Paul Jones has some free time, now that he has passed the torch at A.O. Smith Corp. in Milwaukee.

Much has been written about the challenges facing today's community bankers, including ongoing asset quality issues, shifting capital requirements, cutthroat competition for customers, rapid developments in technology, and an endless onslaught of new rules and regulations. Notwithstanding these challenges, many banks have “turned the corner” and see opportunity on the horizon. What distinguishes the banks that are improving (and perhaps even excelling) from those that continue to struggle? In many instances, we believe the difference can be traced to the boardroom. This article summarizes common characteristics we have observed from those banks that are thriving, partially as a result of their board's involvement, guidance and strategic direction.

“N o business talk during the drive to our family vacation home and over the weekend. But, on the...

After 23 years in business together, John and Patty Mueller, the owners of Menomonee Falls-based Idea Factory Inc., have managed to keep their marriage operating as smoothly as their business ventures.

“Necessity is the mother of invention,” is an English proverb which means necessity or difficult situations encourage inventive solutions.

In the 1980s, while I was a senior vice president at JH Collectibles, we were so focused on producing fashion sportswear for the misses market we missed the emerging “women's” size market.

Early in a new year many of us want to re-organize our lives, especially our work lives.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) approved the following loan guarantees in January: 3 Guys and a Pizza...