5 minute read
A Brief Case
What’s one important lesson you’ve learned this year and how will you apply it to 2021, and beyond?
Mike Underwood President Underwood Events LLC
“As soon as COVID-19 was declared a pandemic in March, we began receiving cancellation inquiries from clients. By the middle of April, 100% of our clients had canceled events for the remainder of the year.
“In an industry that is predicated on physically bringing people together, our firm’s future was at risk because it was impossible to do that very thing. But like so many of our colleagues and partners in the sphere of corporate event management, we learned to be more nimble and adapt in ways we never anticipated. Clients began looking to us as subject matter experts in topics ranging from safely bringing small groups together and virtual formats for communicating messages to key stakeholders to food safety guidelines and force majeure contract clauses.
“We were forced to make decisions and establish key strategies in a matter of weeks, if not days. As a result, we introduced a new core service, Underwood Corporate Concierge, that is a viable solution for business people who need assistance with both routine and unique tasks but who may no longer feel safe completing them.
“While we are slowly seeing signs of business returning, our forecasts are nowhere near pre-pandemic levels. Our patience and nimble reaction to the ever-changing business climate has positioned us to recover as our industry does.” Charlotte Fairburn Owner Aesthetics 360
“The challenges of 2020 have resulted in a series of lessons related to planning, diversifying resources and learning to pivot at a moment’s notice. The main lesson I’ve learned is that there is power in community.
“Be it local community, the community of small business owners, or the community within the aesthetic industry. The help of some of my colleagues has recently gotten me through staffing challenges because I asked for help. Vendors helped out while we were closed, with extending invoice payment terms. Our clients have stayed loyal. In turn, we have been able to create three new jobs. We gave away 50 free facials to essential workers and will be giving back to the community by implementing a charitable donations program for the upcoming holiday season.
“Tapping into the resources available around us allows our business to stay strong, keep our employees and service our clients. I have learned to not be afraid to ask for help. In 2021 and beyond, I will continue to look for ways to contribute as an employer to my team, a provider to our clients, a member of the local small business community, and as a resource to others in my industry.” Rob Levin Vice President of Operations F Street Hospitality
“For the food and beverage industry, tourism industry, disposable income industries, this has been a year like no other. I think I speak for all restaurateurs when I say in my entire career of more than 30 years, the past eight months have been the most challenging. With that being said, I truly believe in times of struggle, there is always a silver lining.
“For our industry, it has always been about nickels and dimes. Moving forward, at least for the unforeseeable future, it will be about pennies. Doing more with less will take on a whole new meaning up and down the industry — smaller menus, smaller staff who are more versatile, the need for cross training at an all time high. Less purveyors on all levels to maximize buying power and rebate programs. And stronger leadership.
“The leaders of our industry must invest in their people more intently, more diligently, and more empathetically to fully understand that every single decision we make these days will cost us or make us pennies. And looking around the restaurant world, we all have very few pennies to lose.”
BIZ PEOPLE Advertising Section: New Hires, Promotions, Accolades and Board Appointments
CONSULTING
Familiar Face Offers New Resources
Jennifer Ott, a familiar face in fundraising & cancer awareness, has opened Jennifer Ott Consulting, Inc.. Ott leverages her 25+ years in professional services to offer custom Marketing Strategy, Leadership Development Training and Public Speaking.
STAFFING
WFA names new Germantown office Branch Manager
Megan DeGeorge
has been promoted to Branch Manager for their new Germantown location. DeGeorge will be managing all sales and recruiting efforts for this office in addition to her responsibilities as Recruiting Manager for all 3 WFA office locations.
COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE
David M.
Washebek Elected VP, National Electrical Contractors Association District IV. Lemberg President/CEO David M. Washebek is elected VP, National Electrical Contractors Association District IV (WI, MI, IL, IN, KY). He’ll provide leadership for NECA policies. Earlier this year he became Fellow of Academy of Electrical Contracting.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
To place your listing, or for more information, please visit biztimes.com/bizconnect
NONPROFIT
Robertson promoted as GMF’s first EVP, COO and CFO
The Greater Milwaukee Foundation has promoted Kenneth Robertson to Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer as he continues to guide the community foundation toward its strategic and operational objectives. He has been serving the Foundation as vice president and CFO since October 2015. In his expanded role, Robertson will adopt greater responsibility and authority across the organization. In addition to his established leadership in the ThriveOn Collaboration, he will assume direct responsibility for the Foundation’s impact investing program and human resources functions.
NONPROFIT
Ponting promoted as VP Finance and Controller at GMF
Wendy Ponting
has been promoted to Vice President of Finance & Controller at the Greater Milwaukee Foundation. Ponting has served on the Foundation’s finance team since 1998 and has been controller for nine years. Her sharp technical skills and strong institutional knowledge have been critical to the Foundation’s growth and success. In addition to her controllership responsibilities, Ponting will assume expanded financial responsibility managing the Foundation’s cash disbursement and cash receipt cycles.
