The standards for success

By Chris Thompson

Professional self-evaluation can be uncomfortable.

It’s hard to look at yourself with a critical eye and walk away feeling content. An honest person is bound to spot some flaws. An honest company will discover areas ripe for improvement.

But every once in a while you’ve got to take stock. You’ve got to recognize where you are, double check where you’ve been and figure out where you’re headed.

You might not always like the results, but taking the time to look is always a good step.

Companies check past work or their competitors’ techniques to gauge current success. When evaluating their careers, some people look to others in their profession to set goals for their own performance.

And when you compare yourself to others, you’ll ultimately look to the best. What better way is there to determine where you stand?

That’s where Wisconsin Builder’s annual Newsmakers of the Year issue comes in. Consider it an aid to self-evaluation or a list of standard-bearers in their individual professions.

However you describe them, the people and companies we chose as our Newsmakers of the Year this year represent a level of success, a standard of commitment that just isn’t common. It’s what caught our attention when we narrowed our list of candidates, and it’s what we trust will become evident to you as you read their stories in this issue.

Among those we are honoring this year are Gorman & Co. Inc., a developer that took a leadership role in creating affordable housing; Ada Duffey, whose tireless work educating people of the dangers of lead and asbestos has created a safer construction industry; and Einar Tangen, who pursued a vision that gave new life to Milwaukee’s Historic Third Ward.

This is the third year Wisconsin Builder and The Daily Reporter selected Newsmakers of the Year. In the past, we’ve characterized the award recipients as all-stars on their teams and as the type of people who don’t seek the spotlight but always seem to find it.

Those descriptions still apply. You could also look to these people and companies as role models, pacesetters or representations of the best in their fields.

The fact is that you can see them however you want. We just think it’s important that you see them.