EMP-23

We found a couple of EMP-23ers working together. Dan Grotto is now senior vice president at West Suburban Bank in the Chicago area and is bringing to market a convenient new stored-value debit card. This card, not tied to a bank account, is readily accepted just like credit cards. Mike Fitzgerald, ever the entrepreneur, was brought in to handle a broad scope of the details. Mike still maintains a popular golf travel tour operation on the side after exiting the general travel agency world last year. Two EMPers at one place. Is there any reason to go anywhere else for my banking needs?

Jeff Pearsall continues to succeed in the money business. You may recall his long association with PaineWebber. He’s still there, but it’s now called UBS Financial Services. He provides wealth management services to private clients. You can stop by in the Loop to see him. OK, got my investment needs covered. I’m happy to hear that Jeff, like me, has begun experiencing the joys of coaching AYSO boys’ soccer. So, those of you with current or past experience, please pass on any coaching tips.

Ray Jakubiak, our EMP resident pilot, has his own firm now, providing professional advice to corporate America. I know business process improvement is one of Ray’s key strengths. I’ll bet he knows his way through the dreaded Sarbanes-Oxley requirements too (OK, it’s a good thing). Ray consulted with PricewaterhouseCoopers for almost a decade after a long run at Motorola. Steady at the controls, Ray.