Wisconsin 275

Don Zietlow has been at the helm of La Crosse-based Kwik Trip’s evolution from a single location in Eau Claire to an 800-store operation with a devoted customer base

Serial entrepreneur Jalem Getz co-founded his first company, Halloween costume retailer GMI, in 1995 at age 22.

Nikki Purvis was selected to lead the African American Chamber of Commerce of Wisconsin this summer. The Milwaukee-based AACCW runs several programs in support of Black-owned businesses.

As a senior vice president with the economic development organization, Jim Paetsch has been deeply involved in the major business deals happening in Milwaukee over the past 17 years. In 2021, he also assumed the role of M7 executive director. 

Khalif El-Amin co-founded the STEAM-focused Young Enterprising Society with his brother in 2012.

Former high school teacher Amanda DoAmaral co-founded student tutoring platform Fiveable in Philadelphia in 2018.

Under Jason Liu’s leadership, Wauwatosa-based insurtech company Zywave has made seven acquisitions and doubled its size since 2020.

Kristin Seaquist is co-owner of Seaquist Orchards, a multi-generation family business that is both the oldest and largest cherry producer in Door County.

Fifth-generation hog farmer Howard “AV” Roth owns Roth Feeder Pig Inc., a 3,000-sow farm in Crawford County.

When he retires at the end of 2023, Don Smiley will have served as head of Summerfest operator Milwaukee World Festival Inc. for two decades.