Raina Lyman, Senior Director of Economic Development for Envision Greater Fond du Lac

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Looking back, what personal experiences or milestones have had the greatest influence on your professional success?

Managing Blue Door Coffee Co. in 2020 was a pivotal experience. The challenges of that time forced me to think creatively and adapt quickly, which ultimately built my resilience. It also showed me the incredible loyalty and passion of my community—they consistently supported us, even when getting products was difficult.

What has been the most rewarding part of your professional journey so far?

Empowering local entrepreneurs to transform their visions into thriving businesses.

Can you share one of the most significant challenges you’ve faced in your career and how you overcame it?

Navigating the complexity of helping small businesses access the capital they need to grow — especially in rural areas where traditional funding isn’t always available. I’ve learned that overcoming this challenge requires more than just offering financial resources. It’s about building relationships and creating a support system that helps business owners feel confident taking the next step.

What’s a failure or setback you experienced that ended up being a stepping stone to something greater?

Early in my career, I worked on a project that didn’t gain the traction I had hoped for. I realized that while the idea was strong, I hadn’t spent enough time building relationships and understanding the real needs of the people it aimed to serve. Since then, I’ve focused on creating programs rooted in community feedback, which has led to more meaningful and lasting outcomes.

How do you like to spend your time outside of work?

I enjoy spending my time outside of work with my husband, gardening, exploring the trails of the Kettle Moraine, and expanding my knowledge through audiobooks.