First and Last Name:  Chris Vitton

Hometown: Ironwood, MI

Educational Background:  Bachelor’s in Business Administration from Michigan Tech University

Describe Yourself in Three Words: Confident, knowledgeable, semi-funny (per my wife)

Place of Employment and Position: Edward Jones – Financial Advisor

What do you enjoy the most about your current position? The opportunity it presents me to build relationships with people and help them achieve their goals.

What is the one thing you would do if you knew you could not fail? Play in the NFL.

How has YPF contributed to your personal and/or professional development? I would consider myself an introverted person by nature. When I first moved to Fond du Lac, YPF introduced me to a group of inspiring leaders in our community. Their commitment to making Fond du Lac a better place for all continues to motivate me to step up my involvement.

Who or what is your source of professional inspiration? My family. I am extremely lucky to come from a family who are always there for me. My parents have always gone out of their way to provide help to anyone who needs it. If someone needed a hand, they would drop everything they are doing to be there. I try my best to live by the example they set.

What are some of the professional and volunteer groups you participate in?YPF is currently where I spend most of my time. Through YPF I’ve been able to get involved in the Member Engagement Committee, which is one of the three standing committees we have along with Marketing and Programs & Events. I would highly encourage anyone with an interest in getting more involved in our community to check out the opportunities our committee’s offer.

Through Edward Jones, I’ve also had the pleasure of getting involved in a wide array of activities that we support. Including Habitat for Humanity’s Rock the Block, the Boys & Girls Club Adopt-a-Family, and the Walk to End Alzheimer’s.

What is your favorite thing to do in the Fond du Lac area? Play at the park with my son. Honestly though, there always seems to be some type of event going on for us to discover. Whether it is the Night Market during the summer, or one of the many annual events like Sturgeon Spectacular or Walleye Weekend, we just love to get out and explore.

Where do you see the Fond du Lac area in 5 years? I see Fond du Lac continuing to be a great place for everyone. With our location, and access to so many great resources, I can’t imagine Fond du Lac not thriving. There are so many talented individuals who are working tirelessly to ensure that this community flourishes. The team at Envision deserves a special shoutout for all the work they do to provide a place where businesses can prosper. I’m truly excited to see what the future holds.

What words of wisdom do you have for other young professionals working in Fond du Lac? Get involved. A community is what you make it. If you want a place that you enjoy living/working, then the only way to achieve that is by becoming part of it. Take part in events and volunteer your time to causes you care about.

Star Wars, Harry Potter, or Lord of the Rings? Why? Easy, Star Wars. It was the universe that first got me enamored with works of fiction.

50s, 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s: Which decade do you love the most and why? 90’s, because it was the decade I grew up in and will always remember the most fondly.

What would be the most surprising scientific discovery imaginable? Advanced alien life, e.g. civilizations with Dyson sphere capable technology.

If you had to delete all but 3 apps from your smartphone, which ones would you keep? Messenger to stay in touch with my friends. Disney so I can keep my son entertained while traveling. Then probably the App Store so I can reinstall more apps later if I’m ever allowed more than 3.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given? I had a coach when I was in middle school that used to tell me “Can’t means won’t”. Meaning that when I said I “can’t” do something it simply means I “won’t” put in the effort necessary to make it happen. I don’t think he meant it as advice, but it certainly has stuck with me as I’ve realized that by putting in the work you can typically achieve whatever it is you set out to do.