TABLE OF CONTENTS:
COVER
LEADERSHIP MESSAGE
VOLUNTEER BOARD OF DIRECTORS
OUR DREAM – BLIND AMBITION
INSPIRATIONAL STORIES
FINANCIAL HEALTH
MISSION IMPACT
“FRIEND” RAISER – SHOT IN THE DARK
CELEBRATION – LIVE AT THE LAKEFRONT
2016-2017 DONOR THANK YOU LIST
Beyond Vision – 2017 Annual Report
Image: Israel and Sarah stand in front of the doorway to the Customer Care Center
The Vision that drives us – “Beyond Vision will enrich the lives of Americans who are blind…
through the dignity of work valued by customers and the community.”
Beyond Vision | 414-778-5800 | 5316 West State Street, Milwaukee, WI 53208
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We love our jobs! The opportunity to lead Beyond Vision is more a blessing than a job. We get to work side-by-side with an extremely talented team focused on advancing the mission to, “enrich the lives of Americans who are blind…through the dignity of work…” We are able to earn a living while making a difference in the lives of people with vision loss. Focus on the mission feeds our passion and there are really exciting things happening at Beyond Vision that flow from that passion.
This past year, we began using the metaphor, “Beyond Vision is a runway…a place to land and a place to take off in your career.” We think this metaphor is a great way to summarize our philosophy to the world. I’m proud to say we’ve advanced the mission strategically this year: increasing the number of mission jobs by more than 12%. We’re especially proud of several Beyond Vision employees who began to “take off” in their careers.
For example, Mary LaPointe completed the National Industries for the Blind (NIB) “Emerging Professionals” curriculum to help prepare her for leadership. Sarah Zellmer was promoted to Talent Acquisition Coordinator, and is having a huge impact.
Israel Cazares-Zurita was promoted to Sales & Mission Development Specialist. Even though Israel has no sight, he does not accept that he has limits. We hope to see him become very successful in finding growth opportunities for Beyond Vision and advancing both his career and the Beyond Vision mission.
Julius Perez was accepted into the AbilityOne Advocates program. Julius joined Rob Buettner and Jim Kerlin, on a trip to Washington DC to speak with our legislators about challenges and opportunities within our program at the national level. Julius was one of five employees featured nationally in NIB’s video “Our American Dream.”
A major milestone was the completion of our new state-of-the-art Customer Care Center culminating with the ribbon-cutting open house celebration last October. State Assembly Representative Evan Goyke and U.S. Rep. Gwen Moore toured Beyond Vision and Rep Moore spoke at the open house. Several other mission-related partners attended the open house including Vision Forward, WI Dept. of Vocational Rehabilitation, the Center for Deaf Blind, Talking Books and Braille Library, and ABLE.
Speaking of working with other service providers to people with vision loss, we also enthusiastically collaborated with the Blind Veteran’s Association, American Foundation for the Blind (AFB), National Federation of the Blind (NFB), and the Eye Institute this year.
Beyond Vision is experiencing a renaissance transformation in our culture and in how we advance the mission. For example:
• We continue to diversify the services we provide and markets we serve to advance our mission of creating jobs for people with no sight and/or vision loss.
• Our Machine Shop has earned over 60 parts for long time customer Oshkosh Trucking Co Over 20 of the new parts are for their new Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV), the replacement of the Hum-V for military transport.
• We now proudly serve Ariens as a major new customer in our Customer Care Center and Assembly & Pack business units.
• We have been granted two large contracts for specialty tool kits for the DoD.
These new customers and markets combined, will continue to drive our ability to grow job opportunities for years to come.
Perhaps, the most exciting development of the year was kicking off our building program and Blind Ambition capital campaign. The bitter sweet news, good and bad, is that we are growing and running out of space. Our vision is to build a new home to support the growth of Beyond Vision’s mission for many years to come. Yet this will be much more than just a new building. Our dream is to build a campus, not just for Beyond Vision, but to encompass multiple service providers in one location. We hope someday, people experiencing vision loss – and their families – will be able to walk through one door, and find ALL the support they need to live a full, unrestrained life regardless of visual impairment. This campus will give life to our name… Beyond Vision. It will help give full lives to people living beyond vision.
We close with a big, “Thank you!” Shout out to the many customers, donors, volunteers, and friends of Beyond
Vision. Without your help, we cannot achieve our goal to help give our fellow Americans, who are visually impaired and blind, the “dignity of work.”
Sincerely,
Jim Kerlin, President & CEO and Thomas Arenberg, Chairman Emeritus, Board of Directors
Image1: Customer Care Center interior, overhead shot of people working at cubicles
Image2: Front of Beyond Vision Headquarters, a crowd of smiling people waving
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Thomas E. Arenberg, Chairman Emeritus
Accenture (Retired)
Jacque Cline
President, JayCee Bridges, Inc.
Shawn Duffy, C.P.A
Controller, WTC Machinery
John Emanuel
Senior Counsel, Husch Blackwell LLP
William Hughes,Chairman Elect
USAFR (Retired)
Attorney, Partner, Husch Blackwell LLP
Eric D. Isbister, Secretary
CEO, GenMet Corporation
James Kerlin
President & CEO, Beyond Vision
Donald Klenk
Global VP Operations
Turf & Construction Production Group
Briggs & Stratton Corporation
Paul E. Lima
Major General, U.S. Army (Retired)
Burton Metz
Wangard Partners
Jeffrey Alan Peil
Solutions Development Lead,
Ascension Information Services
Eric Schumann
Potala Company (Retired)
Art Wasserman, J.D., PhD, M.B.A.
Rhodes Scholar
Corp. Div. Gen.Mgr.
College Dean,
Attorney (Retired)
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Beyond Vision is Growing…Here’s Our Vision of the Future
Our dream is to build a campus, not just for Beyond Vision, but to encompass multiple service providers in one location. We hope, someday, people experiencing vision loss – and their families – will be able to walk through one door, and find ALL the support they need to live a full, unrestrained life regardless of visual impairment.
Image: Rendering of a large building that envisions the future building for Beyond Vision – with gardens, integrated wayfinding sidewalks, natural light windows, dog park, drop off/pick up area for safety, covered bus stop.
Image: Rendering of interior of a large multi-purpose space that is bright with light and friendly colors, very modern furnishings.
Contact: Nick Czaplewski, Fund Development Leader at 414-778-5800 or nczaplewski@beyond-vision.org to contribute to our future.
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Learning and Leadership; Mary LaPointe Builds her Career.
Image: Mary LaPointe, Quote: “I wouldn’t have been able to do it otherwise.”
Mary LaPointe has had a great year. She was chosen to participate in a special leadership training program offered by NIB to develop and advance employees into new roles. The program focuses on five elements: general business, morale, supervision, management, and professional development. The essential difference with this program was that participants were able to take the course remotely.
Following her completion of the course, Mary was featured in NIB’s Opportunity Magazine for her participation in this pilot program. She was quoted in the magazine, “Emerging Professionals was invaluable. The program helped me learn how to be a better listener, how to compromise and be a team player, and how to give employees constructive feedback. And I loved the fact that I could do it all without having to travel.”
With her added confidence and training, she has been promoted into a new role, as Customer Care Center Team Leader. The skills she has built make her a perfect role model for other employees. Mary’s positive attitude, strong commitment to quality, and personal drive have helped her co-workers feel that same motivation. And that is what makes a great leader.
Renee Jones – How Has Beyond Vision Changed Your Life?
Image: Renee Jones, Quote: “For the first time in my life, I am able to buy Christmas presents for my two nieces and my nephew.”
Renee Jones began working at Beyond Vision in the Fall of 2016. Prior to joining the Beyond Vision team, she attended classes at MATC and struggled to find gainful employment. Renee has been blind her entire life due to complications at birth. She refuses to let these challenges prevent her from doing the things she loves. In her free time, she likes to read books and work on computers.
Renee is very tech-savvy. She is currently attending MATC to obtain a degree in their IT specialist program. She uses an adaptive screen reading software called JAWS (Job Access With Speech) to navigate the world of computers without the use of sight. Renee would be one of few totally blind students to ever complete the program.
When asked how her time at Beyond Vision has impacted her life she had this to say. “I can actually go shopping for myself now instead of having to ask others for things. My favorite thing about working is getting a real paycheck. Working keeps me busy and focused in my life.”
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Quote: “Every employee at Beyond Vision is a contributor to our growth which allows us to pay competitive wages. We all want to extend the mission to others.” – Jim Kerlin
Image: The 2016 NIB Walking Contest Winners standing in front of the Beyond Vision sign
Revenue Growth: 2015 = $23,818,346, 2016 = $24,697,494, 2017 = $25,188,668
Fundraising: Chart showing that from 2013/2014 the amount was mid-$200K and in 2016/2017 was over $400K
Every dollar donated to Beyond Vision supports the mission through skills training, wage and benefit support, etc.
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Mission Growth: Percentage of Blind Direct Labor: 2011/2012 85% to 2016/2017 95%
Blind Paid Working Hours: 2015 = 68,949, 2016 = 76,454, 2017 = 82,765
Mission Ration: 43.8% in 2014 to 50.5% in 2017
Image: Gale Klatt, Machine Shop, smiling as he wears safety glasses
Image: Megan and Michelle at Naval Station Great Lakes
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“FRIEND” RAISER – SHOT IN THE DARK
With 120 golfers participating, the 3rd annual Shot in the Dark Golf “Friend”Raiser was a huge success. With half of the course being played in the dark of night; participants were able to have fun while raising money for a great cause.
Join us on Friday, September 7, 2018 for an even bigger, better event!
Image: A team of golfers putting out at dusk
Image: IB Milwaukee Team teeing off in the dark
Image: Using glow-in-the-dark golf balls to play at night
Image: Animation of a golf ball with Beyond Vision logo
Quote: “If you’re willing to work at it hard enough and you’ve got enough people behind you who are willing to help you, there’s just about nothing you can’t do.”- Jackie Ackley
Image: Rob Buettner, Mike Moore and Israel Cazares-Zurita before tee time
Image: A full banquet room, lots of great people at this year’s sold out event.
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CELEBRATION – LIVE AT THE LAKEFRONT
Quote: “The dream is the opportunity. The American part is the freedom to have that opportunity”
– Julius Perez
Image: Gordon Bradley, Cindy Pinkley – IB Milwaukee, Deb & Jeff Lucas
Image: Jim & Tracy Middlebrook
Image: Jim Kerlin – Beyond Vision, Julius Perez – Beyond Vision 2017 Employee of the Year, Jerry Roberts – Bader Philanthropies
Image: Bill Hughes – Chairman Elect, Barbara Velez – Quarterback for the Blind Ambition Campaign
Live at the Lakefront is our annual appreciation event where we say “Thank You” to our customers, donors, and friends. Thank you for all who came out to help celebrate our mission of providing employment for people who are blind! Save the Date for next year’s festivities, Wednesday, August 1, 2018.
Image: Music by all blind salsa band, Los Ciegos del Barrio. Translated: Blind Boys of the Neighborhood
Image: Linda Hapka, Beyond Vision – Business Development Mission Ambassador
Image: Record attendance for Live @ the Lakefront!
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INDIVIDUALS
Emily Adams
James Albrecht
Clifford & Janie Asmuth
Jean Avery
Mike Banach
Sharon Banach
Kevin Barbour
Lukas Baumann
Brian Beaumier
William and Denee’ Becker
Scott Beglinger
Lee Beitzel
Casey Berrall
Jacci Borchardt
Erik Borchardt
Gordy Bradley
Christopher Brannin
Garrett Brigman
Steve Bruno
Steve Brunow
Dan Brunow
Rob Buettner
Mike Buettner
Janet Buettner
Ron Buettner
Joe Carollo
Albert Cervero
Robin Cervero
Brian Clausen
Adam Connor
Emily Constantine
Kristin Cotter
Kristin Cox
Pat Crain
Patty Crain
Nancy Creuziger
Matt Cruise
Danielle Cruise
Curt Culver
Nick Czaplewski
Steve D’Amato
Matt Davies
Bob Davis
Mike Davis
Paul Dawson
Brian Dean
Trent Denlinger
Jerry DeQuardo
John Donovan
Andy Dressing
Kevin Dwyer
Brian Dwyer
Charlene Dwyer
Bernie Erenberger
Luke Esslinger
Steve Ferguson
Art Flater
George Foley
Frank Gimbel
Matt Glassel
Brad Glassel
Leon Golynsky
Tim Granitz
Clarke Greene
Katie Griffin
Ryan Guilette
Ric Guthrie
Guy Gutsche
Mike Hacker
Tom Hagen
David Halverson
Colleen Hannon
Jason Harper
Greg Hart
Jennifer Hauser
Steve Heberer
Aaron Heidersheid
Thomas Heinrich
David Hendrickson
Kurt Huemmer
John Hutchinson
Walter Ihlenfeld
Mary Isbister
Mike Jagodinski
Nick Janke
Dawn Jasper
Tyler Kelly
Shawn Kerlin
Michelle Keshel
Paul Kihslinger
Bill King
Linda Klean
Kris Knudsen
Brian Kolterman
Charles Lange
CJ Lange
Christa Lange
Maureen Lawniczak
John Leffin
Loretta Leffin
Cindy Linnan
Pat Linnan
Deb Lucas
Jeff Lucas
Deb Lucas
Billy MacDonald
Alfred Mangels
Joe Mantoan
Mike Marchant
Dennis Martin
Dave Mayo
Marianne Meeder
Mike Mertens
Ben Mertens
Robin Mickler
Chris Miller
Mike Miller
Mike Moennig
Brian Molstad
Austin Moore
Mike Moore
Paula Moore
Bridget Moore
Pete Mozina
Egon Muelder
Chris Mullen
Eileen Murphy
Ryan Muzik
Paul Muzzey
Ryan Namey
Jim Nejedlo
Deb Nelson
Randy Nick
Jeff Olson
Cindy Pagenkopf
Kevin Pagenkopf
John Pankau
Jessica Parsons
Geroge Patterson
Joe Paulus
Jeff Peil
Kevin Peters
Pat Pfersch
Luc Piessens
Cindy Pinkley
Gordy Pinkley
Julie Potnek
Chris Powers
Jeff Powers
Brian Prince
Mike Proctor
Mike Quill
Louise Rank
Kevin Riordan
Susan Russell
Tom Schilz
Scott Schultz
Carl Schumacher
Peter Schwabe
Matt Skindzier
Mike Smith
Chris Sobotkiewicz
Paul Spencer
Mary Ellen Spiegelberg
Joe Spitz
Bob Stachowiak
Herbert Stark
John Stibal
Tracey Strombeck
Kedrick Strutz
Dick Theado
Ken Tibbits
Joyce Tomkowiak
Joseph Torisiello
Dan Troyfter
William Velez
Barbara Velez
James & Yong Voigt
Emmanuel Vouvakis
DiAnna Vouvakis
Jack Walden
Rich Weigold
Shan Weiske
Linda Wenzel
Nicholas Wergin
Mark Wilhelms
Aaron Winkler
Roger Wojtak
Jeff Zandi
Kristin Ziebart
Jim Ziebart
William Zlotocha
BOARD MEMBERS
Tom Arenberg
Shawn Duffy
John Emanuel
Bill Hughes
Eric Isbister
Jim Kerlin
Donald Klenk
Burton Metz
Jeff Peil
Eric Schumann
Art Wasserman
FOUNDATIONS
AmazonSmile Foundation
A.W. Asmuth Family Fund
Bader Philanthropies
Badger Meter Foundation
Alvin & Marion Birnschein Foundation Lynde & Harry Bradley Foundation
Bradley Impact Fund
Briggs & Stratton Foundation
CDBG Milwaukee
Patrick & Anna M. Cudahy Fund
Elizabeth Elser Doolittle Foundation
Ralph Evinrude Foundation
Forest County Potawatomi Foundation
Gardner Foundation
GE Foundation
Greater Milwaukee Foundation
Harley-Davidson Foundation
Evan & Marion Helfaer Foundation
Dorothy Inbusch Foundation, Inc.
JayKay Foundation
Leffin Family Foundation
Catherine & Walter Lindsay Foundation
Park Bank Foundation
Thomas Reinhart Foundation
Schoenleber Foundation
Helmut Wolfgang Schumann Foundation
Stackner Family Foundation
Olive I & Eunice J Toussaint Foundation, Inc.
Margaret Wiegand Trust
Ziemann Foundation
CORPORATIONS
3M
American Transmission Company
Associated Bank
Bartolotta Restaurants
Belleville Boot Company
Bostik, Inc.
Brand Strength Products, Inc.
Bray Architects
Briggs & Stratton Corporation
Brothers Business Interiors
Buy-rite Distributors
Capital Investment Services of America, Inc.
Cartridge Savers
Cognex Corporation
Crown Mats
Duffy Grain, Inc.
Essendant
Freshwater Plaza Market Mixed Use LLC
GenMet
Green Bay Packers
Husch Blackwell LLP
IB Milwaukee
Legacy Capital Partners, Inc.
MGIC
National Industries of the Blind
Palermo’s Pizza
Robertson Ryan & Associates, Inc.
Silver Spring Golf & Banquet Center
Vision Forward Association
Wangard Partners, Inc.
West Allis Hotel Ventures, LLC
Wipfli LLP
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