Cass Wennlund

Cass Wennlund, hailing from New Lenox, Illinois, has spent over three decades as a beacon in the legal field, dedicating his career to justice and community service. As the owner of Wennlund & Associates, he’s renowned for his integrity, expertise, and unwavering commitment to his clients. Beyond his legal achievements, Cass serves as the New Lenox Township Supervisor, focusing on fostering community well-being and transparent governance. A devoted family man and outdoor enthusiast, Cass’s life is a testament to balancing professional success with personal fulfillment, embodying the true spirit of service and community engagement.

What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?

I start my days often with a brief period of reflection or meditation to set my intentions. I balance my time between legal work at Wennlund & Associates, community service, and family. Productivity comes from strict prioritization and efficient time management, ensuring that I dedicate time to each sphere of my life without letting one overshadow the others.

How do you bring ideas to life?

Ideas come to life through collaboration and action. I discuss new concepts with my team, family, and community members to get diverse perspectives. Then, I break down the idea into actionable steps, assigning responsibilities and setting timelines to turn these visions into reality.

What’s one trend that excites you?

The integration of technology in enhancing community engagement excites me. Tools that facilitate better communication between local governments and residents, making civic involvement more accessible and efficient, hold great potential for fostering stronger communities.

What is one habit that helps you be productive?

Starting my day with a plan. Every morning, I outline my key priorities for the day. This helps me stay focused and ensures I tackle the most important tasks first, making my day significantly more productive.

What advice would you give your younger self?

I’d tell my younger self to worry less about the path and more about the destination. It’s okay if the journey isn’t linear. Every experience, success, and setback is a stepping stone towards your goals.

Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?

I believe that true success in the legal profession isn’t measured by the number of cases won but by the impact you make on your clients’ lives and the community. It’s a view that might not resonate with everyone in such a competitive field.

What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?

Invest time in building relationships.

When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?

I take to the outdoors. A walk in nature or a quick fishing trip can do wonders for clearing my mind and restoring focus. The natural world has a calming effect that helps me regain my center.

What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?

Being genuinely invested in my community has been pivotal. This investment has not only helped grow my business through word-of-mouth but has also advanced my career by establishing me as a trusted leader within the community.

What is one failure in your career,  how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?

Early in my career, I took on a case that was outside my expertise, thinking I could learn on the fly. It didn’t go well, and it taught me the importance of knowing my limits and the value of seeking mentorship or collaboration when faced with new challenges.

What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?

A community legal clinic that operates online, offering free or low-cost legal advice through webinars and live Q&A sessions. It’s a way to leverage technology to make legal assistance more accessible.

What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?

Todoist. It helps me organize my tasks and deadlines, both professional and personal. Breaking down my to-dos into manageable tasks keeps me on track without feeling overwhelmed.

Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?

“To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee. This classic novel, beyond its literary merits, delves deep into themes of justice, ethics, and empathy, resonating profoundly with my values as a legal professional.

What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?

I recently enjoyed “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood,” a film about Fred Rogers. It reminded me of the profound impact kindness, understanding, and community can have on individuals and society as a whole, values I hold dear in both my personal life and career.

Key learnings:

• Emphasis on Community Engagement
• Importance of Continuous Learning and Adaptation
• Balancing Professional and Personal Life