About

John Himle – A seasoned advisor forged by diverse experiences

Himle LLC is a specialized consultancy led by John Himle that advises Fortune 500 companies to emerging and mid-sized businesses (public and private companies), non-profits and trade associations with seasoned insights and strategy that help shape consequential business decisions, reputation, risk, public affairs strategy, and crisis management.

Successful Business Background

After graduating from Gustavus Adolphus College with a B.A. in Economics, John Himle started his career with Northwest Bancorporation (now Wells Fargo) and then became Executive Director of the MN AgriGrowth Council, a statewide umbrella association of farm organizations, agribusinesses, and food companies.  Himle then pursued his entrepreneurial calling:

1982     Formed Himle & Associates

1989     Rebranded as Himle Horner with the partnership of Tom Horner

2011     Rebranded as Himle Rapp & Company/HRC (after buying out Horner in 2010)

2017     Sold his interests in HRC, formed Himle LLC

Also, currently a member of the International Advisory Council of APCO Worldwide

Corporate Board Service

Himle currently serves as an independent corporate director of:

Kraus-Anderson Companies – a privately-held company that includes one of the country’s largest construction companies and assorted real estate, development, financing, and other businesses.

Canterbury Park Holding Corporation (NASDAQ: CPHC) – a publicly traded company that operates the largest horse racetrack in MN, card casino, special events business, and real estate development.

Outstanding Director 2023 – John Himle was recognized as one of five “Outstanding Directors for 2023” by Twin Cities Business Magazine.

Significant Public Sector/Government Experience

Elected to five terms as a State Representative, MN House of Representatives

  • Leadership positions: Assistant Majority Leader, Floor Leader, Assistant Minority Leader.

  • Key Committees: Taxes, Rules, Environment, Commerce, Labor.

  • Passed major legislation: Mall of America, model legislation to fund community convention/visitor marketing bureaus, co-authored Minnesota’s curbside recycling program, largest tax cut, etc.

Appointed by Governor as Commissioner, Metropolitan Airports Commission (1991-2000)

  • Selected as Chair of the initiative to secure Federal, state, and local approvals and manage oversight of the $3 billion expansion of MSP International Airport, the largest infrastructure project in state history.

Himle has also been appointed to various public-sector task forces, committees, and special initiatives.

Giving Back: Non-Profit Service

Himle’s volunteer service to various non-profits includes:

  • Public Affairs Council, Washington DC – former Chair/Executive Committee and Board Member (Himle was the only the second consultant elected chair of the Council since its founding in 1954.)

  • Minneapolis Institute of Art/Mia – former Board Chair (2011-2013) and long-time Trustee.

  • Gustavus Adolphus College – current Trustee.

  • Trustee Emeritus: The Nature Conservancy – Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota Chapter.

  • Norway House – former Board member.

  • Former Chair of two Church Councils.

  • Other prior boards: Children’s Heart Fund (now Heartlink), Freshwater Society, AgriGrowth Council, co-chair of Breck School Annual Fund, etc.