Take time to enjoy the journey, life goes by quickly.
Susan Grzeskowiak is an attorney specializing in consumer protection. She began her career working for a non-profit in 1998. Since 2000, she has devoted her practice to representing consumers in Wisconsin Lemon Law and automobile warranty and misrepresentation cases. During that time, she has successfully represented consumers in resolving their claims without having to file a lawsuit, as well as in litigation through jury trials. Several courts have recognized Susan as an expert in automobile warranty cases. Susan has substantial appellate experience and has prevailed in numerous cases before the Wisconsin Supreme Court, Wisconsin Court of Appeals and the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit. She also serves as a supplemental court commissioner for Milwaukee County Circuit Court.
Outside of her law practice, Susan dedicates her time to various community organizations. She is a board member of the Waukesha County Head Start Program and the National MS Society Wisconsin Chapter. Susan also volunteers her time with the Kidney Foundation of Wisconsin. She has channeled her passion for triathlons towards supporting the Wisconsin chapter of myTeam Triumph by competing in various events as an “Angel” and racing with individuals with disabilities. Being involved with organizations that work toward the greater good has always been a passion of Susan’s.
Where did the idea for your company come from?
I have always worked for law firms that practice in a variety of areas. Since I specialize in representing consumer in automobile warranty claims, I wanted to open a law firm that was dedicated to enforcing the rights of consumers and focused solely on consumer protection.
What does your typical day look like and how do you make it productive?
I start my day before the office opens and anyone arrives. It gives me time to focus on what I need to accomplish that day before the rush begins. After that, my day varies between court appearances, client meetings, depositions and drafting documents.
How do you bring ideas to life?
After an idea comes to me, I take time to consider potential obstacles and outcomes as well as the desired result. Then I determine the best approach to implementing my idea and make it happen.
What’s one trend that excites you?
Electronic court filing. The instant communication and exchange of information is drastically different from how things worked when I first started practicing law.
What is one habit of yours that makes you more productive as an entrepreneur?
Getting an early start to the day, prioritizing tasks, and reassessing priorities as new projects come in.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Take time to enjoy the journey, life goes by quickly.
Tell us something that’s true that almost nobody agrees with you on.
Getting up at 4:30 am is a great way to start your day!
As an entrepreneur, what is the one thing you do over and over and recommend everyone else do?
Communicate openly and honestly.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business?
Networking. There is great value in acknowledging what I don’t know and reaching out to others that have specialized knowledge.
What is one failure you had as an entrepreneur, and how did you overcome it?
The first jury trial I lost. I learned to evaluate cases differently and choose clients carefully.
What is one business idea that you’re willing to give away to our readers?
A business that makes adaptive equipment to allow people with disabilities to participate in triathlons unassisted.
What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?
Taking my Dad out for a birthday celebration.
What is one piece of software or a web service that helps you be productive?
Tabs billing software is an invaluable tool; without it I’d have a hard time collecting fees.
What is the one book that you recommend our community should read and why?
What Can You Do With A Law Degree? by Deborah L. Arron.
What is your favorite quote?
“Don’t mistake my kindness for weakness.” – Al Capone
Key Learnings:
– Time management is critical to productivity.
-Communication is a key to success
-Efficiency comes from within
Connect:
Steve (Stefan) Junge hails from Germany and helps with the day-to-day publishing of interviews on IdeaMensch. While he and Mario don’t share a favorite soccer club, their enthusiasm to help entrepreneurs is a shared passion.