Connections Build a Stronger Dane County: Findorff’s Longstanding Partnership with United Way

By Jeff Tubbs, Executive Vice President of Business Development

Community has always been a cornerstone of all that we build at Findorff. For more than 136 years, our commitment has gone beyond the jobsite, extending to the people, neighborhoods, and organizations that make Wisconsin a great place to live and work. Few partnerships reflect that commitment more than our longstanding relationship with United Way of Dane County, an organization that has helped strengthen our community for generations and one that Findorff has proudly supported for more than 100 years.

Findorff’s history of giving goes back to its founding, with century-old records documenting support for organizations that have helped define Dane County for generations – including the United Way of Dane County. For decades, Findorff leaders have stepped forward to help lead United Way’s annual campaign. The tradition began with Milton Findorff, who served as Campaign Chair in 1932, and was carried forward by former Chairman and President Rich Lynch in 2010. This year, I’m honored to serve in that same role as the 2026 Campaign Chair.

All of us at Findorff share a fundamental belief with United Way CEO Renee Moe, staff, and the nonprofits that comprise the organization: when we invest in our neighbors, those connections help build a stronger Dane County.

At Findorff, we often say our business is built on relationships, and we build upon them by continually showing up, listening, and earning trust over time.

The same philosophy applies to our communities. Strong communities aren’t created by any one nonprofit, one business, or one individual. They are built through connections between people who choose to help one another. That’s exactly what makes the United Way so important.

Findorff employees participating at United Way of Dane County’s annual Day of Caring.

The United Way of Dane County brings together businesses, nonprofits, and government and community leaders to identify our community’s greatest needs and invest where those dollars can make the biggest difference. It serves as a connector, helping ensure resources reach the people who need them most while bringing organizations together to solve challenges that no one can tackle alone.

This year’s United Way of Dane County advertising campaign theme, “Crisis Is Closer Than You Think,” is a reminder that the people facing these challenges aren’t strangers. They’re our coworkers, neighbors, families we meet at the grocery store or at youth sporting events. Many work full-time yet still struggle to afford housing, childcare or transportation. Others are navigating unexpected hardships that could happen to any of us. The need is real, and it is closer than we sometimes realize.

Last year, United Way of Dane County raised more than $18 million to support our community. It’s an incredible accomplishment, but we know it’s not enough.

For Findorff, supporting United Way is just one part of a much broader commitment to community engagement. Each year, we partner with more than 350 organizations across Wisconsin, and our employees serve on nearly 150 nonprofit boards and committees. We encourage our people to volunteer, to lead, and to invest in causes they care about, because we believe communities are strongest when businesses like Findorff go beyond building.

That philosophy has been passed down from one generation of Findorff leaders to the next, and it’s one I’m proud to continue.

As our United Way campaign begins, I’d like to thank everyone who has supported United Way over the years. If you’ve never participated before, I hope you’ll consider joining us this year – whether you’re volunteering on behalf of United Way, participating in your company’s pledge opportunity, or advocating in another way. Every connection matters – because when we come together to strengthen our neighbors, we all contribute to building a stronger Dane County.

Findorff is honored to continue our 100-year partnership with United Way of Dane County.