First and Last Name:  Josh Michels
Hometown: Fond du Lac, WI
Educational Background: Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice

Describe Yourself in Three Words: Independent, Reliable, Honest

Place of Employment and Position: Wisconsin Lighting Lab – Director of Manufacturing

What do you enjoy the most about your current position?
Managing people, products, lead times etc. It all feels like a giant puzzle I have to solve every day.

What is the one thing you would do if you knew you could not fail?
Every carnival game at the fair. #winningallthegoldfishes

How has YPF contributed to your personal and/or professional development?
YPF makes it possible to meet other people in the community and network in ways that isn’t often easily done. I have ideas about growing The Ledge Games, and also about starting other events in the community. YPF is first, a great sounding board, and second, a great resource of people that will help make ideas become reality. It’s a great resource and only gets better the more active members there are.

How has YPF contributed to your personal and/or professional development?
YPF makes it possible to meet other people in the community and network in ways that isn’t often easily done. I have ideas about growing The Ledge Games, and also about starting other events in the community. YPF is first, a great sounding board, and second, a great resource of people that will help make ideas become reality. It’s a great resource and only gets better the more active members there are.

Who or what is your source of professional inspiration?
Dr. Tim Lautzenheiser’s Leadership Academy really helped instill several key elements on what it takes to be a professional, no matter what type of job you’re in. “It’s only when knowledge is guided by wisdom that value is created.” Dr. Tim

What are some of the professional and volunteer groups you participate in?
P & E Committee for YPF. Chair of Kick’n For A Cause 2021. Co-Founder of The Ledge Games non-profit organization.

What is your favorite thing to do in the Fond du Lac area?
I have too many favorites, but I enjoy softball at Lakeside Park. (The new lights are amazing.) boating, and music.

Where do you see the Fond du Lac area in 5 years?
FDL will continue to grow, mainly due to it’s proximity to Milwaukee, Appleton, and Oshkosh. There are a lot of great manufacturing companies in this area and being centrally located, it allows FDL to capture a lot of business opportunity. The key to Fond du Lac’s success will be in it’s ability to grow it’s culture in order to draw a talented workforce to support and help reinforce the vision of FDL.

What words of wisdom do you have for other young professionals working in Fond du Lac?
Get out. Get involved. Meet people outside of your comfort zone.