCEO program. Recognizing the program's potential to transform students' lives, she eagerly joined the initiative to give students hands-on business knowledge, essential life skills, and an entrepreneurial mindset, while cultivating leadership among the youth in the Atwater-Cosmos-Grove City, New London-Spicer, and Willmar School Districts. Kelly is excited to be part of a community program that not only aligns with her educational philosophy but also promises to shape the next generation of leaders and entrepreneurs.
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