As Image Management celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, I’ve found myself looking back at the foundation that made this milestone possible. While our doors officially opened in 2001, the "blueprint" for the company was actually drafted decades ago in my hometown of Ripon, Wisconsin.
The "Seamless” Transition
When Kevin and I branched out to establish Image Management as its own entity in 2001, we weren't starting from scratch. I had already spent ten years at Case, and I’ll never forget when one of our clients there told us that our transition to the new business was 'absolutely seamless.' That was the highest compliment we could receive. It meant that despite the massive change of launching a company, the client never felt a bump in the road. That 'seamless' experience was a direct result of the discipline I learned from my father and the commitment to integrity I learned from my mother. We didn't just want to be a new business; we wanted to be the most reliable partner our clients had ever had.
A Mother’s Wisdom
My husband Kevin and I first launched Image Management in 2001. During the planning stages, my mother, Shirley Williams, gave us a single piece of advice that became our North Star:
"Never make a promise that you can't keep."
At the time, she was simply sharing her perspective on life, but that sentence became the core of our professional integrity. We have followed her advice to the tee since day one. In an industry that often over-promises and under-delivers, we have built our reputation on the simple, steady habit of keeping our word.
My mother, who passed away in 2014, was the heart of our family of seven children. While she was a dedicated homemaker, she was also a staple in the Ripon community and a talented artist. This creative spark was clearly shared, as each of my six siblings is an excellent artist in their own right. She was remarkably active in her hometown, constantly volunteering her time to causes she cared about. Her family roots in the area were deep; my 4x great-grandfather Bazeley on her side was one of the original founders of Green Lake County. From her, I inherited my artistic eye, my organizational skills, and a social nature that makes me always willing to lend a hand where it’s needed.
A Legacy of Leadership
The business side of my brain—the 'marketing muscle'—is a family legacy. My grandfather, Robert Labisky, set the bar high as the President of Speed Queen, and my father, Jim Williams, followed in those executive footsteps. The foundation of my father’s leadership was built in the classroom as he began his career as a versatile educator, teaching English, German and Instrumental Music. He eventually brought those leadership skills to Speed Queen, where he managed the marketing division for the remainder of his career.
My father was a pillar of the Ripon community and President of the Rotary Club—a tradition of service I am proud to carry on today. Having served as a past president of the Racine Founder’s Rotary Club and its Foundation, I often think of his example during our meetings. Though he passed away when I was only 19, his relentless work ethic and leadership have stayed with me.
Hard Work and Heritage
Life as the sixth of seven children in the Williams household was never dull. In a town like Ripon, everyone knew our family. My parents made sure we all understood the value of a hard day’s work from the start. Most of our weekends were spent working on our three family farms, where tending to the horses and managing daily chores instilled a level of discipline that still defines my approach to business and life today.
From my father, a Captain in the Army who came from a family of war heroes, I learned grit and marketing strategy. From my mother, I learned the grace of community service and the joy of creativity.
Looking Forward to the Next 25
Image Management is more than a web design and marketing firm; it is the culmination of everything my parents taught me. I’d like to think I’ve brought the best of both of them to this company: my father’s business mind, my mother’s artistic soul, and their shared love for people!
As I look at where we are in 2026, I am incredibly grateful to our clients who have trusted us since 2001. We look forward to many more years of partnership, and—most importantly—keeping every promise we make.
Published on March 6, 2026 by Claire Weslaski