Name and Title: Douglas Cook, Senior Value Advisor
 
Where do you work, what do you do? Headwaters Strategic Succession Consulting, Llc.
I am a certified Exit Planning Advisor. I help business owners create a blueprint to maximize the value of their business. This allows them to be best positioned to exit whether that is at retirement, or due any number of unexpected life events. I also help owners and employees successfully manage the ownership transition that follows.
www.headwatersstrategic.com
 
What was your first job?  I was 13 years old and worked at my family’s chicken hatchery and egg farm. I renovated chicken houses, cut grass and cleared (what I remember to be) substantial amounts manure from the coops.    
 
Hometown?  I currently reside in St. Cloud. I was born and raised in Fremont, Michigan, which is also known as the Gerber Baby Food Capital of the World. 
 
Family? Name of spouse, kids  My wife’s name is Kiessa. She works for the State of Minnesota as an advocate for long-term care residents. My stepson, Aden, is a freshman at Gustavus studying Computer Science.    
 
Do you have any hobbies; play any sports or favorite games?  I love to hike. My favorite place to hike in Minnesota is along the Superior Hiking Trail near Duluth. My wife and I also love to travel and meet new people. 
 
Comment on your involvement with CMMA:  Prior to recently starting my own business, I spent 7-1/2 years as head of Sales and Marketing for a Minnesota Manufacturer. I believe in our community and think my background is a good fit to Chair the Marketing Committee. Our membership has vast marketing talent, and I am looking forward to collaborating with others to bring greater awareness to consumers and added value to our members.   
 
What would CMMA members be surprised to learn about you?  Over the last few years I have developed a love and appreciation for the people and country of Costa Rica. My wife has long had ties there, and we traveled there together in 2018 and again earlier this year. Because we are planning more trips I decided to learn the language. I began taking online Spanish lessons in April from a Costa Rican instructor.