Gerald Nell Inc. is Greater Brookfield Chamber of Commerce Business of the Month

The Brookfield Chamber’s Business Person of the Month recognizes an exceptional business member. The monthly recognition is given to a Chamber member that excels in the areas of business excellence, community engagement and entrepreneurial spirit. This business person is saluted by the Brookfield Chamber’s board of directors and featured on our website (www.brookfieldchamber.com), Facebook page, and LinkedIn group.

Name: Lori Choinski

Company/organization/address: Gerald Nell Inc., W229 N1680 Westwood Drive, Waukesha,

WI 53186; ph. 262-513-3750

Website: www.geraldnell.com

Industry: Commercial Real Estate Brokerage/General Contractor/Developer

What was the smartest thing your company did in the past year?

Strategically managed overhead expenses including but not limited to adopting partially self-funded health care insurance options to remain an attractive employer for our number one asset, the employee. We also upgraded our real estate management software to work more efficiently.

How many years have you been in business?

Gerald Nell Inc. has been in business for 51 years.

What advice can you give to struggling business owners?

Any journey worthwhile is a challenge and all successful people will have stories of their struggles along the way. Never give up!

As someone doing business in the metro Milwaukee area, how does the Brookfield Chamber help you?

It has given me the opportunity to meet a wide variety of people/businesses in various industries located not only in Brookfield, but surrounding areas as well. In addition to creating contacts with companies that prove mutually beneficial, I have made a lot of good friends along the way. In the past, I sometimes felt somewhat awkward at networking events, but the relaxed environment that the Chamber creates for its members has made me more confident to walk up to others and introduce myself. This is a group that is very welcoming. Since developing these relationships, I am pleased to see that connections with Chamber members works both ways.

Do you have any advice for new business owners?

The best advice that I can offer is for new business owners is to make sure they get their name out there and to keep it in at the forefront of peoples’ minds. When you are a new business, you need to network as much as possible. People want to get to know the person behind the business. Once people get to know and trust you, the business will follow. I think the best way to do that is to join a Chamber of Commerce because you have so many people to connect with right away.

What would your colleagues be surprised to find out about you?

I love to waterski!

How long has Gerald Nell Inc been a Brookfield Chamber member? How do you contribute to the Chamber?

Gerald Nell Inc. has been a Brookfield Chamber member since 1973. I contribute to the Chamber in the following ways:

• I actively and successfully network.
• I have served on the Board of Directors for 4 years and am the current Board Chair.
• I am a New Member Engagement Partner which helps new members by introducing them to other fellow members and getting them engaged with the Chamber activities so that they can see the wonderful opportunities that come along with being active with the Chamber.
• I serve on the Golf Outing Committee and also volunteer the day of the golf outing to help out where needed.
• I also serve on the Annual Meeting Committee which I am very excited about this year because the Chamber will be celebrating 60 years this year!