By: Vicky Franchino
Last fall, WMEP added a new position to our team: Business Development Specialist. We created this role to help Wisconsin manufacturers more effectively access all WMEP has to offer, and it’s proven so valuable we’ve already added a second Business Development Specialist, Amy Tesch.
Tesch is an advocate and first point of contact for manufacturers in the Appleton, Fox Cities and Northeast Regions of the state. She provides the critical initial research and company background that helps ensure WMEP consultants can efficiently pinpoint and meet our clients’ most critical needs—a timesaving role that’s invaluable in today’s dynamic business environment. Here are just a few of the many reasons Wisconsin manufacturers will benefit from having Tesch on the WMEP team.
She has an entrepreneurial spirit
After owning a home-based business for over 20 years, Tesch knows what it takes to launch an enterprise and keep it running smoothly. She’s managed everything from finances and marketing to product launches and cold calls and excels at juggling competing priorities. “As a fellow small business owner, I understand the challenges our clients face and the difference WMEP can make,” Tesch said. “I’m excited to help Wisconsin manufacturers connect with all WMEP has to offer.”
She’s a whiz at relationship building
Anyone who’s run a small business understands the importance of cultivating strong relationships and this is an area where Tesch excels. For instance, before joining WMEP Tesch provided support for the 25+-member alumni development team at Lawrence University, including the alumni board and the department’s senior vice president and two associate vice presidents. She also managed the department’s three-person administrative support team.
Tesch’s ability to form and nurture strong relationships among fellow employees, alumni, donors, and volunteers was key to her success at Lawrence. With Tesch, Wisconsin manufacturers can rest assured they have a committed new advocate on their side.
She shares WMEP’s passion for continuous improvement
When she worked at U.S. Venture early in her career, Tesch crossed paths with an approach to doing business that’s stayed with her ever since: continuous improvement.
“The idea of always working to improve processes and results became ingrained in me,” said Tesch. “I was excited to learn WMEP shares that commitment—both in terms of our partnerships with Wisconsin manufacturers and how WMEP supports its employees. It’s a big reason I joined the team.”
She knows how to connect the right skillsets to every task
Have a business challenge you’re not sure how to solve? Don’t waste time and resources—call on Tesch.
“I like to say Amy is the conduit,” said Director of Business Development, Mark Hatzenbeller. “If she doesn’t have the answers, she knows where to find them. Having a person who always knows where to send you is a huge timesaver—and a huge value—for our clients.”
When Tesch isn’t hard at work supporting our business development team or hunting down a resource for a WMEP client, you’re likely to find her spending time with her kids, going for walks, watching sports (Go Packers!) or joining her supper club friends for an evening out.