Tom Wheeler
president and CEO, Wigwam Mills Inc.
“Business leaders experience their fair share of sleepless nights thanks to immediate business challenges, issues and problems, but more of us should lose sleep over the decisions that affect the longer term. As leaders, we underestimate our impact on business processes, manufacturing and procedures and how they may be negatively or positively affecting the environment or our internal sustainability efforts. Sometimes, it is the simplest of course corrections that have the most significant and long-lasting impacts.”
Suzanne Powers
chief executive officer, broker owner, Suzanne Powers Realty Group Inc.
“If you’re a small business owner, you must know your numbers inside and out. Every 30 days, review your P&L statement and meet with your accountant. The other important aspect is culture. Establishing and maintaining a positive culture is vital for continued success and growth, and creating that culture starts at the top.”
Mark Mohr
president and CEO, First Bank Financial Centre
“Never underestimate the value of a strong culture. Our mission statement, ‘Make Lives Better,’ is a bold declaration that our employees are empowered to help our customers and stakeholders. Without the opportunity to be a part of something greater than themselves, employees become disengaged and the business suffers.”
Jim Injeski
chair of SCORE SE Wisconsin and chair of Executive Agenda
“How to handle a person, activity or performance that needs to be confronted. Conflict is tough. No one wants to deal with it when you don’t have a replacement, so determine that something needs to be done and do it. You’ll feel much better about it.”
George Keppler
owner, Brew City Beer Gear Inc.
“Customer service is imperative these days, and there is also a large emphasis on internal company culture. I wholeheartedly agree with these key focuses. However, I have learned how vital it is to build sincere, mutually beneficial relationships with vendors/suppliers. These relationships are key to success for all.”