Doug Wetzel, Managing Partner/CEO, Ashton North LLC, Pewaukee, WI

Q. What did you want to be when you were a little kid?

A. I wanted to be a farmer. My home was part of a multigenerational family farm in northern Illinois. I grew up with an appreciation and respect for the land, animals, neighbors, community and environment, along with traditions and history. 

Q. What does your company do?

A. Ashton North is an executive search and consulting company specializing in national searches for mid- to senior-level positions. We deliver a diverse slate of candidates to clients in the areas of IT, technology, engineering, marketing, business development, sales, accounting, supply chain/procurement and operations. Sectors of focus include biotech, pharma/medical device, healthcare, manufacturing, banking/financial technology, insurance and private equity. 

Q. How long has your company been in business?

A. Three years.

Q. Can you tell us about why and how you started the company?

A. I founded the company with my partners to address a talent shortage our clients were experiencing. We worked with them to define purpose and direction to attract the premier candidates while giving those candidates the best experience when interviewing with the client. 

Q. What has been your biggest business challenge in the past year?

A. Coaching and informing clients along with candidates about what to expect in a quickly evolving labor market. We address the issues from a partnering and consultive position. Then we celebrate positive outcomes, and we also analyze situations openly when hoped-for results come out different.

Q. What is one thing that makes you stand out from your competition? 

A. Incorporating Emotional Intelligence into both the client’s candidate selection and the interview process, along with providing the candidates with enriched collaborative candidate experiences.

Q. What do you wish you had more time to do?

A. Spend more time in nature — on farms, at parks and anywhere out in the open — especially with my husband, our dogs, family and friends.

Q. What’s your favorite place in the world you’ve ever visited?

A. Scotland — so beautiful, open and magical. 

Q. What is one piece of business advice you would offer your LGBTQ+ peers?

A. Be focused but open! Believe in your vision and what your company values.

How to connect …

ashtonnorth.com or Doug.wetzel@ashtonnorth.com