THE EXECUTIVE and Lew Eklund are often spoken of in the same breath, with equal respect. Foaled in 1973, he was first named DIAL BRIGHT THREE, and bred by well-known Martin Abrahamson. By DIAL BRIGHT TOO and out of DIAL RIGHT TIME, , and attracted Eklund's interest with the help of Ward Fenton.

Shown by Minic in 1975 and 1976, THE EXECUTIVE won every class he entered but one (he was reserve) and became National Champion Two Year-Old Stallion.  

 The stallion now has more than 40 medallion winning sons and daughters, diverse in their talents as winners in halter, pleasure, jumping, reining, roping, cattle classes, trail, side saddle, and racing.