Todd Gagne

As a co-founder of Wildfire Labs, I help entrepreneurs get from concept to their first customer rapidly and with minimal rework. With over 30 years of experience in the B2B software industry, I leverage my expertise in product strategy, development, and innovation to provide resources, guidance, and support to aspiring and emerging founders.

I also consult and mentor local and regional software startups in the Midwest, bringing my background from Concur, a leading provider of travel and expense management solutions, where I served as Senior Vice President and General Manager. There, I led the growth and operational efficiency of several product lines and functional areas, such as Concur Expense, Concur Invoice, data products, and data services. My passion is to develop a vibrant and diverse technology ecosystem in the Midwest and beyond.

Vice President Of Strategic Planning

From closet clutter to community connection, Host Happy Hour is transforming how people clean out their closets! 🛍️✨

Founded by Ashlynn, Annie, and Bridgit, Host Happy Hour mixes community, great drinks, and a fresh approach to shopping, selling, and connecting.

A graduate of the Wildfire Labs program, Host Happy Hour continues to make an impact—last month, their event at The Hutton House in Minneapolis was a huge success! They sold out of seller spots with over 100 racks of gently loved brand-name clothing and welcomed more than 400 shoppers from around the city. 

Startups like these make Wildfire proud ❤️

Learn more or catch their next event at https://buff.ly/aBE1E0l 

#FounderSpotlight #FemaleFounders #WildfireLabs #ShopLocal #StartupSuccess

Helping entrepreneurs transform their ideas into successful companies. Co-Founder @ Wildfire Labs, software accelerator | Podcaster | Angel Investor

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 For founders, choosing a co-founder isn’t just about skills or shared vision—it’s picking the partner you’ll navigate every crisis with. Most startups fail from broken relationships, not bad ideas.

Here’s how to make it work, according to Dr. Matthew Jones   

1️⃣ Test Under Fire: Work together on a mini-sprint and simulate a crisis. How do they handle stress and ambiguity?
2️⃣ Go Deep on Values: Define what “enough” means for each of you—money, time, and ambitions. Discuss up front, not after you’ve signed the paperwork.
3️⃣ Reference Check, No Exceptions: Past behavior is the best predictor. 
4️⃣ Practice Conflict Repair: Don’t shy from disagreement—practice summarizing, apologizing, and committing to next steps. This is the survival skill.

If you’re evaluating a partner, invest a week in testing—not just vibing.

What’s your co-founder stress test? How do you keep your partnership strong—for the long haul?

Article 🔗 in comments

#StartupRelationships #ConflictResolution #FounderAdvice

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