New Member Classification Talks

Posted by Caz Laska

on Feb 05, 2016

At a recent club meeting, we were fortunate to have not only one, but three classification talks from new members! Franklin Onwubuariri, Andrew McCully, and Pete Moegenburg shared their backgrounds on career, family and why they decided to join Rotary. And just last week, our newest member - Spencer Taintor, who serves as the Head of School at Brookfield Academy, gave his classification talk. Read on to learn more about Pete's talk and watch for more write-ups from newer members in the weeks ahead.

Pete Moegenburg Classification Talk -

I was born in the Milwaukee area, and raised with three siblings in a traditional family in Brookfield. After spending years within 50 square miles separated from reality (UW-Madison; undergrad & graduate school), I left the area to work in investment banking in Boston, and corporate real estate workouts in Connecticut. In the late 80’s, when the commercial real estate market was imploding, I helped form a real estate valuation consultancy in Chicago, and co-ran the group for five and one-half years.

While active in Chicago, I was living in the Milwaukee area. The joy of commuting to Chicago several days each week led me to re-locate our business to Milwaukee. During this time, I was married, and started a family. Last fall, my wife and I celebrated our 25th anniversary, and our boys have grown up (Peter is a senior at Cornell University, and Sam is a junior at Pius XI High School).

I have enjoyed the concept of giving and serving others all my life. From the early memories of participating in 4H Club, Key Club in high school, matriculating through Boy Scouts (Eagle Award), to working in start-up activities with my brother (summer painting and landscaping business), to remaining engaged with UW (School of Business, Alumni Board Member, and current student mentor), financially supporting the Door County Land Trust, and assisting in men’s worship activities at my church (Elmbrook Church).

My first exposure to Rotary International came in high school. My parents enjoyed inviting young students to stay with us as part of the AFS (American Field Service, student exchange program). We enjoyed the company of students from China, France, Brazil, and Argentina. In fact, it was the young man from Argentina that was so inspiring; his father was active in his local Rotary Club, and was sponsored to participate in AFS.

When I hear the stories of giving, and the inherent desire by fellow Rotarians to help the needs of others, this instills a sense of purpose in me. It’s why I want to be associated with this group. It’s an outlook that is part of my DNA. I look forward to participating in that giving and service to others.