Local leaders shared their stories of who mentored them... Common Council President Willie Hines Life is a colorful journey filled with opportunities, challenges and many unknowns. It is difficult – if not impossible – to get to a position of leadership all on one’s own. We all receive valuable help from someone along the way – a shoulder to lean on, a helping hand or simply a word of encouragement. I am no different.
“My measure of success has been possible because of the many people who took time to invest in my character and my future. Teachers, pastors, coaches, coworkers – and especially members of my own family – have been instrumental in helping me find my way. Make a difference in a young person’s life today. Invest in the next generation of leaders. Be a mentor John Stollenwerk I had three mentors in my life. I credit them along with my strong family and Catholic school education to my life successes. 1. Hugo Hellman - The dean of the Marquette University School of Speech. He was a real friend, as well as mentor. He guided me along during my University years and a few years thereafter. He stepped in as my father died quite unexpectedly one day. 2. Alfred Zmolek - The CEO of a feed and food company located in Union Center, Wisconsin. As I began my entrepreneur life Al gave me my first start and mentored me for many, many years. He is a true friend. Without Al, I would never have achieved what I did in my business life. 3. Don Schuenke - Chairman and CEO of Northwestern Mutual Financial Services Company. Don was my mentor during my later years in business and life. He was the ever present voice of wisdom and experience. He was my "steady hand" until his passing. Jack Blank When I first started working, one day during lunch hour, I asked my engineering supervisor what one had to do to take steps up the Corporate Ladder. This was his response which I have never forgotten: Come to work each day with a positive ‘can do’ attitude. Never refuse an opportunity. When opportunities develop, accept them with enthusiasm and complete the work faster and more accurately than expected. Your efforts will be noticed and recognized as a person of integrity and a good team player. Success will follow! Ulice Payne, Jr., President - Addison-Clifton, LLC The most significant mentor in my life was my father, Ulice Payne, Sr. He continued to remind me that no matter how successful I would become, I would always have a boss. His military experience was a reminder of the need for self-discipline, and that no one person can accomplish much on their own. Like soldiers in the Army, each of us has a different name, birthday and serial no. However, no one person can win the battle by themselves. Marc Petrocci, Leading Artist of the Milwaukee Ballet Company, UWM Student, Boyfriend and Son. Michael Petrocci is one, if not my biggest mentor. Not because he is my father, but because of who he is as a man. He has shown me that a truly strong man is not only determined and committed to his own pursuits, he is selflessly committed to the pursuits of those closest to him. Every time I take the stage, as a member of the Milwaukee Ballet Company, a part of me recalls the day he won the Ottawa Marathon, I feel his determination as well as his support of my dancing and that lets me fly. I hope to one day have the opportunity to pass this committed spirit on by being the type of man he is.
Bishop Richard J. Sklba Every one of us, sometime during our teen age years when we were a curious mixture of swaggering braggadocio and uncertainty, met a person who believed in us before we believed in ourselves! A word of encouragement, an offer of "let me show you how I do it," and a laughing account of a past blunder turned out to be just the right blend of mentoring needed at the moment. A teacher, a coach, a parish priest, a more experienced friend or even a young professional who worked at the job we dreamed of ... made all the difference in the world. Each segment of my life has included the sudden appearance of just such a person ... and I am very grateful! Collectively, a lot of people helped me achieve the goals I set out to attain in life. They all blazed a trail for me to follow, and paved a way for me to be in the position I am in today. Their words of encouragement, admonishments, candidness, and friendships are all essential to my success. I greatly appreciate every one who offered me a helping hand, good advice, and a belief in myself that I could achieve anything in life if I worked hard enough. These people are forever present in my life, and the group continues to grow.
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