5 minute read
ON MY NIGHTSTAND GETTING THERE
MICHAEL QUILL Director of marketing Affinity Strategic Marketing, Inc.
GETTING THERE
“This Tender Land” By William Kent Krueger
MICHAEL QUILL, director of marketing for Racine-based Affinity Strategic Marketing, discovered novelist William Kent Krueger while searching for novels on his Kindle. “I read his first stand-alone novel, ‘Ordinary Grace,’ years ago and absolutely loved it,” Quill said. “I couldn’t wait for his next novel, ‘This Tender Land,’ to be published so I pre-ordered it.”
“This Tender Land” is set in Minnesota during the Great Depression. It chronicles the journey of four orphans after they flee the harsh treatment of the head administrator of their orphanage.
“It truly is a page-turner,” Quill said. “I found myself overwhelmingly eager to learn the fate of the main characters because each new encounter on their journey was more enthralling than the previous ones. Mr. Krueger’s character development and dialogue are excellent. I read a lot of non-fiction so occasionally reading a novel like this provides a great escape.” n
Presented by the
THE UNCERTAIN FUTURE OF AMERICAN DEMOCRACY
F R I D A Y, M A R C H 6 , 2 0 2 0 7:15 AM -10:00 AM
Harley-Davidson Museum The Garage 500 W. Canal St. - Milwaukee
Rebecca Ryan
Adapt and align your business in a time when many institutions, including our government – are anything but certain. Rebecca Ryan, renowned futurist and author, will provide insights into the big questions facing our economy and nation and help bring the future into focus.
2020 Platinum Sponsors: 2020 Media Partner:
What drew you to the role? “My background is central to who I am — both in a personal and professional capacity —and I have always been passionate about the role the AAPI community should play in civic society. The DNC presents an opportunity to bring together various Asian communities in Milwaukee, and I knew that by becoming involved with the work at the Host Committee, I could help to ensure those communities are both represented by and feel the economic impact associated with the convention.”
Favorite part about the job? “I am constantly learning more about the city and the narrative and contributions of the different Asian communities who live and work here. There is such a rich history evident in Milwaukee’s AAPI community, and I am honored to be in a position where I’m responsible for building relationships with those who have experienced it firsthand.”
What’s been challenging? “The time frame. We’re moving quickly to ensure the convention is a success for Wisconsinites and convention guests alike. Specifically, the team I work with is responsible for recruiting 15,000 volunteers in an extremely short period of time.”
Ultimate career goal? “One of my ultimate career goals is to run a venture fund that focuses exclusively on female entrepreneurs and entrepreneurs of color. I want to leave a legacy that uplifts the AAPI community and increases our visibility and representation.”
What do you like to do outside of work? “I love to travel, practice yoga, and of course, spend time with my close friends.” n
JESSICA BOLING
Director of community engagement, Asian American and Pacific Islander Milwaukee 2020 Host Committee AGE: 35 HOMETOWN: Coupeville, Washington EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degree from Seattle University and master’s from Boston College PREVIOUS POSITION: Director of operations at Silicon Pastures Angel Investor Network
Thursday, March 12th, 2020 7:00 - 11:00 AM | Milwaukee Marriott Downtown
BUILD LOCAL. GROW GLOBAL. NOW IS THE TIME TO BUY OR SELL.
Business is strong and the greater Milwaukee region is enjoying a renaissance. Take advantage of the attention focused on Milwaukee as you consider buying a business or selling your business. The economy is still growing but with global instability and uncertainty, what should your next move be? Prepare with the right tools and knowledge. The M&A Forum will include a keynote presentation followed by a panel discussion with buy and sell side panelists. The program continues with breakout sessions focused on the hows and whys of building value, creative financing that maximizes cash flow and why cyber security is a key area of due diligence. Keynote: Key Strategies to Build Sustainable Scale • Paul Stillmank, Founder & CEO, 7Summits Companies seeking capital infusion, PE partnerships or longer-term M&A outcomes should focus on building sustainable scale. Paul Stillmank, Founder and CEO of 7Summits, will discuss the importance of three key strategies within your business: 1) a focused go-to-market; 2) a defined offering set; and 3) a predictable bookings motion. Paul will describe how each of these, combined with a great company culture, set the foundation for building a local business that can reach global proportions. Panel discussion topics include: • Growing your workforce through strategic business acquisition • Developing an effective company culture to accelerate growth • Recapitalization and its advantages and lessons learned • Selling to a strategic buyer and transitioning to an ESOP Panelists: • Andrea Bukacek, CEO, Bukacek Construction (1) • Paul Grunau, Chief Learning Officer, APi Group (2) • Ryan Martin, CEO, Midwest Composite Technologies (3) • Moderator: Ann Hanna , MBA, CPA, Managing Director & Owner, Taureau Group (4)
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Concurrent Breakout Sessions: Secrets to Unlocking Business Value There are actions you can take today to help you realize the greatest value at market. This session will provide: • Insights on the market for private businesses • What creates value from the buyer’s perspective • Exit options • Deal structures that can maximize proceeds • Non-financial considerations Session Speakers: • Ann Hanna, MBA, CPA, Managing Director & Owner, Taureau Group • Corey Vanderpoel, MBA, Managing Director & Owner, Taureau Group
Creative Financing that Maximizes Cash Flow In this session you’ll learn about available acquisition financing enhancements that can help overcome challenges in leveraging less expensive senior financing while minimizing the debt service strain on cash flow. This will be supported by real life examples from the perspective of the business owner, investor, SBA and banker. Session Speakers: • Gerard Berenz, Director of SBA, SVP, Old National Bank • Steve Kohl, Vice President, WBD Inc. • Frank Lotter, President, Lotter Enterprises • Tommy Olson, SVP Commercial Banking, Old National Bank • Dan Phlegar, Founding Partner, Mezzanine Investor, Oxer Capital, Inc. Moderator: Inge Plautz, Senior Vice President and Executive Business Development Officer, Old National Bank
Avoiding Data Privacy Traps in the M&A Process Attend this session to learn about the importance of sound cyber security and privacy practices in maximizing the value of your business. Proper Cyber Security is a key area of diligence. You’ll hear about both - the buyer and seller perspective, and the horror stories about ransomware attacks, stolen wires and identity thefts, and what you need to do to protect yourself as a buyer or seller. Session Speakers: • Martin McLaughlin, Corporate Shareholder and the Chair of Reinhart’s Data Privacy and Cybersecurity Practice, Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren • Melissa Zabkowicz, Corporate Attorney and a member of Reinhart’s Data Privacy and Cybersecurity Practice, Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren
