Trevor Janz, Wisconsin Aviation Inc.

IB’s Professional of the Week is the premier way to meet Dane County’s professionals. This week features Trevor Janz, director of marketing, Wisconsin Aviation Inc.

1. What are the most challenging and rewarding aspects of your job and why?

We have several departments within the company. The challenging aspect is working with each department as an entirely separate company when it comes to marketing. Each department can have completely separate markets in which to promote. This is the part I enjoy, coming up with the unique plans. The rewarding aspect is seeing business increase in each department due to marketing efforts.

2. Who do you look up to or admire in business and why?

I look up to so many different business leaders, such as Henry Ford and the like. One who has made an impression on me is Harvey Mackay, owner of the MackayMitchell Envelope Company in Minneapolis, who authored, Swim with the Sharks without Being Eaten Alive and many other business/management books. Even as the CEO, on many days he would pack his lunch and eat with his employees. Once asked, “How many salespeople do you now employ Mr. Mackay?” he replied, “I have 325 salespeople.” “Wow, how many employees do you have?”

“325 — every employee is a salesperson for our company.”

3. What has been the high point of your career so far?

The high point of my career was starting two aircraft associations with monthly magazines. I had a partner and we grew it to over 5,000 members (subscribers) in 28 different countries in just six short years. I ended up selling to my partner.

4. Thinking back on your career, what advice would you give your 21-year-old self?

Pick something you want to do and stick with it. Do not bounce around from job to job. Stick with it and it will pay off. There are benefits to longevity in a career.

(Continued)

5. What would you say are the best things about living and working in Dane County?

I am a newcomer to Dane County but have always enjoyed the city of Madison. There’s so much to do, and great food and drink establishments. I have attended seminars provided by Madison Area Technical College and we work with UW to provide flight training. There is so much continuing education right in our back yard. This is a great place to reside and work.

6. Do you have any secret talents or abilities that people would be surprised to discover?

I can juggle three balls in the air at one time. I know, it isn’t that amazing.

7. What are your guilty pleasures?

If I open a bag of chips — and it can be any brand — I pretty much eat the entire bag.

Click here to sign up for the free IB ezine – your twice-weekly resource for local business news, analysis, voices, and the names you need to know. If you are not already a subscriber to In Business magazine, be sure to sign up for our monthly print edition here.