Renee Alexander, Minnesota State Fair CEO, on behind-the-scenes magic

Off the Record

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Renee Alexander realized she loved being a part of creating performance magic as a young girl in southeast Kansas, when she and her siblings would put on after-dinner theatre for their parents. On this episode of the Off the Record podcast, Alexander, now the CEO of the Minnesota State Fair, recalls producing, directing and starring in those homegrown shows.

“Honestly, I’m more of a behind-the-scenes person,” she says to hosts Dave Faust, CEO of Platinum Bank, and Jen Hellman, CEO of Goff Public.

To illustrate, Alexander recounts an early summer working with the fair’s entertainment department, when New Kids on the Block were at the height of their popularity.

“At that point in time, the venue itself was 21,000 seats. My boss took me backstage, and I got to look up to see 21,000 screaming people. To see that was just magic to me, to be behind the scenes of it, not to be the one actually on the stage,” she says.

Listen to the episode to learn more about:

· The annual “Super Bowl of food vendors” that determines what food will be served at the fair (9:48).

· When Alexander fell in love with the fair (11:07).

· The famous artist who made a huge impact on Alexander when they met (13:04).

· What it feels like on opening day when the gates open at 7 a.m. (17:37).

· Initiating innovation while honoring fair traditions (20:44).

· What Alexander wants to be remembered by (30:15).

Leaders like Alexander understand the value of moving quickly and acting creatively, just like Platinum Bank. Learn more about business banking with a different kind of bank.