Two Trailblazing Women Partner to Drive Innovation and Growth in Wisconsin’s Interior Design and Construction Industry

Milwaukee, WI – October 2024 – In celebration of National Women’s Small Business Month, The Middle Six® is proud to announce a transformative partnership with CJ & Associates, Inc. This collaboration brings together two women-owned powerhouses, uniting their expertise to transform the business landscape and inspire the next generation of female entrepreneurs.

Founded by Lisa Proeber, The Middle Six® provides cutting-edge sales training and strategies tailored for companies of all sizes, particularly those in transition. As the CJ & Associates, Inc. sales team evolved, they engaged The Middle Six® to lead a Sales Boot Camp. With her 20 years of experience in the commercial furniture industry, Lisa was eager to guide this initiative, and the collaboration revealed a natural synergy between the two organizations. Under this new partnership, The Middle Six® is helping CJ & Associates, Inc. navigate their sales team evolution, blending top talent with the latest technology to drive success in today’s fast-paced, digital-driven market.

At the helm of CJ & Associates, Inc. is Kim Hastings, an iconic leader who has spent 40 years building her company into a powerhouse in architecture, design, and construction. Quiet but formidable, Kim has led the company with a clear vision for excellence, making bold moves like recent acquisitions to align with her mission to be the best in the business.

A Fresh Perspective for Business Transformation

“Lisa gave us a fresh perspective when we needed it most,” says Kim Hastings. “She helped us take what we already had and elevate it. We’re now not just selling, but thriving in a new way.”

With Lisa’s expertise, CJ & Associates, Inc. is transforming its sales approach, integrating digital tools and innovative techniques to enhance the team’s already impressive capabilities. As CJ & Associates, Inc. continues to expand its reach in the architecture and design (A&D) space, construction, and facilities sectors, The Middle Six® is enabling the company’s sales force to evolve into a tech-savvy, data-driven powerhouse. Both Lisa and Kim share a belief in the balance of art and science in sales, ensuring no opportunity is left unexplored. 

“Kim is an icon,” says Lisa Proeber. “Her ability to see potential in people, companies, and opportunities is unparalleled. I’m thrilled to be part of her journey as she scales her business to even greater heights.”

Women-Led Innovation and Leadership

This partnership exemplifies how two strong, confident women are pushing boundaries in a traditionally male-dominated industry, proving that with the right blend of talent, technology, and leadership, the sky’s the limit. Together, they are setting a new standard for innovation and leadership in their respective industries.

About The Middle Six®

Founded by sales veteran Lisa Proeber, The Middle Six® is a Milwaukee-based sales consulting firm transforming how businesses approach their sales strategies. By blending the art and science of sales, The Middle Six equips sales teams with the training, technology, and strategy needed to unlock their full potential in today’s competitive marketplace. Their unique methodology is based on the belief that six out of ten sales remain “up for grabs,” and their goal is to help clients claim those opportunities.

About CJ & Associates, Inc.

CJ & Associates, Inc. is Wisconsin’s largest women-owned firm specializing in furniture, interior design, construction, and architecture. With 40 years of experience, this second-generation family business is renowned for delivering exceptional client experiences and innovative design solutions. CJ & Associates, Inc. is known for its loyal, hardworking, and talented team, many of whom have been with the company for over 15 years, representing three generations of excellence.

For business and media inquiries, please contact:

Hayley Novak, Chief Marketing Officer
The Middle Six®
hayley@themiddlesix.com