Harrigan Solutions proudly accepted a 2020 Diversity in Business Award at a virtual event hosted by the Milwaukee Business Journal.
The Grafton-based company was one of three firms in the small businesses category selected to receive the award intended to salute the “spirit of entrepreneurship, growth and optimism of companies and individuals who are positively impacting central cities in southeast Wisconsin.”
“This is such an honor,” said Founder and CEO Bill Harrigan. “It feels great to be recognized for making an impact.”
In a write-up in the Milwaukee Business Journal, award presenters celebrated Harrigan Solutions business model devoted to turning marginalized and downtrodden workers into high performers.
The article noted that while Harrigan has no formal training in behavioral sciences, he drew “on his own trauma-filled childhood in a Milwaukee suburb to understand how a troubled youth can lead to drug use, aggression and mental illness later in life.”
Then, instead of just sitting back and letting that happen over and over again, Harrigan fought to provide opportunities and training for these people, ensuring a chance at a brighter and more productive future.
“Making a difference in people’s lives is fun,” Harrigan told the publication. “If a business is good at engaging employees in meaningful ways, hiring these individuals can be a strategic advantage.”
In the past, Harrigan Solutions received the Infinitely Beyond Award, Wisconsin Job Honor Award and Eisenberg Award.