Terry Hansen, president of Ultra Tool & Manufacturing Inc.
Company address: W169 N5954 Ridgewood Dr. in Menomonee Falls, WI 53051
Website: ultratoolmfg.com
Industry: Manufacturing
Number of employees: 108
Family: Wife, Debbie. Three daughters: Katie, Robin and Teresa. Three sons-in-law: Dave, Ryan and Karl. Two and one-half grandchildren: Carolyn, Ethan and one on the way.
What was the smartest thing your company did in the past year?
“This was more a personal activity, but my wife and I attended a weeklong leadership training called ‘Entreleadership’ put on by Dave Ramsey. The week we spent being coached by Dave and his team was the best training I’ve ever received.”
What’s new at your company?
“A focus on wellness. I recently participated in the BizTimes Milwaukee wellness challenge and failed.”
Do you plan to hire any additional staff or make any significant capital investments in your company in the next year?
“We are working on a project for the military that could cause significant growth in sales, employment and facilities IF we are awarded the work. We have been working on this project for four years. If you do a Google search for “XM-25″….you’ll find it. Really cool.”
What will be your company’s main challenges in the next year?
“Challenging leaders to push themselves beyond their daily work. By that I don’t mean work harder, but smarter. Setting goals, planning activities to reach the goals they set and measuring their success. It sounds very basic but it’s something we need to work on. Another challenge will be to find a way to offset the growing cost of our health care plan and/or figure out what the Affordable Care Act means for our employees.”
What’s the hottest trend in your industry?
“Today it seems like everybody is upgrading the software that runs their business. We installed a cloud-based solution called Plex and I can honestly say I’m pleased with it. We have no servers on site, less maintenance and I can access the system anywhere there is an Internet connection.”
Do you have a business mantra?
“Satisfy the customer and success will follow.”
From a business standpoint, who do you look up to?
“There really isn’t any one business person who I look up to today, but I respect any business leader who’s been able to withstand the challenges of finding new customers and managing people and financial resources for the success of their business. In general, however, I take my guidance and put my trust in my savior Jesus Christ.”
What was the best advice you ever received?
“Bring lawyers, guns and money!”
