Advent Talent Group has A LOT to celebrate this year, including the recent recognition by the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal (MSPBJ) of owner and principal, Mary Younggren, as a 2022 Women in Business honoree!

Congratulations to Mary on this well-earned achievement, as well as to the other esteemed 2022 Women in Business honorees!

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Mary Younggren has a lot to celebrate. Besides marking the 20th anniversary of owning and operating her business, Advent Talent Group of Edina, Younggren has generated consistent growth for the agency since 2015. This includes a 53% revenue increase from 2019 to 2022, surpassing her goal for 2021 by quadrupling Advent’s nonprofit business.

Younggren and her agency also have earned local and national awards and media attention, including the Twin Cities’ Keystone Honored Company award and the American Staffing Association CARE Award for philanthropic involvement. Through countless hours of service, and as the current president, Younggren has been instrumental in driving growth at the National Association of Women Business Owners’ Minnesota chapter, which aims to advance and expand the participation of women in economic, social, and political roles.

Younggren is also an active member of the Women Presidents Organization in Minneapolis, the Edina Rotary, and the Minnesota Staffing & Recruiting Association. When she isn’t building her business or helping others build theirs, Younggren enjoys traveling and the outdoors.

More about Mary

How I found my voice as a leader: Early in my career as a training director, part of my role was to help others find their voice. However, I did not find my own until my next role as a sales leader, where I exceeded expectations and was asked to give a presentation at a large annual company awards celebration. I still have the handwritten speech, called “Just do it,” based on the Nike commercial! This presentation pushed me far out of my comfort zone and, though nerve-wracking, it allowed me the first platform to truly share my voice as a leader. My mentor at the time always said, “When you are uncomfortable, you are growing.” That has remained true for me even today.

How I measure success: There is an emphasis on accomplishment every day for me. I focus on the growth of our Advent team, our business and the organization I’m serving, currently NAWBO-MN. My gifts are to inspire growth, lead, create and connect. As a social work/psychology major, helping people brings me pure joy! I’ve landed in the best place to help people and create accomplishment all at once. If I am at my most successful, I have helped someone see their gifts, grow their network, grow our business, and create!

Quick takes

Hot topics in my field: Talent shortage! Great Resignation, retention of talent, The Great Regret

Fantasy job: I’m living it! I see no other place I’d rather be!

One thing I always have with me: My faith lights my path and guides my steps each day.

Best stress reliever: Pontoon rides at the lake, puzzles, meditation and exercise

Favorite vacation spot: San Diego, Coronado Island

I’d most like to have a business lunch with: Sara Blakely, founder of Spanx

I’d take them to this Twin Cities eatery: Ciao Bella

Fast facts

Owner and principal, Advent Talent Group

Education: Bachelor of Arts, double-major in psychology and social work and minor in music, Concordia College