Chief Operating Officer, Ideal Group
Linzie Venegas is a second-generation Owner-Operator of Ideal Group, one of Michigan’s leading family-owned businesses. As Chief Operating Officer, Linzie oversees the operations and strategic direction of seven companies that generate more than $650 million in annual revenue and employ approximately 1,000 people.
Her journey began with stuffing envelopes at just 8 years old. Over the years, she has worked across nearly every part of the organization, from accounting and sales to marketing and company president. These experiences gave her a deep understanding of Ideal Group’s operations, culture, and customers. Alongside her brother, Jesse, she is guiding Ideal’s transition from first- to second-generation leadership, carrying forward the legacy of their father, Frank Venegas Jr.
Beyond her work at Ideal, Linzie is a Cranbrook Schools Trustee, Vice Chair of the Cranbrook Institute of Science, and Board Member for the Michigan Israel Business Accelerator. She also teaches in Dartmouth’s Tuck School of Business “Building a Successful Business” executive education program, helping entrepreneurs scale and strengthen their companies.
Deeply committed to her community, Linzie actively supports education and opportunity initiatives in Southwest Detroit, including Holy Redeemer Grade School, Detroit Cristo Rey High School, and the Detroit Hispanic Development Corporation.
Linzie was named among Crain’s Detroit Business’ “40 Under 40” in 2018 and honored in DBusiness Magazine’s “Powered by Women” in 2024. Most recently, she and Jesse were selected as EY’s 2025 Entrepreneurs of the Year for the Michigan and Northwest Ohio region.
