Bubbler Executive of the Week
Name: Robert D. Soerens
Title: president/owner
Company: Hanabi Inc. dba Comfort Keepers
Company address: 2422 N. Grandview Blvd, Suite 202 Waukesha, WI 53188
Company web site: www.comfortkeepers.com/office-805
Industry: Supportive, non-medical, in-home caregiving.
Education: J.D., University of Wisconsin; B.A. (Geography and Japanese) University of Minnesota
Family: "Wife, Stephanie with our first child on the way"
Hobbies and Interests: “I enjoy golfing and skiing whenever I can and love playing cards and board games. I like football season, especially watching Packers and Badger games as well as rooting against Minnesota teams. I also always have a book or two going.”
Favorite book and/or movie: “My favorite book I’ve read recently was "The Windup Bird Chronicles" by Haruki Murakami. And for movies I enjoy Dead Man and Caddy Shack“
Favorite musician/band: “I’m kind of all over the map with no favorites. Some bands I find myself listening to again and again are the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Radiohead, Wilco and the Beatles”
Favorite place to visit/vacation: “I generally just love to travel and to visit different places – I really enjoy trying new foods, seeing new things and experiencing other cultures. So, while it’s hard to say I have a favorite, I do find myself looking for an excuse to go back to Japan.”
Favorite local restaurant: “Andrew’s in Delafield for breakfast, Erv’s Mug in Oak Creek for fish fry, Jake’s for steak, Sven’s in Bayview for their sandwiches.”
Words to live by: “Always ask why.”
What is your core philosophy for doing business? “Do the right thing for your employees and clients and the rest will follow.”
Who is your role model and why? “My father, because he is a smart businessman who has earned the respect of his employees and customers by being ethical, honest and genuine.”
If you would like to be featured as the Bubbler Executive of the week, or know someone who would, please email suggestions to alysha.schertz@biztimes.com
Von back on the air
Local radio legend Eric Von will return to his post hosting the Morning Magazine on WMCS-AM 1290 in mid July.
Von resigned from his position in 2009 when the station was forced to make budget cuts. Now, with new sponsorships from Northwestern Mutual and Johnson Controls, the show will air again from 7 to 10 a.m. on weekdays.
WMCS Radio president and CEO, Willie Davis approached Von in February to come back to the station.
“It wasn’t a difficult proposition,” said Von. “I’ve always respected Mr. Davis and have always thought he’s been fair with me. So we sat down and came to an agreement I think we both are happy with.”
According to Von, Morning Magazine will focus on local issues in the community. The political season will play a large part in the station’s coverage this Summer and Fall, , but social and economic issues will as well, Von said.
“We will certainly have some lighter fare,” Von said. “We’ll have some fun, but overall the show will be what the community has been asking for for the last year at least.”
Assurant Health CEO to retire
Assurant Inc., the New York-based parent company of Milwaukee-based Assurant Health, recently announced that Assurant Health chief executive officer Don Hamm, 55, will retire in January of 2011.
Assurant Health chief operating officer Adam Lamnin, 46, will become the company’s new president and CEO when Hamm retires.
"Leadership succession is a priority at Assurant, and this is the next step we anticipated when Adam came to Assurant Health as COO last year," said Robert B. Pollock, president and CEO of Assurant, Inc. "As we plan for the future and adapt to the post-health care reform environment, now is the right time to announce these leadership moves as Don and Adam work side-by-side during the next six months to ensure a smooth transition in every respect for our customers, employees, partners and shareholders. We extend our thanks to Don Hamm for his leadership of Assurant Health. As all of us who have worked with Don during his 30-year career know well, he is a respected professional with risk management expertise and extensive knowledge that he generously shares with his colleagues throughout the industry. We appreciate Don’s service and insights as he and Adam lead the reshaping of Assurant Health for the future."
