Doug brings over 25 years of business startup and ownership experience to his role as the Director of the UW-Milwaukee SBDC. Doug, most recently an entrepreneur in residence at Mississippi College, jumped into his entrepreneurial journey at age 26. He grew his first company, Club Colors Inc., to over $20 million in sales before selling to a private equity firm. His second company, Promoversity, reached $10 million in sales and was purchased by Barnes & Noble College. “I have been blessed in my business life, and it is mostly due to my mentors,” Doug said. “With this opportunity, I want to pivot and dedicate my time to helping new and existing entrepreneurs.”

Cheryl’s areas of expertise include small business advice for food, fashion and service businesses. Those who are lucky enough to work with Cheryl know she is calm and easy-going, but still no-nonsense. She’ll deliver tough love when it’s needed and praise when it’s warranted. Though she has learned to lead the horse to water, if it doesn’t want to drink, she won’t force it!

One of Cheryl’s favorite parts of the job is when the lightbulb goes on for a client. Most clients have a blind spot, and she’ll keep shining the light until they “get it.” Once the lightbulb flashes, the goal becomes real and the client will do what it takes to get it done. It doesn’t matter if it’s a business plan, financial projections, making the sale, writing the marketing copy, hiring or firing. The moment the client makes that move is the most rewording for her.

The most meaningful time with a client for Cheryl is when the client becomes coachable and they’re receptive to all she, as the advisor, has to offer. She also finds it gratifying when the client obtains a loan or equity investment. Their excitement is contagious!

Outside of work, Cheryl is very involved in her community – making sure people have what they need. So many go hungry, are cold or don’t have anyone who tells them they matter. The community work she does let’s people know they matter. Personally, she loves hosting dinner parties and making sure everyone’s heart, head, soul and belly are full when they leave. And laughter. Lots of laughter. Cheryl believes you can get through anything when you can smile through it because you know you matter to somebody.

Education:

• BBA, Finance, Investments and Banking, UW-Madison
• MBA, Strategy, MIT-Sloan School of Management

Jason’s areas of expertise include operations, retail, financial projections and SEO. Clients who work with Jason state they enjoy that he hits many angles and gives lots to think about, but creates a list of only three things to work on to stay focused. Jason likes to combine information and data with an owner’s gut feeling to create a direction to move forward.

Jason loves learning about new business ideas, learning how industries work and gathering ideas to help businesses that could benefit from a new point of view. He enjoys when he can help a client organize their tasks into a structured action plan and use information they already know to create a workable approach.

Outside of the SBDC, Jason is a fitness advocate and supports balancing the physical with mental readiness.