TOP 100 MAGAZINE

Peter A. Espinosa
​​

 

Peter A. Espinosa has spent a lifetime building successful companies, but the work that seems to matter most to him cannot be measured in market share, IPO valuations, or executive titles. Today, as CEO of MileMaker (Rand McNally), Peter oversees every facet of the business, from engineering and product development to sales, customer support, and operations, drawing on decades of experience that includes leadership roles as a former IBM executive and CEO of one of the world’s largest mortgage technology companies. Yet behind the corporate accomplishments lies a deeply personal motivation: creating a future not only for his own family, but for others who might otherwise be overlooked.

 

That perspective was profoundly shaped by his son Justin, who has Fragile X syndrome. Raising a child with special needs shifted Peter’s priorities away from the traditional executive path of constant relocation and toward building a stable, supportive community in Decorah, Iowa, somewhere Justin could thrive long term. With the sobering reality that many differently abled adults face unemployment and financial insecurity later in life, Peter began imagining ways to create meaningful opportunities, dignity, and belonging.

 

What began as a family project soon blossomed into something extraordinary. Pulpit Rock Brewing Company, named for both his Norwegian heritage and a local landmark, was envisioned as a place where Justin could someday work and feel proud. Instead, it became one of Iowa’s most celebrated breweries, ranked #1 among the state’s 119 breweries and recognized far beyond its hometown. Next door, The Landing Market evolved into a vibrant modern food hall featuring restaurants, a coffee shop, and small businesses, including ventures that employ or support differently abled adults. One such initiative, Tandem, provides meaningful work through baking and retail opportunities, allowing participants to earn income while gaining independence and confidence.

 

Peter’s commitment to inclusion extends into the arts through Unlabeled Theater, a nonprofit where he is a founding board member, founded to give differently abled adults the chance to perform on stage, an experience that fosters joy, self-expression, and community. Productions such as Shrek the Musical and The Addams Family offer participants something rare: a spotlight in a world that often overlooks them.

 

Married for four decades, Peter credits his wife as a partner in both life and philanthropy, sharing a guiding philosophy that generosity creates a ripple effect of goodwill and opportunity. Recognition, including a national Outstanding Philanthropist Award, reflects not only his success but his purpose. For Peter, achievement is not an endpoint; it is fuel, enabling him to build businesses that uplift people, create belonging, and leave behind structures of support that will endure long after he is gone.

​

​

 

Peter A. Espinosa
CEO
MileMaker (Rand McNally)
Website: www.milemaker.com  

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/peter-a-espinosa-28110b  

Facebook: https://facebook.com/pete.espinosa