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Paulo Moledo

BizTimes Staff
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Paulo Moledo

CEO And President
Hy Cite  |  Middleton

Paulo Moledo has led Middleton-based Hy Cite, a high-end direct selling kitchenware company, since 2022. Moledo joined the company in 2019 as senior vice president of strategy and was named president the following year. He previously held executive roles at Avon, AOL, Revlon and Ford Motor Company.

Hy Cite has more than 1,500 employees in eight corporate offices and eight distribution centers, with operations in the U.S., Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, Peru and the Dominican Republic. It has over 2.6 million customers in the U.S. and Latin America. The company reported more than $500 million in annual sales, ranking 24th among the world’s leading direct selling firms, according to the 2023 DSN Global 100 List.

When he joined Hy Cite, Moledo helped develop a four-year strategic plan for the company, which included doubling its size in that time frame. Hy Cite achieved that goal a year ahead of schedule in 2022.

Hy Cite directs its philanthropic efforts toward humanitarian organizations that prioritize nutrition, community involvement and Hispanic empowerment. The company has made more than $3 million in charitable contributions since 2018. Locally, it supports United Way of Dane County and Centro Hispano.

Education: Bachelor’s, Mackenzie University (Brazil); master’s, University of Miami

David Maura

BizTimes Staff
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David Maura

Executive chairman and CEO
Spectrum Brands  |  Middleton

David Maura has served as executive chairman and chief executive officer of Spectrum Brands Holdings Inc. since 2018. The Middleton-based company manufactures, markets and distributes consumer products under the brand names Remington, Black & Decker, George Foreman, Russell Hobbs, Spectracide, Garden Safe and others.

Established in 2005 as the successor to Rayovac Corp., Spectrum Brands merged in 2018 with controlling shareholder HRG Group Inc. in a deal valued at $10 billion. That same year, Spectrum sold its battery division and its global auto care division to Energizer. In 2021, the company sold its hardware and home improvement division to Assa Abloy for $4.3 billion. In July 2024, the company announced plans to spin off its home and personal care business.

Maura was previously managing director and executive vice president of investments at HRG Group, vice president and director of investments of Harbinger Capital Partners LLC and managing director and senior research analyst at First Albany Capital, Inc.

Maura served as chairman, president and CEO of Mosaic Acquisition Corp. from 2017 to 2020 and was an outside director of Mosaic’s successor, Vivint Smart Home Inc. in 2020. He previously served on the boards of directors of Ferrous Resources, Ltd., Russell Hobbs and Applica.

Education: Bachelor’s, Stetson University

James Bakke

BizTimes Staff
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James Bakke

President and CEO
Sub-Zero Group Inc. | Madison

James Bakke represents the third generation of family leadership at Sub-Zero Group Inc., serving as the longtime president and chief executive officer of the Madison-based manufacturer of refrigeration, freezer and wine storage products.

Sub-Zero operates production facilities in Madison, Fitchburg, Phoenix, Goodyear (Arizona) and Richmond (Kentucky). Under his leadership, the company completed a $62 million expansion at its Fitchburg plant to accommodate an additional 300 employees, and it is now investing $140.6 million in a new 400,000-square-foot assembly facility in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. That project, which is expected to be completed in 2025, will create 192 jobs, according to the company.

Earlier in his tenure, the company acquired Wolf Range Co., expanding its product line to include residential cooking appliances such as cooktops, wall ovens, warming drawers and ventilation systems. Sub-Zero has also introduced the Cove brand of dishwashers and various wine storage equipment under his leadership. Before becoming president, he spent a decade in various roles within the family business.

Through its philanthropic arm, Sub-Zero has committed to giving $1.2 million to nonprofits, with a focus on innovation in the food ecosystem. Among its partnerships, Sub-Zero gave $500,000 to the River Food Pantry in Madison, which serves more than 2,500 individuals weekly.

Bakke has served on the board of directors for the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers, PDQ Corp. and the Madison Ronald McDonald House.

Education: Bachelor’s, UW-Madison

2022 Wisconsin 275 Profile

Manufacturing
President and CEO
Sub-Zero group Inc.  |  Madison

James Bakke has led Sub-Zero Group for the past 30 years. He represents the third generation of family leadership at the Madison-based manufacturer of refrigeration, freezer and wine storage products. Sub-Zero operates production facilities in Madison, Fitchburg; Phoenix and Goodyear, Arizona; and Richmond, Kentucky. In recent years, it has completed a $62 million expansion of its Fitchburg plant to accommodate another 300 employees. This year, the company announced plans to build a 400,000-square-foot assembly plan in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The $140.6 million project is expected to create 192 jobs.

Earlier under Bakke’s leadership, the company acquired Wolf Range Co., adding residential cooking appliances – such as cooktops, wall ovens, warming drawers and ventilation equipment – to its portfolio. In 2018, the company launched the Cove brand of dishwashers. Also during his tenure, Sub-Zero has introduced product lines, including various types of wine storage equipment.

Bakke has served on the board of directors of the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers, PDQ Corp. and the Madison Ronald McDonald House. Before becoming president, Bakke spent 10 years working in various positions within the family business. He began his career in 1977 as a sales representative with Oscar Mayer Inc.

Education: Bachelor’s, University of Wisconsin-Madison

Rustin Keller

BizTimes Staff
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Rustin Keller

President and CEO
J. J. Keller & Associates Inc.  |  Neenah

Rustin Keller represents the third generation of family leadership at Neenah-based J. J. Keller & Associates Inc. Keller began working for the family business at age 12 and rose through the organization to become president and CEO in 2018. One of the largest employers in northeastern Wisconsin, the firm has 2,000 employees and more than 560,000 customers, including 90% of the Fortune 1000. The firm offers cloud-based management tools, consulting, professional services, training, forms, PPE and safety supplies for clients in a variety of industries, including transportation, industrial, construction, utility, health care and education. He serves on the ThedaCare Family of Foundations – Neenah board of trustees.

Education: Bachelor’s, Marquette University

One decision to do over: “Typically, decisions I regret are the ones I took too long to make. Usually in hindsight you look back and say to yourself, ‘I was being advised to make a change, I knew in my gut it needed to get done, but I stalled.’ The ‘do nothing’ option is usually the wrong one.”

Definition of success: “Making even a small contribution to society in an area that is important to you.”

Your sport if you could be an Olympian: “Any of the martial arts.”

Playlist for commute/run: “I’m a fan of John Mayer, Chris Stapleton and other blues-style artists. I also have to relive the ‘90s alternative playlist of my college years quite a bit!”

Chris Baichoo

BizTimes Staff
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Chris Baichoo

Executive director and CEO
WMEP Manufacturing Solutions | Madison

Following three decades in the manufacturing industry, Chris Baichoo was named executive director and CEO of WMEP Manufacturing Solutions in early 2023. The Madison-based private, nonprofit consulting organization promotes the growth of small- and medium-sized Wisconsin manufacturers. In 2023, WMEP recorded more than $1 billion in economic impact, including cost savings and increased sales, from its project work with manufacturers. Baichoo previously worked in Asia, Canada and North and South America, holding leadership roles at Datec Coating Corp., Perlick Corp., Federal Industries and Watlow Electric.

Education: Bachelor’s, Missouri University of Science and Technology; MBA, Southern Illinois University

One decision to do over: “Hiring an HR leader for skill set rather than for cultural fit. Learned that it is best to hire for cultural fit first then skills after.”

Advice for first-time leaders: “Build trusting relationships, have a learning mindset, make thoughtful decisions, take managed risks and don’t be afraid of making mistakes and learning from them.”

Favorite movie: “‘Shawshank Redemption.’ The movie depicted perseverance, ingenuity, patience and friendship.”

Historical figure you look up to: “Thomas Edison because of his innovative mindset and determination to keep trying until he succeeded.”

Dan Ariens

BizTimes Staff
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Dan Ariens

Chairman and CEO
AriensCo | Brillion

Dan Ariens, great-grandson of AriensCo founder Henry Ariens, joined the company in 1983 and became CEO in 1998. The Brillion-based outdoor power equipment manufacturer has 1,200 employees. Under his leadership, AriensCo acquired Germany-based AS-Motor in 2021 and Thomas Equipment in 2022. A proponent of STEM education, Ariens has been recognized for his partnership with K-12 schools to develop project-based STEM learning centers. He serves on the board of the Green Bay Packers, Mansfield Energy Corp., Research Products Corp., Road America and Sartori Company.

Education: Bachelor’s, University of St. Thomas (Minnesota)

Advice for first-time leaders: “Be Socratic, perfect the skill of listening and asking meaningful questions. Build a team around you who are completely transparent in their thoughts, words and actions. Together you will do great things.”

The future of your industry: “Technology advances will continue to drive change in the outdoor power equipment industry, with battery power and other alternatives changing how our lawns are cared for. In the meantime, let it snow!”

What would you do if you could choose another career: “Architectural design – I love to create, design and build things.”

Historical figure you look up to: “I’ve always been a fan of Winston Churchill, Ronald Reagan, Abraham Lincoln and Margaret Thatcher – visionary and courageous leaders who were not afraid to do the right thing, while the general opinions of the day were contrary to their visions of a better world. Benevolent leaders one and all.”

2022 Wisconsin 275 Profile

Manufacturing
Chairman and CEO
AriensCo  |  Brillion

Dan Ariens represents the fourth generation of family leadership for AriensCo, a Brillion-based outdoor power equipment manufacturer. He joined the company in 1983 and became president and chief executive officer in 1998. With more than 2,200 employees across its operations in the U.S., Norway, the U.K. and Germany, the company manufactures equipment used for lawn, garden and snow removal.

AriensCo has made several acquisitions under Dan Ariens’ leadership, including of Germany-based AS-Motor in 2021 and Thomas Equipment in 2022. In recent years, the company has spearheaded the $50 million redevelopment of the 140-acre former Brillion Iron Works foundry site with plans to turn it into a mixed-use development with a hotel, shops, a clinic, apartments and a park. Ariens has said a goal of the project is to drive population growth in its hometown and make AriensCo more attractive as an employer.

Looking to draw more visitors to Calumet County, the company also established a hospitality division in 2020, opening two event venues, Stone Prairie and Round Lake Farms. It opened Ariens Nordic Center, a skiing venue, in December of 2022.

The company, through its foundation, has donated millions toward STEM education and the public school system in Brillion.

A proponent of lean manufacturing principles, Ariens has been recognized with the Eli Whitney Productivity Award from the Society of Manufacturing Engineers and mentors other organizations on lean leadership. He was inducted in 2012 to the Association for Manufacturing Excellence Hall of Fame.

Ariens is past chair of Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce and past vice chair the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. He sits on the executive committee of the Green Bay Packers’ board.

Chip Juedes

BizTimes Staff
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Chip Juedes

CEO
Fox World Travel  |  Oshkosh

Chip Juedes is the third-generation family leader of Fox World Travel, a travel agency based in Oshkosh. Juedes joined Fox as a travel agent in 2005 and worked through the ranks to succeed his father as CEO in 2016. The firm, which provides business travel management for more than 400 corporations worldwide, reports $610 million in revenue and employs more than 330 people. Chip serves on the Delta Air Lines’ agency advisory board and the BCD affiliate advisory board.

Education: Bachelor’s, Marquette University

What would you do if you could choose another career: “This is what I have wanted to do since I was a kid, so that is tough to answer. Regardless, it would still be something in travel, whether an airline pilot, tour guide or something else that would allow me to see the world.”

Favorite Wisconsin destination: “Any airport in Wisconsin. Initially, it represents the excitement departing for a business meeting or vacation, but when returning, it means I get to see my wife and kids or we can sleep in our own beds after a fun family vacation.”

Definition of success: “Being a good husband, father and leader.”

Favorite movie: “’Home Alone.’ It was a favorite growing up and now we watch it as a family several times each holiday season.”

Jim Butman

BizTimes Staff
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Jim Butman

President and CEO
TDS Telecom  |  Madison

Jim Butman joined Madison-based TDS Telecom in 1985 and was appointed president and CEO in 2018. TDS, which provides internet, TV entertainment and phone services to rural and suburban communities throughout the U.S., has 3,400 employees. Previously, Butman was chief operating officer and group president of marketing, sales & customer operations at the TDS. He also served as president of TDS Metrocom, which became a $250 million business under his leadership. He serves on the boards of TDS Inc., UScellular, Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce, Northcentral Technical College and Safe Harbor Child Advocacy Center.

Education: Bachelor’s, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire; MBA, University of Wisconsin-Madison

Favorite movie: “‘Good Will Hunting.’ It’s such a great movie with terrific actors and storyline.”

Favorite part of the workday: “I enjoy what I call my Monday Morning Huddle, where our leaders set out expectations for the week and get started with renewed energy and passion for the business.”

Advice for first-time leaders: “Take risks, try something out of your comfort zone, especially in new areas of the business. At TDS, we offer our leaders developmental positions that make our company and our leaders better.”

Favorite Wisconsin destination: “The Northwoods. My family and I have a house in Manitowish Waters, and there’s nothing like being in a beautiful place surrounded by the most important people in your life.”

2022 Wisconsin 275 Profile

C-Suite
President and CEO
TDS Telecom | Madison

Jim Butman was named president and chief executive officer of Madison-based TDS Telecom in 2018. He has been with the Telephone and Data Systems Inc. subsidiary since 1985. He’s held various leadership positions within the company, including chief operating officer and group president of marketing, sales and customer operations. He also served as president of TDS Metrocom, which grew to a $250 million business under his leadership.

Last year, TDS Telecom surpassed $1 billion in operating revenues for the first time and exceeded 500,000 broadband connections. It has a fiber-centric growth strategy, with plans to grow to 1.3 million fiber addresses, according to Butman. The company is actively building networks around the state, including in Brookfield, Janesville, Sheboygan, Chippewa Falls, Tomah, Fox Cities, Kaukauna, Green Bay and Eau Claire. The company has nearly 3,300 employees, including more than 1,000 in Madison. It operates in 32 states.

Butman serves on the boards of TDS Inc., the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce, National Cable Television Cooperative and the Safe Harbor Child Advocacy Center. He previously served on the INCOMPAS board for many years.

Education: Bachelor’s, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire; MBA, University of Wisconsin-Madison

Hobby/passion: “Relaxing in northern Wisconsin, skiing, fishing, biking, golfing, and boating.”

Eric Boelter

BizTimes Staff
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Eric Boelter

President
The Boelter Companies  |  Pewaukee

Eric Boelter is head of The Boelter Companies, a Pewaukee-based provider of commercial kitchen equipment, supplies and design services. The 95-year-old firm serves restaurants, breweries and distilleries. As the third generation in the family-owned business, Boelter joined Boelter Companies in 1992 and was named president in 2008. The company has 525 employees at offices in seven states. Under his leadership, The Boelter Companies acquired Minneapolis, Minnesota-based Premier Restaurant Equipment Co., which now operates as Boelter Premiere; Macon, Georgia-based Direct South Inc.; and Vancouver-based Chrislan Ceramics.

In 2024, the company was recognized by Deloitte for its recent innovations, including its “EuroBar,” a premium underbar cocktail station, and Eleven36, a technology platform for food service operators. Boelter serves on various boards, including the Wisconsin Restaurant Association board of directors and on the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Lubar College of Business advisory council.

Education: Bachelor’s, Indiana University; MBA, The University of Chicago Booth School of Business

Todd Adams

BizTimes Staff
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Todd Adams

Chairman and CEO
Zurn Elkay Water Solutions | Milwaukee

Todd Adams leads Zurn Elkay, a Milwaukee-based supplier of clean water solutions for drinking water, hygiene and sustainable water management. He was appointed chief executive officer in 2009 and elected chair of the board in 2020. Adams joined the company, then Rexnord Corp., in 2004 as vice president, treasurer and controller, and later became senior vice president and chief financial officer. In 2007, he spearheaded the acquisition of Zurn Industries and the creation of the company’s Water Management Platform, which nearly doubled the size of the business and laid the groundwork for the company’s 2021 separation from Rexnord to become Zurn Water Solutions, a pure-play water business. Under his leadership, the company merged with Elkay Manufacturing Co. in 2022 to become Zurn Elkay.

Previously, Adams held senior financial roles with The Boeing Company, APW Ltd., Applied Power and IDEX.

Adams is a member of the board of directors of Badger Meter Inc., is chair of Marquette University’s board of trustees and serves on the boards of Children’s Wisconsin and Hunger Task Force.

Education: Bachelor’s, Eastern Illinois University; Certified Public Accountant

2022 Wisconsin 275 Profile

Manufacturing
Chairman and CEO
Zurn Elkay Water Solutions
Milwaukee

Todd Adams is chairman of the board and chief executive officer of Zurn Elkay Water Solutions. With roughly 2,600 employees, Milwaukee-based Zurn Elkay manufactures and markets water control and safety products for clients in the health care, hospitality, education, retail, residential and office markets.

This year, the company completed its merger with Elkay Manufacturing Co. to become Zurn Elkay, a deal valued at $1.5 billion. Adams has said the company is confident in its ability to deliver on “$50 million of synergy opportunities” as a result of the merger.

Adams joined the business, then Rexnord Corp., in 2004. He was appointed CEO in 2009 and chairman of the board in 2020. Previously, Adams was president of the water management platform and senior vice president and chief financial officer at Rexnord. Earlier, he held senior financial roles with The Boeing Company, APW Ltd., Applied Power and IDEX.

He sits on the board of trustees at the Manufacturers Alliance as well as the boards of Badger Meter Inc., Children’s Wisconsin and Hunger Task Force. Adams was also elected to the Marquette University board of trustees in 2015 and was elected vice chair in 2020; he’s also served as a member of the Marquette University President’s Society.

Education: Bachelor’s, Eastern Illinois University; Certified Public Accountant

Robert Bernier

BizTimes Staff
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Robert Bernier

CEO
The Douglas Stewart Co.  |  Madison

Robert Bernier became chief executive officer of The Douglas Stewart Co. in late 2020. Previously, he was chief operating officer and vice president of operations for the Madison-based distributor and marketer of computer products, consumer electronics and school supplies.

The Douglas Stewart Co. was founded in 1950 by the former manager of the University Bookstore at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in an effort to help college bookstores source products to meet the needs of students and faculty. Today the largest education-focused distributor in North America, the company works with more than 4,500 college bookstores, academic computing centers and resellers across both higher education and K-12. The company’s U.K. subsidiary, Douglas Stewart EDU Limited, provides distribution and marketing services to vendors and resellers in Europe.

Education: Bachelor’s, McGill University

Joe Yanda

BizTimes Staff
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Joe Yanda

President and CEO
Lakeside Foods  |  Manitowoc

Joe Yanda represents the fourth generation of family leadership at Lakeside Foods, a Manitowoc-based producer of food products for the retail, food service and industrial sectors. He joined the family business full-time in 1999 as a quality assurance technologist and went on to hold leadership roles in the areas of sales, operations and supply chain. He became chief operating officer in 2019 and president and CEO in 2021. Founded in 1887 as a pea-canning plant, the company today has 1,200 employees and 14 production facilities. Its products – which include canned and frozen vegetables, canned meat, canned dry beans, smoked sausage, frozen desserts, appetizers and canned pet food – are distributed across the U.S. and in 14 countries. Under his leadership, Lakeside acquired Cher-Make Sausage Co., also of Manitowoc, in 2021. Yanda serves on the boards of the Consumer Brands Association and National Association of Manufacturers.

Education: Bachelor’s, Luther College; master’s, Silver Lake College

Advice for first-time leaders: “Stay humble, listen more than you talk, lead by example, and empower your team.”

Favorite Wisconsin destination: “Manitowoc.”

Your sport if you could be an Olympian: “Nordic skiing. I think Nordic skiers are some of the most fit athletes in the world.”

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