Made in Wisconsin Feature - John M., a local entrepreneur

In Senator Baldwin's first floor speech, she shared John Miller's 'Made in Wisconsin' story about his start-up business - Illumatek. In August, Tammy had the opportunity to meet him and hear more about his story of innovation and entrepreneurship.

Today, the majority of new jobs in the United States are created by start ups and small businesses are important engines of our economy, creating two out of every three jobs right now. During her visit, Tammy talked about her first piece of legislation "The Small Business Act of 2013" that focuses on small business job creation by providing startups increased access to venture capital investments. John's story was recently featured in a local news article and Tammy spoke about his story in her first speech on the U.S. Senate floor this past May.

"In the short time I’ve been here, I’ve made it my mission to fight to make sure that Wisconsinites have the tools and skills they need to succeed in a “Made in Wisconsin” economy that revitalizes our manufacturing sector and rebuilds our prosperity. That means respecting labor, investing in regional hubs of collaborative research and development, supporting the technical colleges that are working to provide a skilled workforce, and encouraging public-private partnerships to revitalize our manufacturing sector."

"But it all relies on the talent of individuals who are working so hard to help our communities move forward."

"Years ago, John Miller, a disabled Marine Corps veteran who lives near Milwaukee, invented a new kind of lighted motorcycle windshield that uses LED lights embedded in acrylic. For years, he’s been working to bring his idea to market – testing different acrylics, showing off his work at trade shows, and spending months trying to get approvals from the Department of Transportation."

"Investors are lining up at John’s door – Harley-Davidson even wanted to buy his patent – but he doesn’t just want to make a profit. He wants to make a difference. So he’s holding out until he knows that everything in his product will be made and manufactured in the United States – hopefully by other disabled veterans who often have a hard time finding work when they come home."

"Wisconsin is full of John Millers – ordinary people with the ingenuity, the determination, and the civic spirit to become not just successful business owners, but engines of economic opportunity for their communities, committed to the common good."