We have had a handful of requests from our members and volunteers to share a bit more about ourselves. Accordingly, we've created this "Staff Picks" series for your reading enjoyment.
President & CEO
Favorite Wisconsin destination in Summer:
When I was young I spent my summers in central Wisconsin, and it's still one of my favorite places to visit.
Predictions on how the Brewers season will turn out:
I'm looking forward to watching Brewers baseball long into October and beyond.
Prediction for the Packers record (remember, NFL season is now 17 games long):12-5
Which upcoming Chamber event(s) are you most looking forward to?
The return of the Wisconsin Veterans Business Conference!
What veteran-owned WI business are you most excited about right now?
With the labor challenges especially impacting the service sector, I'm excited about the progress being made by Workshift. Workshift is a platform that connects restaurants & hospitality groups with service industry talents.
What are you currently reading?
Giannis: The Improbable Rise of an NBA MVP by Mirin Fader.
What are you listening to?
Certified Lover Boy- Drake
What are you currently watching/have watched recently that you would recommend?
Do yourself a favor and watch Ted Lasso.
Vice President, Membership
Favorite Wisconsin destination in Summer:Door County is always nice. I must admit though I almost prefer it during the off season. I'm pretty content though to just be anywhere outside in warm weather assuming it's not too hot.
Predictions on how the Brewers season will turn out:The Brewers are getting to be a really strong team. Sadly I fear that with a few players being out due to COVID precautions we aren't quite ready to win the championship. Brewers 2022 though!
Prediction for the Packers record (remember, NFL season is now 17 games long):I'm going to predict, barring injuries, a season record of 11 wins 6 losses.
Which upcoming Chamber event(s) are you most looking forward to?Being the new guy on the team I'm highly excited for all of our events. I've been delighted to meet so many new people and learn about their different organizations. I can't wait to attend my first Cyclocross event and am really excited for the Veterans Parade. Hope to see a great turn out in support of Veterans!
What veteran-owned WI business are you most excited about right now?I am very fond of a small business from Baraboo/Lake Delton called "Star Spangled D-Signs." The company creates custom wooden flags to mount on your wall. I personally have one which reflects my time in the service and it's absolutely beautiful.
What are you currently reading?Currently I'm reading, albeit slowly, a Star Wars book. I've enjoyed the series for quite some time and this particular series follows the Clone Troopers of the Republic after the war as they try to make a life for themselves outside of the military.
What are you listening to?I almost always have some late 90's early 2000's punk type rock going. Some of my favorite bands are Simple Plan and Bowling for Soup.
What are you currently watching/have watched recently that you would recommend?I'm currently watching an Amazon Prime show "Clarkson's Farm" which is a show starring Jeremy Clarkson formerly of Top Gear UK and The Grand Tour. The show Follows Jeremy as he decides to finally become a farmer rather than have someone else farm the land for him. It's a good bit of fun particularly as he decided to try his hand at it during the absolute worst years 2019-2020.
Vice President, Communications & Programs
Favorite Wisconsin destination in Summer:I'm a big fan of Door County. My wife Kate and I went up to Washington Island this summer for our anniversary and had an absolute blast.
Predictions on how the Brewers season will turn out:Wisconsin sports fans are conditioned to have post-season anxiety. I won't say anything to jinx the Brewers, but I'm definitely excited for some October baseball!
Prediction for the Packers record (remember, NFL season is now 17 games long):If A-Rod stays healthy, 12-5.
Which upcoming Chamber event(s) are you most looking forward to?Hard to choose one. Our upcoming Women Veteran Owned Business Recognition & Benefit is going to be an awesome event, as is our annual Business Conference!
What veteran-owned WI business are you most excited about right now?I'm a big fan of Burn Pit BBQ -- they recently just celebrated their 1 year anniversary!
What are you currently reading?Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss
What are you listening to?Tearing at the Seams by Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats
What are you currently watching/have watched recently that you would recommend?I've been watching My Hero Academia with the kids and am really into it. I also recently finished Downton Abbey (I know, I'm behind the times) and thoroughly enjoyed it.