FOUNDER

Dave Hataj is the second-generation President and Owner of Edgerton Gear, Inc., a Wisconsin-based custom gear manufacturer, where he has worked for over 30 years. As a journeyman machinist by age twenty-one, he later earned a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of California-Irvine. He completed his master’s thesis of Systems Theory and Family Business from Regent College in Vancouver, BC. In 2014, he earned a Doctorate of Transformational Leadership from Bakke Graduate University, developing a curriculum called Craftsman with Character. He is the author of Good Work: How Blue Collar Business Can Change Lives, Communities, and the World. Learn more about Dave.

Jason Hataj is the third-generation Vice President of Edgerton Gear, Inc. Raised in a family business, Jason developed an early appreciation for how business and work can be a positive change agent for people and communities. Prior to joining Craftsman with Character, Jason acquired a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh. After college, he spent six years working in Human Resources in both a large corporate environment and a small family-owned business. These experiences gave him broader perspective on organizational culture, employee development, recruiting, and business operations. Now working at Edgerton Gear and Craftsman with Character, Jason seeks to continue the mission of helping businesses do good work for their customers, employees, and communities.

DIRECTOR OF MARKETING & DEVELOPMENT

Kristin Beischel is passionate about providing opportunities for young people to reach their highest potential. She brings nearly 20 years of hands-on experience in advertising and marketing for large, national companies. Prior to joining Craftsman with Character®, Kristin worked as an independent consultant, building sales and marketing functions for businesses and non-profit organizations seeking to accelerate their growth. She previously served as EVP & Chief Marketing Officer at magicJack VocalTec, a NASDAQ-traded telecom firm with 2 million customers, and was instrumental in founding a leading digital advertising agency that serviced major brands such as Amazon, AT&T, and T-Mobile. Kristin holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from the University of Colorado at Boulder.

DIRECTOR OF PROGRAM DESIGN & TRAINING

Michael Fesenmaier graduated from college and began teaching Agrilctural Education. After teaching, he transitioned to school administration, spending 25 years in various roles including associate principal, principal, and district level positions. With expertise in student programming and scheduling, along with curriculum focused work. He also worked on a task force to implement College and Career Readiness programing in his district and promoted this programming statewide. Holding a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture Education from UW River Falls and a MS in education administration from UW Milwaukee, along with certifications as a principal and director of instruction, he emphasizes connecting students with business opportunities to facilitate post-secondary success. Joining CWC, he seeks to promote transformative educational programs that benefit students and business, helping to guide students to pathways that promote both future learning and successful employment.

DIRECTOR OF PROGRAM ENGAGEMENT & IMPLEMENTATION

Deb Prowse brings over 33 years of experience in education to CWC. Previously, Deb worked at Beloit Memorial High School, her alma mater, where she taught all levels of mathematics, from 7th grade through AP Calculus BC, for 30 years. For the last three years there, she served as the Career Academy Coach, supporting teachers, students, and parents in exploring various career and educational opportunities. Deb holds a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics, with a minor in coaching, from the University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh, and a Master of Arts in Professional Development with a mathematics emphasis from the University of Wisconsin - LaCrosse. She has been a department chair, hosted numerous mathematics student teachers, coached athletics, and led various student clubs and activities. Deb's passion for Career and Technical Education (CTE) stems from her personal experiences in high school business and technical education classes. At Craftsman with Character®, she continues to help students discover the diverse career opportunities available in the trades and manufacturing industries.