What do you know about next-level referral partnerships?

At Network In Action – Twin Cities, our community continues to grow because of members who show up for each other, invest in meaningful relationships, and champion the success of fellow business owners. Each year, we proudly recognize Spotlight Members whose professionalism, generosity, and collaboration truly reflect what it means to be part of this network. ​ For 2025, we’re excited to celebrate twelve outstanding professionals who not only excel in their own fields but also play an active role in strengthening the Twin Cities business community through NIA. Join us in recognizing their impact and get inspired by the power of relationship-driven networking. Derek Strong, CFP®, CIMA®, Financial Planner – Hemingway Wealth Management Derek Strong is a financial planner with Hemingway Wealth Management who helps individuals and families build long-term, values-aligned financial strategies. Known for his thoughtful, education-first approach, Derek supports NIA members with guidance on retirement planning, wealth management, and investment decisions that support both life and business goals. Dave Peppelman, HVAC Implementer Dave Peppelman brings a process-driven, “get-it-done” mindset to the HVAC world, helping companies implement the systems, structure, and accountability they need to grow sustainably. His peers recognize him for being dependable, generous with introductions, and always willing to collaborate on solutions that improve both comfort and efficiency for clients across the Twin Cities. ​ Christopher “Chris” Kartschoke, Franchise Owner – Gotcha Covered of Prior Lake Chris Kartschoke leads Gotcha Covered of Prior Lake, delivering custom window treatment solutions that balance style, function, and budget. Chris is known within NIA for his responsiveness, integrity, and commitment to making referrals look great by treating every project like a relationship—not a transaction. ​ Michael Bartus, REALTOR® – Lakes Sotheby’s International Realty Michael Bartus is a REALTOR® with Lakes Sotheby’s International Realty who specializes in guiding clients through significant residential real estate decisions with a high-touch, concierge-level experience. His market knowledge, attention to detail, and strong communication style make him a trusted partner for NIA members and their referrals navigating competitive Twin Cities neighborhoods. ​ Sam Rouman, Wealth Advisor – IHT Wealth Management Sam Rouman is a wealth advisor with IHT Wealth Management, helping clients integrate investments, risk management, and long-term planning into a cohesive financial strategy. Sam is appreciated in NIA for his clear, approachable way of explaining complex financial topics and for the steady support he offers fellow members and their clients. John Simeone, Insurance Agent – State Farm John Simeone is a personal lines insurance agent with State Farm who focuses on helping individuals and families protect what matters most through home, auto, and related coverages. As an NIA member, John is known for his reliability, thoroughness, and the way he makes every referral feel heard, informed, and confidently covered. ​ Rose Madison Jenkins, Speaker – Rose Inspires, LLC Rose Madison Jenkins is a dynamic speaker and founder of Rose Inspires, LLC, where she equips audiences with messages of resilience, confidence, and transformational growth. Rose brings energy and encouragement to the NIA community, reminding business owners to prioritize mindset, purpose, and leadership as they build their ventures. Lisa Brainer, REALTOR® – Keller Williams Preferred Realty Lisa Brainer is a REALTOR® with Keller Williams Preferred Realty who serves buyers and sellers with a warm, client-first approach and deep knowledge of the Twin Cities market. Within NIA, Lisa is celebrated for her consistency, positive attitude, and the way she nurtures relationships long after the closing table. Trish Perry, Business Coach – Harmonize Coaching Trish Perry is a business coach and founder of Harmonize Coaching, helping leaders align their strategy, culture, and personal growth so their businesses can thrive. Trish is a steady encourager in NIA, offering insight, accountability, and thoughtful questions that help fellow members see new possibilities in their work and life. ​ Tanya Troska, Brand Developer & Manager – Back2Basics, LLC Tanya Troska is the founder of Back2Basics, LLC, an award-winning small business brand management agency supporting service-based businesses with strategy, content, and digital presence. A founding NIA Twin Cities member and multi-year Spotlight honoree, Tanya is known for her generous mentorship, creative problem-solving, and unwavering commitment to helping fellow entrepreneurs show up consistently and authentically online. ​ Sarah Miklos, Licensed Acupuncturist – Anodyne Acupuncture Sarah Miklos is a licensed acupuncturist and owner of Anodyne Acupuncture, providing holistic care that supports pain relief, stress reduction, and overall wellness. NIA members value Sarah’s calming presence, evidence-informed care, and her collaborative approach to integrating acupuncture into broader health and self-care plans. Sue Ginsburg, SEO Client Success Manager – Intrycks Sue Ginsburg serves as an SEO client success manager with Intrycks, helping businesses improve their online visibility and website performance through strategic search engine optimization. Widely recognized in NIA as a connector, Sue listens deeply, asks smart questions, and matches business owners with SEO solutions and introductions that move their goals forward. ​ Unlock the Power of Connections Every 2025 Spotlight Member reflects the heart of NIA Twin Cities: show up, serve others, and grow together through genuine, consistent connection. If you’re a Twin Cities business owner or professional who’s ready for a networking experience built on real relationships—not random card swaps—we’d love to meet you. Explore membership opportunities and upcoming events at NIATwinCities.com and take the next step toward a stronger, more supportive network for your business.

Honoring Kim’s Achievement As the NIA Twin Cities team, we are incredibly proud to celebrate our franchise owner, Kim Tsoukalas, on being named Network In Action’s Top Gun Award recipient for the fourth consecutive year: 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024. This national recognition honors the highest-performing NIA franchise owners across the U.S., spotlighting both outstanding sales production and a deep commitment to member success. What The Top Gun Award Means For us, the Top Gun Award is not just about impressive numbers; it reflects leadership, consistency, and a relentless dedication to helping local businesses grow together. Kim’s approach to networking goes beyond transactional connections, focusing instead on authentic relationships that uplift our entire Twin Cities business community. How Kim Leads NIA Twin Cities Under Kim’s leadership, NIA Twin Cities has grown into one of the largest and most active franchises in the country, with six active groups out of 130 nationwide. Our members experience a dynamic, engaged environment that consistently generates meaningful referral business and real, measurable results. A Member-First Philosophy Inside our groups, one thing is clear: our members’ success is Kim’s success. Her member-focused philosophy ensures each business owner receives personalized support, intentional introductions, and strategic opportunities to thrive in the Twin Cities market. The Strengths Behind The Success Kim’s strengths in communication, activation, and inclusivity are felt in every meeting, event, and conversation. These qualities inspire our members to show up fully, collaborate generously, and pursue new heights in their businesses with confidence. What Kim Represents For Our Community To us, Kim truly embodies what it means to be a Top Gun in business networking: a standard of excellence, a heart for community, and a passion for member success that sets the pace for franchise owners nationwide. Her example drives our entire NIA Twin Cities team to keep innovating, supporting, and championing the entrepreneurs and professionals we serve. Join The Momentum At NIA Twin Cities If you’re a Twin Cities business owner or professional looking for a high-caliber, relationship-driven networking community, we would love to meet you. Learn more and explore membership opportunities here or reach out directly to Kim at kimt@networkinaction.com to start a conversation.

Tanya Troska is one of the founding members of the Network In Action - Twin Cities franchise, and has made this networking group a part of her ongoing business plan each year. She is (currently) our only member to be celebrated for five consecutive years running, and she has been very vocal about how that strategy has paid off for her business growth and goals year-after-year. So, as we wrap up another year of amazing networking activity with one of the strongest groups of professionals we've had since first launching NIA Twin Cities in 2020, we’re taking a deeper, more personal journey with NIA Twin Cities November Spotlight Member, Tanya Troska, Back2Basics LLC. Today’s article steps beyond Tanya's amazing small business solutions and takes a deeper dive into the heart of who she is: her dreams, her defining moments, and the meaningful experiences that have shaped her. Keep reading as Tanya answers some fun and prying questions from NIA Group Leader, Vicki Fox. Vicki : What’s a moment in your life that quietly shaped who you are today, even if most people don’t know about it? Tanya : There are so many moments that helped make me the person I am today, from the loss of my father to a tragic accident at very young age, to growing up on a family farm where everyone pitched in to help every other family farm/er with their livestock or crops, watching family members start small businesses while still working their land, raising two children on the Autism spectrum and needing to learn a different way of communicating, facing and overcoming many moments of loss and challenge and using an aptitude for technology, strategic thinking, and a curious interest in physical arts, music, and even culinary creativity that all help shape my personal and professional journey. Vicki: If you could instantly master one skill—professional or purely for joy—what would it be and why? Tanya : I’d like to learn Spanish and French to open my options for traveling and areas for retirement. Vicki : What’s one belief or philosophy you live by that guides your decisions? Tanya : Do right by others, give more than you take, and leave any situation better off than when you first came across it and got involved. Vicki : When you imagine your “perfect day,” what elements absolutely have to be in it? Tanya : My family—children, husband, siblings, and mother— and my pets. No exceptions. Vicki : What’s a fear you’ve overcome that you’re proud of, even if it seemed small to others? Tanya: Talking in front of others – it sends me into a panic every time, but I force my way through it so I can share my experiences and expertise with others. Vicki : What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received that still stays with you? Tanya: Don’t let others’ opinions of you, what you’re capable of, or how they see you end up defining who you truly are and what you have to offer others. Vicki : If your life had a theme song for the season you’re in right now, what would it be and why? Tanya: Irrelevant – by P!nk Vicki : What’s something you’re endlessly curious about, even if it has nothing to do with your business? Tanya: Cooking – coming up with new recipes; Music – writing, playing, singing; Art – creating new canvas creations. Vicki : What is one small daily habit or ritual that brings you joy or grounds you? Tanya: Cooking, canning, and feeding family, friends, and neighbors. Vicki : If you could relive one simple moment—not to change it, just to feel it again—what would you choose? Tanya: Watching those “first moments” with my kids: first steps, first words, first time feeding themselves, first bite of birthday cake, first Christmas, first family vacation, first day of school, first best friend, first dance, first time driving, first time cooking their own meals, first graduations, school accomplishments, first concerts, first day off to college and watching them soar, first time seeing them get an award of achievement, first art project they created… all the firsts. Vicki : What’s a dream or goal you had as a kid that still lingers in some form today? Tanya: More time traveling and exploring the world with my husband and children, and starting a bed and breakfast that employs young adults who need a helping hand and are eager to learn a service trade or entrepreneurial skill. Vicki : If you could spend an afternoon with anyone (living or gone) to learn from them, who would it be and what would you ask? Tanya: I’d want my grandparents back so I had more time to talk with them, soak in their experience, and take note of their history and journeys. Vicki: Thank you, Tanya, for opening your heart and letting us see the person behind the success. Your honesty, warmth, and willingness to share continue to inspire us all. If you want to learn more about Tanya and Back2Basics LLC, active NIA Twin Cities members can reach out through our NIA website and schedule a one-to-one today. Not a member, yet? Visit our About page to learn more about the uniquely powerful benefits of membership that keep strategic and stellar members like Tanya building business here. Visit Back2Basics, LLC to request Discovery Call with Tanya to see how their brand management solutions can help your service-based business (or non-profit) in 2026.

As we wind down 2024, I want to chat with you about making the most of your networking membership and boost your business in the new year!

We are proud to highlight these outstanding 2024 Spotlight Members of NIA Twin Cities who have succeeded in their own ventures and significantly contributed to the success of their peers.

Discover the benefits of writing powerful testimonials for networking members and how it can elevate both your credibility and theirs. Learn tips for crafting compelling reviews, the best platforms to publish them, and ways to request and repurpose testimonials to build trust and grow your business.