Magazines

In 1971, Waukesha Metal Products was a local two-man tool and die shop. Today, the metal-forming manufacturer employs 115 people, operates factories in two area locations,and exports half of its products to more than 30 countries around the world.

Tim O’Brien Homes Inc.
N16 W24132 Prairie Ct. Suite 220, Waukesha
www.TimOBrienHomes.com  
Industry: Homebuilding
Employees: 18

In five years, Tim O'Brien Homes has overcome the challenges of a housing crash, won over homeowners leery of "going green" and has become one of the largest homebuilders in metropolitan Milwaukee.

Ruekert/Mielke Inc.
W233 N2080 Ridgeview Parkway, Waukesha
www.ruekert-mielke.com
Industry: Municipal engineering
Employees: 78

Working behind the scenes might not make Ruekert/Mielke the most recognizable firm in the region, but it is one of the most respected. The company has been engineering solutions for the area's municipalities for more than 50 years.

Rentapen Inc.
400 Travis Lane #30, Waukesha
www.rentapen.com
Industry: Welding fixtures
Employees: 13

Waukesha-based Rentapen Inc. has seen a lot of changes since the welding fixtures business was launched in 1976. Over the years, advances in technology, a shrinking pool of talent and economic challenges have made it difficult for similar companies to stay afloat.

QPS Employment Group
13935 Bishops Drive, Suite 330, Brookfield
www.qpsemployment.com
Industry: Professional services
Employees: 236

QPS Employment Group's name may sound traditional enough, but the firm — and its owner — are anything but.

Graphics Systems Corp. is more than a reseller of engineering software. The Menomonee Falls-based firm also serves as an engineering software training facility. Every month, more than 115 people attend one of the company's 33 classes.

A financial institution the size of First Business Bank-Milwaukee could serve tens of thousands of customers, but it chooses to serve just around 3,000. The limited number of clients is all by design – and an intricate part of the firm's unique business model.

Davies Orthodontics
2117 Corporate Drive, Suite 300, Waukesha
www.daviesortho.com
Industry: Health care
Employees: 9

Inside the door at Davies Orthodontics, a small museum displays dentistry tools from throughout the decades. The tools may be intimidating to some patients, but rest assured: the field of dentistry has come a long way since its days of pedal-powered drills.

ActionCOACH of Elm Grove
13150 Watertown Plank Road, Suite 200, Elm Grove
www.actioncoachofelmgrove.com  
Industry: Business coaching
Employees: 7

Many businesses come to a point where it feels they've hit a brick wall. Profits are stagnant, employees are overwhelmed or quarrelsome, and it seems everyone is out of ideas. When that happens, ActionCOACH of Elm Grove helps businesses see the forest through the trees.