About the True North Family Foundation

Board of Directors

History

In 2007, Brian and Megan Slipka decided to endow a scholarship at Brian’s alma mater, the Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota. Brian and Megan wanted to reward achievement, character, leadership, and overcoming obstacles. Since then, they have provided the “Slipka Leadership Scholarship” to many incoming freshman college students to help with tuition.

In 2011, the Slipkas decided to expand the Slipka Leadership Scholarship to include two recipients in Dakota County (Burnsville High School) as well as three in Lino Lakes (Centennial High School).

In 2012, the Slipkas formally established the Slipka Foundation as a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to perpetuating and continuing the tradition of giving to deserving students.

In 2013, Brian Slipka’s father, Ken, who was a well-known community leader in Burnsville, passed away. To honor him, Brian and Megan established the “Ken Slipka Memorial Leadership Scholarship” in Burnsville.

Later, the Slipka Foundation expanded its vision and mission by making a commitment to the local YMCA and the City of Circle Pines.

In 2021, the Slipka Foundation extended the reach of its mission--into South Dakota--with the Canaries Community Fund initiative in collaboration with the Sioux Falls Canaries minor league professional baseball team.

In 2023, the Slipka Foundation name was changed to "True North Family Foundation" to reflect the organization's close ties to the True North Family of Companies and to the teams that form and drive the True North Family.

By request of team members among the True North Family of Companies, the foundation supports three interests; education, community involvement, and character building.

Through the True North Family of Companies, a holding company, Brian Slipka is the owner of numerous independent businesses, which, in total, generate over a quarter billion dollars of annual revenue. Among the businesses are Sunbelt Business Advisors and True North Mergers & Acquisitions, where he serves as CEO. He also is the founder and CEO of Honour Capital, LLC, focused on equipment financing. This family of independently owned companies has earned Brian induction into the Forbes Finance Council. His other interests include multiple types of commercial real estate. He serves on the board of numerous entities, including the boards of trustees for numerous national ministries. He is a diehard Gopher fan—as a booster and beyond.

Megan Slipka graduated from the University of Minnesota with a Bachelor of Science degree in the foundations of education as well as a Master of Education degree. She had to work her way through college and is a firm believer in supporting young people with scholarships as they pursue their educational goals. She taught first grade in the Centennial School District for five years before having children. For several years, she worked as a stay-at-home mom, substitute teacher, and part-time teacher. She currently serves as director of career development and internships at the True North Family of Companies. She is also a church and school volunteer. Brian and Megan have been married since 2001 and have two kids.