The Mequon Thiensville Community Foundation (MTCF) is thrilled to announce that Andrew Petzold, President and CEO of Concord Development Company, is this year’s recipient of the Pillar of the Community Award. “Andrew’s dedication and commitment to the growth and development of the Mequon-Thiensville community is nothing short of extraordinary,” says MTCF president Lori Lorenz. “The impact he has had exemplifies what it means to be a Pillar of our Community.”
Andrew first became actively involved in the community in the 1990’s, pushing for a vision and strategic direction for Mequon. He was particularly instrumental in encouraging financial and medical organizations to establish locations in Mequon to help differentiate it from neighboring suburbs. Since that time, he has transformed the local landscape, soliciting businesses from all sectors to take root while helping existing businesses expand and thrive.
Jim Marshall, Chairman and Founder of Spectrum Investment Advisors, notes that Andrew was instrumental in finding the right parcel for his business and drove negotiations to purchase the one-acre site. He credits Andrew with the success of Spectrum. “Without this location, we wouldn’t be the business we are today.” Asked to describe Andrew, Jim didn’t hesitate. “Vision. Quality. Making a difference. Every one of his developments is an asset to the community. Mequon is lucky to have him.”
Similarly, Pastor Bob at Christ Church says Andrew was vital to their expansion, providing leadership and expertise throughout the process. “He expresses not only integrity and honesty, but more importantly, he embraces and lives out his faith by positively impacting the community. Andrew is a Christ follower who makes a difference.”
Andrew’s love of community is also evidenced by his commitment to local service organizations. He was a member of both the Chamber of Commerce and Thiensville-Mequon Rotary Club, serving as past president and chairing numerous committees for both organizations over the span of 18+ years. He also served on Mequon’s Economic Development Board, the Mequon Community Foundation and Ozaukee Economic Development. Indeed, the hats he has worn are too numerous to mention. However, what can’t be overlooked is Andrew’s selfless generosity. He is renowned for providing free consulting services, legal work, funding and technical assistance, all in an effort to enhance the community.
One highlight for Andrew was his role in bringing Kapco Park and the Chinooks to the Mequon lakefront. Part of the original ownership group, Andrew still takes great pride in knowing this unique community asset will provide joy and entertainment to families for generations to come.
We can also thank Andrew for helping to bring a landmark project to downtown Milwaukee. In 2011, then-Governor Scott Walker appointed him to the Bradley Center Sports and Entertainment Corporation (BCSEC) Board. As Vice-Chair, Andrew played a key role in successfully winding down operations at the Bradley Center while paving the way for the new Fiserv Forum. Although not a direct connection to Mequon-Thiensville, this new sports and entertainment arena has undoubtably elevated the city of Milwaukee, inspired tangential development, and is a benefit to us all.
Outside the real-estate and development world, Andrew can be found behind the wheel of a ski boat. When his daughter, Grace, decided to try water skiing a few years back, he had no idea her skill level would quickly rise to the national and world stage. Her passion prompted his involvement, and together they compete internationally — with dad in the driver’s seat, literally! They also host clinics and coach other water ski teams to help grow and give back to the sport they both love.
Andrew lives in Mequon with his wife, Wendy, of 30 years, and their goldendoodle, Annie. Together, they have two adult children.
To register for this event, please go to mcfgives.org/potc.