Our People
Brian Gramm, President
Brian, a CPA, founded Milo Belle on the principle that if you get smart people around the table, good things happen. His role has evolved significantly over the years, but his belief in that simple idea has not. Brian’s background includes management roles in a number of successful early stage companies, financial management in publicly traded companies, and audit work in a CPA firm.
As the President of Milo Belle, Mr. Gramm focuses much of his time on the strategic initiatives of the firm, including strategic partnerships, growth plans, and marketing direction.
Brian is also a member of the board of directors for Granite City Food and Brewery. As a member of the Board of Directors for this NASDAQ traded company, Mr. Gramm is a member of the Audit Committee, the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee, and chairman of the Compensation Committee. Mr. Gramm utilizes his experiences consulting to the Boards and Committees of public companies to navigate SEC rules and regulations along with his proven track record of growing successful businesses to help strengthen the Granite City Board of Directors.
Brian attained his MBA from the Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota, and his BS in Accounting from the University of South Dakota.
Mr. Gramm's articles and ideas have been published in many outlets, including Compliance Week, Ethanol Today, and regularly in the Sioux Falls Business Journal. Brian volunteers his time to a variety of local small businesses and non-profits.
Chris Maxwell, Vice President
Chris brings variety of experiences in the banking, computer software, agri-business and energy industries to Milo Belle. Chris has a strong project management background and has an established adaptive style that is focused on building partnerships and meeting client needs. Chris’ role often includes the sourcing of Milo Belle consultants and affiliates, as well as client project management.
Mr. Maxwell, who received his MBA from the University of South Dakota, and his BS from Mount Marty University, currently sits on the Board and Audit Committee of Common Hope, and is active in a variety of volunteer activities.
Zig Berzins, National Operations Director
Zig has over twenty five years of consulting experience in business process improvement and information systems for both Big 4 firms and small regional firms. Zig’s focus has been to use his broad industry knowledge base to solve client business problems. Mr. Berzins leverages his broad resources and diverse background to build positive relationships—making it clear to all clients that he is on your side.
Zig, who was a national director for the Omaha office of Deloitte and Touche, received his undergraduate degree from Purdue University, and holds several certifications, including Certified Management Consultant, Certified Project Manager, Certified Systems Professional, Certificate in Data Processing, and a Technology Advisor.
Joel Dykstra, Business Development Director
Prior to joining Milo Bell, Mr. Dykstra had a 19-year career in oil and gas exploration and production, including nearly fifteen years in various European locations. Once he returned to the US, he spent time in commercial real estate, as well as a number of years in agricultural business development and equity formation as CEO of South Dakota Ag Producer Ventures. In addition, Mr. Dykstra spent two years in international business development for Adams Thermal Systems. Joel has been active in economic development activities and politics.
Joel has a BS degree in Business Management and Administration from Oral Roberts University. Joel has been active in economic development activities and politics. Mr. Dykstra served six years in the South Dakota State House of Representatives, including four years as Assistant Majority Leader, and was the Republican candidate for the U.S. Senate in 2008.
