Top Local Business Peer Groups in Chicago, IL
Chicago business leaders operate in one of the most dynamic markets in the U.S. From global finance and health care to manufacturing and technology, executives face complex decisions that shape their companies and the region’s economy. Peer advisory groups provide a confidential space where CEOs can navigate these challenges with guidance from accomplished peers who understand what’s at stake.
This guide highlights the premier peer advisory options for Chicago-area executives, with a focus on Vistage’s established presence in the region.
When I was introduced to Vistage, I understood that this was an opportunity for me to have a group to rely upon.
— Robert Balentine, Founding Partner & Chairman, Balentine LLC
In this article, you’ll learn:
- Why Chicago executives benefit from peer advisory groups
- Vistage peer advisory groups in Chicago
- Featured Chicago Vistage Chairs
- Meeting structures and accountability systems
- Success stories from Chicago CEOs who turned peer insights into measurable growth
Why Chicago CEOs Need Peer Advisory Groups
Strategic isolation is one of the toughest challenges for leaders in Chicago’s diverse business environment. Whether you’re preparing for expansion into new markets, evaluating acquisition opportunities or steering through labor challenges, the weight of these decisions often rests on you alone.
Vistage provides a network of CEOs, business owners, and founders who understand those pressures firsthand and hold each other accountable for achieving meaningful results. These groups are where good leaders become great.
The Compound Effect of Multiple Perspectives
Executive coaching offers one expert’s view. A Vistage peer group in Chicago offers a broader conversation of 12–16 participants that leaves you with actionable insights from experienced leaders. Members include leaders from non-competing companies across industries like logistics, finance, manufacturing, and health care. That diversity helps uncover blind spots and strategies you won’t find in industry-specific circles.
Proven Results Across Economic Cycles
Vistage members consistently outperform non-members in volatile markets.
- During the 2008 recession, member companies grew by 5.8%, while nonmembers declined by 9.2%.
- In 2020, Vistage members reported revenue growth of 4.6% compared to a 4.7% decrease among nonmember businesses.
- Members also stay in business for an average of 21+ years, far longer than the typical 5-year lifespan of U.S. companies, according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Vistage Peer Advisory Groups in Chicago
Each Chicago Vistage group is professionally facilitated by an accomplished Chair with executive experience. Here’s how they work:
| Group Structure and Membership Criteria | Vistage Chicago groups bring together 12–16 CEOs from non-competing companies, each leading organizations with $5M+ in annual revenue. Members commit to monthly full-day sessions designed for maximum impact, blending confidential peer advisory, expert speaker presentations and one-to-one coaching guided by Vistage’s proven issue processing framework. |
| Professional Chair Facilitation | Every Chicago peer group is led by an accomplished Chair with first-hand CEO experience. These Chairs guide discussions using structured methodologies that keep conversations productive and focused. When a decision carries the potential to reshape your business, the Chair ensures you receive insights that reveal blind spots and strengthen your strategy. |
| Confidentiality Protocols | The noncompeting membership model ensures a trusted environment where sensitive strategic issues can be discussed openly. Each Chicago group operates under strict confidentiality agreements, giving members the confidence to share vulnerabilities, test high-stakes ideas and uncover breakthrough solutions without risk. |
Featured Chicago Vistage Chairs
Aimee Daniels: Award-Winning Master Chair with Financial Services Leadership
Aimee Daniels brings more than 26 years of experience in building and growing financial service businesses, including serving as Regional President and EVP in the banking industry. Since becoming a Vistage Master Chair in 2012, she has led multiple CEO peer groups, a Key Executive group and a Vistage Inside group, guiding leaders from early-stage to mid nine-figure companies.
She also serves as Chicago’s Best Practice Chair and was the 2024 recipient of the Pat Hyndman Award, in addition to earning Chair Excellence awards every year since 2015. Her leadership extends beyond Vistage through advisory roles with companies like Elkay Interior Systems and Antunes, as well as service on numerous nonprofit boards.
Chuck Andrews: Technology Executive and Value Creation Strategist
Chuck Andrews draws on decades of leadership across technology firms from Fortune 500 companies to start-ups, as both an executive and investor. As Co-Chair of a Vistage CEO group, he helps leaders strengthen their decision-making through peer accountability and leadership development.
He founded CEO15 Ventures in 2002 and is also a Certified Value Builder Advisor and a Positive Intelligence Coach, supporting executives with value-creation strategies and mental fitness practices. His background in M&A and wealth management, combined with his commitment to philanthropy, gives his groups a blend of financial expertise and personal growth perspective that fuels both business and leadership outcomes.
Gary Arakelian: Entrepreneur and M&A Advisor for Mid-Market Companies
Gary Arakelian brings more than 30 years of executive management and entrepreneurial experience, having built and led companies in software technology, sales force automation, supply chain management, 3PL and distribution. Today, he serves as a merger and acquisition advisor for lower-middle-market business owners preparing for liquidity events.
His career as a founder and operator provides Vistage members with first-hand knowledge of scaling businesses, navigating competitive industries and maximizing enterprise value. Gary’s advisory style reflects his entrepreneurial drive, helping Chicago executives find clarity and opportunity in complex growth decisions.
Meeting Structures and Accountability Systems
Chicago Vistage groups balance structure with flexibility to maximize value for busy executives.
| Element | Description | Member Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Sessions | Full-day meetings held once a month | Dedicated time for reflection, planning and strategic problem-solving |
| Issue Processing | Real challenges presented for structured peer feedback | Keeps discussions actionable and results-oriented |
| Expert Speakers | National-caliber speakers on business, leadership and personal growth | Introduces proven strategies and sparks new thinking |
| Chair Coaching | Monthly one-on-one sessions with the group Chair | Personalized leadership support and goal tracking |
| Accountability | Members commit to actions in front of peers | Creates accountability deeper than traditional coaching |
Success Stories from Vistage Members
Accelerating business growth: Dr. Stephen Broomes, Founder and CEO of Accolade Consultants, reports that since joining Vistage, his business has grown 30% and nearly doubled in staff. He credits the group not only with tangible growth but also with helping him become a stronger leader.
Scaling revenue and impact: Caryn G. Mathes, President and General Manager of Puget Sound Public Radio KUOW, leveraged peer insights to guide 7 years of expansion. Her organization added 55 staff members, doubled annual revenue to $22M and significantly broadened its reach and impact.
Transforming company value: Mark Marmo, CEO of Deep Well Services, and his team turned a business valued at zero into a $63 million exit. Through Vistage support and peer accountability, they positioned the company to maximize value and choose the right investors for the future.
How Peer Groups Support Leadership Growth and Business Performance
When you commit to action in front of other Chicago CEOs, accountability runs deeper than in any traditional coaching model. The benefits go beyond immediate problem-solving:
| Professional Development at Your Level |
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Better Leaders. Better Decisions. Better Outcomes.
Vistage isn’t for everyone — and that’s by design. It’s designed for CEOs and senior executives of $5M+ companies committed to strategic growth, accountability and better decision-making. Chicago’s established groups provide a proven environment where leaders sharpen their skills, strengthen their businesses and connect with peers who understand the stakes.
Ready to explore whether a Chicago peer advisory group is right for you?
Schedule your group visit today and experience the value of professional peer advisory firsthand.
About the Author: Vistage Staff
Vistage facilitates confidential peer advisory groups for CEOs and other senior leaders, focusing on solving challenges, accelerating growth and improving business performance. Over 45,000 high-caliber execu
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