🌟 Alumni Spotlight: Courtney Fernholz 🌟
Owner, Fernholz Preserves | West Central MN CEO | Network Advantage
For Courtney Fernholz, the West Central MN CEO program was a turning point—building confidence, connections, and a belief that opportunity doesn’t always mean leaving home.
Through CEO, Courtney gained the confidence to walk into interviews, ask questions, and advocate for herself. That confidence led to job shadowing and a part-time position at a local funeral home, simply because she was willing to ask.
💬 “I learned that the worst they can do is say no. Most business owners are more than willing to help—you just have to ask.”
Courtney has built several meaningful relationships through the CEO network. From daily mentorship and encouragement from Elsa Olson, to community support and guidance from Brett Almich, Courtney has stayed connected with many professionals she met through CEO—relationships she continues to lean on for advice and support.
Local mentors also helped Courtney explore real-world career paths. Through connections at Wing-Bain Funeral Home, she gained hands-on experience working and planning funerals—an opportunity that gave her invaluable insight before heading off to school.
💡 “CEO showed me that I don’t have to travel all over to find opportunities. There are so many right here.”
As a young entrepreneur and business owner of Fernholz Preserves, Courtney is stepping into her future with confidence, community support, and a strong professional network—proof that the West Central MN CEO network truly is a lasting advantage.
👏 We’re proud of you, Courtney, and can’t wait to see what you do next!
#WestCentralMNCEO #AlumniSpotlight #NetworkAdvantage #FernholzPreserves #CEOImpact #CommunityConnections #FutureEntrepreneur #ConfidenceToAsk
