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WVCC Staff Picks – Winter 2022 Edition

After receiving numerous requests to share a bit more about ourselves with our outstanding members and partners, we decided to publish a quarterly "Staff Picks" article for your reading enjoyment.

Get to know more about Saul, Christian, and Adam in our Winter 2022 Edition:

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Saul Newton - President & CEO

What are you looking forward to most in 2022?
I'm looking forward to all of the events we have scheduled around the state, and expanded premiere events like the Wisconsin Veterans in the Workforce Summit and the Wisconsin Veterans Business Conference.

What is your New Year's Resolution?
Refocus on my health!

What should veterans and military families do/be aware of in 2022?
There are important local, state, and federal elections this year! Register to vote, make sure you have a plan to vote, and most importantly, VOTE! You can register to vote, or request an absentee ballot by mail, at myvote.wi.gov.

What WI-based veteran-owned business do you believe is poised to take off this year?
Co-founded by former Navy officer Manny Lara, WorkShift is an app that lets restaurants fill—and service workers find—open shifts quickly. As restaurants start reopening and events canceled by the pandemic get rescheduled, restaurants are scrambling to find workers. On the other side of the equation, WorkShift lets workers who can’t, or don’t want to, work a regular schedule find shifts when they want them. They can indicate the types of jobs they’re interested in and see how much the shifts they’re offered are paying.

What was your favorite book from 2021?
Giannis: The Improbable Rise of an NBA MVP by Mirin Fader

What was your favorite movie from 2021?
I'm a big James Bond fan, so the long overdue release of Never Say Die.

What was your favorite album from 2021?
Certified Lover Boy by Drake

Predictions for the Packers' playoffs?
(Saul had predicted 12-5 pre-season)
I'm not jinxing anything, so I won't make a prediction but I will say that I hope to see the Packers in the Super Bowl.

Favorite winter activity?
Anything other than shoveling snow.

Christian Thornton

Christian Thornton - VP of Membership

What are you looking forward to most in 2022?
Finally getting to have the long awaited nuptial ceremony with my much better half!
What is your New Year's Resolution?
Listen more. There seems to be so much information floating around out there specifically designed to create divisions. In my own way to offset that I have resolved to listen more and even ask questions regardless of if I agree with the opinion or not.
What should veterans and military families do/be aware of in 2022?
Stay active and investigate resources that are available to you. Regardless of if you are looking at education or health services, business advice or help, or something completely different, there is likely a supportive service out there for Veterans and their families. More often than not Vets are not aware of the amount of services out there so my battle cry for 2022 is going to be "if you need help, reach out."
What WI-based veteran-owned business do you believe is poised to take off this year?
I think that types of businesses that will likely take off are clothing brands. I've noticed a lot of military pride being expressed through clothing of late which warms my heart. A good message on a shirt can not only empower the wearer but can also brighten or affect others days as well.
What was your favorite book from 2021?
I finally got around to reading "Grateful American: A Journey From Self To Service" by Gary Sinise (AKA Lt Dan). I had the privilege of Meeting Gary during a conference I was attending and was honestly blown away at how humble and sincere the man truly is. He took time with all of his fans of course but for those of us Veterans he took extra time and seemed genuinely interested in our stories and pathways.
What was your favorite movie from 2021?
Being a huge Comic fan there was plenty to occupy my time. My favorite though would have to be "Black Widow." I enjoyed the character development
What was your favorite album from 2021?
Not an album but my favorite band Simple Plan released a new song titled "The Antidote" which I really enjoyed.
Predictions for the Packers' playoffs?
(Christian had predicted 11-6 pre-season)
I'll admit I was conservative and they played much better than I expected. Given their overall performance I believe the Packers have an equal shot to go all the way. Looking at the AFC I think the Patriots might be poised for a trophy run and should it come to that I think GB has it.
Favorite winter activity?
Does staying inside count? Actually I've dabbled a bit in snowboarding in the last few years and whilst I am not particularly good I'm not terrible either.
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Adam Braatz - VP of Communications

What are you looking forward to most in 2022?
My TEDx talk. No, I haven't been selected to do one yet, but I'm manifesting it right now! You heard it here first. 🙂
What is your New Year's Resolution?
I'm going to be much smarter about my sleep schedule.
What should veterans and military families do/be aware of in 2022?
Your health matters and you EARNED benefits and support by virtue of your service. Don't be hesitant to get the help you need.
What WI-based veteran-owned business do you believe is poised to take off this year?
The businesses that effectively and consistently tell their stories online will win, period. I have my eye on a few, but I don't want to jinx anyone by saying their names out loud.
What was your favorite book from 2021?
Trust Me, I'm Lying by Ryan Holliday
What was your favorite movie from 2021?
Not a movie, but I finally got around to watching the Sopranos and it was spectacular.
What was your favorite album from 2021?
Tearing at the Seams by Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats
Predictions for the Packers' playoffs?
(Adam had predicted 12-5 pre-season)
If we have to play Tampa Bay in the NFC Championship it'll be tough. If we win that game we'll win the Super Bowl (I'm guessing against Kansas City).
Favorite winter activity?
Sitting by the fire and daydreaming about a time when I will have the resources to live in the south during the months of January and February.