In 1977, Wisconsin Independent Businesses (WIB) was formed to provide small,
independent businesses with an effective voice in state government.

Who We Are

In 1977, Wisconsin Independent Businesses (WIB) was formed to provide small, independent businesses with an effective voice in state government. More than three decades later, WIB has become the state’s largest small business organization with 12,000-plus members.

In 2009, former Wisconsin Assembly Speaker John Gard and his wife, former Wisconsin State Treasurer Cate Zeuske became the new leaders of WIB. John serves as the organization's President while Brian Dake is WIB's Legislative Director.

John Gard

John served Northeastern Wisconsin in the State Assembly for 19 years from 1987-2006. He was Co-Chairman of the powerful Joint Finance Committee for 5 years and was twice elected by his colleagues to be Speaker of the Assembly from 2003-2006. During his public service career, John helped enact permanent across-the-board income tax cuts and the most significant regulatory reform measure of the last twenty years – the “Job Creation Act.”

Contact John Gard

Brian Dake

Brian Dake joined WIB as its Legislative Director in January, 2011, after spending nearly fifteen years in the Wisconsin State Assembly as a legislative aide. During that time, Brian's primary responsibilities included state budgeting, tax policy, and public communication.

Contact Brian Dake