OwnersEdge Inc. (Formerly CC&N/NEXT Electric)

OwnersEdge Inc. (Formerly CC&N/NEXT Electric)
3325 Gateway Road, Brookfield
www.ownersedgeinc.com
Year founded: 1985
Product or service offered: Employee-owned holding company that strives to invest in sustainable companies throughout the Midwest. Portfolio includes CC&N and NEXT Electric Inc.
Leadership team: Lisa Reardon, CEO; Christine Adee, vice president of finance; Lynnette Fritz, vice president of human resources; Bob Wolf, vice president of information systems; Jeffrey Van Domelen, president of CC&N; Chris Surges, president of NEXT Electric
Projected 2015 revenue: Not disclosed
Target clientele: Client companies range from small to Fortune 500 companies in health care, manufacturing, local government, education, financial services and construction industries.
Business organization memberships: MMAC, WCBA, Associated Builders & Contractors, TEC, Wisconsin Healthcare Technology Association, RAMAC, Communication Network Design Standards organization, Employee Stock Ownership Association, Management Resources Association
What has fueled your company’s growth?
“Expansion through the further investment in NEXT Electric, strategic additions of various technology solutions, retention of key customers through outstanding service and close customer relationships, and high level expertise in design, installations and ongoing service, as well as the ESOP employee ownership mentality.”
What is the biggest obstacle to your company’s growth?
“Our greatest challenge continues to be the struggle we have in finding potential employees in the skilled trades for both CC&N and NEXT Electric.”
Do you plan to make any changes to your company?
“OwnersEdge is actively seeking a diversified acquisition to join the corporation. We are focused on acquiring solid, well-respected companies. Our structure ensures a transfer of control that protects the company’s legacy and is able to reward the loyal employees that helped build the business by offering all employees at all affiliated businesses the benefit of ESOP employee ownership.”
Who are the business people you admire? 
“I have been very fortunate to have many mentors and leaders locally that have helped me in my career, and whom I admire. I continue to value the business insight provided by John Howman, president of Allied Consulting and a member of our board, who challenges my thinking and brings new ideas continually. I also admire the courage that Scott Walker has for shaking things up and causing people to examine the status quo. Without that leadership quality, opportunities for improvement are often missed.”
What is the outlook for your industry?
“Strong market conditions, driven by an improving economy and the recent growth of the construction industry.”