Accelerate October 2021

Despite several postponements due to COVID-19, Hamacher Resource Group (HRG) recently concluded its 41st Anniversary Celebration and Growth Summit with guests from throughout the country. If HRG is unfamiliar to you, you may have seen their work in the form of the data and images powering e-commerce websites, the arrangement of products on a store shelf, or the marketing efforts of retailers to further a brand's strength in the industry. Given HRG’s work across the retail supply chain, participating clients, vendors and partners in the retail industry included manufacturing, associations and technology organizations, as well as local business colleagues who work with HRG. Wisconsin pride was apparent in every part of the celebration. The kick-off to the event was an open house and tour at the HRG facility, then the group enjoyed a reception and dinner at the Historic Courthouse 1893 in downtown Waukesha. The following morning HRG hosted a Growth Summit at the Ingleside Hotel. It was a goal of HRG’s to show off Waukesha and highlight as many local businesses as possible. Guests were encouraged to visit the Les Paul experience at the Courthouse, the dinner was catered by Chef Jack’s, and flowers for the centerpieces were created by Flowers by Cammy LLC. At HRG’s open house, appetizers were from Geronimo Hospitality and guests enjoyed Raised Grain beer. HRG also provided guests gift bags that included Meister Cheese, Usinger’s beef sticks, and cookies in the shape of Wisconsin with HRG’s logo by Chef Steph Cookie Creations. Entertainment at both HRG’s office and the Historic Courthouse 1893 was provided by a charity with its roots in Waukesha – Guitars for Vets. GFV played background music throughout the evening and shared a bit about its mission and growth after dinner. Dawn Vogelsang, majority owner and president of HRG, shared opening remarks during the Growth Summit reminding guests that remakes can be better than the originals – if they remember where they came from and bring value to make it their own. Thus was the case with the origin of HRG when pharmacist and Stein Drug partner, Dave Hamacher, took the knowledge gained from his retail business to begin D.P. Hamacher & Associates. Fast forward to 2001 as Dawn and a group of managers purchased the company and decided to remake it again – with an eye toward progressive growth. Dawn shared four fundamental principles that helped set the course for the organization and continue to guide its direction today. TRANSPARENCY It’s important to openly and honestly share information (including financial health) with all associates. By remaining on the same page, it reinforces the reality that “we are all in this together – good and bad.” POSITIVE ENERGY Despite the dark clouds that often are out of our personal control, remaining optimistic and forward-thinking has been a vital part of HRG’s growth and commitment to excellence. THANKFULNESS Show appreciation for fellow coworkers, become an active member of the community, and be thankful for the privilege to serve the clients we have. WILLINGNESS TO CHANGE Standing still is not a good option – especially in a changing marketplace. HRG continues to innovate, search for new opportunities, and invite diverse backgrounds and experience into the organization. Following Dawn’s comments, Jerry Jendusa, founder of Stuck Management, reminded participants that, “every problem is an unforeseen opportunity.” Jerry elaborated by laying out key principles of growth: hope, vulnerability, process, and teamwork, among them. WAUKESHA COUNTY BUSINESS ALLIANCE, INC. | WAUKESHA.ORG REMARKABLE REMAKES REVISITED Hamacher Resource Group Celebrates 41st Anniversary 22