Saddling business up for success

When an organization joins MMAC as a member, it is likely, that they’ve already met with MMAC Vice President of Investor Development Jane Trenchard-Backes. For 20 years Backes has had the pleasure of working on MMAC’s membership team, reaching out to organizations of all sizes and industries in the metropolitan area and inviting them to join the association.

“I think the work we do here at the MMAC is inspiring because we can really change the region’s landscape,” said Backes. “A lot of the decisions from our community get made here at the MMAC through our board and our team and it’s exciting to be a part of that.”

 

​Backes meets with CEOs and C-suite executives in the business community to discuss each organization’s goals and how those goals can be achieved. She finds joy and excitement in helping professionals from a diverse range of industries.
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“There are so many ways that we can help each other as being businesses in southeastern Wisconsin. Whether it’s access, growing your network and being connected with other business leaders or sharing ideas and best practices, it’s nice for businesses to have a place to turn to,” said Backes.

When Backes is not making connections in the business community, she is out pursuing one of her many passions.

 

​Although she was raised in the Chicagoland area, Backes has fond memories of childhood summers spent in Door County. It was there that she fell in love with equestrian sports. Today, she continues to pursue her passion for horseback riding, focusing primarily on the hunter-jumper discipline. Backes enjoys the focus and clarity that accompany the sport.“It’s nice to have a practice where you have to be completely focused on what you’re doing,” she said. “It takes the coordination of every single part of your body and you’re working with the horse as a teammate.”

For the past three years, Backes has ridden Varina, a 20-year-old warm blood. Together, they have competed in several shows and proudly taken home ribbons.
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Door County was also where Backes found her love for sailing. As a child, she took sailing lessons on a sunfish boat. Today, Backes and her husband own a sailboat of their own. The couple enjoys sailing on Lake Michigan and watching the sunset from McKinley Marina.

In addition to horseback riding and sailing, Backes spends her time hiking, traveling, taking acting classes and spending quality time at a family cabin.