Joining the family business in September 2003, Mike Lessiter says what he most enjoys about Lessiter Media is that it’s a place where each person can contribute and make a difference in their career and in the lives of the customers they serve. “It’s not for everyone, but here, you’re surrounded by hard-working peers who aspire for excellence in our products and relationships,” he says. “Niche media is a business of ideas, where the only limits are that of our own creativity.” He adds there’s enough “mutual mocking” to have some fun every day and keep everyone’s wits sharp. Away from work he enjoys reading, Netflix nights with his wife, traveling, playing Frisbee with his dog, Monty, embarrassing his sons publicly — including bad jokes and carefully timed air-guitar moments — and mercilessly schooling them in ping pong.

Quick facts… 

Education: University of Wisconsin-Madison; Keller Graduate School of Management

Favorite superhero: Iron Man

Favorite place in Milwaukee: The picturesque biking trails along Lake Michigan; Milwaukee Film Festival

Person I’d most like to meet: Abraham Lincoln

No. 1 Bucket List goal: Retirement dream: penning an original screenplay from the back porch of a mountain retreat somewhere.

Mac or PC: PC 

Favorite ice cream flavor: Grape Ice 

Favorite quote: “Baseball’s hard, guys. I mean, it really is. You can love it but, believe me, it don’t always love you back. It’s kind of like dating a German chick, you know?” — Morris Buttermaker