Mary Erlain
President, Peak Development Strategies
Mary Erlain is dedicated to helping entrepreneurs and business professionals thrive. With her dynamic background, she brings a uniquely holistic perspective to business coaching, consulting, peer support groups, and professional development programs.
Her mission is clear: to strengthen the core foundation of small businesses so they can compete, grow, and lead with confidence. She emphasizes the importance of setting both personal and professional goals, recognizing that sustainable success begins with clarity, intention, and emotional alignment.
In 2007, Mary founded Peak Development Strategies, a coaching and consulting firm built on the belief that “Connecting the dots and removing barriers!” ™ is the key to unlocking business potential. Her work is grounded in real-world experience and supported by a deep understanding of marketplace trends across industries.
Mary is the author of six business books. Her first two books focus on business development, while the other four explore the multi-generational workforce. Her writing provides transformative frameworks for companies navigating generational dynamics, helping teams shift from conflict to collaboration and excellence. Her latest books emphasize the role of Gen Z in the workplace, offering leaders practical strategies to engage and empower the newest generation entering the workforce.
In addition to her writing, Mary is a speaker and presenter. She has delivered keynote addresses, workshops, and training sessions that inspire audiences to embrace values-driven leadership, multi-generational constructive collaboration, and organizational clarity. Her speaking style blends practical insight with emotional resonance, leaving audiences with both actionable strategies and renewed purpose.
With decades of experience, Mary has coached and mentored countless business owners, managers, and professionals across organizations. Her expertise includes leadership development, productivity, strategic planning, and recruiting emerging talent. She understands the unique challenges small businesses face and how to turn them into opportunities.
Mary also leads five Peak Networking Groups™ (PNG) across Chicago’s western suburbs, fostering collaborative relationships among business owners. Each group offers a welcoming space where guests can experience the unique, connection-driven approach to networking that defines the PNG way.
Beyond business, Mary co-hosts the podcast, Animals Unplugged alongside Greg Markelz, a heartfelt platform dedicated to animal advocacy and education. A lifelong champion for animals, she shares her home with three adopted Great Pyrenees dogs and four rescued cats. The show’s bold vision is to help save one million pets by 2030, inspiring listeners to take action through compassion, awareness, and community-driven solutions.
Mary lives in Naperville, Illinois, with her husband, Dave. Together, they raised three children-Caryn, Jim, and Bill- and continue to champion community, connection, and legacy.