Learn about what Beyond Vision has been up to this financial year.
Beyond Vision in the Community
Join the Beyond Vision Business Ambassador Network
Letter from the CEO
As we begin a new fiscal year, I want to take a moment to reflect on where we are—and where we’re going. The challenges and successes of the past year have shaped us, strengthened us, and set the stage for what comes next. This year, our journey continues with a clear theme: Passion and Focus.
Passion is the energy that drives us—our deep commitment to our mission, our customers, and each other. Focus is what ensures that energy is purposeful, aligned, and effective. This theme will guide us as we step into a new year of opportunity, innovation, and growth.
Last year, our strategic focus was on:
New Customers/New Business
Fostering intimate business relationships with our customers.
Improving accessibility, streamlining processes, and reducing waste.
We made a great deal of progress in these three areas over the past year. In the face of external challenges like changing federal government policies, tariffs, and uncertainty in commercial markets, we accomplished a lot.
We will drive to build on our successes and learn from our mistakes. And as we look forward to next year, we will continue to focus on these three areas. Plus, we will be adding a fourth focus area: Our people, teams, and culture.
Our organization thrives when our people do. We will continue to invest in learning, leadership development, team dynamics, and a culture where everyone feels empowered to contribute, grow, and succeed.
I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished together—and even more excited about what lies ahead.
With appreciation and determination,
Rob Buettner
Enrich the lives of people who are blind through the dignity of work valued by customers and the community.
Our Vision
Grow by being a valued partner to customers, suppliers and the community while operating as a fiscally responsible enterprise.
Our Impact
50% Mission Ratio
104 Employees
52 Employees who are visually impaired
52 Employees who are sighted
71,759 Blind paid working hours
86.55%% Mission direct hours
$29,506,000 Revenue
Outreach to the Blindness Community: 1,150 hours (about 11 hours per employee)
Runway Take-Offs (Promotions): 19 (14 people who are blind/visually impaired)
Employee Spotlight: David Ibanez
David Ibanez, Beyond Vision’s Quality Engineer, holds a degree in electrical engineering from the Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE). During his freshman year, David began to notice changes in his vision and was later diagnosed with Stargardt’s Syndrome, a condition that left him legally blind.
Earning his degree was an uphill battle, and finding employment afterward proved equally challenging. Many employers viewed his vision loss as a limitation. At Beyond Vision, however, David discovered a workplace where accessibility tools and understanding colleagues allowed him to thrive.
David joined Beyond Vision in 2013 as a general production worker. A few years later, he was invited to join the quality team and mentored by Emeric, a now-retired engineer who was also visually impaired. David has since mastered a variety of quality tools and has written numerous part programs for the coordinate measuring machine he operates today.
David credits his mentor for shaping his professional path. “Emeric was a great example of someone who didn’t let his visual impairment be an excuse not to excel,” he says. At Beyond Vision, David found a place to grow, contribute, and prove that accessibility opens the door to excellence.
Beyond Vision
Employees of the year
Each year, employees from different areas of the company nominate a coworker who they feel best demonstrates Beyond Vision’s core values.
Jedidiah Moss
Customer Service Representative, Commercial Products
Jed struggled to find work and was temporarily homeless before moving six years ago to join Beyond Vision. Since then, has proven himself to be a quality-focused, goal-driven employee who has earned two promotions. Customers and coworkers alike value Jed’s thorough communication style and attention to detail. His future goals include managing commercial customer accounts and joining the senior management team.
Julie Brettingen
Assembly & Packaging
Julie, also known as “Number One,” has worked at Beyond Vision for 37 years. During that time, she’s watched the agency grow into what it is today. One of her lifelong dreams was to see Beyond Vision acquire a larger building for our operations, which became a reality with construction of the VisABILITY Center. Julie is an extremely hardworking employee. She is friendly, kind, and truly committed to contributing to the mission.
Gina Rowell
Customer Care Specialist
When Gina lost her vision in 2014, she moved from Georgia to Michigan to be closer to family. While attending support groups, she became Inspired by the realization there were opportunities out there for her and applied to Beyond Vision. She is a fantastic employee, a knowledgeable and hard worker. She is also the Marketing Queen for all the BSC’s and constantly participating within the blind community.
What is the career Runway?
A place for people with vision loss to land and a place to take off in their careers. It could mean a first job, career change or an opportunity to try something new.
What does the Runway do?
The Runway is a place to try out having a job when no one ever thought you could. It’s a place for people to take off and use their skills to succeed in any career path they choose.
Are you looking for a Runway for your career as a person who is blind?
Do you know someone with vision loss that could use our Runway?
Contact HR@BeyondVision.com or call 414-778-5800 to learn more.
The Dream Team
At Beyond Vision we celebrate excellence — both on and off the court.
We are thrilled to share an excellent feature story from CBS highlighting our collaboration with the Milwaukee Bucks.
Our dedicated team at Beyond Vision is proud to support Bucks fans & Fiserv Forum through our game and event day call center.
This partnership exemplifies our commitment to providing meaningful employment opportunities for individuals who are blind or visually impaired while simultaneously serving our community.
Watch or read the full story here on MMAC’s website.
Beyond Vision in the Community
Employment opens doors to meaningful participation in the broader community. Throughout 2024, Beyond Vision team members have stepped up to volunteer, advocate, and celebrate alongside our neighbors.
Our employees joined the New Berlin Lions Club at the Wisconsin State Fair roasting corn, the ABLE lunch, and brought the Beyond Vision spirit to the West Allis Christmas Parade. In spring 2025, Team Beyond Vision participated in the Wisconsin VisionWalk, raising $350 to support the Foundation Fighting Blindness. Beyond Vision also made our voices heard on Capitol Hill as part of the NIB/NAEPB Public Policy Forum.
The highlight was meeting with Representative Derrick Van Orden (WI-3), whose district includes our Base Supply Center at Fort McCoy. We’re grateful for his support as an AbilityOne Champion. Soraya Carrera, President & CEO of NIB, joined our meeting, along with our valued partners Jeff and Joe from IBVI.
When people have meaningful employment, they don’t just earn a paycheck – they become active contributors to their communities and advocates for change.
Shot in the Dark 2025 – Over $50,000 Raised for Beyond Vision
Shot in the Dark is an annual 9-hole shotgun scramble golf tournament hosted by Beyond Vision just before sunset fades into night. The course is outlined with strings of lights and glow in the dark golf balls.
This year, over 100 golfers participated and we collectively raised over $50,000!
This is a testament to what our community can accomplish when we unite. Your generosity fuels every step of our mission, and we’re deeply grateful to have you with us.
At the heart of everything we do at Beyond Vision is our mission.
Here is a recording of Megan Sink’s inspiring speech, illustrating how Beyond Vision has transformed her life.
Volunteer Board of Directors
Thomas E. Arenberg
Accenture (retired)
Rob Buettner, President & CEO
Beyond Vision
Michael Chew, Chair
Mississippi Industries for the Blind (ret.)
Kristin Clevenstine
Astellas Pharma US
Shawn Duffy, CPA, Chair Elect
WTC Machinery
John Emanuel
Husch Blackwell LLP (retired)
Kate Halfwassen
MKE Business Coach
Eric Isbister, Secretary
GenMet Corporation
Gen. Paul Lima
U.S. Army (retired)
Burton Metz
Wangard Partners
Michael J. Moore
Moore Construction Services
Pat McQuillan
Central Standard Craft Distillery
Lise Pace
BOSMA
Back to top…
Donors
Organizations
1895 Bancorp of Wisconsin Community Foundation, Inc.; Pyramax
3M
A W Asmuth Family Fund #2
Ace Handyman Services SE WI
Allis Manufacturing Corp.
Alpha OneSource
American Bedding Mfg., LLC.
American Transmission Company
Anon Charitable Trust
Bader Philanthropies
Beleville Boot Company
Birdie Boyz Indoor Golf
Blast Cleaning Technologies
Bosma Enterprises
Bottom Line Military Sales, LLC
Capital Investment Services of America
Cathrine and Walter Lindsay Foundation
Church Mutual Insurance Company Foundation
ColorID
Crown Mats
Darn Tough Vermont
Dr. Harry J. Heeb Foundation
Essendant
F.J.A. Christiansen Roofing Co.
Forest County Potawatomi Foundation
Francie Luke Silverman Foundation
GenMet, Corp.
Goodin Foundation
Goyke and Associates
Harry Hoffmann Family Foundation
Heritage Printing
Infinity Benefit Solutions
Integrity Wealth Management
ITU AbsorbTech
Kilbourn Marshall
Kittleman & Associates
LHH Recruitment Solutions
MacGyver Solutions, Inc
Margaret Wiegand Trust
Massif
Mathison Manufacturing
Milwaukee Steel Rule Dies
MOORE CONSTRUCTION SERVICES LLC
National Industries for the Blind
New Berlin’s Lions Club
Old National Bank
Patrick & Anna M. Cudahy Fund
Paycom
PNC Bank
QPS Employment Group
Rediwrite Co., LTD
Robertson Ryan Insurance
Royco Packaging
SSR
Stackner Family Foundation
Suzanne & Richard Pieper Family Foundation
Technical Metal Specialties
The Consiglio Osmanski Hienz Group with Baird
The Gardner Foundation
Thomas J. Reinhart Foundation
Wispact Foundation
Wright Tool Company, LLC
Individuals
Cliff & Janie Asmuth
Emily Adams
William Alverson
Tom & Diane Arenberg
William Armstrong
Ronald & Janet Buettner
Michael and Molly Chew
Curt and Sue Culver
Joan Duffy
Shawn Duffy
John Emmanuel
Bernie Erenberger
Paul A. Muzzey & Cynthia A. Freer
Lois Gresholdt
Taegan and Nate Grunwald
Thomas & Anne Heinrich
James Hofmann
Kevin Riordan Mary Johnson
Steve & Kay J. Kerlin
James and Shawn Kerlin
Paul Kihslinger
Alex Kihslinger
Martin Liddy
Paul McNally
Nathaniel Michelson
Lee Nasehi
Tom & Lori Patzman
Angela & Luc Piessens
Gary Goyke & Nancy Rottier
Jerry Schlitz
Aina Vilumsons
James and Yong Voigt
Debbie Wiegand
You make our work possible. OVER 120 years, a continuous mission…
Since 1903, Beyond Vision has been dedicated to improving the lives of people who are blind or visually-impaired—every day.
We welcome you to experience our work firsthand now with a personal tour.
Tours are led by our Fund Development Leader, Rose Burrell—and her guide dog, Pierce.
Our work is continuous, and your ongoing support makes it possible.
Interested in scheduling your tour today?
Contact Rose directly at:
(414) 778-5800 Ext. 5866
Rburrell@beyondvision.com
Join the Beyond Vision Business Ambassador Network
Empower Purpose. Expand Impact. Champion Upward Mobility
Your Leadership and Network Can Change Lives
Help us amplify our impact by joining the Beyond Vision Business Ambassador Network — a purpose-driven group of professionals committed to advancing the employment and career upward mobility of people who are blind or visually impaired.
Exclusive Business Ambassador Benefits
Volunteer opportunity with a minimal time commitment
Participate in Business Briefings – Stay informed and connected
Recognition & Spotlights – On our website, newsletters, and social channels
Business Ambassador Appreciation Event – Celebrate impact and honor leadership
Mission in Action Tours – Visit the VisABILITY Center and see us in action
Business Ambassador Commitments (Simple. Impactful. Achievable.)
âś” Introduce Beyond Vision to 2 new commercial or strategic contacts each year
âś” Attend 1 activity annually (networking, Mission Tours, business luncheons)
âś” Promote Beyond Vision on LinkedIn or other social media
âś” Serve as a connector within your industry and business network
Ready to Lead with Purpose?
Contact us today to learn more or nominate a colleague
Rob Buettner
President & CEO
Beyond Vision, Inc.
414-778-5800 rbuettner@beyondvision.com
Beyond Vision
1540 S 108th St
West Allis, WI 53214
www.BeyondVision.com
Beyond Vision has been proud to do this work for 120 years, but we need your support to continue this work long into the future! Consider supporting our mission at www.BeyondVision.com/Donate today!