Issue link: http://www.insightdigital.biz/i/1148323
22 | I NSIGH T • A u g u s t 2 0 19 w w w . i n s i g h t o n b u s i n e s s . c o m FOR THE LOVE Running a business isn't easy. Questions, challenges and unexpected roadblocks arise continually. In those frequent moments of frustration and confusion, businesses need a resource for guidance and even some friendly encouragement. at's where the Green Bay Packers Mentor-Protégé Program comes into play. e program, which is in its ninth year and actively recruiting for its 10th, pairs established companies with emerging businesses to form beneficial bonds that help both businesses learn and thrive. e program originally focused on women-, veteran- and minority- owned businesses, and it grew out of the workforce and targeted business goals for the Lambeau Field redevelopment project in the early 2000s. e construction project needed to include certain percentages of minority-, women- and veteran-owned businesses and workers, but when the Packers noticed a shortfall in those workers and companies, the organization saw the opportunity for a community initiative to support them. Since that time, the Mentor-Protégé Program has evolved to become more inclusive and help a variety of businesses in all industries scale up their operations. Each cycle of the program lasts a full year, and the number of business matches can vary. "That's because the board — which consists of consultants and board members — is focused on Better together Green Bay Packers mentor program helps businesses learn from one another B Y K AT B O O G A A R D As part of the Green Bay Packers Mentor-Protégé Program, participants must meet face-to-face monthly with their mentors to discuss how things are going. creating successful matches," says Anna Steinfest, president and CEO of AFF Research LLC, which administers the program for the Packers. "ey don't want to set a number if we don't have successful matches to meet it." Approaching its 10th cycle of matches, the program now operates like a well- oiled machine. "is particular program has a very well-run, structured process and that's a big advantage for a program like this," says Joe Eggener, president and CEO of BE'S Refreshments, who's served as a mentor with the program for several years and is working with his third protégé. Participants who apply and are accepted into the program must meet numerous requirements. Pairs must meet face-to-face at least once per month, and protégés need to submit quarterly progress reports to the board. Matches also should attend bimonthly meetings (affectionately named "huddles"), where the entire group discusses challenges, successes and milestones. "e protégés especially like that interaction, because they realize that they're not alone on their journey," Steinfest says. at sense of community and level of connection is an obvious benefit of the program. "e whole networking side of it is so important, especially in a small community like this," says Brandon Rohde, a past protégé and the owner of "We started the program having no benefits for our employees. By the end, we had full health care, short-term and long-term disability, 401(k) accounts and all kinds of benefits." – Brandon Rohde, owner, LiveTimeLLC G R E E N B AY PA C K E R S M E N T O R - P R O T É G É P R O G R A M