Executive chairman, Husco International | Waukesha
Founder, St. Augustine Preparatory Academy | Milwaukee
Augustin “Gus” Ramirez is executive chairman of Husco International, a Waukesha-based manufacturer of hydraulic and electrohydraulic controls, where he was chairman and chief executive officer for more than 25 years. His son, Austin Ramirez, succeeded him in that role in 2011. Gus Ramirez led a management group buyout of Husco in 1985 and is credited with helping grow the company from $20 million to more than $400 million in revenues. The company created several significant innovations in mobile hydraulics controls, receiving more than 100 patents during his tenure.
Ramirez is also a prolific philanthropist. He and his family invested about $60 million in 2017 to launch St. Augustine Preparatory Academy, a private, Christian K4-12 school on Milwaukee’s south side that has expanded to today serve 2,200 students. In 2023, the Ramirez Family Foundation purchased the former Cardinal Stritch campus for $24 million to serve as an additional Aug Prep campus. Ramirez has personally committed $75 million of the $100 million needed to support the new campus.
Through the Ramirez Family Foundation, he also helped fund Schools That Can Milwaukee (now City Forward Collective) and expansions at the United Community Center, Milwaukee College Prep, St. Marcus Schools, Carmen Schools of Science and Technology and others. Over the past two decades, Ramirez and his wife, Becky, have also supported nearly 200 Christian schools, mostly in Central America, and the family visits often to stay connected to the schools and students.
Education: Bachelor’s and master’s, Georgia Tech; MBA, Harvard University
2022 Wisconsin 275 Profile
Manufacturing
Executive chairman, Husco International | Waukesha
Founder, St. Augustine Preparatory Academy | Milwaukee
Augustin “Gus” Ramirez led a buyout of Husco International in 1985 and went on to serve as its CEO for the next 25 years. He is credited with overseeing an era of growth at the manufacturer of hydraulic and electrohydraulic controls for off-highway applications. During his tenure, sales revenue grew from roughly $13 million to nearly $400 million, the company expanded internationally, and it launched its automotive business. Gus has remained executive chairman since 2011, when his son, Austin, assumed leadership of the company as president and CEO. Ramirez is also a prolific philanthropist. He and his family invested about $60 million to launch St. Augustine Preparatory Academy, a private, Christian K4-12 school on Milwaukee’s south side that today serves about 1,400 students. Over the past two decades, Gus and his wife, Becky, have supported nearly 200 Christian schools, mostly in Central America.
Education: Bachelor’s, master’s, Georgia Tech; MBA, Harvard University
What was your first job, and what did you learn from it?
“Development engineer. (I) learned I did not want to be a career engineer.”
What piece of advice has had the most significant impact on your career?
“Perseverance and effort are more important than talent.”
If you could have dinner with any two business leaders, who would you choose and why?
“Warren Buffett to discuss investment strategy and opportunities and Jamie Dimon (chief executive officer of JP Morgan Chase) to discuss global economic issues.”
What are some of your favorite destinations/places to visit?
“Montana and Cabo.”
What is one book you think everyone should read?
“‘The Road to Serfdom’ by F.A. Hayek.”
What’s your hobby/passion?
“Hobby is golf and children’s education is my passion.”
What is your favorite Wisconsin restaurant and what do you order there?
“Birch, whatever Chef Kyle recommends.”
What would people be surprised to learn about you (fun fact)?
“I am a dog person.”
What was your first car? How long did you drive it for?
“VW, until it fell apart.”
If you could take a one-year sabbatical, what would you do?
“What I do now, combine work, fun, travel, and pursue passion with my life-long partner, Becky, and family.”
What’s the toughest business challenge you’ve had to overcome?
“Shrinking long-serving staff during 2008-2010 recession.”
What advice would you give to a young professional?
“Remember work is work and the more valuable you make yourself, the greater the opportunity.”
What has been your/your company’s most significant success over the last 12 months?
“Dealing with the up and downs of COVD and supply chain shortages.”
What is one thing you would change about Wisconsin to make it even better?
“Union controlled public education in urban areas such as Milwaukee is a disaster and must be transformed to improve.”
Is there a nonprofit cause that has special meaning to you?
“Creating education opportunities for minority poor children in Milwaukee and around the world. This is best exemplified by St. Augustine Prep which was created and managed by the Ramirez family and became the top-rated K-12 school in Wisconsin when all of its grades were filled four years after start-up.”
What is the biggest risk you have ever taken?
“Buying Husco with 97% leverage.”
What’s at the top of your bucket list?
“Family and faith.
What has you most excited for the future:
“The opportunity to create ever-improving business at Husco and school at Aug Prep.”
