Associated Bank is proud to highlight two veteran-owned business. These business owners discuss their partnership with Associated Bank and how their military experience has helped them grow their business.
Silver Leaf Signs & Graphics, Wauwatosa, Wis.
After serving in the Air Force National Guard, Silver Leaf President Brian Green has used his skills to take calculated risks and lean forward as he grew the company from the ground up. In his own words:
What inspired you to start your own business?
Running my own business allows me to control my own destiny. I also like the feeling of manufacturing products locally and giving back to the community.
What do you like most about your relationship with Associated Bank?
I’ve been working with my relationship manager for more than four years and really appreciate the value of the partnership I have with him and Associated Bank. They look out for their clients. I like that the bank is big enough like a national bank, but local and community driven. I like that the decision making stays in Wisconsin.
How has your experience in the military supported your success?
I served in the Airforce National Guard 115 fighter wing in Madison. From my experience in the military I’ve learned to take calculated risks and lean forward, both skills I have incorporated into my business. My time in the military has given me discipline and the ability to see the bigger picture on how things come together to accomplish a goal and mission.
Out of the Kitchen, LLC – Madison, Wis.
Owner Mitch Maier is a long-time, school-trained chef and member of the U.S. Personal Chefs Association. He started his business in the Madison area in 2003, using his resourcefulness and team skills gained in the military to grow the business. In his own words:
What inspired you to start your own business?
Clients have called on me to be a personal chef—I enjoy getting to know them and creating a personalized experience. Along the way, I took a class to learn about the health benefits of black garlic and how it can help people with allergies. I created my own black garlic marinade and clients kept telling me how much they liked it. I went on to develop a barbeque sauce and a ketchup, and Out of the Kitchen was born. I started pitching my product to stores and just recently began exploring Amazon and eBay.
What do you like most about your relationship with Associated Bank?
I am a fairly new customer of Associated. I was with Wells Fargo for about 25 years, but felt like I was just a number there. They didn’t seem very interested in helping me. So I reached out to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and they recommended Associated Bank. Everyone I spoke to was very helpful and willing to support me, so I decided to make the switch.
How has your experience in the military supported your success?
Through my military experience, I have gained organizational skills, resourcefulness and the ability to seek out and work well with a team. I am not afraid to be creative and ask experts when I don’t know something.
We are proud to serve these and other veteran-owned businesses as we work together to build a strong company and strong communities.