The name Maribeth Bush is practically synonymous with Oconomowoc. As a transplant to Oconomowoc, she quickly became an integral part of the fabric of this community, eventually being named “Oconomowoc Citizen of the Year”, as well as Woman of Distinction for the Waukesha Women & Girls Fund. To know her is to love her! Her energy and positive nature can instantly light up a room! Maribeth has an administrative and marketing background and has volunteered with several nonprofits. She has been integral in helping to create essential boards and foundations serving this community.
I was fortunate enough to serve with her on the Oconomowoc Public Education Foundation, where I found her to be self-motivated and self-directed; a multi-tasker with excellent communication skills; sensitive to needs of internal and external teams; flexible and versatile; able to maintain a sense of humor under pressure; poised and competent. To put it simply, she knows how to bring people together for the purpose of “good”! Her professional life has paired her with her involvement with the Oconomowoc Area Foundation. Maribeth has been with the Foundation since its inception 20+ years ago. She has served as a board member and board president and now serves as foundation coordinator. I take great pleasure in presenting my friend and community icon, Maribeth Bush!
Meet Maribeth Bush
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I had a great childhood and grew up in Wauwatosa. My husband and I moved to Oconomowoc in 1990 when we bought our hobby farm and very happily raised our two sons. Very sadly, my husband passed away in 2005. My sons are both married and I love their wives as daughters. Both families live close and I am able to see them quite often. “They’ve blessed me with four of the smartest, prettiest granddaughters ever!”, said a very proud and happy Nana.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I started working when I was 14 and have enjoyed working in many varied positions. My first regular, after school jobs were cleaning at a beauty salon, and gift wrapping at Gimbels at Mayfair. Later, I worked in downtown Milwaukee for a marketing firm. I have lots of fun stories from that job!
Next, I moved onto a talent agency managing models and their portfolios. From there I joined an ad agency in Wauwatosa as the traffic and media manager, creative admin, etc. Then onto Allis-Chalmers where I traveled across the US and Canada managing trade shows for the North American Sales Division, aka Farm Equipment, (big orange tractors and Gleaner Combines). I loved every minute!
Looking back, every job prepared me for my work in Oconomowoc. When my sons were little, I was a Kindergarten teacher’s aide at Meadow View, and then a substitute teacher’s aid for special needs students at Park Lawn. Eventually, I put my marketing background to use and became the Communications person for the school district. One of my functions was giving tours to prospective district families. It became apparent that the quality of the education in our district was not matched in the condition of the brick and mortar of our physical plants. The schools were in urgent need of updating. It’s in that position where I met many Oconomowoc champions as we went to referendum for new schools. They were wonderful, visionary individuals who dearly loved this community.
One of those individuals was the CEO of Paragon Development Systems, PDS, Craig Schiefelbein. I joined the company and have worked with Craig for 22+ years. I helped him administer the Oconomowoc Public Education Foundation (OPEF) and The Oconomowoc Area Foundation, (OAF) where I serve as the foundation coordinator. I’ve cherished every minute of these opportunities!
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Roots is my favorite for morning and noon get-togethers and casual work meetings. You always run into friends and make new friends! We have so many great restaurants in Oconomowoc… Lago Su Bella, Sobie’s, Coco’s, Twisted Fire. There’s always a special place to enjoy a cozy dinner or gathering of many friends!
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
My late husband and I bought a hobby farm in 1990 where we happily raised our sons. It was the perfect home for us with lots of adventures, animals… horses, ponies, lambs, pigmy goats, calves, bunnies and more. I am very grateful for the opportunity of calling our little hobby farm, home. When both sons were married, it was time for me to let go of our place and it has wonderful new keepers of the land, and the farm has become “The Cupola”. It’s a beautiful, very fun venue!
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Everyone you meet has their own story and is interesting and valued.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
I’m a bit of a dork. Movie: You’ve Got Mail; TV Shows: Mary Tyler Moore Show. This show made a huge impression on me as I grew up.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Prioritize: Faith – Family – Friends / Be Kind / You become: 1. What You Read 2. What You Eat 3. Who You Associate With / Life is Short… Enjoy the Ride!
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
There are many. I do miss several of the old businesses in Oconomowoc… Tobin’s, Ben Franklin, Art’s, Snyder’s, etc., but am happy we had them for a time. I have to remind myself that life is about growth and change while maintaining some core values. Also, people retire or move on to new ventures – that’s reality. I’m very grateful that our community is growing with much thought and integrity.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
Giannis! Need I say more?! What an impact he has made in the world at such a young age – the power of intense work ethic, ambition, and family strength.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
Our beautiful lakes and parks. The bandshell. Oh, and The Boardwalk… my favorite place to smile and dream! It’s such a special place for people of all ages to socialize or just stop and contemplate with a cup of coffee from Roots, an ice cream from Mullens, or even a glass of wine from Vino Etc. And the dogs! So many happy friendly dogs and their families enjoying sunshine and one another. It’s truly special.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Loving my family, friends, and life – perhaps some travel but always coming home to Oconomowoc.
Q: What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
Back in the ice ages, I was born prematurely at 2 lbs and 12 inches. Life agreed with me – I caught up by the time I turned 1 year. I would like to study fiber arts, and am totally captivated by antique quilts and weaving. I have great respect for those who created masterpieces with such limited resources. There is so much to learn from their stories.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Oconomowoc/Lake Country, of course!
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
A. My sons, daughters-in-law and grand daughters. B. Friends, they’re pretty spectacular. C. The incredible nonprofits that I work with regularly.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Love. Peace. Gratitude.
