Contact: John Gard (608) 255-0373
Madison – John Gard and Cate Zeuske have taken the helm of Wisconsin Independent Businesses, Inc. (WIB). Gard and Zeuske purchased the company from Tom and Nancy Dohm who founded the company in 1977. In addition to WIB, Gard and Zeuske purchased a subsidiary, ExploreWisconsin.com, which is a shopping and internet portal also specializing in website design, hosting and marketing.
“I am excited about this opportunity to help provide small, independent businesses with the tools they need to succeed and create jobs. As a small business owner, I understand the challenges that small businesses face. Tom and Nancy built a great organization and my goal is to help it grow and make it the most effective resource and voice in Wisconsin for small businesses,” Gard said.
Gard and Zeuske bring over 40 years of government experience to the company. Gard served in the Wisconsin Assembly for 19 years, including two terms as co-chair of the Joint Committee on Finance and two terms as Speaker. Zeuske is a former State Representative, State Treasurer and Secretary of Revenue under Governor Tommy Thompson. Zeuske’s father is a former small business owner in Shawano. Gard grew up on his family farm near Lena.
“Our many years of representing small businesses and farm communities in the State Capitol makes us well-suited to help them succeed and grow,” Zeuske said.
WIB provides small businesses and farmers with state government representation to insure that they are treated fairly in the development and enactment of legislation and regulatory policies. WIB also provides small businesses and farmers with expert advice and information on legal, accounting and business management policies.
