Falbo serves as fall Executive-In-Residence
Executive-In-Residence
Michael Falbo: "I never said 'no'"
Banking executive, University of
Wisconsin Regent, and UW-Parkside alumnus Michael Falbo believes in taking
calculated chances.
"Take risks," he advised
the students attending his appearance as UW-Parkside's fall semester
Executive-In-Residence. "Weigh them and make sure there's a return but
take them. If you're not taking risks, you're not trying."
"The UW-Parkside School of
Business and Technology Executive-In-Residence program brings high level business
people like Falbo to campus each semester," said Dean Fred Ebeid. "During
these 75- to 90-minute programs, guests talk with students about their business
philosophies, their companies, and their careers."
Falbo's career underscores his
willingness to take calculated risks. After serving in the Medic Corps in
"Someone asked me: 'How did you
become a CEO at 34?' Well, I never said 'no.' I took every challenge handed to
me," Falbo told the students.
As CEO, Falbo's risk taking soon
turned the State Bank of Hales Corners into the $1.5 billion State
Financial Services Corporation. From that single bank in suburban
Associated
Bank retained Falbo's services by naming him president and chief executive officer
of Associated Community Development Corporation. In this capacity, he lives his
strong community service philosophy
every day.
"You
have to give back and you can never start soon enough. Giving back is a large
part of a company's success. Don't wait for a cause to hit you," Falbo
stated. "Whatever you do, make community service part of it. It will serve
you well."
The
long list of Falbo's board memberships, including his service on the
UW-Parkside Benevolent Foundation, and his civic and professional memberships
both current and past show he walks the walk when it comes to community
service.
Along
with risk taking and giving back to the community, Falbo advised students never
to adjust their core values and urged them not
to be patient in pursuing their career goals.
"When
you?re my age you can be patient. But at your age, don?t be patient."
Falbo
then added: "Remember UW-Parkside. Be supportive; be an alumni."
