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Category: Accolades

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McClone Insurance: Dustin McClone Named a 2025 Wisconsin Titan 100 Honoree

President & CEO of McClone recognized for leadership rooted in people, community, and meaningful impact

Menasha, WI, November 19, 2024 McClone Insurance is proud to announce that President and CEO, Dustin McClone, has been named a 2025 Wisconsin Titan 100 honoree. This prestigious award celebrates Wisconsin’s top CEOs and business leaders, recognizing those who demonstrate exceptional leadership, vision, and a commitment to making a lasting impact in their communities.

Dustin embodies the Titan 100 values through his people-first leadership approach. Since assuming the role of CEO in 2018, he has led McClone through significant growth, focusing on a culture that prioritizes people and community impact. Under Dustin’s leadership, McClone has expanded its capabilities, helping clients better identify and manage risks through innovative solutions. However, for Dustin, success is about more than growth — it’s about creating a culture where people feel valued, supported, and empowered to make a difference.

“What drives me isn’t just business success. It’s building a strong team and making a meaningful difference,” Dustin shared. “I’m proud of the work we do together to create positive change — that’s at the heart of McClone’s success. At the end of the day, it’s about showing up for our clients, our community, and each other.”

Dustin’s approach to leadership aligns with the Titan 100 values. He created the “Hustle” initiative to connect with leaders across industries, sharing insights on leadership, innovation, and growth. This initiative embodies his belief in continuous learning, shaping a positive influence that extends beyond business.

In addition to his role at McClone, Dustin serves as a Director for Nicolet Bank, where he provides guidance and strategic insight. He is also a member of the Board of Directors and past Chair for United Way Fox Cities, and he actively supports various nonprofits, including the Boys & Girls Club of the Fox Valley. His commitment to community is driven by a desire to be a consistent contributor in the places where McClone and its team members live and work.

“It’s an honor to be recognized alongside so many inspiring leaders,” Dustin said. “The journey we’re on together, making a difference every day, is what truly matters.”

Photo by Richard Hurd

Pemberton Personal Injury Law Firm: Attorney William M. Pemberton Honored with 2024 Super Lawyers Selection

Pemberton Personal Injury Law Firm is thrilled to announce that  CEO, William Pemberton, has been selected for the 2024 Wisconsin Super Lawyers list, an honor awarded to only 5% of attorneys across the nation.

This achievement recognizes his dedication to legal excellence and commitment to serving clients with integrity and skill. The Super Lawyers designation is not just a badge of honor—it’s an indicator of professional excellence that clients and peers can trust.

What Is the Super Lawyers Designation?

Super Lawyers is a respected rating service of outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high level of peer recognition and professional achievement. The selection process is rigorous and thorough, providing a credible, objective way to showcase top attorneys who truly excel in their areas of practice.

The History and Mission of Super Lawyers

Super Lawyers was established to bridge the information gap between the public and the legal community, allowing people seeking legal representation to find qualified attorneys with a record of success.

The Super Lawyers designation reflects quality not only in legal knowledge but also in courtroom performance, professionalism, and commitment to clients.

How It Works

Super Lawyers applies a multi-phase selection process that includes peer nominations, independent research, and peer evaluations. This method ensures that only the most respected, accomplished attorneys are recognized, providing potential clients with an assurance that their attorney meets exceptional standards of practice.

What This Means for Our Firm

This year’s Super Lawyers recognition reaffirms our commitment to providing exemplary service and achieving excellent results for our clients. Our personal injury law firm remains dedicated to supporting clients in all their legal needs with the assurance that their case is being handled by one of Wisconsin’s best.

“I’m always honored to be recognized by Super Lawyers,” Attorney Pemberton said. “Not only does it validate the hard work that our firm has done—and continues to do—but this recognition also helps our current and future clients know who they can trust.”

Please join us in celebrating Attorney Pemberton’s 2024 Super Lawyers recognition. We are proud of this accomplishment and excited to continue serving our community with the expertise, dedication, and professionalism that our clients deserve.

Photo by Richard Hurd

Voyageur Stays: Madison Company Becomes Wisconsin’s First Interior Design Finalist at International Awards

Madison, WI – The Medallion, a Madison-based extended stay apartment, has made history as Wisconsin’s first-ever finalist for the prestigious  Dezeen Design Awards. Selected from over 4,000 entries worldwide, The Medallion is now one of five finalists on the global stage in the hotel and short stays category. The project stands out as just one of just four finalists from the United States across all interior design categories this year.

The project, which offers 21 fully furnished one- and two-bedroom apartments for stays of 30 days or more, is a collaborative effort between Madison’s Voyageur Stays and Voyageur Design Build. The team worked closely with Dutch designer Arno Hoogland, local master woodworkers, and Wisconsin craftsmen to create a cohesive, affordable, and innovative design.

“The Medallion is a testament to the creative energy and craftsmanship that make Madison a design hub,” said Jason Ilstrup, President of Downtown Madison Inc. “It’s exciting to see a local project receive international recognition, and we are immensely proud of the team behind it.”

Craftsmanship Meets Innovation in Mid-Term Hospitality

In the mid-term hospitality industry, high craftsmanship is uncommon due to tight profit margins. This project sought to challenge that notion, exploring how handcrafted production could be both valued by guests and achieved affordably.

Voyageur’s husband and wife team employed innovative fabrication techniques such as CNC robotics, laser cutting, plywood steamforming, and 3D printing to meet tight deadlines and budget constraints. They prioritized local artisans and sustainable materials, while their collaborations with emerging international designers allowed for fresh, inventive approaches.

They used non-traditional materials in unconventional ways—vehicle wraps, for example, were applied to cabinets for an affordable, custom design finish. They repurposed Industrial LED modules and used 3D-printed diffusers to enhance fixtures.

To further optimize efficiency and cost savings, they developed modular components for sofas, headboards, and ornamentation, streamlining production while maintaining a custom feel. Even custom light fixtures were partially pre-fabricated in collaboration with glass manufacturers and assembled on-site, balancing artistry and cost-effectiveness.

“We love pushing boundaries to create beautiful, cohesive designs that are both affordable and sustainable,” said Kristopher Steege-Reimann, owner of Voyageur Design Build. “Our goal is to prove that handcrafted furniture and thoughtful design can be integrated into hospitality without breaking the budget.”

Sustainability at the Core

Sustainability was a central focus of The Medallion’s design approach. The team emphasized durability and repairability, sourcing sustainably harvested local wood and using high-quality Axminster wool rugs. Furniture was designed to be easily repaired, reducing the need for full replacements, while existing cabinets were refreshed rather than discarded.

“Our commitment to enduring, repairable designs is the opposite of the fast-fashion mentality that dominates today’s hospitality design,” added Steege-Reimann. “We believe in creating pieces that last a lifetime.”

A ‘Gesamtkunstwerk’ Approach

Dutch designer Arno Hoogland drew inspiration from The Medallion’s architectural features, particularly its signature diamond-pattern brickwork. This motif became the foundation for the visual language of the project, with nearly every piece of furniture and fixture custom-designed to harmonize with the building’s exterior. Heavily influenced by the philosophy of Wisconsin’s own Frank Lloyd Wright, Hoogland embraced the concept of a gesamtkunstwerk—a holistic approach where every design element works in harmony with the others.

“Working with The Medallion’s existing architecture allowed us to create a truly integrated design, from the furniture to the smallest fixtures,” Hoogland remarked.

About Dezeen Awards

The Dezeen Awards, organized by the world’s leading design website Dezeen, celebrate the best architecture and design projects globally. With low entry costs that encourage submissions from small studios, the awards focus on projects that are not only beautiful and innovative but also socially and environmentally conscious.

Photos of the Medallion
Photos of the Voyageur Design Build Team

For media inquiries, please contact:
Julia Steege-Reimann
Owner/Operator, Voyageur Stays and Voyageur Design Build
hello@voyageurstays.com | +1 (608) 205-8164

About Voyageur Stays and Voyageur Design Build
Voyageur Stays offers curated, furnished rentals for long and short stays in downtown Madison, WI. Its sister company, Voyageur Design Build, specializes in innovative, beautiful, and affordable custom designs. Learn more at voyageurstays.com and voyageurdesignbuild.com.

Photo by Richard Hurd

Lake Ridge Bank: Ted Gunderson Recognized as Elite Lender for Small Businesses

October 10, MADISON, Wisconsin— Ted Gunderson, Senior Vice President-Business Relationship Manager at Lake Ridge Bank, was recently named to WBD’s group of Elite Lenders. Formerly known as Wisconsin Business Development, WBD recognizes lenders from across the state for their commitment to and success in helping small businesses get the financing they need to grow, create jobs, and build communities.

To be named an Elite Lender, Gunderson distinguished himself by helping 10 businesses get the low, long-term, fixed-rate financing available through the SBA 504 program, which must be administered by a Certified Development Company, such as WBD.

Gunderson explains the SBA 504 program is an excellent option for small businesses who are in growth mode with good cash flow, but have little resources left over to finance expansion.

According to WBD, their organization has helped fund more than 3,500 businesses and created in excess of 76,000 jobs in Wisconsin and Minnesota since 1981.

For more information about how the Business Banking Division at Lake Ridge Bank can help your business find unique programs to finance growth and create job opportunities, visit lakeridge.bank/business or contact our Lake Ridge Bank location in your community.

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Lake Ridge Bank’s mission is to “build prosperous communities, one relationship at a time.” For more than 100 years, this has meant getting to know each of our clients to offer personalized services to meet their specific financial goals. Lake Ridge Bank offers a full line of financial products and services. We focus on offering products and services to make your banking easy. Our business banking and mortgage lenders are trusted leaders in their field with the expertise to provide the right loan at the best rate possible for our clients. As a community bank, we are dedicated to reinvesting in, and making our communities great places to live, work and raise a family. Visit lakeridge.bank to learn more about how we can help you.

Member FDIC | Equal Housing Lender

Lake Ridge Bank. Go Far. Go Together!

For additional information, please contact Mark Schellpfeffer at mschellpfeffer@lakeridge.bank.

Photo by Richard Hurd

Voyageur Stays Achieves International Design Recognition

Voyageur Stays is thrilled to announce that their recent renovation project, The Medallion, is in the top 3% of entries for the prestigious Dezeen Awards, which celebrate design excellence and innovation from architects and designers worldwide. They are still in the running to be finalists in the hotel and short stays category.

From 4,130 from 82 countries, The Medallion has been selected as one of just 141 interior projects still in the running to become a finalist for an award this year.

The Voyageur Stays Team collaborated with Dutch designer Arno Hoogland during this project. The team wanted to prove that mid-term hospitality consumers would value a strong investment in design and handcrafted production. They also wanted to show that building things by hand doesn’t necessarily have to be more expensive than buying mass-produced items. They focused on innovative fabrication techniques including CNC robotics, plywood steamforming, laser cutting, and 3D printing. The Medallion is a true gesamtkunstwerk- all elements are designed in harmony with each other.

The team at Voyageur Stays looks forward to the announcement of the finalists later this year and are grateful for the opportunity to showcase their commitment to outstanding design and innovation.