Joe Villmow
Age: 35
Education: Bachelor’s in business administration from Marquette University
Newest position: Certified coach, trainer and motivational speaker with The John Maxwell Co.
Other ongoing roles: President and owner, Security Network Systems; president, EmpowerMe Foundation
Why did you become a John Maxwell coach?
“I’m an entrepreneur; I own four or five different companies. The reason why I joined John Maxwell is personal development. With my foundation, teaching the kids the soft skills and then also teaching them how to be a leader in the Milwaukee area and Wisconsin, a lot of people don’t look at personal development, trying to make yourself a better person.”
What drove you to found EmpowerMe Foundation?
“Growing up, I had troubles reading and writing due to dyslexia, which made me an easy target to be bullied back in elementary school. When I arrived at Marquette University, I had lost nine people close to me within a three year period. With everything going on, I felt suicide was my only outlet, but I was saved because of the great supporting cast around me. At EmpowerMe, we teach soft skills to the students. It helps give them the opportunity to network and find mentors with CEOs and executives. Being able to have this opportunity can help teach them how to communicate effectively in hopes to better prepare them for the workplace.”
How do you achieve work/life balance?
“Being dyslexic, I always had to work three or four times harder than everyone else, so back in seventh grade when I had to study, study, study so much, I was used to having so much going on. What I’ve learned in business is making sure you surround yourself with great people who are going to show you the right way. You always make time. Everyone says in this world I’m too busy, I’m too busy. No one’s that busy. It just makes me feel good giving back to my community.”
