Managing partner and chairman
Wipfli | Green Bay
Kurt Gresens is the managing partner and chairman of the board of Wauwatosa-based Wipfli LLP. Ranking among the top 25 CPA and advisory firms in the U.S., Wipfli reported $590 million in net revenue in 2024. Wipfli has grown during Gresens’ tenure through a series of acquisitions, including Harbour Results, Sheshunoff Consulting + Solutions, Clayton & McKervey, Oliver Group, Solve100 and Waypoint Consulting, among others. Today, it has nearly 300 partners and 3,200 full-time employees.
Education: Bachelor’s, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Favorite movie: “‘The Godfather.’ I enjoy the complexity of the characters, the performances of the cast and complex themes which explore family, loyalty and power.”
The future of your industry: “Ultimately, the future of our industry will be defined by how well we integrate cutting-edge technology with human ingenuity. Firms that can successfully blend these elements will not only provide superior client service, but also remain leaders in a rapidly evolving market.”
First and most recent concert: “First: Depeche Mode, Summerfest. Most recent: Elton John at The O2 (Arena in London).”
Favorite part of the workday: “Mornings. Getting the day going with a rested brain, few distractions and proactive time after starting off with reading and learning.”
2022 Wisconsin 275 Profile
Business Services | Accounting
Managing partner and chairman
Wipfli | Wauwatosa
Kurt Gresens is managing partner and chairman of the board of Wipfli LLP. The Wauwatosa-based company is among the top 20 largest public accounting firms nationally, with a net revenue of roughly $507 million and over 3,000 employees. Wipfli has grown during Gresens’ tenure through a slew of acquisitions, including the acquisition of three companies in 2021 alone.
Education: Bachelor’s, University of Wisconsin-Madison
First job: “I grew up on a dairy and ginseng farm, which I count as my first job. I learned not only the value of hard work and humility, but also taking pride in doing a job well, building resiliency and the love of nature.”
Book recommendation: “‘Leadership and Self Deception’ by the Arbinger Institute. It reflects the foundational mindset at Wipfli essential for how to approach relationships and solve problems with and for our team members and clients.”
Bucket list: “A visit to Normandy. I’m a World War II buff in part due to the sacrifices made for the benefit of the greater good. Seeing the beaches, cemetery and region I would expect to be an emotional experience considering the magnitude of those sacrifices.”
Nonprofit cause that has special meaning to you: “Golden House Green Bay provides hope and healing for victims of domestic violence. Having served on the board of directors and seen the impact that the cycle of abuse can have on families, sometimes for generations, this organization is working every day to help the one in three women and one in 10 men affected.”