Letter from the managing partner
Trust is one of the most valuable traits we have as individuals and as a professional services firm. Today, it is more important than ever with so many things we expect to trust now in question. At Wipfli, we prioritize the qualities and values that build trust — with our associates, our clients and our communities — while at the same time building our capabilities and our leadership in future-focused services and industries.
— Kurt Gresens, managing partner
Letter from the managing partner
When I assumed the helm at Wipfli four years ago, few would have predicted the upheavals we experienced. The pandemic intensified cracks in our financial, political and social systems and now, post-pandemic, the world is changing rapidly, forcing many business leaders to face challenges not seen in their adult lives.
Our clients need a partner who can guide them through complexities and transformation with wisdom and perspective: someone they can trust.
Uncertainties abound
- We are in the most significant inflation battle in 40 years, bringing with it higher interest rates, stress on financial institutions and the threat of recession.
- The war in Ukraine, relations with China, and climate and energy policies have created disorder in supply chains and international alliances.
- Rapid advancements in artificial intelligence stoked excitement about productivity advances. But along with that came fear of upheaval about jobs that may become obsolete and the risk the technologies could be misused.
- Socially, individuals are increasingly polarized and isolated from one another. The pandemic and our response deepened this challenge.
All these factors have served to weaken the social contract that binds us and undermine our trust in institutions and each other. And yet, against all these challenges, equity markets have climbed, consumers continue to spend and the U.S. economy may find its soft landing.
Uncertainties present rich opportunities
Facing these uncertainties, our clients and associates need to trust someone to have their back, and I’m proud to say that Wipfli has stepped up to the challenge.
Our recent engagement survey confirmed the deep trust our associates place in Wipfli to care for them, develop them and elevate them. Our 2023 client experience survey reinforced how much our clients value our trusted partnership to listen, learn and lead them to a better future. Their trust in Wipfli drives results that transform.
In FY2023, we grew our client offerings in several ways:
- We deepened our expertise in several existing core and advisory services through recruiting and training.
- We added significant capabilities in workforce planning, CRM development and implementation, digital technology, data management, and leadership development through M&As.
- We began our environmental, social and governance (ESG) practice to help our clients navigate this evolving landscape.
- We launched Wipfli Digital to unify our technology consulting services and accelerate our clients’ technology transformation.
- We have begun a major overhaul of our client portal to provide clients with a seamless, tech-forward way to manage our relationship.
Trust drives results that transform people’s lives
I’m proud of the investments we’ve made in the people, processes and technologies that will support our future growth. Wipfli is a place where curiosity thrives because our culture is rooted in internal trust and integrity that drive our unique perspectives and innovative spirit.
We bring those values across to our clients, and they, in turn, share their plans and their dreams with us. Armed with that knowledge, we help clients navigate uncertainty, embrace change and seize opportunities for transformation.
Overview - Kurt Gresens signature
FY23 highlights
The world of FY23 was a diverse, nuanced mix of humanity and history, experience and excellence — all of which provided ever-changing, everyday opportunities. During FY23, we tapped our learned knowledge to focus on those opportunities, bringing foresight to our future and providing growth potential to our clients and firm.
Our work
Clients come to us because we listen and learn and then offer the solutions that make them better at what they do. We grow our business by taking what’s brought to the table and asking, “What does success look like for you?” This drives us in every conversation and enhances the perspective each of us brings to strive for our shared goals.
LEARN MOREOur people
Associates stay with us because we take the time to help them be their best selves. Wipfli knows the importance of offering meaningful benefits and puts that perspective into practice by enhancing existing programs and offering innovative new ones.
LEARN MOREOur diversity
In FY23, we built on our inclusive environment, encouraging associates to learn about, and participate in, our diversity, equity and inclusion efforts. We continue to elevate underrepresented populations and look for new ways to enhance our perspectives.
LEARN MOREOur results
Each year gives us the opportunity to mark our success in financial results, client experience and firm growth. Our clients challenge us daily, and we hold ourselves to the high standard they demand of us.
LEARN MORENext: Striving for shared goals
Take a tour through our annual report to find out how we put our words into action. Discover our work, our people, our diversity and our firm’s results.
To learn more about our work, continue to our next section.
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