Edgewood College Awards President’s
Award for Ethical Leadership

John Berthelsen graciously accepts the precedent setting award

Earlier today, Edgewood College President Daniel Carey, PhD, presented the school’s first-ever President’s Award for Ethical Leadership to Mr. John Berthelsen, president, Suttle-Straus, Inc. in Waunakee. Berthelsen was honored for his lifelong commitment to community, education, economic development and for his leadership in helping to create one of Wisconsin’s premier corporations.

“It’s an honor to present this first ever Award for Ethical Leadership,” stated Daniel Carey, president of Edgewood College. “Ethics in business are a fundamental element to long term success. John’s leadership is a testament to its importance.”

Supported by his employees, colleagues from Telephone and Data Systems Inc., parent company of Suttle-Straus, Inc. and its subsidiaries TDS Telecom and US Cellular, Berthelsen graciously accepted his award. His comments included accolades to Chairman Emeritus of TDS, LeRoy T. Carlson, his mentor, along with Ted Carlson, current president and CEO of TDS Inc. who was present at the event.

“Roy had the vision to start Suttle Press and provided both me and my team every opportunity to succeed as we moved the company forward to where it is today,” commented Berthelsen. “I’m thankful for his mentorship and guidance through the years. Ethical practices are the cornerstone of TDS and Suttle-Straus, it was part of our culture long before it became a buzz word in business today.”

Following the awards luncheon, Berthelsen offered Edgewood College students insight on the challenges regional businesses are facing as we move into the 21st century global economy. His comments focused on preparing for the challenges that businesses face in adapting to changes in the marketplace, changes in the workforce, and doing business in the new century.

As president of Suttle-Straus Inc., John Berthelsen has grown the company’s annual revenue from $375,000 to $35 million during his 27 year tenure. At the helm, Berthelsen has built a customer-focused organization that has earned local and national acclaim, including being named a “Best Workplace” company by the Printing Industries of America and three time “Best of Show” in the Graphics Excellence Awards from Printing Industries of Wisconsin.

In addition to running Suttle-Straus Inc., Berthelsen is active in the Print and Graphic Scholarship Foundation of which he is currently chairman. Locally, he serves on the board of directors of the Meriter (Hospital) Foundation.