Business Development Executive / Age 39
M3 Insurance
When Maeghan Michels was hired at National Exchange Bank & Trust, she “was coming from the credit union world with no commercial lending experience or college degree that pertained to business or finance,” she says. “They were willing to take a chance on me because I was the right fit for the job … They encouraged my involvement in the community as a volunteer and really allowed me to grow professionally.”
That experience “opened my eyes to a passion I had for our community and working with businesses. It gave me the confidence I needed to build relationships with businesses in our community,” Michels says. In Northeast Wisconsin, talent attraction and retention are the key challenges, she says. “There isn’t a single company that I’ve spoken with in the last few years that feels like they have a great handle on the war on talent. …it’s going to take a lot of time and collaboration.”
Michels is involved with local organizations that focus on downtown revitalization, children’s basic needs and advocacy for mental health awareness.
People might not know that Michels is a master at playing Clue. “Most have tired of playing with me, but my son is persistent,” she says. “He is determined to take me down.”
