Accelerate Magazine January 2022

Describe your company. We empower people who have incredible odds stacked up against them to live their best lives by offering a path to recovery from addiction or mental illness, a home that is safe and affordable, a family to thrive in, and independence and a life that is truly their own. We serve over 30,000 individuals on an annual basis, 93 percent of whom indicate that we have improved their quality of life. Our vision is to create healthy communities filled with people using their God-given gifts to serve. We are a $60-million- dollar organization with 800 employees that operates in Wisconsin and Upper Michigan. What is the most important lesson you’ve learned in your career? Face your fears and be willing to fail so you can succeed. What is your personal key to success? Hard work and surrounding myself with compassionate servant leaders. What’s the first job you ever had? Paper route. What is your dream job? I have it as the CEO at LSS where I am in a position to empower over 800 employees to bring out the best in each other and the people we serve. What book are you currently reading or would you recommend? "The Future Leaders" by Jacob Morgan What is something unique about you? Being a bullied young boy turned out to be a blessing in my life that led me to the boxing ring. I became a seven time national boxing champion and competed on the U.S. National Boxing Team from 1987-1993. The lessons and virtues learned in the boxing ring help me advance to the board room. Recently I wrote a book: My Journey from Boxing Ring to Boardroom: 5 Essential Virtues for Life and Leadership. What is your favorite pastime? Working out, reading, spending time with family and eating my favorite dish frommy mother - guiso. • HÉCTOR COLÓN President & CEO, Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan EXECUTIVE PROFILE JANUARY 2022 MAGAZINE 27