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Susan Lovern

BizTimes Staff
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Susan Lovern

President and CEO
von Briesen & Roper s.c.  |  Milwaukee

Susan Lovern is president and CEO of Milwaukee-based von Briesen & Roper s.c. and co-chairs the firm’s commercial and business litigation section. She represents clients in complex business litigation and appeals in state and federal courts, as well as in arbitrations and mediations. von Briesen has roughly 300 employees across its offices in Milwaukee, Madison, Neenah, Waukesha, Green Bay, Eau Claire and Chicago. It entered the Chicago market in 2020 and opened a larger office in the city’s West Loop earlier this year.

Education: Bachelor’s, University of Northern Iowa; J.D., University of Iowa

What would you do if you could choose another career: “I’ve hardly ever considered this because I love being a lawyer, but if I had to choose, I might try consulting or teaching.”

Historical figure you look up to: “Justice Sandra Day O’Connor; she broke boundaries and ceilings and inspired countless young women to work in the law, and she did so with grace, courage, integrity and fairness.”

First and most recent concert: “My first concert was Chicago in Sioux City, Iowa, and the most recent were U2 and Adele, within one day of each other in Las Vegas.”

If you could time travel: “I’d spend a day in a covered wagon on the Oregon Trail in 1840 or attend the Second Continental Congress on July 4, 1776.”

2022 Wisconsin 275 Profile

Business Services | Law
President and CEO
von Briesen & Roper s.c. | Milwaukee

Susan Lovern was elected president and chief executive officer of Milwaukee-based law firm von Briesen & Roper s.c. in 2020, becoming the first woman to hold the position. Lovern also chairs the firm’s commercial and business litigation section. In addition to its Milwaukee headquarters, Von Briesen also has offices in Madison, Neenah, Green Bay, Eau Claire, Waukesha, Mequon and Chicago. The firm has been retained in high-profile disputes including the demolition of the former Northridge Mall in Milwaukee and a case involving Milwaukee businesses’ claims to insurance coverage for COVID-related losses.

Education: Bachelor’s, University of Northern Iowa; J.D., University of Iowa College of Law

Fun fact: “I’ve twice been interviewed on television about Sandra Day O’Connor – the first time for a morning show while in the seventh grade about the importance of her then recent nomination to the Supreme Court, and the second time 25 years later in 2006 to discuss the influence and importance of Justice O’Connor’s tenure when she announced her retirement from the Court.”

Nonprofit cause that has special meaning to you: “I currently sit on the board for the Milwaukee Public Library Foundation. Libraries are some of our most important public and neighborhood spaces we have.”

First job: “I sold advertising to businesses on a commission basis for a summer during high school and learned that selling is fun and rewarding if you believe in what you’re selling.”

Favorite destinations: “Door County; Northwest Montana; Arizona; Washington, D.C.; New York City; Europe; and any national park.”

David Krutz

BizTimes Staff
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David Krutz

Managing partner
Michael Best & Friedrich  |  Milwaukee

David Krutz has served as managing partner of Michael Best & Friedrich since 2008. Under his leadership, the firm has grown to more than 400 lawyers and professionals. In July 2024, the firm combined with Los Angeles-based venture law firm O&A P.C., enabling Michael Best to enter the California legal market. The national firm now has 19 offices and attorneys admitted to practice in more than two dozen states.

Education: Bachelor’s, University of Wisconsin-Madison; J.D., Northwestern University School of Law

The future of your industry: “The legal industry is going through disruption like most other industries in terms of technology, consolidation and innovation. Ultimately, clients will still need legal and business advice because of the ever-changing regulatory landscape and complexity of deals and disputes.”

What would you do if you could choose another career: “Economist examining how macroeconomic policies influence microeconomic decisions of businesses and individuals.”

Advice for first-time leaders: “Take time to understand and consider the motivations and concerns of those you are leading. Have some physical activity/exercise you do on a consistent basis. And be ready to make decisions based on your judgment and understand not everyone will agree with your decision, but indecision is not a good path.”

What would you like to change about Wisconsin: “Continue to strengthen the educational system at all levels to provide our next generations with the foundation for individual success, which will strengthen their families and our communities.”

2022 Wisconsin 275 Profile

Business Services | Law
Managing partner
Michael Best & Friedrich | Milwaukee

David Krutz joined Michael Best & Friedrich in 1990 as a summer clerk and went on to become managing partner of the Milwaukee-based law firm in 2008. A national firm with more than 350 lawyers and professionals, Michael Best specializes in corporate government relationships, political law/public policy, IP, and labor relations, among other areas.

Krutz has extensive experience in construction law, including construction lien law requirements, construction-related insurance claims, claims for extra costs, design-build contracts and systems integration disputes. Representing general contractors, subcontractors, developers and owners, he spends much of his practice time working on construction-related contracts and contract negotiations.

Participating in the Leadership Council on Legal Diversity’s Leaders at the Front initiative, Krutz made a public pledge in support of diversity, equity and inclusion at the firm. Among his personal pledges, Krutz has said he will sponsor at least two diverse professionals at Michael Best.

Krutz has served on the Brookfield Economic Development Committee and the boards of Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce, Mount Mary University, Greater Milwaukee Committee and Junior Achievement of Wisconsin.

Education: Bachelor’s, University of Wisconsin-Madison; J.D., Northwestern University School of Law

Jeff Gentine

BizTimes Staff
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Jeff Gentine

President and CEO
Masters Gallery Foods  |  Plymouth

Cheese has been the Gentine family business dating back to 1953, when Jeff Gentine’s grandfather, Leonard Gentine Sr., founded Sargento Foods. Jeff’s father, Leonard “Butch” Gentine Jr., went on to found Masters Gallery Foods. After starting his career at Richfood Inc., Jeff Gentine joined Masters Gallery Foods in 1996 and held various roles before becoming president and CEO in 2017. A leading national cheese supplier, the company reports $1.7 billion in annual sales and has 1,100 employees. Gentine serves on the International Dairy Foods Association cheese board and executive council, the Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association board of directors, and FaB Wisconsin executive board.

Education: Bachelor’s, Bryant University

Favorite Wisconsin destination: “Door County.”

Favorite movie: “‘Jaws.’ Growing up I spent many summers on Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard where the movie was filmed, so it’s extremely nostalgic, but it’s also one of the best Spielberg movies ever with terrific actors (even the shark, when it worked)!”

The future of your industry: “Strong. Natural cheese consumption continues to grow worldwide, and with that comes an escalating need for countries to import a safe, reliable cheese supply.”

What would you like to change about Wisconsin: “More housing to attract workers, something we are working on in Sheboygan County through the Forward Fund, a public-private partnership developed to build 400-500 homes throughout the county to help attract workers to our area.”

2022 Wisconsin 275 Profile

Manufacturing | Food & Beverage
President and CEO
Masters Gallery Foods | Plymouth

Jeff Gentine is carrying on his family’s cheese legacy as president and chief executive officer of Plymouth-based cheese supplier Masters Gallery Foods. Gentine is the grandson of Sargento Foods founder Leonard Gentine Sr., and son of Masters Gallery Foods founder Butch Gentine Jr.

Jeff Gentine began his career as a private label buyer for grocery wholesaler Richfood Inc. in Richmond, Virginia. He joined Masters Gallery Foods in 1996 as a regional sales manager and went on to hold other positions in procurement and manufacturing operations. He worked for more than 10 years as executive vice president before being named president and CEO in 2017.

He serves on the board of the Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association and the International Dairy Foods Association’s Cheese board.

Masters Gallery has one of the largest privately held cheese inventories in the U.S. Its divisions include private-label retail, food service and industrial sales. The company has more than 900 employees.

The company is currently investing $60 million to expand its cheese packaging and distribution facility in Oostburg. The expansion, which will bring the total facility to more than 285,000 square feet, is expected to create 105 new jobs.

Education: Bachelor’s, Bryant University

Favorite cheese: Spanish Manchego or extra-aged Wisconsin cheddar

Giacomo Fallucca

BizTimes Staff
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Giacomo Fallucca

Chairman and CEO
Palermo Villa Inc.  |  Milwaukee

Giacomo Fallucca grew up in the pizza business, starting with the family restaurant, Palermo Villa on Milwaukee’s East side, at age 15 and later joined the frozen pizza business at age 18. Today, he is the second-generation family leader of Palermo’s Pizza, one of the largest independent frozen pizza brands in the U.S. Palermo’s makes nearly 300 million pizzas annually at two production facilities in Milwaukee and Jefferson and employs over 1,200 people. Fallucca is executive chair of FaB, Wisconsin’s food and beverage business network, serves on the board of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee and mentors young entrepreneurs with the Milwaukee Venture Mentoring Service. He is also a member of the Greater Milwaukee Committee and the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce board of directors. He is also a minority owner of the Milwaukee Bucks.

Favorite part of the workday: “Any time of the day I get to spend with people and pizza.”

What would you do if you could choose another career: “I would be a doctor because I would want to make a positive impact on people’s lives.”

If you could time travel: “Rome. I’d like to be able to travel there and back in a day.”

Advice for first-time leaders: “Remember that ‘a leader needs to do the right thing’ while those within the company ‘are doing those things right.’”

2022 Wisconsin 275 Profile

Manufacturing | Food & Beverage
Chairman and CEO
Palermo Villa Inc. | Milwaukee

Giacomo Fallucca is chairman of the board and chief executive officer of Milwaukee-based Palermo Villa Inc., one of the largest independent frozen pizza brands in the U.S. Fallucca represents the second generation of family leadership for the Palermo group of brands, which includes Palermo’s Primo Thin, King Cheese, Screamin’ Sicilian, Urban Pie Pizza and Connie’s Pizza.

Palermo’s has had an impact on Milwaukee’s Menomonee Valley, opening its plant and headquarters there in 2006, pioneering the trend of manufacturers and businesses to set up operations in the Valley since then. The company has since expanded its plant multiple times.

Fallucca is executive chair for Food and Beverage Wisconsin and a member of Vistage. He is also a board member of the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and MKE United. He has been involved with the Sherman Phoenix entrepreneurial hub and marketplace in Milwaukee from the project’s beginning, both as a donor and mentor for new business development. Earlier this year, Palermo Villa acquired a majority interest in Sherman Phoenix business Funky Fresh Spring Rolls. Fallucca has also served as president of the board of Operation Dream, a peer-mentoring program for at-risk youth. He is a part owner of the Milwaukee Bucks.

David Gruber

BizTimes Staff
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David Gruber

Founder and CEO
Gruber Law Offices  |  Milwaukee

David Gruber has been the leader and face of Milwaukee-based personal injury law firm Gruber Law Offices LLC since its founding 40 years ago. The family-owned firm – known for its catchy “One call, that’s all!” slogan – has a 125-person team, including David’s wife, attorney Nancy Gruber; and their son, attorney Steven Gruber. Gruber’s extensive charitable involvement includes support for Operation DREAM, Milwaukee Urban League and the MACC Fund, among others. Gruber is also seen frequently at local sporting events, cheering for the Milwaukee Bucks, Brewers and Admirals, and Marquette Golden Eagles, UW-Milwaukee Panthers and Wisconsin Badgers.

Education: Bachelor’s, University of Delaware; J.D., Marquette University Law School

What would you do if you could choose another career: “That’s funny at this stage. I would probably choose to be a basketball coach or an executive in one of several sports.”

The future of your industry: “Excellent. The way some people drive and act has made the need for our services more critical than ever.”

First and most recent concert: “First concerts were Bruce Springsteen, Beach Boys and Doobie Brothers. Most recently, I have seen Barry Manilow and Pitbull.”

Advice for first-time leaders: “Well, this could be a very long answer, but I will try to keep it short and concise. You must be yourself. There really are no shortcuts. Discipline, integrity and being a great, legitimate listener are critical. You should be flexible yet strong.”

2022 Wisconsin 275 Profile

Business Services | Law
Founder and CEO
Gruber Law Offices | Milwaukee

Since founding personal injury law firm Gruber Law Offices LLC over 35 years ago, David Gruber has become one of Milwaukee’s most recognizable figures, his profile boosted by the firm’s prominent advertising campaigns and memorable slogan, “One call, that’s all!” A native of New Jersey, Gruber moved to Milwaukee to attend Marquette University Law School in the early 1980s and went on to establish his firm in the city. Today, the family-owned Gruber Law Offices is run by Gruber; his wife, attorney Nancy Gruber; and their son, attorney Steven Gruber. The firm has over 120 employees.

Gruber has appeared for several seasons as a “mogul” on “Project Pitch It,” WISN-TV Channel 12’s “Shark Tank”-style Milwaukee entrepreneurship show, which airs throughout the state. He’s also sponsored a cash prize that is awarded to winning entrepreneurs.

Gruber is involved in several charitable organizations and campaigns. For many years, he has served on the board and financially supported Operation DREAM, a Milwaukee-based organization that provides mentoring support for over 250 young men. He has also been involved in the Milwaukee Urban League and the MACC Fund and raised awareness for the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, the Journey House, the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee & Kenosha, Independence First, G9, Make-A-Wish, Hometown Heroes, Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation, Sojourner Family Peace Center, UW Carbone Cancer, LGBT Community Center and Feeding America.

An avid Wisconsin sports fan, Gruber can be seen frequently at sporting events, including Brewers, Bucks, Marquette Golden Eagles, Badgers, UWM Panthers and Milwaukee Admiral games.

Education: Bachelor’s, University of Delaware; J.D., Marquette University Law School

Ron Dunford

BizTimes Staff
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Ron Dunford

President and CEO
Schreiber Foods  |  Green Bay

Ron Dunford is president and chief executive officer of Green Bay-based Schreiber Foods, one of the largest dairy companies in the world. With more than 10,000 employees and annual revenues of $7.5 billion, the employee-owned company produces and distributes yogurt, cream cheese, natural cheese, American cheese and shelf-stable beverages. Its 32 production facilities span five continents. Dunford currently co-chairs the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay’s $20 million “Ignite the Future” campaign, and Schreiber Foods made a major gift in 2023 to endow the Institute for Women’s Leadership at UWGB.

Education: Bachelor’s, Utah State University

Highlights from the past 12 months: “Schreiber has (pursued) innovation as a future path to growth. For example, we’re now in the logistics, risk management and software businesses. We’ve successfully grown our non-manufacturing business, which is an important part of our growth strategy.”

Thing to learn this year: “I’m a visual person, and I have an appreciation for art. I’ve been inspired by how former President George W. Bush took up painting after he left office. I would like to learn how to paint.”

Playlist for commute/run: “Some of my go-to podcasts are ‘Freakonomics,’ ‘How I Built This,’ ‘Corporate Competitor,’ ‘Wisdom from the Top,’ ‘How Leaders Lead,’ ‘Ted Radio Hour,’ ‘Tom Bilyeu’s Impact Theory,’ ‘Hidden Brain,’ ‘Finding Mastery’ and ‘Outside.’”

What would you do if you could choose another career: “I’d be an outdoor adventure guide, leading people up mountains, navigating white water rapids or heli-skiing. I love a good outdoor adventure and helping create memorable experiences for others would be extremely satisfying.”

2022 Wisconsin 275 Profile

Manufacturing | Food & Beverage
President and CEO
Schreiber Foods  |  Green Bay

Ron Dunford was named president and chief executive officer of Schreiber Foods in 2019. The employee-owned, Green Bay-based dairy company produces cheese, cream cheese, yogurt and other products for fast-food restaurants, grocery stores and wholesalers. It reports annual sales of more than $5 billion, distributing its products from plants in the U.S., Germany, Mexico, India and Brazil. Ranking among Forbes’ top 100 largest private companies nationally, Schreiber has more than 9,000 employees.

Dunford has been with the company since 1996. He was named a vice president in 2000, senior vice president in 2002, president and chief operating officer of food service chain sales in 2003, president and COO of global operations in 2006, and president of Schreiber U.S. in 2014.

Dunford has been on Schreiber’s board of directors since 2003. He has also served on the boards of Mentors International, the Innovation Center for U.S Dairy, the International Dairy Foods Association and Utah State University Center for Entrepreneurship. He is also past chairman of the National Cheese Institute.

He is currently a co-chair of the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay’s $20 million “Ignite the Future” campaign, alongside Packers president Mark Murphy and other Green Bay business leaders.

Education: Bachelor’s, Utah State University

Michael Aldana

BizTimes Staff
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Michael Aldana

Managing partner and chair
Quarles  |  Milwaukee

Michael Aldana, a labor, employment and benefits attorney, was named managing partner of Quarles in 2018 and added the role of executive committee chair in 2020. The Milwaukee-based firm has about 550 attorneys practicing in its 13 offices nationwide. Its clients include major national and multinational corporations, including Harley-Davidson Motor Company, Molson Coors and Wells Fargo Bank. In addition to leading the daily management and operations of the law firm, Aldana works with employers on human resources issues, including layoffs and employment issues related to mergers and acquisitions. In 2023, he was elected a fellow of the American Bar Foundation, a global honorary society for attorneys, judges, law faculty and legal scholars. He is also a board director of the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce.

Education: Bachelor’s, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee; J.D., University of Michigan Law School

2022 Wisconsin 275 Profile

Business Services | Law
Managing partner
Quarles & Brady | Milwaukee

In 2018, Michael Aldana was named managing partner of Quarles & Brady LLP and assumed leadership of the Milwaukee-based law firm. Aldana has been with Quarles more than 24 years and worked previously as a partner in its Labor & Employment Group.

He is a frequent lecturer on employment, civil rights, educational and constitutional topics. He also regularly counsels employers on human resources issues, including layoffs and employment issues related to mergers and acquisitions. He has experience in defending employers in employment discrimination cases, wrongful discharge lawsuits, wage and hour claims, and union litigation in federal and state courts and before federal and state agencies.

Participating in the Leadership Council on Legal Diversity’s Leaders at the Front initiative, Aldana created a pledge detailing his personal and organizational commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. Among them, he pledged to sponsor one diverse junior associate and one diverse new partner each year. He is also co-chair of Q&B’s diversity and inclusion committee.

With 150 lawyers and 340 total employees in Milwaukee, Q&B is the region’s second-largest law firm. The firm, which also has an office in Madison, has provided representation in a wide range of high-profile matters, including Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation stem cell patents and the development of the $200 million Wisconsin Institutes for Discovery project at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Education: Bachelor’s, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee; J.D., University of Michigan Law School

Charlie DuBois

BizTimes Staff
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Charlie DuBois

President and CEO
Standard Process  |  Palmyra

Charlie DuBois leads Standard Process, representing the third generation of family ownership at the Palmyra-based whole food-based nutritional supplement company.

DuBois joined the company in 1983 doing various summer jobs, including hand-weeding the beet fields on the farm. Within a few years, he had the opportunity to help design the Standard Process manufacturing plant in Palmyra while studying electrical engineering at Marquette University. Upon graduation, he joined the company full time as a plant engineer. In 1993, he became executive vice president, and in 1995 he was elected president by the board of directors.

In 1996, the DuBois family became the third generation to own Standard Process, with Charlie carrying on the legacy of his great uncle and founder, Royal Lee. The tradition is expected to continue with Charlie’s children, Simone DuBois and Jack DuBois, who are preparing to provide leadership of the company.

In 2024, Standard Process was named among Deloitte’s annual Wisconsin 75 list, which recognizes the largest privately held Wisconsin-based companies, based on sales revenue. The company has made the list for six consecutive years.

Also in 2024, the company completed construction of a new 60,000-square-foot distribution center located next to the company’s current headquarters and manufacturing facility. The new facility doubled the company’s storage capacity.

Education: Bachelor’s, Marquette University; master’s, Milwaukee School of Engineering

Kurt Gresens

BizTimes Staff
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Kurt Gresens

Managing partner and chairman
Wipfli  |  Green Bay

Kurt Gresens is the managing partner and chairman of the board of Wauwatosa-based Wipfli LLP. Ranking among the top 25 CPA and advisory firms in the U.S., Wipfli reported $590 million in net revenue in 2024. Wipfli has grown during Gresens’ tenure through a series of acquisitions, including Harbour Results, Sheshunoff Consulting + Solutions, Clayton & McKervey, Oliver Group, Solve100 and Waypoint Consulting, among others. Today, it has nearly 300 partners and 3,200 full-time employees.

Education: Bachelor’s, University of Wisconsin-Madison

Favorite movie: “‘The Godfather.’ I enjoy the complexity of the characters, the performances of the cast and complex themes which explore family, loyalty and power.”

The future of your industry: “Ultimately, the future of our industry will be defined by how well we integrate cutting-edge technology with human ingenuity. Firms that can successfully blend these elements will not only provide superior client service, but also remain leaders in a rapidly evolving market.”

First and most recent concert: “First: Depeche Mode, Summerfest. Most recent: Elton John at The O2 (Arena in London).”

Favorite part of the workday: “Mornings. Getting the day going with a rested brain, few distractions and proactive time after starting off with reading and learning.”

2022 Wisconsin 275 Profile

Business Services | Accounting
Managing partner and chairman
Wipfli  |  Wauwatosa

Kurt Gresens is managing partner and chairman of the board of Wipfli LLP. The Wauwatosa-based company is among the top 20 largest public accounting firms nationally, with a net revenue of roughly $507 million and over 3,000 employees. Wipfli has grown during Gresens’ tenure through a slew of acquisitions, including the acquisition of three companies in 2021 alone.

Education: Bachelor’s, University of Wisconsin-Madison

First job: “I grew up on a dairy and ginseng farm, which I count as my first job. I learned not only the value of hard work and humility, but also taking pride in doing a job well, building resiliency and the love of nature.”

Book recommendation: “‘Leadership and Self Deception’ by the Arbinger Institute. It reflects the foundational mindset at Wipfli essential for how to approach relationships and solve problems with and for our team members and clients.”

Bucket list: “A visit to Normandy. I’m a World War II buff in part due to the sacrifices made for the benefit of the greater good. Seeing the beaches, cemetery and region I would expect to be an emotional experience considering the magnitude of those sacrifices.”

Nonprofit cause that has special meaning to you: “Golden House Green Bay provides hope and healing for victims of domestic violence. Having served on the board of directors and seen the impact that the cycle of abuse can have on families, sometimes for generations, this organization is working every day to help the one in three women and one in 10 men affected.”

Philippe Coquard

BizTimes Staff
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Philippe Coquard

Owner and head winemaker
Wollersheim Winery  |  Prairie du Sac

Philippe Coquard is the head winemaker and co-owner of Wollersheim Winery, a popular wine destination in Sauk County.

A 13th-generation winemaker, Coquard grew up on his family’s farm in the Beaujolais region of France and holds degrees in winemaking, viticulture and wine marketing. He joined Wollersheim on an agricultural exchange in 1984 and later became the son-in-law of its founder, the late Bob Wollersheim. Today, he leads the business with his wife, Julie.

Perched on a hill overlooking the Wisconsin River in the Lake Wisconsin viticultural area, Wollersheim produces more than 1 million bottles of wine each year and draws more than 350,000 people to Prairie du Sac annually. The winery sources about 85% of its fruit from out of state and grows the remainder on its 30-acre vineyard.

Its most renowned wine, Prairie Fumé, debuted in the late 1980s and played a pivotal role in elevating Wollersheim’s reputation. The winery has expanded significantly over the years, enhancing both its production capabilities and retail presence. The winery diversified in 2015 by opening a distillery, where it produces gin, absinthe, whiskey and bourbon. Today, family members work at the winery and distillery in various areas, including winemaking, distilling, marketing, vineyard and the stores.

Wollersheim was honored with the Winery of the Year award at the San Diego International Wine Competition in 2012 and with the Riverside International Wine Competition’s Small Winery of the Year in 2015.

Wollersheim also owns Cedar Creek Winery, located in Cedarburg, as a sister business.

2022 Wisconsin 275 Profile

Manufacturing | Food & Beverage
Owner and head winemaker
Wollersheim Winery  |  Prairie du Sac

Born and raised in the Beaujolais region of France, Philippe Coquard joined Wollersheim Winery in Sauk County in 1984 as its winemaker. A 13th-generation winemaker, Coquard grew up working on his family’s farm and went on to earn degrees in winemaking, viticulture and wine marketing.

After moving to the Prairie du Sac winery, Coquard later became a son-in-law of its founder, the late Bob Wollersheim. Today, Coquard co-owns the business with his wife and Bob’s daughter, Julie Coquard. Members of their family work in various areas of the business, including winemaking, distilling, marketing, the vineyard and the stores.

Overlooking the Wisconsin River on a hill in the Lake Wisconsin viticultural area, Wollersheim produces over 1 million bottles of wine annually. The business has expanded over the years with several additions, growing its production capacity and retail operations. Its best-known and most popular wine is Prairie Fumé, which is credited with helping raise Wollersheim’s profile when it was introduced in the late-1980s.

Wollersheim won the Winery of the Year award in 2012 at the San Diego International Wine Competition. In 2015, the business opened its distillery, selling gin, absinthe, whiskey and bourbon. Wollersheim also owns Cedar Creek Winery, a sister business located in Cedarburg.

P.J. DiStefano

BizTimes Staff
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P.J. DiStefano

Managing partner
Deloitte  |  Milwaukee

P.J. DiStefano is managing partner of the Milwaukee practice of Deloitte LLP, where he oversees the firm’s audit, tax, consulting and advisory services. DiStefano has worked for more than 24 years in public accounting, with experience performing external audits, advising clients on process and control-related matters, advising clients on complex accounting matters and initial public offering readiness. He also has extensive experience with Securities and Exchange Commission requirements and has assisted clients with several public financings. He has served as chairman of the Milwaukee Public Museum board during the planning and construction of its new building. He also serves on the boards of the Wisconsin Public Utility Institute and the Marquette University College of Business Administration.

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

One decision to do over: “When observing a challenging team dynamic, I wish I would have moved faster to address the problem.”

Your secret talent: “I am a drummer.”

Highlights from the past 12 months: “We have been very fortunate and have realized many successes over the past 12 months, such as onboarding new clients and growing our revenues. Having said that, our most significant successes come in the form of developing and promoting our team members and giving back to the community in the form of time, talent and service.”

Thing to learn this year: “Everything about Gen AI.”

2022 Wisconsin 275 Profile

Business Services | Accounting
Milwaukee managing partner
Deloitte  |  Milwaukee

P.J. DiStefano is managing partner of the Milwaukee practice of the international accounting firm Deloitte LLP, overseeing its audit, tax, consulting and advisory services areas. DiStefano is also a member of Deloitte’s Audit & Assurance Operating Committee and serves large public power and utility and industrial companies as the lead client service partner and lead audit partner. Deloitte has one of the largest footprints in Milwaukee among accounting firms, with 390 local staff and 150 CPAs. It is known for its annual Wisconsin 75 list, which ranks the largest privately held Wisconsin-based companies based on annual sales revenue.

DiStefano has also served as board chair of the Milwaukee Public Museum during a pivotal period for the institution. He assumed the chairmanship early in Ellen Censky’s tenure as president and CEO and just as plans for the museum’s new downtown home were picking up steam. In the past year, the museum has secured needed public funding for the project and launched its $240 million campaign to secure additional funding for the project. DiStefano is also a board member and past chair for the Wisconsin Public Utility Institute and vice chair of Marquette University’s College of Business Administration.

Education: Bachelor’s, University of Wisconsin-Madison; MBA, Wisconsin School of Business, UW-Madison

Christine Dahlhauser

BizTimes Staff
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Christine Dahlhauser

Managing partner
Baker Tilly  |  Madison

Christine Dahlhauser is the managing principal of Baker Tilly’s Wisconsin market, responsible for the growth and strategic direction of the advisory, tax and assurance firm’s operations across the state. Baker Tilly’s Wisconsin market includes more than 1,000 employees. Dahlhauser serves on the board of directors for the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce and is involved with the United Way of Dane County, serving on its board of directors, several delegations and as the Tocqueville Chair.

Education: Bachelor’s, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater

Favorite part of the workday: “I get energy from productive meetings where ideas flow and a spark of creativity ignites.”

Favorite Wisconsin destination: “As a lifelong Wisconsinite, my favorite escape is Up North. I especially enjoy time spent with my family on the lakes in the Minocqua area as well as the supper club vibes there.”

Traits you seek for new hires: “Curiosity and culture fit are crucial traits when hiring a new employee. When you hire employees who are both curious and a good culture fit, you create a dynamic and cohesive team.”

Advice for first-time leaders: “Effective leadership stems from surrounding yourself with exceptional people. My achievements are largely due to having an outstanding team. It is important to invest time nurturing new talent, to empower others with trust and to be adaptable.”

2022 Wisconsin 275 Profile

Business Services | Accounting
Managing partner
Baker Tilly | Milwaukee

Christine Dahlhauser was named managing partner for Baker Tilly U.S. LLP’s Wisconsin market in 2020. She also serves as the manufacturing and distribution team leader in the Wisconsin market; co-leads the firm’s family business strategy group, which consults family enterprises, family portfolio companies and individual family member matters related to business growth and transition; and is active in managing regional operations within Baker Tilly, overseeing finance, human resources, marketing, facility planning and operations. Having joined Baker Tilly in 1991, Dahlhauser has spent her entire career with the firm.

Baker Tilly is ranked as the 12th largest accounting firm nationwide. The Chicago-based firm has 3,900 employees including 400 partners. It has 850 employees in the Wisconsin market across its offices in Milwaukee, Madison, Appleton and Janesville. In 2020, Baker Tilly acquired Talavant Inc., a Madison-based data analytics management consulting company.

Dahlhauser is on the board of directors of the United Way of Dane County.

Education: Bachelor’s, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater

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