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Anthony Cruz

BizTimes Staff
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Anthony Cruz

President
Milwaukee Area Technical College  |  Milwaukee

Anthony Cruz began his tenure as president of Milwaukee Area Technical College in July 2024. He is responsible for day-to-day administration, management and oversight of all college operations and for developing business and community partnerships. MATC has over 30,000 students, employs over 1,500 people and offers more than 180 programs. The college generates roughly $1.4 billion in annual economic activity, and 92% of its graduates work in Wisconsin. Previously, Cruz was president of the Kendall Campus of Miami Dade College in Florida, vice chancellor of student affairs at St. Louis Community College and vice president of enrollment management and student affairs at Sinclair Community College in Dayton, Ohio.

Education: Bachelor’s, Florida International University; master’s, Florida State University; doctorate, Florida International University

What would you like to change about Wisconsin: “Wisconsin will be even better when we reduce racial/ethnic achievement gaps in higher education, and we are committed to this important work.”

The future of your industry: “Key elements of the future of higher education include the need for more badges and short-term credentials to meet workforce needs. MATC offers dozens of badges and is preparing to launch a badge application to allow students to more easily access them.”

What would you do if you could choose another career: “Sports broadcaster.”

Your secret talent: “I know how to play the trumpet.”

🔒 Gabrielle Finley-Hazle

BizTimes Staff
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🔒 Gabrielle Finley-Hazle

President
Aurora Health Care | Milwaukee 

Gabrielle Finley-Hazle became president of Aurora Health Care in late 2023. A subsidiary of Charlotte, North Carolina-based Advocate Health, Aurora Health is the largest health care system in Wisconsin and the state’s largest private employer, with about 42,000 employees. Finley-Hazle oversees 18 hospitals and 300 sites of care across the state. Previously, she was market president and CEO of Dignity Health Arizona Central and West Valley Markets in the Southwest Division of CommonSpirit Health. She is a member of the Greater Milwaukee Committee and a board member for the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Milwaukee World Festival.

Education: Bachelor’s and master’s, Cornell University

How do you see the future of your industry?
“I feel so inspired by the future of health care. The continued integration of technology, the focus on preventive care and an emphasis on sustainability, AI solutions and innovations in care delivery will be part of the future of our industry.”

If you could choose any other career path, what would you want to do?
“Be an owner of an NBA team and the owner of a private equity firm. However, I love health care and feel like I was born to be a health care professional. Our patients, their care and their experience, require our entire team working together. I believe we have a championship team serving our communities in Wisconsin.”

Do you have a secret talent?
“People are surprised to learn that I ran a marathon in Alaska (to raise money for cancer patients), but I love to dance so that’s probably my true hidden talent. I grew up in a family that embraced all different cultures and music.”

What advice would you give to someone going into a leadership position for the first time?
“Make sure you know the difference between a mentor and a sponsor and it’s important to have both. Also, remember that leadership is a privilege, and we are always learning and growing. Don’t ever stop learning and reading. Invest in your people and invest in yourself and your growth as a leader.”

Is there anything new that you would like to learn this year?
“Two of my kids snowboard and it’s something I’ve always wanted to try. So, this winter, I’d like to take advantage of some of the great ski hills throughout Wisconsin and learn how to snowboard.”

Is there a historical figure you look up to?
“Patricia Roberts Harris was a trailblazer and an inspiration for so many women, including myself. She was a woman of firsts – the first Black woman to serve as a U.S. Ambassador, the first Black woman to become the dean of a law school, the first Black woman to serve in a presidential cabinet and the first African American to be named Health and Human Services Secretary. She was also the first Black woman to sit on the board of a Fortune 500 company when she was named to the IBM board of directors in 1971. She rose to the challenges set before her and kept public service at the forefront of everything she did.”

What was your first concert and what was your most recent concert?
“My first concert was New Edition, a concert I attended with my sister back in the 1980s. My most recent concert was at Summerfest when I saw Maroon 5.”

Rich Barnhouse

BizTimes Staff
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Rich Barnhouse

President
Waukesha County Technical College  |  Pewaukee

Rich Barnhouse has led Waukesha County Technical College since 2021. The college reports enrollment of over 17,000 students and employs more than 1,500 staff and faculty. Under Barnhouse’s leadership, WCTC has expanded its offerings related to artificial intelligence, adding an applied AI lab to the campus and launching an AI Data Specialist associate degree program, the first two-year AI degree to be offered in Wisconsin. Before coming to WCTC, Barnhouse was vice president of student services and enrollment management at State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota. He also previously held various in-state roles, including associate vice chancellor for student affairs and enrollment management at the University of Wisconsin Colleges, dean of students at Moraine Park Technical College from 2007 to 2011, and assistant campus dean for administrative services at UW-Sheboygan from 2004 to 2007.

Education: Bachelor’s, Brock University; master’s, Central Michigan University; Ph.D., Cardinal Stritch University

What would you do if you could choose another career: “In another life, I’d like to be an economist.”

Buzzword you never want to hear again: “Best practice.”

The future of your industry: “The future is very exciting for WCTC – more programs and enrollment growth.”

Traits you seek for new hires: “Attitude and work ethic. Period.”

Dr. Imran Andrabi

BizTimes Staff
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Dr. Imran Andrabi

President and CEO
Froedtert ThedaCare Health Inc. | Wauwatosa

Dr. Imran Andrabi was appointed president of the newly combined Froedtert ThedaCare in January 2024, and six months later became chief executive officer of the Wauwatosa-based health system. Froedtert ThedaCare has more than 22,000 employees, 3,400 providers, 18 hospitals and more than 360 outpatient locations.

Previously, Andrabi led ThedaCare as president and CEO. Under his leadership, ThedaCare completed a $100 million project to modernize its legacy hospital in Neenah with its Level 2 Trauma Center and ThedaStar Air Medical system; built a new Orthopedic, Spine and Pain Center in Appleton; and built a new emergency department in Berlin. Prior to joining ThedaCare in 2017, Andrabi was president and CEO of Mercy Health in Toledo, Ohio.

Education: M.D., King Edward Medical College in Pakistan; pre-medicine studies, F.G. Sir Syed College

Your secret talent: “I am a singer and have been a vocalist in a band in a past life. Long time ago.”

Traits you seek for new hires: “Values, principles, fit and mindset.”

What would you like to change about Wisconsin: “We are a best kept secret, and we need to talk about it more so we can attract the right businesses and people to our state and continue to make it a healthy, high-quality, vibrant state in the future.”

Favorite movie: “‘Top Gun.’ I love flying. I grew up as an Air Force brat. Love fighter jets.”

2022 Wisconsin 275 Profile

President and CEO
ThedaCare  |  Neenah

Dr. Imran Andrabi took over as president and chief executive officer of Neenah-based ThedaCare in 2017. Previously, Andrabi was regional president and chief executive officer of the Toledo region for Mercy Health. With more than 7,000 employees, ThedaCare serves 600,000 patients across 180 points of care, including eight hospitals. In October, ThedaCare announced a joint venture with Froedtert through which the health systems will build medical campuses in Fond du Lac and Oshkosh. Construction is also currently underway on a $100 million project to modernize its Neenah hospital campus.

Education: M.D., King Edward Medical College in Pakistan; pre-medicine studies, F. G. Sir Syed College

What was your first job, and what did you learn from it?
“My first job was as an intern right out of medical school. It was a huge learning curve. I did my best to learn everything possible to better care for the people who entrusted me with their health.”

What piece of advice has had the most significant impact on your career?
“God has given us two ears and one mouth. Use it in that proportion.”

If you could have dinner with any two business leaders, who would you choose and why?
“I would be fascinated to have dinner with Steve Jobs, if he were still with us. It would be fascinating to learn more about his mind and innovation. He helped create something that people did not even know they needed or wanted – it was incredible. And the second person would be Elon Musk. I just want to understand how he thinks about things – I am really curious.”

What are some of your favorite destinations/places to visit?
“I love to travel. I haven’t travelled to a bad place yet in my journeys. There are always great people to meet, and awe inspiring sceneries to take in.”

What is one book you think everyone should read and why?
“‘Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap and Others Don’t,’ by Jim Collins. It changed my life. The concepts are unshakable and eternal.”

What’s your hobby/passion?
“Listening to music. I also enjoy singing and collecting good wine.”

What is your favorite Wisconsin restaurant and what do you order there?
“I am sucker for good food anywhere, any kind and flavor, so long as it is nice to my palate. I have had some great food in the state of Wisconsin.”

What would people be surprised to learn about you (fun fact)?
“I was a lead vocalist in a pop band in medical school.”

What was your first car? How long did you drive it for?
“My first car was a Honda Accord. I had it for two years.”

If you could take a one-year sabbatical, what would you do?
“I would go to law school. I am fascinated with law. I come from a family of lawyers and judges. I suppose I was the only black sheep who followed a different career path.”

What’s the toughest business challenge you’ve had to overcome?
“The last three years of the COVID pandemic. We are still learning how to navigate and overcome the challenges that stemmed from the pandemic.”

What advice would you give to a young professional?
“Believe in yourself and your dreams. Be confident about where you wish to go, and figure out how to get there – it is never a straight path.”

What has been your/your company’s most significant success over the last 12 months?
“The COVID-19 pandemic changed how people receive care, when and where care takes place, and what they expect from care partners. The lessons learned from the last 12 months and more from this pandemic will stay with us for generations. As I reflect on this time, I am proud. Proud of the communities and the support so many people provided for our health care workers. Proud of the patients and families who trusted us with their health and care. Proud of our dedicated team members. Through the most difficult of times, our teams stood true to our calling to do what it takes to care for our community. The strength and resilience as one ThedaCare team continues to shine as we pursue our mission to improve the health and well-being of our communities.”

What is one thing you would change about Wisconsin to make it even better?
“We need to talk about ourselves more and let people know what all we have to offer here. This is a great state with tremendous people and resources.”

As you enter your office, what would you choose to be your walk-up or theme song and why?
“‘Danger Zone!’ Not because of my office, but because of the energy and can-do attitude!”

Is there a nonprofit cause that has special meaning to you?
“I am very much involved with the United Way in our community. I love their focus on financial, education and health stability for the people of our community. Those areas all resonate with me.”

What is the biggest risk You’ve ever taken?
“At the age of 24, I left my home and family back in Pakistan. I came to this country with my wife, a child on the way and no job. I was unsure how it was all going to work out. This is the essence of the American Dream. God has been super kind to me and my family.”

What’s at the top of your bucket list?
“I want to transform health care forever in this country. I am committed to helping people receive the best care in the easiest way possible, in the right place at the right time, and at the price point as they wish to receive it.”

What has you most excited about the future: “The future is bright and full of possibilities. We must be willing to get out of our own way and let the creativity, innovation and change happen. This pertains to health care, our communities, our lives and the way we will live in the future.”

Kimo Ah Yun

BizTimes Staff
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Kimo Ah Yun

President
Marquette University  |  Milwaukee

Kimo Ah Yun was elected the 25th president of Marquette University in November 2024. He had served in dual roles of acting president and provost since June 2024, following the death of former president Michael Lovell. The California native first joined Marquette as dean of the Diederich College of Communication in 2016. Previously, he was associate dean of the College of Arts and Letters at California State University, Sacramento.

Education: Bachelor’s, California State University-Sacramento; master’s, Kansas State University; doctorate, Michigan State University

If you could time travel: “July 24, 1999. Lummi Island, Washington. The day that I married my best friend.”

Definition of success: “Becoming the absolute best version that you can be of yourself while helping others to achieve the same thing.”

Favorite Wisconsin destination: “Door County in October. This is an annual tradition with my family. It is a great time of the year with the weather being perfect and is a slice of Wisconsin that is wholesome. The cherry pie is not that bad either.”

First and most recent concert: “Al Jarreau and Stayin’ Alive (Bee Gees cover band).”

Mark Rourke

BizTimes Staff
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Mark Rourke

President and CEO
Schneider National  |  Ashwaubenon

Mark Rourke has led Schneider National, a provider of transportation, intermodal and logistics services, since 2019. The company has about 17,300 employees and reports $5.5 billion in annual operating revenues. With a fleet of about 10,600 tractors and 47,300 trailers, the company manages about $2.4 billion in third-party freight annually.

Under Rourke’s leadership, the company acquired Ohio-based carrier Midwest Logistics Systems (a $263 million deal) and Blenker, Wisconsin-based deBoer Transportation in 2022. In 2023, the company acquired Massachusetts-based M&M Transport Services LLC, a deal that Schneider said placed it “on a glide path” toward $1.5 billion in annual dedicated contract revenues and 6,500 dedicated tractors in service to its customers.

Rourke serves on the board of directors for the Green Bay Packers, The Shyft Group and the Trucking Alliance. He joined the company in 1987 as a service team leader, and held various leadership roles, including executive vice president and chief operating officer, before being named president and chief executive officer.

Education: Bachelor’s, University of Akron

2022 Wisconsin 275 Profile

Manufacturing  |  Transportation & Logistics
President and CEO
Schneider National  |  Green Bay

Mark Rourke joined Schneider National in 1987 as a service team leader. He went on to hold various leadership roles including executive vice president and chief operating officer before being named president and chief executive officer in 2019. The publicly held, Ashwaubenon-based company is a major player in logistics nationally, serving about 8,500 customers and managing about $3 billion in third-party freight per year. The company employs about 16,000 people, including 3,000 locally. It ranked No. 555 on the Fortune 1000 in 2022 and reported $5.6 billion in revenue in 2021. The company has a fleet of about 9,000 tractors and 36,700 trailers. While he was COO, Rourke is credited with leading the company through significant growth and initiating the company’s “Driver Experience Initiative” to improve drivers’ work experience.

Under Rourke’s leadership, the company acquired Ohio-based carrier Midwest Logistics System in a $263 million cash deal early this year. The acquisition has grown Schneider’s truckload revenue. It also acquired Blenker, Wisconsin-based deBoer Transportation this year.

Rourke serves on the board of directors for the Green Bay Packers, The Shyft Group and the Trucking Alliance. He also serves on the Transportation & Logistics Task Force of the Greater Green Bay Chamber.

Education: Bachelor’s, University of Akron

Ronald Zelazo

BizTimes Staff
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Ronald Zelazo

CEO and chairman
Astronautics Corp. of America | Oak Creek

Ronald Zelazo leads Astronautics Corp. of America, an Oak Creek-based company that designs, develops and manufactures avionics equipment and systems for the commercial and military aerospace industry. The company was founded in 1959 by the brother-and-sister leadership team of Nathaniel Zelazo (Ronald’s father) and Norma Paige in an effort to meet emerging aerospace challenges. Since then, its products and services have been used by more than 150,000 civil and military aircraft. It is also the parent company of New Jersey-based Kearfott Corp., a designer and manufacturer of inertial and GPS-aided navigation components and systems and motion-and-control components for platforms used in air, space, land and sea.

In early 2020, Astronautics moved its corporate headquarters from Milwaukee’s north side to Oak Creek, and in 2022, the company also relocated its manufacturing operations to Oak Creek from a plant on Milwaukee’s near south side. That same year, the company sold its legacy electromechanical product line to Melbourne, Florida-based Extant Aerospace in a $27 million cash deal.

In 2024, the company was awarded a phase-one cybersecurity research contract from the Federal Aviation Administration through which it will identify and categorize several sets of data that will eventually be used to train an artificial intelligence model being developed by the FAA.

Rick Roehl

BizTimes Staff
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Rick Roehl

CEO
Roehl Transport  |  Marshfield

Rick Roehl leads Marshfield-based Roehl Transport, a family-owned multi-modal carrier. Roehl Transport is one of the 100 largest trucking companies in the nation, with more than 1,900 tractors and 5,200 trailers and annual revenues approaching $500 million. It employs more than 2,400 drivers. Roehl’s transportation services include dry van, flatbed and specialized, curtainside and refrigerated van. In addition to Marshfield, the company has terminal locations in Appleton, Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Iron Mountain (Michigan), Phoenix and drop yards in many other locations. Roehl’s father, Everett Roehl, founded the company with a single truck in 1962. Beginning his career as a truck driver, Rick Roehl held several jobs within the family firm before becoming chief executive officer, including fleet manager, load planner and other roles. Roehl maintains his Class A CDL and continues to get behind the wheel.

Education: Associate, Northcentral Technical College

2022 Wisconsin 275 Profile

Manufacturing  |  Transportation & Logistics
CEO
Roehl Transport  |  Marshfield

Having started his career as a truck driver, Rick Roehl today leads Roehl Transport, the transportation company his father, Everett Roehl, founded in 1962. Prior to taking the helm as chief executive officer, Rick Roehl did “most every job in the company,” according to a Roehl Transport bio. The company provides national transportation and logistics services, with more than 2,950 employees and 2,250 trucks. Its transportation services include dry van, flatbed and specialized, curtainside and refrigerated van. Last year, it ranked No. 73 on Transport Topic’s Top 100 list of U.S. and Canadian freight carriers by revenue. The company says it approaches $500 million in revenue annually. In addition to its Marshfield headquarters, Roehl has terminal locations in Georgia, Indiana, Texas, Michigan and Arizona. In 2013, the company acquired Brock Cold Storage and Trucking, integrating the company’s trucking operations into Roehl. Rick Roehl maintains his Class A CDL and continues to get behind the wheel.

Kimberly Jones

BizTimes Staff
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Kimberly Jones

Director
Dane County Airport | Madison

Kimberly Jones is director of the Dane County Airport, the third-largest full-time employer in Dane County. Jones has oversight of the airport’s finances and operations, including its 4,000 employees.

The airport generates an economic impact of over $600 million annually. According to the airport, nearly 6,500 workers are employed in the county as a result of airport operations and facilities use, generating over $140 million in wages to airport-related workers and $82 million in secondary wages paid to workers throughout the county.

Under Jones’ leadership, the airport completed an $85 million expansion of its south terminal in 2023, adding 90,000 square feet to the terminal. The airport saw nearly 1.1 million passengers in 2023, its third-busiest year in its history, and the airport has seen recent growth in commercial airline partnerships.

Jones has worked for the airport since 2004, was named its deputy director of finance and administration in 2011 and was selected as its director in 2018. Earlier in her career, Jones worked for the Des Moines International Airport.

Education: Bachelor’s, Drake University

2022 Wisconsin 275 Profile

Manufacturing  |  Transportation & Logistics
Director
Dane County Airport  |  Madison

Kimberly Jones has worked for the Dane County Regional Airport since 2004, was named its deputy director of finance and administration in 2011 and was selected as its director in 2018.

As deputy airport director, Jones was in charge of planning and directing the financial management of the airport’s $27 million operating budget, supervising financial operations, monitoring airport performance, assisting the director with developing policies and strategic planning, and developing the airport’s annual operating and capital budgets. Earlier in her career, Jones worked for the Des Moines International Airport.

As director of the Dane County airport, Jones has led the airport through a tumultuous two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic’s disruptions to the industry.

The third largest full-time employer in Dane County, the airport generates an estimated economic impact of more than $600 million annually.

The airport continues to make progress on its $85 million South Terminal Expansion project, which includes a 90,000-square-foot addition to the south end of the terminal. The new area will include a new restaurant and retail space, new restrooms, a business center, a children’s play area, and a service animal relief area. Phase one of the project is targeted for completion by the end of the year; phase two, which includes the demolition of the existing south end, is expected to be completed in July 2023.

Education: Bachelor’s, Drake University

Jochen Zeitz

BizTimes Staff
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Jochen Zeitz

Chairman, president and CEO
Harley-Davidson Inc.  |  Milwaukee

Jochen Zeitz has served as chairman, president and chief executive officer of Harley-Davidson since 2020. Under his leadership, the Milwaukee-based motorcycle manufacturer spun off its electric motorcycle division LiveWire in a SPAC deal in 2022, creating the first publicly traded electric motorcycle company in the country. Zeitz also serves as chairman of LiveWire, which in 2024 closed its labs facility in California and moved those operations to Harley’s Milwaukee headquarters.

In recent years, H-D has executed on its five-year streamlining plan, issued stock to 4,500 of its roughly 5,800 employees and opened a $20 million public park at its corporate headquarters. The company’s Homecoming Festival, held in 2023 in honor of its 120th anniversary, generated an estimated $95 million economic impact on the Milwaukee area.

Before joining H-D, Zeitz was CEO of Kering’s sport & lifestyle division from 2010 to 2012 and a director of the board from 2012 to 2016. Previously, he served as chairman and CEO of Puma for 18 years.

Zeitz co-founded The B Team with British billionaire Richard Branson to advocate for better and more climate-friendly business practices. He is also the founder and chairman of the ZEITZ foundation, founder of Segera Conservancy and The Long Run, and co-founder of the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa in Cape Town, which preserves and exhibits contemporary art from Africa and its diaspora.

Education: European Business School

2022 Wisconsin 275 Profile

Manufacturing
Chairman, president and CEO
Harley-Davidson Inc.  |  Milwaukee

Jochen Zeitz took the helm of Harley-Davidson Inc. in 2020. The iconic Milwaukee brand has since gone public with “The Rewire,” its five-year streamlining plan; acquired StaCyc, maker of kids electric bikes; completed a spinoff of its LiveWire electric motorcycle division (of which Zeitz serves as chairman and CEO); and issued stock to 4,500 of its roughly 5,800 employees.

In the fall, Zeitz made waves when he said the company is planning to repurpose its historic, 500,000-square-foot corporate headquarters complex in Milwaukee. The move is a response to the company’s shift to remote work, Zeitz said. In 2021, the company had 890 corporate headquarters employees, down from 1,062 in 2018. Zeitz splits his time between Milwaukee and New Mexico, according to Bloomberg. In a subsequent statement, Zeitz said the company is “excited about the ideas we have to invest in our Milwaukee campuses for the future.” The Harley-Davidson Museum recently opened its new 8,200-square-foot event space, The Garage.

Outside Harley, Zeitz co-founded The B Team with British billionaire Richard Branson. That organization advocates for better and more climate-friendly business practices. Zeitz also founded the Zeitz Collection, which contains contemporary art from Africa and its diaspora. The collection is held and exhibited in Kenya, Spain, Switzerland and South Africa.

Zeitz’s foundation is dedicated to developing ecologically responsible projects in Kenya. In 2019, the Zeitz Foundation launched “The Long Run,” a sustainable tourism initiative.

Education: European Business School

Brian Dranzik

BizTimes Staff
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Brian Dranzik

Director
Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport  |  Milwaukee

Since being appointed director of Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport in 2017, Brian Dranzik has led the airport through pandemic headwinds, the ensuing rebound of air travel and the massive influx of visitors to Milwaukee during the 2024 Republican National Convention. Also under his leadership, the airport has added service and revamped its retail and dining options. In summer 2024, county officials announced the revival of previous plans to develop an international terminal that would replace the long-vacant Concourse E at the airport.

Education: Bachelor’s and master’s, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

Favorite part of the workday: “Morning. Walking through the airport seeing people off to wherever they are going reminds me of why we do what we do.”

Highlights from the past 12 months: “Negotiating a long-term lease agreement with the airlines, providing stability for the airport and airlines.”

If you could time travel: “I would probably go back to a time when my family immigrated to the U.S. to talk to them and ask them what that was like. I cannot imagine doing something like that.”

The future of your industry: “Aviation is in recovery with room for growth.”

2022 Wisconsin 275 Profile

Manufacturing  |  Transportation & Logistics
Director
Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport  |  Milwaukee

Since being appointed director of Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport in 2017, Brian Dranzik has led the Milwaukee airport through the pandemic’s decimation of air travel, its rebound and the recent addition of several new carriers, including Spirit Airlines, Sun Country Airlines, Contour Airlines and JetBlue Airways. Previously, Dranzik was the director of transportation for Milwaukee County.

Education: Bachelor’s and master’s in urban planning, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

What was your first job, and what did you learn from it?
“Paper carrier. Being prompt, on time, and committed every day to deliver on the expectation of customers.”

What piece of advice has had the most significant impact on your career?
“Individual success is often the result of team effort and accomplishment.”

If you could have dinner with any two business leaders, who would you choose and why?
“Richard Branson, CEO of Virgin Group. Mr. Branson has had an amazing career from starting a record store to now being on the forefront of space travel. His excitement and passion for what he does comes through whether it’s in photos or interviews. I don’t think I have every seen a picture of him not smiling or looking like he is not having a great time with whatever endeavor he is involved with. Phil Knight, CEO of Nike. It would interesting to hear how Nike has grown to a top brand in sports while dealing with all of the complexities of the business.”

What are some of your favorite destinations/places to visit?
“I enjoy hiking in the mountains, so almost anywhere out in nature in the Rocky Mountains range works for me.”

What’s your hobby/passion?
“I enjoy golf. For me it’s a great way to get out and relax, enjoy time with friends or get to know new people.”

What was your first car? How long did you drive it for?
“1981 Pontiac Grand Prix. I drove it about a year.”

If you could take a one-year sabbatical, what would you do?
“Probably sleep for 6 months then figure out what to do! All kidding aside, I know I have to keep busy so I would likely travel, but at a pace whereby I could immerse myself in the culture of the places visited.”

What’s the toughest business challenge you’ve had to overcome?
“COVID-19 has been the single biggest challenge to the aviation industry that we are still dealing with. During the earliest stages of COVID-19 we didn’t know how long things would last, where the bottom was, when a rebound would occur, and/or how long that would take. We are still in the recovery stage that will still take some time to overcome. Despite these challenges, we needed to remain open and our team stepped up with increased awareness and attention on the needs of the customer. In doing so, the airport received an award for Best Airport in North America from Airports Council International based on passenger survey responses.”

What advice would you give to a young professional?
“Always keep an open mind. Your initial thoughts and ideas will be challenged. The more open you are to questioning and possibly adapting your position on things, the more successful you will be.”

What has been your/your organization’s most significant success over the last 12 months?
“Attracting three new air carriers to Milwaukee one year after the pandemic, JetBlue, Spirit, and Sun Country airlines. These new carriers provide more travel options, keep fares competitive, and add jobs and economic impact to our region.”

What is one thing you would change about Wisconsin to make it even better?
“The long standing disconnect between Milwaukee and the rest of the state. I am proud to be a Wisconsinite, love everything the state has to offer, and speak fondly about all corners of Wisconsin when taking to those from outside the state. The success of the state is tied to the success of Milwaukee. Milwaukee is not, and cannot be viewed as, an island. States that have embraced their largest urban centers have thrived, it is time for Wisconsin as a state to do the same.”

Is there a nonprofit cause that has special meaning to you?
“Make-A-Wish Wisconsin. I am proud to be on the board of Make-A-Wish Wisconsin. Make-A-Wish is an organization that has such a profound and meaningful impact to help bring hope and happiness to children and their families as they go through incredibly difficult circumstances. I cannot help but to be motivated by the organization as the work and effort that Make-A-Wish staff performs to make wishes come true for kids with life threating illnesses is truly awe-inspiring.”

What is the biggest risk you have ever taken?
“Going back to school and changing course in my career by pursuing my master’s degree. It was at a point in time in my life when I was starting a family and had other obligations. I had quit my job to dedicate my attention to pursuing my degree without knowing what the outcome might be. The path may have been challenging; however, the result was clearly worth it.”

What’s at the top of your bucket list?
“Golfing Pebble Beach.”

What has you most excited about the future?
“I am excited to be emerging from the pandemic so we can get back to a place where we can grow the airport and strengthen its position as a leading economic engine for Milwaukee and southeast Wisconsin. Our goal continues to be adding flights, adding and improving services, updating technology, and developing areas in and around the airport all in the interest of supporting the traveling public and local economy. There is a lot of opportunity in these areas and it will be exciting to bring about these positive changes.”

Kevin Wheeler

BizTimes Staff
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Kevin Wheeler

Chairman and CEO
A.O. Smith Corp. | Milwaukee

Kevin Wheeler assumed the role of chairman of the board of directors at A.O. Smith Corp. in 2020 and has been chief executive officer of the Milwaukee-based water technology company since 2018. In his roles, he oversees the company’s global operations, including strategy development, profitability and shareholder returns. The company has grown through acquisition in recent years, including its acquisition of New Delhi, India-based Pureit for about $120 million and California-based Impact Water Solutions for an undisclosed price, both in 2024. A.O. Smith currently has 12,200 employees and reports $3.8 billion in revenue.

Education: Bachelor’s, University of Nevada-Reno; Advanced Management Program at Harvard University

One decision to do over: “Early in my career, I worked for a company that didn’t respect its employees or customers. I vowed to never let that happen again. Company culture and values matter.”

Historical figure you look up to: “Ronald Reagan. He was consistently underestimated and always overachieved. He was one of the greatest communicators and leaders.”

Traits you seek for new hires: “Integrity, competitive spirit, self-motivating, communication skills and intelligence.”

What would you do if you could choose another career: “Football coach.”

2022 Wisconsin 275 Profile

Manufacturing
Chairman, president and CEO
A.O. Smith Corp.  |  Milwaukee

Since joining A.O. Smith Corp.  in 1994 as a regional sales manager, Kevin Wheeler has risen through its ranks to now serve as chairman, president and chief executive officer of the Milwaukee-based water heater and boiler manufacturer. With over 12,000 employees across its global operations and 125 located at its Milwaukee headquarters, A.O. Smith is among the largest employers in the state. It also continues to grow, having completed five acquisitions since 2016 to expand its North American water treatment business.

Education: Bachelor’s, University of Nevada, Reno; Advanced Management Program at Harvard University

What was your first job, and what did you learn from it?
“Bank management trainee. I met my future wife.”

What are some of your favorite destinations/places to visit?
“Lake Tahoe and anywhere in Italy.”

What is one book you think everyone should read and why?
“‘The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People’ (by Stephen Covey). Achieving success starts with the fundamentals and helps build that foundation that everyone needs.”

What’s your hobby/passion?
“Golf, cycling, reading and live sports.”

What is your favorite Wisconsin restaurant and what do you order there?
“Eddie Martini’s, a thick filet with a great glass of cabernet.”

What was your first car? How long did you drive it for?
“Ford Pinto. Much, much longer than I wanted (8 years).”

What’s the toughest business challenge you’ve had to overcome?
“The COVID-19 pandemic transcended all traditional business challenges. Our entire company had to take collaboration, problem-solving and business agility to a new level.”

What advice would you give to a young professional?
“Start as broad as possible, and don’t narrow your job focus too early. Embrace each opportunity and strive for excellence no matter what the task.”

What is one thing you would change about Wisconsin to make it even better?
“The roads.”

What is the biggest risk you have ever taken?
“Taking a 5-year ex-pat assignment and moving my family to Europe.”

What’s at the top of your bucket list?
“Cage diving with great white sharks in Australia.”

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