Role Models help us determine the sort of person we would like to be when we grow up (some of us - like yours truly never do grow up, but that's a different story). We need someone to look up to that inspires to live a life that matters. Some of us, even at a young age, determine for ourselves that we want to just prove to ourselves and others that we deserve to be "counted". Well if you want a role model and someone that will help you to be a better leader, this podcast is for you. My guest Marietta Reuter is the sort of leader that everyone wants in their life. She demonstrates daily what it is to be a caring, compassionate and servant oriented leader every day as the President of a growing enterprise (and Accomplished Grandma - as you can see from her picture). Marietta has been a friend and colleague of mine for several years and she is a walking, talking exemplar of why there should be no such things as "glass ceilings" or any other sorts of discriminations against women and their abilities in the workplace. As a member of the Sauk Prairie community for her entire life, she has stood for the highest principles in leadership and inspires those around her to do their very best.
In March of 1995 she founded Tools of Marketing, Inc. a successful woman-owned promotional products and fulfillment company. Having grown up on a farm in the small town of Roxbury, WI, Marietta knew what hard work was and continues to work hard in the business and in the community. She is the 9th of 11 children and had more responsibilities than most kids. In between her chores, she was always trying to keep up with her 6 older brothers. Her philosophy was, anything they could do she could do. One of Marietta’s main goals when she started her business, was to be there when her kids got off the bus after school. She wanted to have a career but also felt it was important to be involved in her kid’s lives and didn’t want to fail as a mom.
Volunteering and giving time to others is very important to Marietta and her staff. Throughout the year they take time to volunteer at agencies like 6:8; the local food pantry; and send the entire staff to spend an afternoon packing food at the “Feed My Starving Children” food pack event. They also use their graphic design talents to create flyers/brochures/logos for nonprofit organizations and events. As if that's not enough, three staff members also volunteer for Friends of Sauk Prairie Parks and Recreation.
Marietta has served on the S.P. Area Chamber of Commerce ambassador committee for 20 years and served on their board several times as well as being their Chamber President a few years ago. She is on the Rec Commission, Food Pantry Board, and volunteers to assist with food distribution. She was a girl scout leader for her three daughters as they grew up and has been actively involved in her church helping with fish fry’s and other events as well as chairing their annual festival for the past 5 years. As you can tell, she is a true "Pillar" of community support and did not fail at being a mother.
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