Local Companies Recognized for Strong Business Practices

Editor's Note: The following information was provided to Patch via a news release from the Waukesha County Business Alliance.

Waukesha County Business Alliance and media sponsor and partner BizTimes Media have announced the 2014 Top 10 Businesses of the Year. The annual awards program recognizes companies headquartered in southeastern Wisconsin that have consistent financial growth and demonstrate a commitment to good business practice through their employee relations, customer-focused commitment and community service involvement.

"We’re honored to recognize such outstanding companies in this year’s Top 10 Businesses of the Year awards program,” said Suzanne Kelley, president, Waukesha County Business Alliance. “This year’s winners are absolutely outstanding examples of the strong, innovative and thriving companies we have in southeastern Wisconsin.”

Top 10 Businesses of the Year:

Badger Alloys, Inc.

Principals/Executive Staff: Rob Cowen, President and CEO; Kristen Koch, CFO

Industry: Manufacturing/Wholesale

Full-time Employees: 122

Capri Senior Communities - Tarantino & Company LLC

Principals/Executive Staff: James Tarantino, Principal; Glen Choban, Vice President; Jen Kessel, Director of Independent Living; Andy Lange, Director of Assisted Living

Industry: Property Management/Senior Living

Full-time Employees: 108

Centare

Principals/Executive Staff: Chad Albrecht, President; Amy Fallucca, VP, Human Resources; Jacob Scherrer, Corporate VP; Dave Rice, VP, Sales; Tim Eiring, VP, Madison

Industry: Technology

Full-time Employees: 114

EmbedTek LLC

Principals/Executive Staff: Dan Aicher, Chief Executive Officer; Tom Fotsch, Chief Operating Officer; Ted Platz, VP, Sales; Kent Tabor, Founder, Chief Technology Officer

Industry: Technology

Full-time Employees: 65

First Bank Financial Centre

Principals/Executive Staff: Mark Mohr, President & CEO; Mark McCune, Senior Vice President & Chief Lending Officer; Nate Zastrow, Senior Vice President & CFO

Industry: Financial Services

Full-time Employees: Did Not Disclose

Gustave A. Larson Company

Principals/Executive Staff: Scott Larson, President/COO; Andrew Larson, CEO; Brad Lamers, VP/CFO; Dan Benischek, VP of Operations; Greg Toler, VP Supply Chain

Industry: Manufacturing/Wholesale; Distribution HVAC/R

Full-time Employees: 381

Hunzinger Construction Company

Principals/Executive Staff: John C. Hunzinger, President; James R. Hunzinger, Executive VP; Kevin P. O’Toole, Executive VP; Joel Becker, P.E., VP of Field Operations; Tim Van Dyn Hoven, VP, Project Executive; Jon Jansen, P.E., Project Executive; Larry Palank, P.E., VP Preconstruction Services

Industry: Building/Construction

Full-time Employees: 42

Hydro - Thermal Corporation    

Principals/Executive Staff: Jim Zaiser, President; Gary Zaiser, CEO; Thomas G. Tellefson, CFO

Industry: Manufacturing/Wholesale

Full-time Employees: 57

Stan's Fit For Your Feet and New Balance Milwaukee

Principals/Executive Staff: Jim Sajdak, C.Ped., President/CEO; Linda Timm, Vice President/COO; Bob Witczak, General Manager; Megan Sajdak, C.Ped., Marketing Director

Industry: Retail

Full-time Employees: 40

Waukesha Metal Products

Principals/Executive Staff: Jeffrey Clark, President/CEO; Michael Steger, VP/COO; Nicholas Schneider, VP Sales/Marketing

Industry: Manufacturing/Wholesale

Full-time Employees: 137

Community Distinction Award:
Sharon Lynne Wilson Center for the Arts

Principals/Executive Staff: Jonathan Winkle, Executive Director; Megan Huse, Development Director; Anna Helgeson, Education & Visual Art Director; Jon Sorenson, Finance Director; Jennifer Bauer, Marketing Director; Chris Blad, Production & Facilities Director

Industry: Non-profit Arts Organization

Full-time Employees: 14