Member Spotlight | Bruce Johnson

Vice President, Business Development / Aon

ACG WI Member Since: 1986 – Founding member of ACG WI

ACG WI Involvement: Past Presidents Council, President (1989-1991), Board Member (1986-2020), Membership Chair (2005-2011), ACG Meritorious Service Award Recipient 1993

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Bruce Johnson, Aon

Why did you join ACG?
In 1985, an American Appraisal colleague in St. Louis told me about his involvement in the ACG St. Louis chapter.  I saw the need for a chapter in Wisconsin, so I asked him how to form a chapter.  His response, “You start it!”

Also, in 1985 Johnson Controls acquired Hoover Universal and Hoover’s VP Corporate Development, Bill Killian, transferred to Milwaukee to lead Johnson Controls’ corporate development function.  In my first meeting with Bill, I asked for his assistance to start a chapter in Milwaukee.  Much to my surprise and delight, he had helped to start the chapter in Detroit.

Larry Newman, VP Corporate Development for S. C. Johnson, was an active client of mine at the time, so I asked him to be a founding member.  Larry thought a chapter in Wisconsin was a great idea and eagerly supported the chapter.

How has ACG WI helped you in your career?
Business:
- Broadened my understanding of corporate growth strategies and tactics. 
- Broadened and strengthened my relationships with business leaders and circle of influences.
- Due to Aon’s capabilities in tax insurance, Reps & Warranties insurance and claims, cyber security, IP, M&A due diligence and litigation insurance, there continues to be numerous opportunities for me to assist chapter members in their deals.

Personal: When my son, Ryan, started his MBA program at Marquette, I invited him to watch an ACG Cup Final Competition in 2012.  Ryan organized a team from Marquette the following year and his team won. 

What has your ACG membership meant to you?
One of my top business-related achievements is the formation of ACG WI.  As long as we provide excellent content to our corporate/PE members, ACG WI will continue forward. I am really proud of this organization and what it stands for.

What do you do for fun?
Participate in family activities with my wife, Sue, our three children and their spouses, and our 5 ½ grandchildren.
Mountain and road biking, cross country skiing, fishing, and hunting.

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Bruce Johnson, Aon 2