BECKY & STEVE CHEPOKAS
Co-owners & Founders
LET ME START BY SAYING…
I don’t have an impressive college degree—higher education just wasn’t the path for me. Instead, I graduated from the School of Hard Knocks.
My career began in the Direct Mail business in downtown Minneapolis, where I was thrown to the wolves to land “Direct Mail Jobs.” I was given the choice between a salary or commissions. I chose commissions because I saw the potential to do more—and earn more. It paid off.
Along the way, customers began asking me to supply not only printing and direct mail but also promotional products. When we sold the printing and direct mail divisions, we decided to keep the promotional products company, JETSET Promotions, which was established in 2002.
That same year, my 9½-year-old son, Mitchell Chepokas, was diagnosed with osteosarcoma—bone cancer. From diagnosis to his passing was a heartbreaking 10 months. During that time, he was showered with gifts and money. Before he passed, Mitchell made the selfless decision to give away his $6,000 in savings to other kids at Children’s Hospital, the University of Minnesota, and Ronald McDonald House to help them at Christmas.
Before he passed, Mitchell and I made a “Pinky Swear” that I would continue his mission. Since that moment in 2002, The Pinky Swear Foundation has given millions of dollars in support to thousands of families across all 50 states. Today, we have a full staff working nationwide to bless others every single day.
THE ORIGINAL PINK SWEAR PROMISE
At nine, Mitch was diagnosed with bone cancer. While in the hospital, he overheard a family struggling financially for Christmas. Determined to help, Mitch withdrew all his savings and gave it to children on the pediatric oncology floor, signing each envelope, “Love Mitch. XOXO.” Before his passing in 2003, Mitch made his dad promise to continue helping families fighting cancer. Today, the Pinky Swear community honors that promise, supporting families with housing, food, and transportation so they can focus on their child.
EXECUTIVES MENTORING SOLDIERS
Executives Mentoring Servicemen & Women (EMS US) is an organization that began with a desire to provide transitioning soldiers a safe place to tell their story, gain insight into the civilian world of work, and meet and interact with executives for the sole purpose of helping them take the first next step.
NEED A SPEAKER AT YOUR NEXT EVENT?
Between JETSET, Pinky Swear, EMS, and everything in between, I am passionate about sharing this incredible journey—both personal and professional. From building businesses from the ground up to creating a lasting charitable mission inspired by my son, my story is one of grit, resilience, and giving back.
I am available for speaking engagements, fundraisers, corporate events, and conferences to share insights on entrepreneurship, philanthropy, and how life’s toughest challenges can create the greatest impact.
