For a CPA, John Folkestad is "not really just a numbers guy." Entrepreneur, former Auditor and Eagle Scout, Folkestad might also be defined as an ingenious salesperson, intuitive consultant and a natural leader. As the co-founder of SALO, LLC, with Amy Langer, he readily embraces each role with passion and insight.

Folkestad began his career at Deloitte as an Auditor. Later, he joined a temporary placement firm, where he helped found a financial contracting division that grew to $350 million dollars in four-and-one-half years. He discovered "that highly marketable people often felt that their talents were either under-valued or under-utilized. They were looking for a venue to provide challenge and grow their skill sets."

While sitting out a one year non-compete, Folkestad saw an opportunity to fill a gap in the existing contract service offerings and created a business model with co-founder Langer which today is SALO.

Experience has shown Folkestad that effective contract placement increases skill sets and adds value to candidates who choose to work on an interim basis. That's the advantage SALO offers both candidates and clients. And with it comes Folkestad's acute ability to make the perfect match, the right fit for the job.

John was part of the 2005 "40 Under Forty" class of emerging business leaders recognized annually by The Business Journal and the only Minnesotan of the 60 participants from around the world to attend the 2006 The Birthing of Giants program presented by MIT Enterprise Forum, Inc., the Young Entrepreneurs' Organization (YEO) and Inc. Magazine. He and co-founder Amy Langer were 2005 and 2006 finalists in the Ernst & Young Entrepreneurs of the Year awards. John and Amy Langer were named winners of the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award 2006 Emerging for the Minnesota and Dakotas Region.

John is on the board of Cabrini House, an organization that provides housing and support services to adults diagnosed with mental illness and/or chemical dependency disabilities.