As I look back on my years at Wendt, twenty-two of them as CEO, I’m filled with a mix of gratitude, pride, and awe at the journey. Leadership is never a straight line. It’s a winding path of decisions, risks, relationships, and growth. And as I close this chapter, I find myself reflecting on the moments and milestones that shaped not only the organization, but also the person I became along the way.
My leadership story didn’t begin with certainty. In fact, early on, I had to stand up to people who doubted whether I belonged at Wendt at all, let alone in a leadership role. That experience taught me something foundational: courage isn’t loud. Sometimes it’s simply choosing to stay, to show up, and to trust that you have something meaningful to contribute.
Successes
One of the accomplishments I’m most proud of is the growth and transformation of our client portfolio. For years, Wendt was heavily rooted in the tourism industry. Expanding beyond that took intention, persistence, and a willingness to rethink who we were and who we could serve. Today, that diversification is one of the agency’s greatest strengths.
We also took risks that shaped our physical and cultural environment. Purchasing the Wendt building, designing a space that reflected who we are, and moving the agency into a new era was a defining moment. And then later, having the courage to downsize our footprint when our business model shifted was equally important. Leadership isn’t just about expansion, it’s about adaptation.
Building Culture
I put a great deal of focus on building a culture that empowers people, because culture is never accidental. It’s built choice by choice, day by day. Every decision, big or small, shapes the environment people walk into every day. I wanted ours to be a place where people felt trusted, supported, and energized. That meant creating an environment filled with laughter, curiosity, flexibility, and genuine care for one another. We didn’t treat those qualities as “nice to have.” They were intentional. Laughter reminds us not to take ourselves too seriously. Curiosity pushed us to explore new ideas. Flexibility helped us adapt without losing momentum. And genuine care made the work feel meaningful because people knew they mattered.
And at the heart of it all, we made sure to encourage fun and empower people to grow. Fun wasn’t a distraction from the work; it was a catalyst for connection and creativity. Growth wasn’t a checkbox on a performance review; it was a shared expectation that everyone had room to evolve and the support to do it.
I’m proud of the culture we built. It didn’t happen by accident. It happened because we chose, again and again, to create a place where people can thrive.
The People
If I had to choose one thing that mattered most, it would be the people who made it all worthwhile. Every meaningful moment, every breakthrough, every challenge overcome, none of it would have mattered without the individuals who showed up with heart, talent, and dedication.
I’m grateful for the friendships that were built along the way. These are relationships that I will cherish for the rest of my life. I’m proud of the talented individuals I recruited, many of whom became integral to Wendt’s success. Mentoring and coaching teammates remains one of the most meaningful parts of my career. Watching leaders rise, especially Jennifer Fritz, who I have had the privilege to watch grow into the remarkable leader she is today, has been one of my greatest joys.
And perhaps the most important leadership decision I ever made was knowing when to step aside. Getting out of the way when it was time has allowed others to step forward, thrive, and shape the future. I believe this is the true test of a leader’s confidence.
Succession & The Future
As the years went on, I understood how essential it was to think about succession, stability and the future. Planning a thoughtful transition wasn’t just a responsibility, it was a commitment to the people and the legacy of the agency. Over the last five years, we built a succession plan that ensures Wendt will remain strong, stable, and in capable hands long after my tenure. Knowing the agency is positioned for continued success brings me immense pride.
Throughout my journey, I tried to stay grounded by leading with my values. Honesty, integrity, curiosity, and kindness guided me through every decision. I didn’t always have the answers, and I learned that I didn’t need to. Trusting the process, listening deeply, and surrounding myself with talented people allowed the right answers to emerge.
As I reflect on everything we accomplished, I know this will always be a chapter I will be proud of. Wendt’s long and storied history is something I’ve always respected. To have played a part in that history, especially during such transformative years, is something I will carry with me forever.
I’m proud of the work we did. I’m proud of the risks we took. I’m proud of the people who make Wendt what it is. And I’m proud of the leader I became along the way; confident, courageous, and always learning.
As I prepare to leave Wendt, my heart is full. The friendships, the challenges and the triumphs have shaped me in ways I never could have imagined. And for all of it, I am deeply grateful.
