Norm Yerke
President and CEO
New Life Ventures LLC
N21 W23350 Ridgeview Parkway, Waukesha
Industry: Retail
Revenue: $500,000
Employees: 4
Norm Yerke is a serial entrepreneur. He recently landed in the retail business with his investment in the AirCut haircutter, a compact device allowing consumers to cut their own hair at home.
A Wisconsin native, Yerke began buying and selling businesses in 1985 after working in corporate America. He grew his first company from $8 million to $100 million and sold it in 1989. Since then, Yerke has led 15 successful companies.
“When I was 26 years old, I started my first company, a resume writing service called Allison Resume Writing Company,” he said.
In 2007, Yerke sold four companies and launched his 16th company, AirCut.
Yerke and his engineering team began inventing the AirCut in 2008, and the product was launched in 2009. Today the AirCut device is sold globally online and more than 100 affiliates.
“The AirCut is growing. For a consumer product there is a high acceptance, and people love the product,” he said. “AirCut is my best idea to date.”
Yerke’s next ventures will include consumer products and an idea for search engine optimization.
“I am very interested in the Internet,” he said.” I believe the Internet is still on its infancy, and we have a long way to go. Search is just a big part of the Internet, and today Google has become a verb.”
Yerke also mentors other entrepreneurs looking to break into the retail market.
“I am constantly networking, with advising and partnering with others,” he said. “It keeps me off the street. I’m not done. I’m never going to retire. I am always interested in looking at new ventures and new inventions.”
