Our Story

Redefining Leadership for Over Three Decades

Trusted for Decades. Transforming Leaders for Life.

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Rapport Leadership has been at the forefront of leadership development for nearly four decades—empowering individuals to lead with purpose, confidence, and heart. Our immersive trainings are rooted in the belief that leadership isn’t a title—it’s a mindset and a commitment to growth. Whether you’re stepping into your first leadership role or leading a global organization, our trainings inspire action, build momentum, and fuel meaningful change.

With 80,000+ immersive course graduates across 35+ countries, we’ve refined a proven model for experiential learning that goes beyond theory. Every program is designed to challenge limiting beliefs, build emotional intelligence, and strengthen personal and professional relationships. This is more than training—it’s a legacy of leadership that continues to ripple outward through families, organizations, and communities.

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1980s

1980s

In 1986, Mike and JoAnn Knapp founded Rapport Leadership Institute in Las Vegas, Nevada, with the vision of empowering individuals to unlock their full potential. The first training, Prosperity Breakthrough, began as a six-week program but soon evolved into Leadership Breakthrough One, a transformative 2.5-day weekend experience. Prosperity Breakthrough later became Power Communication, laying the foundation for Rapport’s future programs.

1990s

1990s

As demand for leadership development grew, Rapport Leadership introduced Leadership Breakthrough Two in 1990 and welcomed its first trainers beyond the founding duo. In 1994, Rapport expanded internationally, hosting classes in Canada and eventually in Europe, Asia, and the Caribbean. A year later, in 1995, the company rebranded as Rapport Leadership International and adopted the powerful slogan Just Focus and Do It (JFDI), which became the cornerstone of Leadership Breakthrough One. In 1998, to enhance the immersive training experience, Rapport built the 17,000 sq. ft. JFDI Executive Retreat Center in Alamo, Nevada, a state-of-the-art facility that has since hosted countless leadership courses.

2000s

2000s

In 2005, after years of growth and dedication, Mike and JoAnn Knapp passed the torch to Joe Tate, who became the new owner of Rapport Leadership. Under his leadership, the Master Graduate Program was introduced, requiring over 100 hours of intensive leadership training and setting a new standard for leadership excellence.

2010s

2010s

In 2017, Rapport Leadership entered a new chapter when Master Graduates Mark Mahoney and Brett Johnston acquired the company. Their vision and commitment to innovation have played a pivotal role in shaping its future, continuing to expand its reach and impact.

2020s

2020s

In 2020, faced with the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Rapport Leadership pivoted to virtual offerings for Leadership Breakthrough One and Power Communication, ensuring continued access to leadership training. This shift also marked the launch of Rapport U, a digital eLearning platform designed to make leadership training accessible from anywhere.
In 2021, the company mourned the passing of its founders, Mike and JoAnn Knapp, whose extraordinary lives and leadership legacy continue to inspire everything Rapport does.

Present

Present

Reflecting on its evolution, Rapport Leadership refreshed its branding, integrating intensive trainings with customized solutions, and for the first time, embraced digital marketing to expand its reach and inspire leaders worldwide.

Guiding the Future. Rooted in Legacy.

Founded in 1986 by Mike and JoAnn Knapp, Rapport Leadership was built on a simple but powerful belief: when people grow, organizations thrive. For nearly four decades, Rapport has helped individuals, teams, and organizations unlock their potential through transformational leadership experiences that create lasting change.

Today, that legacy continues under the ownership of Mark Mahoney and Brett Johnston, whose commitment to excellence, innovation, and developing leaders is guiding Rapport into its next chapter. Together, they are preserving the foundation that has impacted thousands of lives while expanding the organization’s reach and influence for generations to come.

Leading that vision is President Alexia Cooper.

Alexia’s journey is the embodiment of Rapport’s mission. She first attended Leadership Breakthrough One in 2015 as a participant, and the experience fundamentally changed the trajectory of her life and career. Inspired by what she learned, she immersed herself in personal development, became a Master Graduate, served as a Trainer, and has since dedicated herself to helping others experience the same transformation.

Outside of Rapport, Alexia built a reputation as an accomplished entrepreneur and business leader—scaling and successfully exiting a multimillion-dollar company, and earning recognition on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list in Energy. Yet she consistently credits the leadership principles she learned at Rapport as the foundation for those achievements.

Today, she leads the organization that once transformed her own life. As President, Alexia is focused on honoring Rapport’s legacy while expanding its impact through innovative leadership development, stronger organizational partnerships, and a bold vision to help transform one million lives.

Together, Mark, Brett, and Alexia remain committed to one purpose: empowering leaders who create extraordinary cultures, build exceptional teams, and leave a lasting impact on the people around them.

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Join Us in Nurturing Leaders All Over the Globe

Be part of a mission that inspires and empowers leaders across the world. At Rapport, we’re dedicated to shaping the future of leadership by providing opportunities for growth and transformation.
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