Business Address: W6849 Marrihill Ct., Greenville, WI 54942
Phone: 920-757-9191
Email:Tom@WiltziusAssociates.com or Tom@enVisionPerformanceSolutions.com
Websites:www.WiltziusAssociates.com and www.enVisionPerformanceSolutions.com
Birthplace: Menominee, Mich.
Spouse/Partner’s Name: Elizabeth (Betsy)
Board Membership: New North, Inc.; Goodwill-North Central Wisconsin; UW-Oshkosh/Chancellor Advisory Council; Insight Magazine/Editorial Advisory Board
Organizations: Rotary, Regional Presidents Council, Key Executive Council
Education: BS, UW-Stout; MS, UW-Stout; Ph.D., CCU
When did you found the company, Tom, and how would you describe your present role as president?
My primary role is that of an executive coach. I assist executives and the teams they lead through my re-established consulting practice, which I originally started in 1980, sold in 2000, and I am now re-igniting.
You’ve re-entered the field; what did you read to help you keep current?
I read HBR articles and other select business articles, and I try to read books that expand professional points of view.
Do you feel you’ve already reached a personal career high point, or have you set one?
I have been blessed to learn from many and continue to synthesize thoughts and processes that lead me to be a better consultant and mentor. In 2010, I chose to re-establish my private practice (Wiltzius Associates, LLC) and then in 2011 expand by starting a parallel firm with my colleague Gail Wise, Ph.D. That new firm, enVision Performance Solutions, LLC, and all that it promises, will likely be the highlight of my professional career. Additionally, being part of the formation of the regional economic development initiative, the New North, Inc., has been very fulfilling.
Is there someone who has influenced your career? If so, in what way?
I have had the privilege of knowing and working with many senior executives, learning much from each one. My first boss during my college years, Maurie Michelbook, taught me the values of patience, trust, focus and perseverance. He is gone now, but the start he gave me, and the confidence others have shown me, has allowed me to build on the concept of integrity, which I got from my father.
We like to take our interviewees back, through time, to the beginning of their career paths. As a young person, what were your earliest career aspirations?
At a young age, I really did not want to work for a living, so I thought of becoming a politician. But my dad, just before he died, indicated the only thing he would leave to me as an inheritance was a reputation for integrity. So I knew then that politics was not a viable option. In high school, I wanted to become an architect and design and construct buildings. I believe I was led to simply switch from buildings to people and the teams they lead.
What did you do with your first paycheck?
I have been working since I was about 11 years old. I had the privilege of first working for my mother and father, who owned a family business. While I can’t say for sure, I think I may have spent my first earnings on soda!
I see you are a Michigan native. What brought you to Wisconsin?
While it is true I was born in Michigan, my parents lived in Marinette, Wis. The hospital was across the river in Menominee, Mich. So, at the tender age of about 5 days old, I crossed the border into Wisconsin to stay.
Tom, what do you do “beyond the office” that brings you happiness or relaxation?
I love to go fishing with my wife and kids or friends … never enough time, though. I also like woodworking, Bible study, simply “being” while outdoors. There are so many God-given things to explore and truly appreciate. Even cutting the grass can be relaxing and enjoyable!
Travel? Have a favorite place to go?
I love three places. Really love them. Vilas County in Wisconsin, the Netherlands, and the desert (arava) in Israel around Tel Tamar and Ein Gedi.
Pretty diverse spots!
Vilas County has unbounded beauty that is rich and green, with 1,200+ lakes to explore and fish. The Netherlands has a rich history with a people that are warm, inviting, and appreciative. They thrive on love, laughter, and hard work. And in the desert of Israel, around Tel Tamar, you find isolation and introspection with seasonal insights and history rich in years. While only a short distance from Tel Tamar, Ein Gedi is a wonderland of rich flora, where sand, sun, water, and seed combine to grow a spectacular oasis of trees and flowering plants in this decades-old kibutz.
While traveling do you have a chance to read for pleasure?
The Art of Racing in the Rain is my most recent read that is not a pure business book. It was both entertaining and insightful reading. Before that book, I enjoyed Drive and A Whole New Mind, both by Daniel Pink and great for parents to read for insight on the emergent generation.
Is there someone – a character in a book or movie – you might identify with, or that really chimes with you?
Mark Twain, Will Rogers, and the roles played by Sean Connery seem to draw me. However, one of my favorite movies is Secondhand Lions, a must for those who move into the second half of life!
Anything else you’d be willing to share about your personal life?
I have been blessed with a wonderful life. My wife, Betsy, children, mom, and friends are the center of my being. God has been gracious. But I have one unusual hobby. I collect old bayonets and swords that were made at the Springfield Armory (Mass.) between 1872 and 1972.
That’s an interesting hobby, so I’ll give you “unusual” as one descriptor. Can you give me three more words you think best describe you, as others see you or as you see yourself?
Smart, compassionate, and strategic are what others might see. They would be right, but I can also be tough, impatient, and creative.
Okay, we’re leaving the personal questions now, and focusing on the big picture. Tom, what is your assessment of where the Wisconsin economy is headed?
At the moment, the Wisconsin economy is being steered by political ideologues who only think they know what they are doing, but in reality do not. The division and rancor among the prevailing politicians and their parties, and the divisiveness caused by WMC and WEAC within our borders and the special interest PACs from outside our borders will be our undoing.
In reality, it is not so much “what is being done” but “what is being said” and how actions are being taken that reflect the profound dysfunction in elected government today in Wisconsin. Both sides of the aisle demonstrate irresponsible, juvenile behaviors day in and day out. Wisconsin economic rankings are sliding again (Federal Bank of Philadelphia). Our best bet would be to start over, throwing out every current elected state official, regardless of party. It would be a gradual process to do over six years, but the message and outcomes could be profound.
We need elected officials who bow not to party or interest groups, but the needs and interests of Wisconsin citizens. Concurrently, we would need to do a better job of teaching college and high school students what civic responsibility is and how government works (or doesn’t work). This is essential so that any progress made can be presented to the next generation to improve on.
Is this a cohort you’d like to coach?
I would love to coach and mentor our state governors – and clergy. Of course, this assumes that each would be interested in becoming more effective as a leader and be more responsible and responsive in their roles. I know it’s asking a lot.
Finally, what special career advice do you have for someone who is looking for meaningful work in this economic climate?
Examine your heart, your skills, and the wants of the market. Prepare, pursue, and persevere. That’ll be $50, please.
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