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Learning lessons from 2020
For the second straight year, BizTimes closed out 2020 by asking readers to share their best business decisions from the past 12 months and lessons learned from the year. The responses were posted to BizTimes.com in late December. Here is a sample of some of their lessons learned:
‘RESILIENCY TAKES PRACTICE’
After Kahler Slater principal Tom Miller passed away unexpectedly in 2019, the architecture firm made a point of investing in resiliency across the company.
“In all business there will be times of uncertainty and it requires openness and trust to navigate through as a team,” said Glenn Roby, executive vice president of Milwaukee-based Kahler Slater. “We had no way to predict the impact of our newly forged resilient mindset, but the pandemic has certainly highlighted the strengths we have gained.”
‘MONEY IS A TOOL’
Aaron Saray, owner of Milwaukee-based More Better Faster, pointed out that money is for taking care of needs, acquiring things and experiences, or removing pain.
“We use money to help measure success in business and to help collateralize risky ideas,” Saray said. “Make sure it isn’t the goal, though. It’s not the basis of meaning. Businesses exist to generate money and potentially wealth, but they also exist for many other reasons. Don’t let your temporary monetary setbacks make you question your reason and meaning.”
‘PERSEVERANCE’
Paul Hager, director of solutions at Madison-based Elevity, said the company’s mission is to help people succeed through technology, and the COVID-19 pandemic did not change the need or the mission.
“Things are changing rapidly, but one thing that doesn’t is the need to get up every day and keep doing your mission,” Hager said. n
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EDUCATION
Laquitha “Elle”
Bonds has been appointed vice president, human resources at Milwaukee Area Technical College. She will oversee talent management, succession planning, innovation, collaboration, employee recognition, compensation, benefits, legal compliance and data analysis; position MATC as a preferred employer; and serve as a change agent for diversity, equity, inclusion and multiculturalism. Bonds was previously director of talent operations at Waukesha County Technical College. She holds a bachelor’s from Concordia University and a master’s from Cardinal Stritch University. Jim Pacioni Joins Lemberg Signs and Lighting Sales Team Lemberg Signs and Lighting hired Jim Pacioni (UWMadison) as outside sales representative covering southeastern Wisconsin. Jim brings 22 years of sales experience in the signs, wire and cable industries and is known for his customer-centric approach. Attorney Ryan T. Siehr promoted to shareholder at von Briesen & Roper, s.c As a shareholder and the chair of the Health Information Privacy and Security Section, Ryan advises hospitals, health care systems, physician groups and providers regarding transactional health care matters including technology-related agreements.
EDUCATION
Dr. Naydeen Gonzalez-De Jesus
has been appointed Milwaukee Area Technical College’s executive vice president of student success, bringing together academics and student services in a new structure. She has served as the public diplomacy officer for the U.S. Embassy in Argentina; and in leadership positions in student services and academics at Bergen Community College, Rowan College at Burlington County, and Salem Community College. She holds a bachelor’s from Penn State University, a master’s from Rowan University and a doctorate from Northcentral University. Greg Block has over 18 years of experience, including Commercial Banking, Private Banking, Portfolio Management, and Credit Administration. He works with clients to provide effective growth strategies for their businesses while minimizing financial risks. Meissner Tierney Welcomes James J. Wawrzyn as an Attorney Meissner Tierney Fisher & Nichols S.C. is pleased to welcome James J. Wawrzyn as an Attorney. James’ practice focuses on general corporate matters and he will work on the transaction team at the firm.
NONPROFIT
Sheila Mayhorn
has been promoted to Chief Human Resource Officer of YWCA Southeast Wisconsin. A seasoned HR leader of 20+ years, Sheila joined YWCA SEW in 2017. As a member of the executive leadership team, she will lead YWCA SEW’s talent management, leadership development and compensation & benefits areas. A United States Army veteran, Sheila earned her MBA from Cardinal Stritch University and a Bachelors in Communications from Illinois State University. Sheila holds a certificate in Professional in Human Resources, and is a member of Society of Human Resources Management, Metro Milwaukee SHRM, HRCI, and NAAAHR.
MEDIA & MARKETING
Milwaukee PBS announces the hiring of award-winning journalist Mariano Avila as its new bilingual reporter/producer starting January 11, 2021. Avila’s storytelling efforts will focus on Latinos and contribute to station-wide initiatives.
NONPROFIT
Jackie Carter has been promoted to Director of Economic Empowerment Programs at YWCA Southeast Wisconsin. In her new role, she will further advance financial literacy education into YWCA SEW’s adult education and
CONSTRUCTION
LEGAL SERVICES
FINANCIAL SERVICES
LEGAL SERVICES
workforce readiness programs.
FINANCIAL SERVICES
Waukesha State Bank promoted Kyle Kees to vice president – commercial banking team lead. In his new role, Kyle will be responsible for helping shape the commercial banking department’s sales culture, business development and mark visibility.
LEGAL SERVICES
Gimbel, Reilly, Guerin & Brown (GRGB) has announced that they have promoted
Max T. Stephenson
to Partner. Stephenson has been with GRGB since 2012 when he first joined as a law clerk. Max exclusively serves the firm in all areas of family law.
LEGAL SERVICES
Attorney Adam R. Finkel promoted to shareholder at von Briesen & Roper, s.c Finkel is a shareholder in the Milwaukee office. His practice focuses on commercial real estate matters, representing clients in the purchase, sale, development and leasing of real property. In addition, he is an experienced litigator.
ARCHITECTURE
RAMLOW/STEIN Architecture + Interiors names Tara Christian Associate
RAMLOW/STEIN Architecture + Interiors has named Tara Christian as an Associate of the firm for her leadership, award-winning design work and her significant role in client development. Tara will also retain her position as Director of Interiors.
