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.”