Branden Bodendorfer
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Wisconsin entrepreneur, coach, and creator of the Key2Success Planner

Branden Bodendorfer helps people and organizations plan, lead, and build.

I have spent 20 years starting companies, coaching leaders, and building the systems and tools that turn a big vision into what you actually do on Monday morning. Whether it is you, your team, or your whole organization, I can help you get there faster.

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20+ years in business 2,000+ businesses served Planner users in 50+ countries
Branden Bodendorfer
20+
Years in business
2,000+
Businesses served
50+
Startups launched
50+
Countries using the planner
Who is Branden Bodendorfer?

Entrepreneur, coach, and the builder behind the Key2Success Planner.

Branden Bodendorfer is a Wisconsin-based entrepreneur, productivity coach, and marketing strategist. He created the Key2Success Planner, a digital planning system used by professionals in more than 50 countries, and he leads Meridian Shift, a marketing and fractional-CMO consultancy. He coaches individuals, teams, and organizations on planning, leadership, and applied AI.

The planning system

The Key2Success Planner

The Key2Success Planner is a professional digital planner that runs inside the note app you already use, on Windows, Apple, Android, and e-ink tablets like reMarkable and Onyx Boox. I have built and refined it since 2013. Today professionals in more than 50 countries plan their work and their goals with it.

The Key2Success Planner connects your long-term vision to what you actually do today.

  • Syncs across every device, no subscription
  • Hyperlinked navigation and free setup training
Work with me

Coaching and strategy for you, your team, or your organization

Through Meridian Shift, my marketing and advisory practice, I help you get unstuck and grow. You get direct access to me, not a handoff to a junior account manager.

You

One-on-one coaching to sharpen your focus, build a planning system that sticks, and move on the goals that matter.

Your team

Team development and leadership coaching that turns individual effort into a rhythm your whole team runs on.

Your organization

Fractional CMO leadership and marketing strategy you can execute, without the cost of a full-time hire.

The best marketing advice comes from people who have actually done the work, not people who only teach it.

Work with Meridian Shift
AI and productivity

Put AI to work in your business, without the hype

I build practical AI tools, skills, and workflows that help you and your team get more done, and get found in AI search. I use them every day across my own companies, then help clients implement the same systems.

Applied AI, not theory

Tools and skills built from real use across my own companies.

AI search visibility

Get your business cited in AI Overviews, AI Mode, ChatGPT, and Perplexity.

Systems you keep

Workflows your team can run after I leave, not a black box.

See how I use AI
About Branden

Twenty years of building, from the ground up

I started building businesses in 2004, and I have not stopped since. I have launched more than 50 startups, served over 2,000 businesses, and built four companies of my own. I have done the marketing, made payroll, shipped the product, and learned what works by being responsible for the result.

That is the experience I bring to every client and every planner user. I do not hand you a framework and wish you luck. I have run the play myself.

I have built four companies, launched more than 50 startups, and served over 2,000 businesses since 2004.

Four companies builtFounder and owner across marketing, print, media, and digital products.
50+ startups launchedHands-on from idea to first customers.
Planner users in 50+ countriesA system trusted well beyond Wisconsin.
The companies I build and own

A portfolio built on the same playbook

Different industries, one operating principle: do the work, then teach it.

Meridian ShiftMarketing

Marketing consultancy and fractional CMO advisory. Navigate what's next.

Visit site
TriMedia DesignMedia agency

Full-service media and marketing agency in Central Wisconsin. Create. Amplify. Dominate.

Visit site
Premier PrintingPrint

Custom print, apparel, and signage in Marshfield, Wisconsin. More than ink.

Visit site
WiscoLensTravel photo

Wisconsin travel photography and videography, plus stories from the road.

Visit site
VIN Rev JournalAutomotive

A guide to automotive marketing for dealers and industry professionals.

Visit site
Sideline ShotsPhotography

Sports and aerial drone photography. Dedicated site coming soon; view the gallery.

View gallery
Latest from the blog

Recent writing and planning resources

Practical notes on planning, productivity, devices, and AI.

Planning

2026 has 53 weeks. Here's what that means for your planning.

Read the post Devices

The best e-ink tablet for your needs

Read the post AI

How to use AI with your reMarkable

Read the post
Why work with me

I do not hand you a framework and wish you luck.

I have run the play myself, across four companies and more than 2,000 businesses. That is the difference you feel from the first conversation.

Where do you want to start?

Let's build something that works

Pick the path that fits where you are right now.

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Commonly Asked Questions

No, it is a one-time purchase of a digital download product. We do offer a program where you can get invoiced for the new version each year at a discount, but we do NOT store credit card information or auto-bill you. That being said, you will need to purchase a new planner each year. Think of the planner as a digital version of a regular paper planner. Every year, you’ll need to get a new one because the dates change, and we also add new features and update pages. Read more here.

Digital planning refers to the use of digital tools and technologies to organize, schedule, and manage tasks, events, and information typically done with traditional paper planners or notebooks. Instead of using physical paper and pen, digital planning involves the use of electronic devices like smartphones, tablets, or computers, along with specialized applications or software designed for planning purposes. Get started HERE.

Our planning system works with a number of applications and devices. Most common applications used by the Key2Success™ family are OneNote, GoodNotes, Noteshelf, Notability, and ReMarkable – as well as many others. Click here to explore which application is right for you and your device.

Digital planners can sync across your devices. You only need to purchase one planner and it will sync to all of your devices IF the application and devices are compatible. Click here to see which application is best for you based on your devices. Also learn how they will sync here.

Yes, on most apps and devices you can also type in your planner. Designed for handwriting, our digital planners can also be typed in. Learn more here. 

The Key2Success system is designed to help you get organized and achieve your goals. With tiles, you can easily copy and go into the page and build your own template to write in, type in, and be able to do a bunch of cool stuff. We have a bunch of tiles available that allow you to customize. Learn more about TILES.

Stickers – This is one of the more popular ways to customize your planner. In the digital world, a “sticker” is a file (usually a PNG) that is inserted into your workspace and placed digitally where you want it to be. Key2Success doesn’t sell decorative stickers, but any stickers can be inserted into your planner if you want them. That being said, we do offer “Tiles” which are functional “stickers” that help you customize your workspace. More on that coming…

Tiles – You can take a blank canvas or custom template and make it your own. With tiles, you can easily copy and go into the page and build your own template to write in, type in, and be able to do a bunch of cool stuff. We’ll have a bunch of tiles available that will allow you to customize. Stay tuned to learn more about this feature in our professional and builder series. LEARN MORE ABOUT TILES HERE.

We offer remote installation support here, and installation guides to help if you want to install yourself:

OneNote HERE.
Goodnotes HERE.
NoteShelf HERE.
ReMarkable HERE.
Noteability HERE.
Samsung Notes HERE.
Supernote HERE.
Amazon Kindle Scribe HERE.

Key2Success Digital Planner Editions

All Digital Planners come in 1 of 4 editions. Each edition has an individual set of tools designed for your success in your personal, professional, business or executive career. When purchasing the planner you have the option to add on Tiles, Training and additional tools. 

Here are descriptions for the four versions of the Key2Success Planner, or find a full comparison in the table below:

Personal Key2Success Planner: The Personal Key2Success Planner is crafted for individuals seeking a comprehensive planning tool to enhance their daily lives. Tailored to personal growth and productivity, this planner integrates goal-setting, habit tracking, and scheduling to help you achieve work-life balance. With sections dedicated to personal development and self-care, this version empowers users to manage their personal goals, tasks, and aspirations efficiently.

Professional Key2Success Planner: Designed for professionals seeking to optimize their productivity and organization, the Professional Key2Success Planner is a powerful tool. This version combines task management, project planning, and goal setting to assist in achieving professional milestones. With features such as meeting agendas, priority tasks, and performance tracking, it empowers users to excel in their careers while maintaining a healthy work-life harmony.

Business Key2Success Planner: The Business Key2Success Planner caters to entrepreneurs, small business owners, or those deeply involved in running their ventures. This planner provides dedicated sections for financial planning, marketing strategies, and business goal tracking. It’s a dynamic tool to manage projects, collaborations, and financial metrics, enabling users to drive their businesses towards success and growth.

Executive Key2Success Planner: Tailored for high-level executives and individuals in leadership positions, the Executive Key2Success Planner is a sophisticated organizational instrument. It integrates strategic planning, team management, and high-level goal setting, serving as a comprehensive guide for decision-making and long-term vision. With sections for delegation, KPI monitoring, and executive summaries, this planner empowers leaders to steer their teams and organizations towards success.

Each version of the Key2Success Planner is meticulously crafted to suit different aspects of life, ensuring users have a robust and versatile planning tool for their specific needs. You can find these planners in digital format for seamless integration with OneNote, offering convenience and flexibility for individuals across various spheres of life.

On the Blog

On the Key2Success blog, we cover tech reviews, planner tips, and industry insights.