This Green Bay Packers article highlights the success and continued growth of the organization’s Mentor-Protégé Program, which recently celebrated its 14th year of supporting small business development across Wisconsin. The program pairs experienced business leaders with emerging entrepreneurs to provide technical, financial, managerial, and strategic guidance designed to help smaller companies grow and strengthen their competitive position. The initiative was created in part to support minority-owned, women-owned, veteran-owned, and service-disabled veteran-owned businesses, which now make up the majority of participating protégé companies.
The recognition event took place at Lambeau Field, where participants, mentors, and community leaders gathered to celebrate the accomplishments of the latest program session. Since its launch in 2010, the Mentor-Protégé Program has contributed to the creation of more than 431 full- and part-time jobs across 147 participating businesses in 46 Wisconsin communities. Collectively, participating companies have increased their annual revenue by more than $107 million, demonstrating the program’s significant economic impact statewide.
Several awards were presented during the celebration, including Most Valuable Mentor, Most Valuable Protégé, and Comeback Player of the Year. Matthew Timler of Plug Light Bulb Electrical Services earned the Most Valuable Protégé award, while John Bozec of Schneider National was named Most Valuable Mentor. Daniel Doyen of D&T Construction received the Comeback Player of the Year honor.
The article also notes the introduction of a new recognition called the “Mark Murphy Hall of Fame Award,” named after retiring Packers President and CEO Mark Murphy. The award honors individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the program and Wisconsin’s business community. Murphy received the inaugural award in recognition of his long-standing support and leadership.
Arch Solar was among the mentor companies recognized during the event. Mike Cornell of Arch Solar mentored Matthew Timler and Plug Light Bulb Electrical Services, helping guide the company’s growth and business development efforts. The partnership reflects the program’s broader mission of fostering collaboration, entrepreneurship, and economic opportunity throughout Wisconsin.
