BizTimes Staff

Since joining A.O. Smith Corp. in 1994, Kevin Wheeler has risen through its ranks to serve as chairman, president and chief executive officer

Tim Michels is co-owner of Michels Corp., the largest construction company in Wisconsin. The Brownsville-based heavy civil infrastructure construction firm has more than 8,000 employees.

John Daniels Jr. joined Quarles & Brady LLP in 1974, was named a partner in 1981 and became chairman and managing partner in 2007.

Debra S. Waller was named chairman and chief executive officer of Jockey International Inc. in January 2001, succeeding her mother.

Bob Atwell co-founded Nicolet National Bank and led the Green Bay-based bank as CEO until 2021 when he became executive chairman.

John Torinus purchased Serigraph in 1987 and spent 20 years as chief executive officer of the West Bend-based commercial printer and decorative molder.

Steve Richman has led Milwaukee Tool, the fast-growing Brookfield-based tool manufacturer, as its group president since 2007.

Adam Jelen is chief operating officer for Gilbane Building Co., one of the largest construction firms doing business in Wisconsin.

Carthage College president John Swallow has spearheaded several initiatives at the Kenosha liberal arts college over the past five years.

Emmy Murphy was named Milwaukee market leader of CBRE, a Dallas-based commercial real estate services and investment firm with three Wisconsin offices, in 2021.

Augustin "Gus" Ramirez led a buyout of Husco International in 1985 and went on to serve as its CEO for the next 25 years.

Gary Witt oversees a group of Milwaukee music venues, employing 350 employees and hosting nearly 700 shows and events annually.