Ryan McKesson

Enterprise Sales Executive

Presidio

Senior Account Manager

Solution Design Group

Founded in 1989, Solution Design Group (SDG) in one of the top local IT consulting firms in the Twin Cities area. Our value proposition is simple: OUR PEOPLE and our commitment to building LONG-TERM relationships. SDG has a gold-standard for employing the best and the brightest technical talent available. This allows us to grow our business by being innovative partners to our clients.

 Our culture and business plan is structured around fostering long term relationships with our clients, our great team, and a commitment to responding to the perpetual trends and changes in the information technology industry. It is on this genuine model that SDG has been recognized by The Business Journal as a "Best Places to Work" and "Fast 50" multiple times.

 SDG provides IT Consulting Services and Staff Augmentation in Project Delivery, Microsoft Solutions and Open Source/JAVA application development in the Twin Cities market.


 Specialties: Java, Groovy, .Net, SQL Server Developers (SSIS, SSAS, SSRS) and DBA's, SharePoint, IT Consulting, Staff Augmentation, Project Managers and Business Analysts, Project Management, Business Analysis, Database development, Application Development, and Product Implementation.

Account Executive

ADP is consistently named one of the "Most Admired Companies" by FORTUNE® Magazine, and recognized by Forbes® as one of “The World’s Most Innovative Companies,” ADP has over a half-million clients around the globe and 60+ years of experience as a world-wide leader of business outsourcing solutions. 

My role within ADP is to connect with business owners and executives to help them focus on their core competencies and reach their business goals. I do this with strategic business consulting, including payroll, time and attendance, and back office operations development. Advising businesses in areas such as: risk mitigation, monitoring for profit leaks, and controlling their total cost of labor.


My specialties include:
- Affordable Care Act Strategies
- International Expansion
- Strategic Human Capital Deployment
- Time & Labor Management Solutions
- Tax & Compliance
- Business Process Outsourcing (BPO)

Major Accounts District Manager

AT&T Mobility

•	Responsible for profitable revenue and net add growth on a portfolio of accounts. Establish a trusted partner relationship with Executive level (CEO, CIO, Functional President or leadership equivalent).
•	Penetrate new national accounts and leverage new products to increase revenue within current accounts.
•	Develop and execute an account strategy, and sales relationships at multiple levels. Lead and manage the sales process for all product/applications.

•	Participated in extensive six months Business Markets Group sales program.
•	Acquired and sharpened comprehensive solution selling skills based upon three integrated approaches and methodologies.
•	Assisted in cold calling, prospecting, and business development activities with a field based Corporate Account Executive.
•	Compiled and internalized through understanding and knowledge of AT&amp;T Mobility systems and procedures.

Corporate Account Executive

Championing business growth at Presidio, my journey in technology sales has been marked by fostering client relationships and consultative selling. 

My passion is connecting with clients and understanding their unique challenges, enabling tailored solutions ranging from Microsoft technologies to mobile enterprise applications. Beyond just transactions, it's about creating lasting value and empowering clients in Minneapolis and beyond with strategic consulting and innovative IT solutions.

The first day of school just feels heavier this year…


This was always going to be an emotional send off for us. It’s the last year our children will attend the same school, ride the same bus, and presumably be on the same schedule ever again. 

But in light of the tragic event that took place here in Minneapolis last week, all of that seems trivial. 

I can’t even begin to imagine what the families of those directly affected are going through. 

I’ve struggled to come up with words to describe my own feelings. Nothing feels adequate, fair, or fitting. 

So I will just share that I am leaning into gratitude for all of the teachers, educators, and staff who are supporting our children through it all. 

Thank you 🙏

IT Ambassador, People Connector, Lifelong Learner and Purveyor of all things Positive.

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Sharing a birthday with a celebrity is neat. Sharing it with your wife and her twin sister is…


Mostly awesome. 

But I have to admit, there have been years where I felt left out. 

The running joke in my family is that I haven’t celebrated a birthday since we met. 

But sometimes you have to take matters into your own hands. So  this year I made 100 temporary tattoos of my face for everyone as a reminder that it’s my birthday too ;)

But honestly, sharing a birthday with Kristie McKesson has been one of the unexpected joys of my life. And I wouldn’t trade this day for all the attention in the world.

They say that in golf, you either win or you learn... 


Well, if that is the case, then I learned quite a bit caddying for my son in his first season of competitive golf. 😀 

Earlier this week, he played in his first "Major" with the season-ending Minny Tour championship on the hallowed grounds of the Lafayette Club. 

As I look back on the time we spent together, here is what I learned. 

- I learned that there is a fine line between too much advice and not enough advice. A line I seemed to cross more than I care to admit. 

- I learned that there is a time to coach, a time to encourage, and a time to console. But there is never a time to allow the outcome to dictate whether an event was a success. 

- I learned that no matter how hard I tried, I had zero control over how well he hit a shot or played a hole, but I could help him understand the importance of being a good sport. 

But the most important lesson I learned by far was that this time together was priceless. And it was the most fun I've ever had on a golf course. 

Photo credit to the best golf photographer in MN. Jeff Lawler

Getting upgraded to “almost first class” feels pretty on brand for me these days… 


I rarely travel for work, so my airline status is about where it should be. But every time I fly by myself I request an upgrade with the youthful enthusiasm of someone buying their first lottery ticket. 

This morning was the first time I’ve ever been upgraded. To the first row not in first class 😀

But hey, for someone who normally travels with 3 kids in tow, flying by yourself is an absolute breeze.

Purpose isn’t just what we do, it’s how we do it...
 

It’s found in the way we show up, the impact we make, and the meaning we create in everyday life.

I’m humbled to be the Special Guest at the next Purpose Fueled event, where I’ll share my journey and the lessons learned along the way.

But more importantly, this isn’t about me. It’s about us. It’s about coming together to explore how gratitude, generosity, and even the courage to ask for help can open the door to a more purposeful life.


Thursday, September 5th
Doors open at 7:00 AM | Event begins at 7:30 AM

Come for the coffee.
Stay for the community.
Leave with a fresh perspective and renewed purpose.

I’d be honored to see you there.

👉 Register here: https://lnkd.in/gfKSkBJm

AI isn’t going to take your job. But it might create your next one...


When I graduated from college, my first “real” job was in an industry that didn’t even exist my freshman year.

"Enterprise mobility" wasn’t something you could major in. It certainly wasn't something I dreamt about doing. Yet it ended up shaping my entire career.

I’m getting that same feeling right now with GenAI. And it’s why I’m choosing to be optimistic. Maybe it's because that's who I am, or perhaps, as the father of young children, I have to believe the future will still hold endless possibilities for them. 

But it's also because I’ve already lived through the story of a career born from technology that didn’t exist when I was preparing for it. And I believe we’re about to see that happen for millions more.

When was the last time you did something for the first time...? 


For me, that was yesterday, as I was invited to be the guest speaker for a Purpose Fueled event. 

We discussed the power of gratitude, how networking is ultimately about building a community of people who want to see you win, and how asking for help is a gift you give to others, not just yourself. 

But to be honest, it was all a bit of a blur. 

I was wildly nervous. Not from a fear of failing, but from an abundance of caring that everyone walked away feeling inspired about their own journeys. 

I've been on a mission for the past few years to get out of my comfort zone as much as possible. This one definitely checked that box. 

And while I don't think I'll be heading out on a speaking tour anytime soon, I loved sharing these ideas with others and look forward to doing it again someday. 

For everyone who showed up to support me, I saw you, I felt your presence, and it meant the world to me. Thank You!

You now have permission to Shine Brighter! 


Congratulations to my friend Laura King  on the launch of her new book! 

I finished reading it last night but I can already tell that it is not finished with me. 

With journaling prompts, reflective questions, and ways to help you challenge the limiting beliefs that hold us all back, this one will be near my writing desk for awhile. 

“By giving yourself permission to shine, you implicitly give others the permission to do the same” 

Thank you Laura for being such a gift. And for giving us all this 281 page permission slip to share our own gifts with the world.

When it comes to getting kids into golf, the Par 3 course is way underrated! 


We played The Gravel Pit this morning in Brainerd and can’t say enough about how fun this little track is!

Nice guys don't always finish last...


After years of close calls, Tommy Fleetwood finally broke through for his first PGA Tour win yesterday.

What carried him there? A relentlessly positive attitude.

Even when things didn’t go his way, Fleetwood stayed upbeat, kept working, and trusted the process. Yesterday proved that mindset matters as much as talent.

My favorite quote from his post-win press conference was, "I’ve been a PGA Tour winner for a long time. It’s just always been in my mind,”

Congratulations to one of the best, and for the lesson in perseverance we can all take away from it.

Labor Day wasn’t created to celebrate working harder…


It was created to honor the people behind the work, and to celebrate the importance of rest.

Taking a break doesn’t mean you’re falling behind. It means you’re recharging so you can keep moving forward with clarity and purpose.

As we enjoy the long weekend, I’m reminded that rest is not the opposite of work, it’s what makes meaningful work possible.

Hope you find time for rest today!

It is easy to live our core values when things are going well…

But the true test of character is how we respond when our backs are against the wall. 

If you find yourself in one of these character-building seasons, keep going. More often than not, there is a better version of yourself on the other side.

Does anyone else have a favorite pen? 


Journaling has been a part of my mental health routine long before I realized it was a mental health routine ;) 

And for the entirety of that time, the Moleskin notebook has been my destination of choice for this practice. 

But I never put much thought into the tool I was using to write with. That was until we were back to school shopping this week and it dawned on me. 

I’ve been using the same style pen for as long as I can remember too. 

The lovely little Pilot G2 0.7 mm fine point pen. 

So what’s the point of me sharing this? 

One of the best ways to create and stick with a new habit, is to make it as easy (and enjoyable) as possible. 

When it comes to journaling, the only decisions I need to make are what to write out of my head that day. 

Everything else, the journal, the pen, and usually where this takes place, have already been decided for me.

On September 29th, the SIM Minnesota Charity Golf Event returns! 


Don't miss the chance to showcase your brand to Minnesota's most influential IT leaders. We have limited sponsorships and foursomes left, providing a unique opportunity to engage with CIOs, senior tech executives, and decision-makers shaping the state's tech landscape.

As a sponsor, you go beyond mere brand placement:
- Cultivate relationships in a relaxed, trusted setting.
- Position your brand directly in front of crucial IT decision-makers.
- Support a cause that funds scholarships for future STEM leaders.

Experience the perfect blend of:
- Networking without the typical networking vibe.
- Golf in a fun scramble format that doesn't feel like work.
- Giving back that truly uplifts.

Save the Date:
📅 September 29th
📍 Royal Golf Club, Lake Elmo
🎯 Limited Sponsorships & Foursomes available now – secure yours promptly!

Let's make this day an investment in relationships, reputation, and the future of Minnesota's tech community. 

Andy Dulka
Jenica Pospisil

Sim Golf

Enterprise customers don’t by technology, they buy outcomes…



When I joined Presidio last year this was one of the aspects that I was admittedly anxious about. 

After spending the previous decade selling only services, where the outcomes are inherently part of the discussion, could I go back to selling products as well? 

That’s when I realized, it was me who had the wrong perspective. 

A lot of what we do here at Presidio is help customers make informed decisions about technology. If we focus solely on product features, then the best case scenario is them getting what they paid for. 

When we understand what they are actually trying to accomplish, we give them the results they were hoping for.

What mistake are you grateful for today?


As we wind down summer and have a small break in the youth sports madness, we have finally been able to sit down for dinner as a family again. As such, our kids grabbed the conversation cards that had been neglected for the past few months.  

This is one of the cards they pulled last night. My wife and I had the usual response: guilt, shame, fear of looking foolish. 

But our daughter's response stopped us in our tracks... 

“I feel great, because mistakes mean I’m learning.”

It was a gentle reminder of the optimism and positivity that children have, and that we often lose as adults. And it was a not-so-subtle nudge to be more like her, and treat mistakes as opportunities to learn.

Is there anything better than the hope that comes with a new season? 


Today kicks off the Vikings 2025 football season. 

Where, "There is always next year" collides with "Could this be our year?" 

And maybe that is what I love so much about sports. That each new season brings with it a fresh start. A clean slate with so much promise and anticipation. Where no mistakes have been made yet and anything is possible. 

We crave so much certainty in our normal daily lives, and yet we all agree that knowing the outcome of a sporting event would completely ruin the experience. 

To my MN brethren, it is not the hope that kills us. It's the hope that brings us back every year. And I absolutely love it.

Taplio

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