Mark Tichgelaar

Mark Tichgelaar is Owner and President of Stratinum, Inc and TAB Coach/Facilitator in the Rockford Illinois Stateline area. Has over 35 years professional experience helping several Fortune 500 companies while holding key leadership roles in marketing, product management, and commercial disciplines. Mark has been intricately involved in strategic planning at the divisional and corporate levels.

He is a dynamic, passionate executive leader that drives sustained growth and competitive advantages with a blend of technical understanding and business acumen. Having led diverse global teams both in direct functional and matrixed organizations, he is known for innovative ideas and delivering results.

Mark has a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering Technology coupled with an MBA and master’s degree in Project Management from Keller Graduate School of Management. Mark also has continuing education certificates from University of Wisconsin-Madison (Product Management Series), Indiana University Kelley School of Business (Business Leadership/Strategic Planning) and Yale School of Management (Leading and Managing Globally).

As a TAB member, through the regular coaching sessions and monthly Board meetings, I gain invaluable mentor and peer support. The TAB ethos and coaching approach has helped me to plan personal and business goals and set direction. This is supported by the wealth of knowledge, skills, experience and support that is shared by the board who provide Impartial, informed and considered guidance and advice on all types of business issues, that enable me to gain fresh perspectives, identify blind spots and fill my skill gaps. Over the last twelve months TAB has effectively become my company’s non-executive board and its members my trusted colleagues.

Saul Goldfarb

Goldfarb & Associates

There is no silver bullet to becoming successful, you just have to stay focused on your goals. TAB has helped my business grow significantly by encouraging me to take a step back and identify the basics I need.

Jo McCabe

Mr. Handyman

TAB helped me to focus on the things that have made my business scalable. I was tempted to divert my attention to another endeavor, but TAB helped me determine that was not prudent. The economy, and specifically new building starts, have helped, but the degree of capitalization would not have been possible were it not for TAB. I compare my situation with another franchise owner who was in my shoes several years ago and I am way ahead, in fact we just bought him out. My revenues have doubled, and my capacity has increased four times from what it was three years ago. I have time to be with my girls, work on my hobbies and enjoy life.

Bill Armstrong

President – ProHome Colorado

We have an excellent group of professional business owners. I learn something from them each month. Hearing and seeing what they are doing in their business is motivational for me. And they are not "yes" people. They tell me when I should be doing something differently.

Lynn Gastineau

Gastineau Log Homes, Inc.

My TAB coach has gotten me on track and kept me on track since 2005 toward the goals I’d originally stated," says Perlmeter. "I’m totally confident that we’ll continue to realize the vision that I have for the company in our second decade.

Stu Perlmeter

President – First Resource

16 yrs. in business. Company was run like mom and pop shop for 14 years. Since joining TAB we have been able to identify our niche in the market and now the company is being run like a real company with focus and clarity as to where we are going and an actual plan on how we’re going to get there. Our company is poised to grow in size and wealth beyond my expectations and with TAB I will be able to sleep at night in the process.

Ted Curato

TLC Painting

Long-Term Business Planning: A Guide for Small Business Owners

Long-term business planning starts with owner-level questions before it ever touches a spreadsheet. Where do you want this business, and your life, ...

Vision vs. Strategy: What Comes First and Why It Matters

Some business owners view their company vision and business strategy in the same light. Then they wonder why the team stays busy, the plan stalls, ...

Signs Your Business Is Operating Without a Clear Vision

Your calendar stays full. Sales calls, vendor issues, hiring interviews, customer fires. Revenue comes in, payroll goes out, and you keep pushing. ...

What Is a Business Vision Statement?

Most small business owners can feel where they want the company to go, but putting that future into words often turns into a mashup of mission, ...

Build a Management Structure That Lets Your Small Business Scale

If your business sits at 10 to 50 employees, growth starts to feel less like momentum and more like friction. You built the company by staying close ...

What Makes a Good Manager? The Traits That Actually Matter in a Small Business

Most owners do not struggle to spot a bad manager. You feel it in rework, mixed messages, and simmering resentment. The harder question is this: a ...

The Trials and Tribulations of Managing Managers

You promote your top performer on a Friday. You feel proud. They earned it. The team claps. You even picture your own calendar opening up for once. ...

Why Do Business Owners Feel Alone?

Some days the business looks fine on paper, but it still feels heavy. You make the call, carry the risk, and keep moving while quietly thinking: I ...

The Business Owner's Honest Self-Assessment: Are You the Reason Your Managers Struggle?

You hired or promoted your managers for good reasons. They worked hard, they cared, you pictured them taking on more responsibility. If they now seem ...

Does Your Business Need A New Manager?

At some point, almost every growing small business hits the same wall. You have more customers, more employees, more moving pieces, and somehow you ...

TAB Rockford

ILLINOIS

Coach | Facilitator

TAB Rockford

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Saul Goldfarb

Jo McCabe

Bill Armstrong

Lynn Gastineau

Stu Perlmeter

Ted Curato

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