I have been a Rotarian for over 27 years. I was initially introduced to Rotary in Coronado California by a neighbor and shortly after, participated in my first mission trip to Mexico which was life-changing for me and for the group we served.  I get great satisfaction form serving my community and serving others.

Since returning to my hometown of Mequon, I have served in our MT Sunrise Club as Sergeant at Arms, Vice President, and then President in 2014. I have continued to serve through Rotary on 10 medical services mission trips to Oliveros, Guatemala with the group known as GMRP and I serve on the Board of Directors for the Oliveros Scholarship Fund. Both organizations which are supported generously by our club and have been for many years.

When I am not at Rotary, I serve on the Southern Ozaukee Fire Department (formerly Mequon Fire Dept) where I am a Master Pump Operator (MPO), driving fire trucks, engines and operating the water supply (pumping)) when fighting fires. 

I served 15 years in the US Navy which allowed me to live up and down both US coasts and took me around the globe. 

Today I own and operate a 22-year Energy Consultation Business called “Home Perfect” that formed from a Design-Build Construction Company in 2007. I built this company from scratch and now am preparing to hand over the helm and serve in an advisory role. This marks the second business that I have built and sold and feel proud that they will both continue serving others well beyond my years.

What will I do with all my free time you ask? Many of you know I am an avid sailor. I cruise and race sailboats, serve as the Rear Commodore at the Port Washington Yacht Club. I also teach sailing through Sea Safaris Sailing School in Port Washington during the summer season and in warmer climates occasionally this time of year. I captain for the Full Sail Leadership Academy based in Milwaukee, and occasionally deliver boats for others from point A to B.

And, as if that’s not enough, for the past 9 years I’ve been a Marketing Executive for a very unique, vertically integrated health and wellness manufacturer called The Wellness Company.

Believe it or not, I still find ample free time to spend with my partner Jen, my daughters Taneal and Hannah and my granddaughters Mila & Ava. 

One of my goals this year is to develop better relationships in Rotary, so don’t be surprised if you get an invite for a coffee or a lunch sometime soon.

On 25 January the 5 Ozaukee County clubs embraced this year’s theme “Imagine Rotary”, by coordinating the first of many “Rotary Mix & Mingle”events. This event was promoted and open to the public. Rotarians and guests had an opportunity to Meet-Network-Share Ideas. Each club president, or their representative shared some of their club’s recent projects and invited prospective and former members to visit a meeting, or future club event. 

Mequon-Thiensville Sunrise member Cindy Shaffer was our host at her Spur 16 development’s Mequon Public Market and provided the 85+ guests with delicious small plates and beverages. Thiensville-Mequon Noon member PE Jenne Hohn was the cheerleader of this event and received press support and participation from many members of the other Oz Co Rotary clubs of Cedarburg- Grafton, Port Washington-Saukville, and Mequon-Milwaukee Diversity Passport. 

Thanks to having this event listed on the D6270’s calendar we had guest appearances and announcements from DG Mike Phillips, Polio Society Chair Rob Bassett, Milwaukee RC’s International Chair Pat Cronin. There were also two members from the Elmbrook RC visiting to see how this type of Rotary networking event could be duplicated in their area. All in all, it was a very successful and enjoyable initial event and a great way for the Oz Co Rotary clubs to “Imagine Rotary”.

Brian Monroe