Welcome to the 5th Annual Sales Summit

February 19th, 2026

Set Yourself Apart

Welcome to the Sales Summit. We invite you, to join us, on a journey of personal and professional growth. Our theme, Set Yourself Apart is more than a slogan—it’s the mindset behind our Sales Summit at UMN Duluth. This event is designed to challenge you to think differently, sharpen your skills, and elevate how you show up in your market. Through practical insights, real-world strategies, and meaningful connections, you’ll gain the tools and confidence to stand out, create value, and lead with intention in everything you do.

Whether you're pursuing a new career path, enhancing your skills, or exploring opportunities for personal development, the Sales Summit is designed to be a catalyst for growth and transformation. Embark on this journey with us, and discover the power to set yourself apart.

Meet the Speakers

Sue Newton

Chief Growth Officer - Northwestern Mutual

Sue Newton brings more than 18 years of experience in client relationship management and business development within the consulting and talent industries. Known for her ability to build trust, solve complex problems and deliver thoughtful, high-impact solutions, Sue is a respected leader and a go-to partner for clients and colleagues alike.

Drawing on her background as an athlete and coach, Sue approaches every challenge with discipline, focus and heart - believing that how you do one thing is how you do everything. Her positivity, empathy and keen listening skills fuel strong, lasting relationships and a high standard of excellence in her role as Director of Strategic Accounts.

John Hastings

Executive Vice President Sales - Loffler Companies

John Hastings serves as an Executive Vice President at Loffler Companies, an industry-leading office technology and managed services provider headquartered in Minneapolis, MN. With more than 25 years at Loffler, John currently oversees sales and operations for the Imaging (copy/print) and IT Solutions divisions.

His responsibilities include leading sales strategy across both business units, improving operational efficiency, shaping organizational structure, driving key financial metrics, and fostering collaboration among teams.

Drawing on a background in leadership, ministry, and organizational development, John often speaks to business leaders on topics such as sales strategy, leadership development, and building high-performing teams. He and his wife reside in Maple Grove, MN, and have three children. Outside of work, John enjoys golf, hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, and spending time at their northern Minnesota cabin.

Lunch and Learn Panelist Speakers

Lindsey Trett

Lindsey Trett has built a 17-year career at Walser Automotive Group, beginning in 2008 as a part-time service receptionist while completing her music performance degree at the University of St. Thomas. She quickly grew through leadership roles in Walser’s Service Development and Business Development Centers before stepping into a director-level role in Process & Implementation in 2020.
Since 2022, Lindsey has served as Walser’s Director of Talent Acquisition, where she leads company-wide talent strategy, university partnerships, and a rapidly expanding internship program. Lindsey is passionate about developing the next generation of leaders in a corporate automotive retailer space.
Donna Mangas

Donna started as a National Sales Rep for ATS Logistics -Anderson Trucking Service Inc. She quickly found her passion in developing people, building culture, and driving results and has been leading her team of logistics sales reps for the last 2.5 years as a Regional Office Sales Manager.
Culture is everything in her office; combining a winning attitude with a strong, supportive family feel. It’s a place where people feel connected, challenged, and confident. From hands-on role play to collaborating with other managers for cross-office workshops; she is committed to helping her team elevate their skills, mindset, and career trajectory.
Relationships power her team’s success. Strong relationships and clear communication—across teams, divisions, and customers—are what keep our office thriving with new opportunities.
Todd Thiewes

Todd Thiewes, Vice President of Sales at Sandler Minnesota, is a seasoned sales leader with over 30 years of experience. He holds a B.A. in Sales and Marketing from the University of Minnesota Duluth and has excelled in roles ranging from Independent Sales Representative to executive leadership. Throughout his career, he has trained top sales professionals using the Sandler Selling System and continues to do so today. Now, he partners with companies worldwide to implement these principles, driving productivity and sales growth.
Russell Tanner

Russel graduated from the University of Minnesota Duluth in 2023 with a degree in Psychology, where he also served as a Sales Club leader. With a background in Medical Device and SaaS sales, he is passionate about building trust, fostering human connections, and embracing genuine curiosity. He is currently an Account Executive at SPS Commerce in Minneapolis, leveraging his expertise to cultivate meaningful business relationships. Outside of work, he enjoys golfing, snowboarding, and playing cribbage.
Johnny Peltz

As Sr. Director of Business Development at NetSPI, Johnny leads a team of 30+ sales development representatives and three managers, driving pipeline and qualified opportunities for account executives. He is passionate about teamwork and mentoring young professionals to grow their careers. Johnny’s sales journey began as an SDR at a high-growth tech startup in North Carolina. After relocating to Minneapolis, he launched an SDR office before joining NetSPI. Since then, he has expanded the SDR team from 14 to 34 representatives globally.