Manufacturing
CEO
Oldenburg Group Inc. | Glendale
Wayne C. Oldenburg founded Oldenburg Group Inc. in 1981. The company was a manufacturer of mining equipment, commercial lighting and military products. In 2006, Oldenburg sold its coal mining equipment business to Joy Global Corp. (now Komatsu Mining) for $140 million, but kept its division that made machines used in hard-rock underground mining. In 2016, it sold its underground mining equipment and defense businesses to a New York-based private equity firm. Oldenburg kept its commercial lighting equipment division, Glendale-based Visa Lighting. He continues to serve as chief executive officer of the company, which supplies performance engineered products that are used in the architectural lighting industry.
Oldenburg is past-president of ABCD: After Breast Cancer Diagnosis, a nonprofit organization that provides support of people affected by breast cancer; the organization was founded by his late wife, Melodie Wilson. For years, Oldenburg has provided rent-free space in Visa Lighting Inc.’s Glendale office building to three nonprofits: ABCD, Girls on the Run and SHARP Literacy.
Education: Bachelor’s and J.D., University of Wisconsin-Madison; MBA (equivalent) Stockholm School of Economics
What was your first job, and what did you learn from it?
"Delivering newspapers starting in 6th grade. Consistent reliability."
What piece of advice has had the most significant impact on your career?
"Be willing to take the big risk but manage them closely. Spend the time and money to recruit outstanding self motivated people."
If you could have dinner with any two business leaders, who would you choose and why?
"Warren Buffet. Best overall understanding of business.
Jeff Bezos. Best knowledge on overcoming seemingly insurmountable odds to build a business with while creating an outstanding culture."
What are some of your favorite destinations/places to visit?
"Saint Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands; Stuart, Florida."
What is one book you think everyone should read and why?
"'Atlas Shrugged' by Ayn Rand. Best explanation of the threat to democracy and capitalism by politics."
What’s your hobby/passion?
"Motorcycle Riding. Photography."
What is your favorite Wisconsin restaurant and what do you order there?
"Kopp’s, butter pecan custard."
What would people be surprised to learn about you (fun fact)?
"I can’t swim a stroke."
What was your first car? How long did you drive it for?
"Chevrolet 1956. 4 years."
If you could take a one-year sabbatical, what would you do?
"Relax."
What’s the toughest business challenge you’ve had to overcome?
"Overcoming the closing of two factories, relocating and building two new ones."
What advice would you give to a young professional?
"Don’t stop you education. Learn more from people who have already succeeded. Find an interested mentor."
What has been your/your company’s most significant success over the last 12 months?
"Gaining a major share in a new market."
What is one thing you would change about Wisconsin to make it even better?
"Reduce state spending and taxes."
Is there a nonprofit cause that has special meaning to you?
"ABCD, After Breast Cancer Diagnosis. Mentors one-on-one to women recently diagnosed with breast cancer by women who have been through the same diagnosis."
What is the biggest risk you have ever taken?
"Climbing many high altitude mountains."
What’s at the top of your bucket list?
"A good round of golf."
What has you most excited about the future?
"It is still unlimited."
