COMPEL CEOs was born from a simple but powerful idea: business leaders thrive when they have a trusted circle of peers to challenge, support, and inspire them. Our founder, Steve Ramerini, discovered this truth during his career in banking. While working closely with business owners, he was energized by their passion, candor, and drive. What began as offering informal guidance soon led him to facilitate his first peer group — an experience that quickly became a full-time calling.

Over time, Steve noticed a troubling trend: the organization he worked for was raising costs while reducing member benefits. Business owners were getting less support, not more.

In 2013, Steve decided it was time for something different. He launched COMPEL CEOs with a mission to give leaders back what they truly need: a community that invests in their growth, both professionally and personally.

Since then, COMPEL has grown into a multi-generational, member-driven organization where executives openly share challenges, seize opportunities, and build the lasting relationships that fuel long-term success. With more than 35 years of experience as a Facilitator and Group Chair, Steve was well-prepared to step into his role as founder — and nearly all of the business owners he had been working with chose to follow him into this new venture.

Today, COMPEL CEOs is recognized as a premier peer advisory and resource organization. Our focus is on creating an environment where business owners and executives can openly discuss challenges, share best practices, and make key decisions together. Within this trusted space, members gain not only insights but also a true community of leaders with diverse experience and a shared commitment to mutual success.

What sets COMPEL apart is the strength of our community: a network of leaders dedicated to helping one another succeed. That commitment has driven extraordinary results, including a 99%+ member retention rate — a testament to the value, trust, and growth our members experience year after year.

Our five distinct programs are not one-size-fits-all; each is designed to match members’ experience levels and the common challenges they are likely to encounter. We recognize that the needs of business owners who focus on strategy can differ from those who are operators running day-to-day operations. Similarly, larger companies face different pressures than smaller ones, while newer businesses have goals that differ from more established organizations.

All COMPEL CEOs programs include monthly group meetings, providing the peer advisory experience that is at the core of our community. Some programs also include additional consulting sessions on a monthly, bi-monthly, or quarterly basis. Members benefit not only from their own groups but also from COMPEL’s extended network, the networks of other members, and special educational events hosted throughout the year. All group facilitators are current or former business owners, bringing firsthand experience and practical insights to every discussion. Groups are thoughtfully curated to leverage each member’s strengths, fostering collaborative growth through deep conversations and thoughtful questioning in a confidential environment. This approach helps members make better decisions and become more effective leaders within their organizations and industries.

When placing members, we consider company size, personality fit, current business focus, and potential conflicts of interest to ensure the best possible match.

Here are the Five different programs that we currently offer:

At COMPEL CEOs, we are excited to expand our organization into new markets and support business owners and executives across the country. We aim to grow our leadership development programs, reflecting our commitment to continuous improvement for today’s and tomorrow’s business leaders. We are always exploring ways to provide members with additional benefits, helping them grow alongside their companies. If one were to study the challenges of the world, it becomes clear that many could be addressed through greater prosperity and abundance.