Growing up on the water in Two Rivers, Mike Molepske says his father gave him two things: “A love of the water and a love of finance.” He has put both to good use as chairman and CEO of Manitowoc‑based Bank First and a three‑time national champion barefoot waterskier.
Molepske started waterskiing at age 7, but he didn’t learn to ski barefoot until his late 30s. “The first time I got up on my feet, I didn’t think it was possible,” he says. “It’s like you’re defying the laws of physics. It’s a different connection than wakeboarding or slalom skiing because your feet are your skis.”
He began competing in tournaments 30 years ago, eventually earning three national titles. His daughter has taken the family legacy even further with 15 national titles of her own. Beyond competing, Molepske is one of the top five judges in the world and has served on committees for the American Barefoot Club and the World Barefoot Council.
That dedication to his sport has tangible benefits at work. Bank staffers have been known to ask Molepske if he skied before important meetings.
“They’ll reschedule a meeting if they think it’s a topic that would be better if I skied first because they know it puts me in a better mental state,” he says.
Barefoot waterskiing also demands complete focus, which translates to more intentional leadership.
“When I’m skiing on one foot at 44 miles an hour, everything’s got to clear my head. Forget about everything else you have going on,” Molepske says. “It teaches me to shut some of the noise out so I can focus on the task at hand or the person in front of me.”
Molepske has skied in more than 20 different countries and was the first person to ever barefoot waterski in Vietnam. Still, one of his favorite spots is a stretch of West Twin River in Two Rivers that he calls “the best god-made site for barefoot waterskiing.”
At 65, Molepske doesn’t have plans to slow down. He spends winters in South Florida so he can ski three to five days a week year‑round, finding both mental clarity and deep connection through the sport.
“The world becomes a lot smaller when I can travel to any country and have a friend to ski with,” he says.
