Chad Bathke

Published: April 1, 2010

Photo by Corey Hengen

As a child, Chad Bathke always was building something.

Whether assembling ice rinks in his family’s backyard or laying out a putting green in the garage, Bathke, of VJS Construction Services Inc., Pewaukee, loved creating things and taking on new projects.

“My parents were very tolerant of my projects,” he said.

With his recent promotion to chief operating officer of VJS, Bathke said he looks forward to building the company where he has worked 15 years.

“When I began at VJS, I was just happy to be part of a team building something where you could be part of tremendous progress on a daily basis,” he said. “I had always aspired to grow within the organization, but feel that I am very fortunate to be an owner and leader.”

This month we had questions for Bathke, and he was willing to answer.

What is the first concert you went to?

Bon Jovi at Alpine Valley. Opening band was Ratt.

We had to push our car out since it would overheat in heavy traffic.

What word in the English language do you wish you had invented?

Innovative. It is a core value of our business and an essential component to business in general.

What is your most treasured possession?

My relationship with my wife and two children

What is your favorite Web site and why?

www.apple.com/itunes. I am a big fan of all types of music.

Who are your heroes?

My wife, for giving so much up personally to stay home and raise our children

What do you miss most about your childhood?

Sleeping in

What is your greatest extravagance?

A really good glass of wine

What trait do you like in others?

Doing what you say

Where would you like to live?

In the Rocky Mountains

What is the best part about winter in Wisconsin?

Taking advantage of outdoor activities: skiing, ice skating, sledding with the kids

What is the worst part about winter in Wisconsin?

Trying to keep the cars clean