NewsStories Of Opportunity: Employee Owners Sharing Their Expertise

This article was originally published on March 7, 2025, as part of the full release of the 2024 Stories Of Opportunity. The Stories Of Opportunity is VGM Group’s annual report, showcasing the successes of VGM and its employee owners.  

VGM employee owners are everywhere. Whether you’re at an industry event, out in the Cedar Valley community, or on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., there’s a good chance one of us will be there sharing our expertise, demonstrating excellence. 

Holly DiMarco, Human Capital 

Holly is a familiar face around the Cedar Valley community these days. In the last few years, she’s been involved with ONE Cedar Valley and the area’s Junior League. But it was in 2021 that she really stepped up her community involvement with Cedar Valley SHRM (Society for Human Resources Management).  

“I first joined as a way to deepen my knowledge in HR through SHRM’s certification and ongoing education,” Holly said. “But my favorite part has been all the people I’ve met and had the opportunity to work with.” 

Serving in various positions on the Cedar Valley SHRM board, including President in 2023, Holly played a key role in organizing the annual DisruptHR, an educational event designed to energize, inform, and empower those in the HR field.  

“Everyone benefits from continued education and networking, and I love being part of those efforts,” Holly said. “There’s always some place to get involved, and you should. It’s so great to be connected with others who share your interests, and to learn and grow together in your community.” 

Mike McGill, Corporate Communications 

Employee ownership is a big part of Mike’s role. He regularly works with the Employee Ownership Ambassadors on communication and events to share the benefits of employee ownership. He enjoys it so much, he’s opted to share his knowledge beyond the walls of VGM.  

“Employee ownership is unique,” Mike said. “Most people don’t know what it’s about. It really is at the core of everything we do at VGM, and I love getting a chance to spread the message.” 

Mike has been a go-to presenter for VGM on numerous occasions, speaking with small groups who come to VGM’s Headquarters, visiting students in college classrooms, and of course, presenting at various ESOP conferences. For him, it all comes back to one of his biggest passions: bringing people together. 

“I just love building relationships and being able to help people connect,” Mike said. “What’s great about employee ownership, is that everyone has a vested interest in creating something that works for everyone. We all rally around this common goal, and it really is something special. I’m always excited to talk about it.” 

Mike “Ike” Isaacson, Government Relations 

If you’re looking for Ike around the halls of VGM Headquarters, there’s a good chance your search will come up short.  

“I’d say over a third of my year is spent traveling,” Ike said. “From fundraisers to strategic planning sessions to working with legislators in D.C., and in state houses across the country, my calendar is never boring.”  

Along with VGM’s Government team, Ike works to create advocates for the DMEPOS industry throughout the country. It’s work that makes a difference, not only for the businesses VGM serves but for millions of patients in the U.S. And Ike cherishes it.  

“I have the greatest job in our company,” Ike said. “I get to talk about the amazing things VGMers are doing every day. And I get to connect policymakers with providers to help drive meaningful change for countless business owners and patients. I get to Make A Difference and help others do the same. What could be better than that?” 

Tera O’Hare, VGM Insurance 

VGM has helped businesses leverage the opportunities technology provides since it was founded. And this commitment reaches well beyond the customers we serve directly thanks to Tera’s work.  

“I was fortunate to connect with the Technology Association of Iowa (TAI) through their Iowa Technology Leaders Institute in 2024,” Tera said. “The experience helped me collaborate with leaders at other organizations on how to tackle emerging challenges and opportunities. Those connections help strengthen the solutions we offer at VGM, and create a technology community.” 

TAI is an organization committed to driving technology and developing tech professionals within the state of Iowa. It hosts over 100 annual events and advocates for public policy that supports businesses creating more opportunities.  

“It is amazing and eye opening to see how technology has become the fabric of so many organizations that are serving our Iowa communities. I was hesitant at first to join TAI. But the knowledge I’ve learned and been able to share has had a tremendous impact. I encourage everyone to take every opportunity you can. It will be worth it.” 

To read the 2024 Stories Of Opportunity in full, click here.