2026 Dealmakers of the Year Honorees

Ashley Cornforth
Secretary/Treasurer
Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community

A decade-long investment relationship reached a major milestone in 2026 as the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community provided Niron Magnetics with a $150 million loan. With Ashley Cornforth serving as Secretary/Treasurer, the financing will help fund construction and operational readiness of Niron’s Sartell, Minnesota, manufacturing plant for rare-earth-free permanent magnets. SMSC was an early Niron investor in 2016 and has continued supporting its growth and technology development. The new plant is expected to begin production in 2027 and create approximately 175 full-time jobs.

 

Dick Galligan
CEO
Construction Materials, Inc.

After more than 60 years of building a strong presence in the Midwest construction market, Construction Materials, Inc. entered a new chapter under Dick Galligan’s leadership. In March 2026, CMI, Coleman Moore Company and Industrial Painting Specialists were acquired by a private equity-backed strategic buyer. Galligan prioritized finding a partner that aligned with the companies’ culture, employees and industry focus while positioning the businesses for continued growth. Together, the companies provide critical construction materials, erosion-control products, and specialty painting and coating services throughout the Midwest.

 

Dan Juntunen
CEO & President
The Wells Companies

A new chapter began for The Wells Companies in March 2026 when KPS Capital Partners completed its acquisition of the Minnesota-based business. Led by CEO and President Dan Juntunen, Wells has grown into a major designer, manufacturer and installer of architectural and structural precast concrete solutions. The company employs approximately 3,200 people and operates 13 manufacturing facilities across the United States. The KPS transaction positions Wells to build on its established national footprint and continue its growth under new ownership. 

 

 

Shannon O'Leary
CIO

Casey Shultz
Director of Community and Impact Investing
Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation

Shannon O’Leary and Casey Shultz are creating new opportunities to put investment capital to work for Minnesota’s future. Through the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation, they helped launch two new investment portfolios that give charitable institutions and donor-advised fundholders opportunities to align their investments with impact across the state. The initiative builds on the Foundation’s longstanding mission of strengthening communities and expanding the impact of charitable giving throughout Minnesota. Their work demonstrates how investment strategy can serve as another tool for creating meaningful, lasting community impact.

 

Alan Turkus
Founder
Legacy Bridge Capital

Alan Turkus is the owner and CEO of Interim HealthCare of the Twin Cities. He founded Legacy Bridge Capital to acquire, operate and grow a single business for the long term. That vision became reality in March 2026, when Legacy Bridge acquired Interim following a complex transaction involving SBA financing and a multi-fund investor group. The company’s 150 team members provide skilled home healthcare and hospice services to about 4,000 patients annually throughout the Twin Cities and surrounding communities. A former Amazon leader, Turkus plans to build on Interim’s strong culture and reputation while investing in growth to serve more patients and families.

 

Erin Wall
CRO & President
Lunr

Erin Wall is helping emerging consumer brands access the capital they need to grow at retail. As CRO and President of Lunr, she has helped establish the Minneapolis-based company as a rapidly growing finance platform providing inventory financing and working capital to early-stage brands. In 2026 alone, Lunr deployed more than $50 million across more than 30 consumer brands, using private credit to fund inventory and support retail expansion. The platform also provides brands with business insights, mentorship and valuable industry connections.

 

Steve Young
Managing Partner
Manna Tree Partners

Steve Young helped guide two high-profile consumer health investments from growth through successful exits. As a board member of Health-Ade and Good Culture, Young provided strategic and operational guidance as both brands strengthened their market positions, expanded distribution and built their leadership teams. Health-Ade, a category-leading kombucha brand, was sold to Generous Brands at an amount reported as $500 million in August 2025, while Good Culture was sold to L Catterton at an amount reported for more than $500 million in January 2026. Together, the transactions reflect years of disciplined value creation and long-term investment stewardship.

 

Social Impact Investing

Blake Elliott
Founder & CEO
DOMA

Blake Elliott founded DOMA around a simple but powerful mission: helping people with disabilities live fulfilling lives in environments they choose. Under his leadership, DOMA provides compassionate, individualized support through a continuum of services designed to meet people wherever they are at every stage of life. Elliott has built the organization around collaboration, recognizing that effective disability services require individuals, families, support networks and team members to work together from the beginning. Through a customized approach, DOMA focuses on each person’s unique needs, goals and choices rather than a one-size-fits-all model of care. Elliott’s commitment to expanding options, strengthening support systems and helping individuals thrive demonstrates how purpose-driven leadership can create meaningful community impact.