Waukesha Times

The Waukesha County Business Alliance has announced the recipients of the 2025 Emerging Leaders of Waukesha County award. This accolade recognizes professionals who demonstrate personal initiative, determination, and a commitment to their careers and community.

Dave Beeler, President and Owner of Beeler Construction, is among this year's honorees. Starting as a carpentry apprentice at 18, Beeler rose through the ranks to become president in 2018. Under his leadership, the company doubled its staff and tripled revenue from 2020 to 2024. He also founded Beeler Capital LLC at age 19 and launched the "Breaking Clays for LLS" fundraiser for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, raising over $100,000.

Julia Boss, an IT Principal Program Manager at GE HealthCare, is recognized for her contributions both professionally and within her community since moving to Waukesha in 2014. A Marquette University graduate with honors in Information Technology and Entrepreneurship, she leads significant volunteer efforts post-pandemic and supports several organizations including Impact100 Greater Milwaukee.

Alex Gehl serves as Controller for the BREAKTHRU Family of Companies. His career began with an internship at Johnson Controls before joining Xiogenix as a general accountant. At 24, he became Finance Lead for a $5 million biotech firm. In his current role as Controller since 2024, Gehl oversees financial strategy across multiple companies within BREAKTHRU.

Lauren Ruff holds the position of Vice President and Director of Marketing at Ixonia Bank. With over 17 years in brand management and communications experience, she plays a key role in strategic planning for long-term business success while actively participating on various boards such as Women & Girls Fund of Waukesha County.

Dan Semrad is Operations Manager – Self-Perform at Boldt Company where he manages projects across Milwaukee, Madison, and Chicago since starting as an intern in 2012. A graduate from University of Wisconsin–Madison in Construction Management, Semrad has led major initiatives like Froedtert Hospital Birth Center while supporting causes like Make-A-Wish Foundation.

The winners will be honored during the Alliance's Annual Meeting on September 11th at Brookfield Conference Center with registration now open.