Cory is a dynamic and scrappy Entrepreneur with 16 years of experience in both corporate and operating roles.  He is a people-focused leader and is excited to bring his passion and energy to the leading one great business.  Cory is a fast learner, a diligent worker, and he shines brightest when he is tasked with leading people.

 

Cory was born in Milwaukee, WI to parents whose families both migrated to the Midwest from the Southern United States during the great migration. Cory grew up in a single-parent household and his mother’s work schedule forced Cory to learn to be the “man of the house” early- by the age of six Cory was responsible for mowing the lawn and shoveling the snow, and he had a key to the house to let himself in after school since his Mom was usually still at work. This all contributed tremendously to Cory’s sense of independence and responsibility at a young age and also informs his leadership style and how he relates to others.  His approach to leading and working with people is that of humility and gratitude.  He meets people where they are, treats everyone with respect, and views leadership as a privilege rather than a right.

 

Cory’s professional background includes inventory management, strategy, and marketing roles at Target Corporation, Accenture, Delta Airlines, and Expedia.  He also spent time leading local market operations roles in Chicago for two technology based start up companies, Sonder and Rinse.  He’s been responsible for launching new business from the ground up, and for stepping in to lead businesses and teams at various stages of growth.  He understands how to drive both growth and profitability while maintaining culture.

 

Cory holds a BS from the University of Minnesota and an MBA (with concentrations in marketing, strategy, finance, and entrepreneurship) from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University.  He currently lives in Chicago with his wife Jennifer, and their 2 year old daughter Caris.  He enjoys playing golf, grilling food, and spending time with his family.