Judie Dalum Taylor, DSHA '87

Throughout her time at DSHA, Judie Dalum Taylor, DSHA ’87, spent her years understanding what it means to have a voice, learning how to advocate for herself, and developing her confidence. As a student, she was involved all four years in softball, was part of the first DSHA Golf team, and participated in student government – becoming the senior class president her final year.

“My involvement as a student at DSHA taught me teamwork, sportsmanship, leadership, decision making, and collaboration – all skills I use today and every day.”

Following graduation from DSHA, Taylor attended Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska and earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration Marketing. It was a dream of hers to represent a company that was local to Milwaukee and had a reputation of fun and character – and she did just that by starting her career with WOW Distributing Company based out of Waukesha. As the marketing/sales manager, she directed sales, marketing, and promotion of Miller products.

She then pursued joining her family businesses of Utility Equipment Leasing Corporation (UELC) and DUECO, Inc. While at UELC she was able to travel nationally and internationally, and later held the role of president during her last nine years of working there. Simultaneously, Taylor was the President and CEO of DUECO, Inc. She oversaw all sales and operations for the company in the 17-state region and lead 400 team members through their 10 branch locations.

After selling these two businesses, Taylor took some time off to enjoy travel and family. Her most fulfilling accomplishment was walking 200 miles on the El Camino de Santiago in Spain. “It filled my mind, body and soul,” said Taylor.  Upon her return, she stepped in to work with the Waukesha County Center for Growth. She worked, led, and executed a successful strategic plan to assist with economic development and growth in Waukesha County and the region.

Today, Taylor is the President and CEO of Enterforce, Inc. and DUECO Safecurity, LLC. Taylor leads these certified, woman-owned businesses that provide customized workforce management solutions and services to large-business clients.

In addition to her leadership role, Taylor prioritizes her service work. She is one of four co-chairs for the United Way Campaign this year. She serves on boards of many organizations including: Journey 21, La Casa de Esperanza, Marleh Lehmann Scholarship Foundation, ProHealth Care, Inc., St. Camillus Retirement Community, St. Charles Church, United Way, Utility Equipment Holding Company, Creighton University, and Waukesha County Community Foundation. She has also served on the board of DSHA from 2014-2020, as the marketing committee chair from 2017-2020, as an executive committee member from 2018-2019, and on the alumnae board from 1998-2001.

“Our motto as a family is to learn, earn, and return. I am so thankful I was able to receive such a great education at DSHA which gave me a solid foundation for life-long learning.  I have been able to earn a living and lead businesses. Lastly, to return. My siblings and I were taught at an early age that it is so important to give back through our time, talent, and treasures.  I think United Way’s message this year sums it up best —everyday, somewhere in our community, someone needs our help.  I believe we all have a responsibility to support charities and local organizations to help those in our community.”

One of those organizations Taylor supports is DSHA. “I think it is important to support the organizations who helped shape you and form you. I have been a supporter of DSHA since I graduated because I feel so grateful for what they did for me not only as a student, but as a whole person. DSHA helped to make me into who I am today”.

Taylor spends her free time with her two children and fiancé on the lake. She loves to travel, ride her Harley, golf, hike and kayak.