WLS Consulting

03/24/2026

03/24/2026

Come Join Us! The 2026 Gateway CEO FISH TANK is Thursday, March 26 at Gateway Convention Center, Collinsville. This is a 3 minute pitch competition between the students of Gateway CEO. The morning kicks off at 7am with 10 students presenting, followed by a brief intermission and then the remaining 10 students before judges determine our winners. 1st ($300) , 2nd ($200) and 3rd ($100) place winners are sponsored by Wendy Symer with WLS Consulting. Special thanks to Gateway Convention Center for being our location sponsor.

A few additional categories will be awarded:
- Best Presentation Style
- Most Creative/Unique Business
- Best Answers to Questions
- Award - The goal of this award is to recognize a CEO student that has shown tremendous growth, hard work, and perseverance throughout the individual business development process in class.

We are thankful to our local business leaders serving as Judges this year:
Jon Sparks, Midwest Railcar Corporation
Wayne White, Maryville Mayor/Village President
Joe Newman, Newman Carriers
Katie Slimick, Executive Director of Collinsville Chamber
Rachelle Lengerman, Plocher Construction Company

So what kind of businesses have our students put together this semester? Here is a list of their business names. Join us on Thursday to learn more about each of them!

Avery Nonn - Nonnster Woodworking
Braxton Yates - B Rips
Berenice Mauricio - Chicana Inks
Lilly Schott - Mae's Embroidery
Vivian Marron - Rooted by Marron
Amarion Hall - Mowtown CLS
Matthew Blakeburn - MB Electric Skateboards
Drew Jansen - Lost Time
Jackson Cline - Clean Soles
Noah Jacob - Trinity Woodworking
Brody DeVary - Momentum Golf
Kenzie Keeler - Snapshot
Emma Steinhauer - Goblin Glam & Incense
Emma Rivas - Emma's Custom Creations
Avery Arrington - Avarri Apparel
Luke Schwarz - Luke's Services and Solutions
Sophia Murphy - Sophia's Chapter Critters
Jack Nimmo - Nim's Fit
Devin Maedge- Fresher Flour
Lily Becker - Sips and Saddles

This is a morning to celebrate confidence to stand in front of an audience, determination to pull a business plan together and passion for doing something so different than most high school students as they finish out their last 6 weeks as entrepreneurs!

This event is open to friends, family of Gateway CEO, Mentors, Investors and those interested in learning more! See you there!

10/15/2025

So excited to be part of this great event again this year! Haven't registered yet? You won't want to miss it!!!

09/03/2025

Hope you can join us! We would love to introduce you to our Class of 2026!

We are on a journey everyday at Gateway CEO! Every morning is an opportunity to show up as your best self. Would love to have you join us tomorrow morning for our Fall Meet and Greet!

It is the first networking event for our Class of 2026. Light refreshments, great conversation and an opportunity to visit as a CEO family! Starts at 7:30am at Truck Centers Training Center, 2376 Formosa Rd, Troy IL. See you Thursday morning!

05/15/2025

Looking forward to working with chamber members on their first step in successful succession planning!

If you saw the TV show Succession you know how poor their succession plan went! Let's make sure your business isn't the next HBO show!

Whether you're planning to sell one day, pass it on to the next generation, or simply haven't had time to think about succession, now is the time to start. A strong business future begins with one essential element: culture.

Join us on Tuesday, June 3rd for the first in a series of workshops designed to help you structure your business for long-term success. Led by Wendy L Symer of WLS Consulting, this session will focus on Building Culture for Success and Succession, a critical first step no matter your timeline.

Start planning for a business that’s built to grow and built to last. Members can RSVP for this free event at ofallonchamber.com/successionplanning

03/27/2025

Great event as always! Congratulations to all of tonight’s honorees!

02/28/2025

What a great morning we had...Gateway CEO Banker Day! The students presented their business plans to our area bankers who then documented their feedback and recommendations regarding the seed money each student should receive as they approach their official business launch at our Trade Show on May 4. The students did an amazing job...we couldn't be any prouder of them! And we couldn't be more appreciative of the support we receive from Anderson Hospital for hosting the event and for all of the bankers who invest their time in the students! We couldn't do it without all of you! It was a powerful morning! Thanks to all who make this program possible!

02/24/2025

🚀 8 Weeks Into the New Year – Time for a Check-In! 🚀

Can you believe we're already eight weeks into 2025? Now is the perfect time to pause and assess—are you on track with your company and personal goals?
Where do you need to adjust, refocus, or improve?

If you're feeling stuck or need a fresh perspective, now might be the time to bring in a professional to help guide the way. Let’s make the rest of the year even more successful!

Send a message to learn more

02/06/2025

🎉 Celebrating 15 Years of Excellence with WLS Consulting! 🎉

2025 marks 15 incredible years of WLS Consulting helping businesses grow stronger, teams work better together, and leaders reach their full potential! 🚀

For over a decade and a half, we’ve been honored to guide organizations in building thriving workplace cultures, sharpening leadership skills, and unlocking success. Thank you to all of our amazing clients, partners, and friends who have been part of this journey—we couldn’t have done it without you!

Here’s to the past 15 years and an even brighter future ahead! 🥂
From survive to thrive in 2025!!!🔥

01/01/2025