Meet George Glaros, Jr.
Responsible Leadership for Chaska’s Future
George Glaros, Jr. was born and raised in Youngstown, Ohio. He moved to Minnesota in 2005 and found a home in Chaska in 2008. He is an active member of the community as a member of the Chaska Rotary, a member of his church, and a mentor and volunteer for various organizations. He is passionate about prioritizing people, which is why he is running for Mayor of Chaska – to give the residents of Chaska a voice in their city government.
Notable Strengths
Versatile Operations Executive who excels at turning around underperforming organizations to deliver margins, contain costs and drive profit across diverse industry sectors.
Skilled in leading startups, turnarounds, and growth-oriented organizations to achieve positive cash flow and maximize profit.
Builds and sustains strong relationships with senior leaders and stakeholders of ongoing success.
Passionate about prioritizing people, leading proactively, and safeguarding business interests to ensure consistent results while cultivating future leaders through servant leadership, fostering high-performing teams aligned with company objectives.
MBA, Marketing, Keller Graduate School of Management, DeVry University; BA, Political Science, Youngstown State University.
Strategic ★ Innovative ★ Driven ★ Energetic ★ Ethical ★ Inspiring ★ Decisive
Dynamic Results
Reversed weak margins in the controls division by elevating project management and engineering, making staff changes and directing training, increasing margins by 25%, and doubling revenue in less than two years.
Led the quality improvement of a major fire alarm and sprinkler system, turning around a $1.5M loss in fire suppression into a profit margin exceeding 15% in less than 18 months.
Boosted annual revenue by $15M and generated profits of 10% – 13%. Implemented Six Sigma and Lean material loss and quality programs, contributing to an annual profit recovery of over $500M.
Recruited and trained new project managers and implemented change over management programs to reduce losses from $750K to $159K, improve customer satisfaction, and secure a $1.2M exclusive contract.
Driving Business Excellence and Growth
Learn more about George Glaros and his vision for Chaska from the Eastern Carver County Voters’ Guide.
What is your home community, and how long have you lived there?
I was born and raised in Youngstown, Ohio, and I have been a resident of Minnesota since 2005 – Chaska since 2008.
What is your previous leadership experience?
I am currently the Operations Manager for Carrier Corporation’s branch in the Twin Cities. I have over thirty years of executive management experience in the high-technology and construction business sector. I have also been an adjunct college professor for the past 27 years, teaching in the areas of business and accounting.
In what community, state, or national organizations have you been involved?
I have been involved with Chaska Rotary, Minnesota High Tech Association (ACE Leadership Program, Junior Achievement Business Mentor of the Year, and a volunteer youth baseball coach, just to name a few.
How have you prepared to serve well in the office of Chaska Mayor?
I have been involved with Chaska Rotary, Minnesota High Tech Association (ACE Leadership Program, Junior Achievement Business Mentor of the Year, and a volunteer youth baseball coach, just to name a few.
How have you prepared to serve well in the office of Chaska Mayor?
Through my career progression, I have been blessed with experience and training to achieve results through organizational transformation and the development of exceptional teams. I welcome you to visit my LinkedIn profile to learn more.
What do you view as the three top priorities for the City, and how would you address these?
The top three priorities are: (1) promoting economic development and livability, (2) public service, safety, and the community’s general well-being, and (3) investing in critical infrastructure and maintenance.
We must invest in broadening the tax base for ALL city residents and lower overall taxation.
What differentiates you from other candidates?
I have held corporate leadership positions for my entire career. I bring a different perspective and results-oriented approach to leadership. I would focus on creating a solid and sustainable vision for all stakeholders. Most importantly, I am not an insider, and I promise to bring a fresh and pragmatic approach to leading Chaska.
How would you plan to balance growth and development while maintaining the character of the City?
Chaska has always been about community, but we are outspending our citizens’ ability to fund programs without priority. The city has a lot of character; what it needs is Priority/Target-Based Budgeting and Program Reviews to ensure money is being spent appropriately.
What is your approach to managing the City's budget and fiscal priorities?
The City needs to focus on developing a new sustainable long-range city plan; focusing on diversifying revenue streams (especially energy and commercial expansion), which will result in long-term income and sustainability.
What measures, if any, should the City pursue to create more affordable housing for the workforce (including young teachers, police officers, and healthcare workers) and for seniors on limited incomes?
Make no mistake: Large tax increases hurt fixed and low-income individuals the most. The city needs to stop these massive increases by sponsoring programs to create lasting affordable housing for these families and build equity in their homes, much like land trusts and limited equity cooperatives.
What, if anything, should the City do to provide additional or improved activities, shopping, dining, recreation, and parks?
We have done a great job with parks! However, the city must attract additional shopping and dining for long-term survival. A long-range plan must include more robust development assistance, investing in a business incubator, marketing and renting open spaces, sponsoring business development projects, and seeking relationships with developers, corporations, and investment bankers.
If a competitive business climate is important to you, what should the City do to remove barriers so that businesses can move into the city and current businesses can grow?
The current Chaska Municipal Code has far too many restrictive covenants restricting permitted business practices in various areas. These need to be modernized and reduced to give businesses greater latitude in drawing customers. In addition, the city needs to find creative ways to support the collective success of city businesses.
What, if anything, should the City do to increase transparency?
Transparency isn’t just optics; it’s about trust. Our form of government is based on Popular Sovereignty, the notion that ultimate authority and power reside with the people. Our residents must feel empowered and informed, which must be reflected in the decisions of the City Government.
Immediate actional items I would work towards transparency would include: (1) increased input and discussion methods for citizen feedback, (2) more open ‘Town Hall’ meetings across the city, and (3) being an accessible Mayor by holding multiple town halls monthly.
Where do you envision the City in the next 5 to 10 years?
I am running for Mayor to ensure that Chaska is an economically strong, diverse, and growing city that will remain sustainable into the next several decades.
If you would like to support OUR campaign, checks may be made out to Glaros Mayor Chaska and mailed to:
GLAROS for CHASKA MAYOR, PO BOX 122, Chaska, MN 55318
or donate online.
Individuals who donate over $100 will be listed on the GLAROS for CHASKA MAYOR campaign finance report. Donations are limited to a maximum of $600 per person per candidate for Independent offices. Your donation is not tax-deductible and is NOT eligible for the Minnesota Political Contribution Refund Program (PRC).
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THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONFIDENCE IN MY CAMPAIGN!
Get Involved
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