Distinguished Entrepreneurs Lunch

Entrepreneur Natasha takes a selfie with a group of excited students.

DEL speaker Dana talks over Zoom with business partner Lamarr.

Connect with entrepreneurs over lunch

At the Distinguished Entrepreneurs Lunch (DEL), you will have access to accomplished entrepreneurs and business leaders through candid conversations about building and growing a business.

In a welcoming, fun, informal setting, you can expand your network, ask questions, and get practical advice. Featured speakers include UW–Madison alumni, startup founders, business owners, executives, innovators, and industry leaders.

Hear success stories from local experts

Lunch is provided, and it’s free!

We are deeply grateful to Joe Boucher and Neider & Boucher, S.C. for their enduring partnership and commitment to the next generation of entrepreneurs.

Joe Boucher

Founding Shareholder, Neider & Boucher, S.C.

Throughout more than four decades of service, Joe Boucher has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to supporting students, entrepreneurship education, and the broader mission of the Wisconsin School of Business.

Joe has been a driving force behind the success of the Distinguished Entrepreneurs Lunch program, supporting DEL from its inception in 2013. His partnership and sponsorship through Neider & Boucher, S.C. have helped make the program a transformative experience for thousands of students, inspiring them to pursue entrepreneurial opportunities.

“As someone building a career that bridges two very different fields, I have found the Distinguished Entrepreneurs Lunch invaluable. It’s a casual, conversational space to hear how local entrepreneurs’ paths wandered outside their original training—a reminder that the winding route is often the right one.”

Billy Erazo (PhD ’25, MBA ’27)

“At the Distinguished Entrepreneurs Lunches, it is especially exciting to hear about the entrepreneurial minds, experiences, failures, triumphs, and feedback behind local businesses I interact with. Just being in the room inspired ideas and imagination for my aspirations to be an entrepreneur myself. Go to one yourself; you will see.”

Grace Dykstra (BBA ’28)

Attend a Distinguished Entrepreneurs Lunch

Sessions are held every Wednesday during the fall and spring semesters from 12:15 to 1 p.m. Attendance is free.

Advanced registration is required. Please RSVP using the link provided with each event listing.

From the lunchroom

Explore highlights from previous Distinguished Entrepreneurs Lunch events.

Carrie Thome, Lyndon Lattie and Lonnie Kieffer, Annemarie Maitri, Darren Smith, Matt Maroon, Natasha Vora, Mike Trigg, Katie Lorenz, David Gilberg and Joe Hamilton