First and Last Name: Thomas Hughes
Hometown: Pittsville, WI
Educational Background: BBA from University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh
Describe Yourself in Three Words: Perseverance, Humorous, Charming
Place of Employment and Position: Director of Strategic Partnerships at Wisconsin Lighting Lab
What do you enjoy the most about your current position?
The people at Wisconsin Lighting Lab. Being a part of an organization that is highly motivated and working towards the same goal is absolutely rewarding.
What is the one thing you would do if you knew you could not fail?
I would hike the Appalachian and Pacific Crest Trails. I’ve had some friends/family hike it over the years, and they have said how rewarding of an experience it was.
How has YPF contributed to your personal and/or professional development?
It has been great to network and be a part of a group of motivated professionals from all aspects of industry in the Fond du Lac area. Fondy has a very bright future!
Who or what is your source of professional inspiration?
This is a bit of a cliche, but my Family is my professional inspiration. I grew up working on my family’s dairy farm, Homestead Acres, and still do, depending on what weekend they decide to harvest Alfalfa/Corn. Along with the farm, my Father owned his own business, and many other family members did the same. Hard work and Entrepreneurship are common traits in my family, and those traits are something I have always strived to emulate.
What is your favorite thing to do in the Fond du Lac area?
WILL and several other great companies host and sponsor a Lumberjack competition called the Ledge Games out at Red Cabin at Green Acres (Last Saturday in September). The event has axe throwing, archery, keg toss, and several others. It’s a good excuse to get outside, enjoy some friendly competition, beer, and great food!
What words of wisdom do you have for other young professionals working in Fond du Lac?
Continue to work hard, and network with people that challenge your perspective. You can always learn something from others that don’t see the world the same way you do. Also, don’t be afraid of failure. Everyone fails at some point, how you overcome and learn from the failure, is just as important as success.