With the ease of connectivity and virtual meetings a mainstay today, many business leaders are syncing up with peers who better relate to their business challenges, strategies, and decisions.

“Leading a manufacturing business in a rural area doesn’t mean you have to lead in isolation. Peer groups connect you with people who understand your challenges and share your drive — and that kind of support can be a game changer,” said Justin Mentele, Pinion manufacturing advisor.

A Common Struggle — and a Hidden Opportunity

“It’s lonely at the top” isn’t just a saying for many business leaders — it’s a lived experience. The responsibility of decisions, long hours, and distance from others in similar roles can feel isolating. In fact, nearly half of CEOs report feeling lonely, and 61% say it affects their performance (RHR International). But it doesn’t have to be that way.

Leaders who connect with peers not only feel more supported — they gain valuable insight that drives better outcomes. According to one report, 98% of executives say they’ve improved their business practices through what they’ve learned from peers.

Take one manufacturing leader who joined a peer group. After a simple site visit, they implemented visual communication boards that cut wasted time and boosted productivity — just by seeing how someone else ran their shop floor.

That’s the power of stepping outside your day-to-day. When you talk with others who face similar challenges, you gain more than support — you get actionable ideas, renewed perspective, and space to think bigger.

If you’ve ever wondered where to turn for fresh thinking or experienced insight, you’re not alone — and you don’t have to figure it out alone either.

The Unique Landscape of Rural Leadership

Running a manufacturing business is challenging no matter where you are — but in rural areas, the distance from peers and limited access to business networks can amplify those challenges. You might be deeply connected in your community yet still feel like no one truly understands what you’re facing as a leader.

At the same time, rural leaders bring a strong sense of resilience and innovation to the table. Peer groups give you a chance to tap into that collective experience — to learn, share, and grow alongside others who share your drive.

Sometimes it’s about solving a specific challenge. Other times, it’s about stepping back from the daily grind to reconnect with why you do what you do — and how to do it better.

As one peer group participant shared:

“I leave every session reenergized. It’s not just about solving problems — it’s about sharpening your thinking, seeing what’s possible, and realizing you’re not in this alone.”

Why Peer Groups Matter

Do any of these sound familiar?

  • I enjoy seeing how others do things and learning from real-world examples.
  • I feel reenergized when I get fresh ideas and step outside the daily routine.
  • I want to be proactive, not reactive — and avoid blind spots in how I lead.
  • I’d like to think more strategically, not just keep the wheels turning.

If so, you’re not alone. These are the kinds of everyday reflections that bring business leaders to peer groups — and the kind of mindset that turns insight into action.

“Clarity comes faster when you stop thinking alone,” states Davon Cook, Pinion Family Business advisor.

How Peer Groups Help

For over a decade, Pinion has been facilitating peer groups that bring leaders like you together — no matter where you’re located. These small, trusted circles are made up of people who understand your world and similar challenges.

In a peer group, you’ll:

  • Connect with other leaders who understand the highs and lows of running a business — especially in rural areas.
  • Strengthen your leadership by reducing isolation, avoiding blind spots, and gaining clarity.
  • Get real-world insight into financing, equipment decisions, workforce strategy, and more — all from people who’ve been there.
  • Stay accountable and supported by a group that’s invested in your success, both personally and professionally.

Pinion-led peer groups meet two to three times a year, guided by a professional facilitator. Outside experts are brought in when helpful, but the richest insights often come from the members themselves — acting as an informal board of advisors for each other.

Leaders are grouped from different regions, eliminating direct competition within the same industry or market — allowing for open, candid conservations.

Many peers stay connected for over a decade, forming deep connections that extend far beyond business.

You Don’t Have to Lead Alone

If you’ve felt the weight of isolation or the pressure of going it alone, know this: there’s another way. Peer groups offer the connection, clarity, and support you need to lead with more confidence.

You’re not alone — and you don’t have to lead alone.

Reach out to a Pinion peer group advisor to learn more about our next session of manufacturing peer groups.