Professional of the Week – May 15, 2012
Theresa Wiese
First Business Financial Services, Inc.
Business Address: 401 Charmany Dr., Madison, WI 53719
Phone: 608-232-5930
Email:twiese@firstbusiness.com
Website: www.firstbusiness.com
Birthplace: Madison
Spouse/Partner’s Name: Tim
Board Membership: School board member, Queen of Peace school; member of the Edgewood Athletic Board
Education: Bachelor of Arts, UW-Madison
Theresa, you’ve moved up the ladder at your institution. Can you share with our audience that migration and also what you do today?
I have been with First Business Financial Services for 19 years. My roles have been varied: client services manager, deposit operations manager. I’m currently senior vice president and am responsible for risk management, internal audit, and facilities (remodels, build outs, lease negotiations, etc.). I also hold the titles of compliance officer and security officer.
There is so much to keep up with in your industry. How do you do it?
I read daily emails from various banking association and regulators as well as related industries. I am a member of LinkedIn, ABA’s risk management and compliance networks, a local compliance network with banks of various sizes, cbanc, and other networking associations. My best places for up-to-date information relating to my career focus come from these networking forums. I strongly recommend getting involved in networking opportunities, both online and in person.
I enjoy reading books from the author Jim Collins, who wrote Good to Great, Great by Choice,and Built by Choice. I also recommend Winning by Jack Welch.
What do you read for pleasure? Can you name a recent title that might give us the flavor of what you like to read to relax?
I enjoy historical fiction. My favorite books are The Kite Runner and A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini as well as The Help by Kathryn Stockett. I just finished The Hunger Games books and loved those!
What matters most to you in your job – gives you the most satisfaction?
Seeing people that I have mentored succeed at what they are doing, and building a sound risk-management process.
You mention mentoring: What career advice would you offer someone who is looking for meaningful work in this economic climate?
Most important attributes: Have a great attitude, be energetic, and stay motivated to “go the extra mile.” These characteristics will get you noticed and take you far.
When you were just starting out, let’s say your first job, what did you do with that first paycheck?
I saved most of my first paycheck and spent some on new clothes! I worked at Cornblooms in Madison, which is a retail shoe store.
You were born in Madison. Have you always lived in Wisconsin?
I lived in Washington, D.C., and Virginia for about eight years after graduating from UW-Madison.
What do you do “beyond the office” that brings you happiness or relaxation, and is travel in that mix?
I have three kids so I spend a lot of time at sporting events – baseball, soccer, volleyball, basketball, etc. I also enjoy gardening and spending time with friends. Travel – I love New York City. There is so much going on all the time. The excitement is contagious!
Can you think of three words to best describe yourself, Theresa?
Energetic, kind, loyal.
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