BIOGRAPHIES
Hansen Family
JOHN AND DONNA HANSEN
John and Donna have been married 62 years, raising their five children in the Catholic faith. Together they have a life-long legacy of involvement in the community through their parish and participation in various community boards. John started the first Kwik Trip store with Donna at his side, and they continued to grow the business for 35 years. With their children, they launched a new family business, Nesnah Ventures, in 2000. John continues to ease into retirement, working part-time at Nesnah Ventures.
MARK AND DEBBIE HANSEN
Mark is the oldest Hansen sibling. He works at Nesnah Ventures, primarily in business development and relationships, with experience in trading/commodities. Debbie works part-time doing some speech therapy and is a hospice and church volunteer.
ALEX HANSEN
Alex has a degree in biochemistry from Saint John’s University (2011), as well as an Executive MBA from University of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Business (2020). Alex currently works as “Chief of Staff” (Vice President) for the Fraud Modeling Vertical within Balance Sheet Analytics & Modeling for PNC Financial Services. He has been with PNC for the past four years. He brings years of quality, governance, and project management experience, both in financial industries and various other regulated industries, to standup a new modeling pillar within his department.
Some activities in his current role include project management; model development and governance; data analytics; internal sales and marketing; influence without direct managing; and presentation creation/pitching to C-Suite, conferences, department executives, etc. Another enterprise-wide strategic initiative that Alex is heavily involved in is improving technology and data insights, specifically in the Financial Crimes sphere (Anti-Money Laundering and Fraud).
In “non-work life,” Alex (in general) has had healthier work-life balance due to proximity of family and friends. This past year he has been focused on DIY home improvements (landscaping, remodeling basement, etc.), improving his golf game, reading and learning new things, relaxing by playing video games, and spending more time with friends and family.
MOLLY & ROI LUCHANGCO
Molly graduated from St. Norbert’s with a degree in elementary education in 2014. Molly married Roi in November 2021. She has transitioned out of the classroom and is a stay-at-home mom who loves making memories with her two little girls, Evie and Rosie. Roi graduated from UW-Oshkosh in 2008 in Nursing and from Mayo School of Health Sciences in 2021 in Nurse Anesthesia. Roi is working at the Mayo La Crosse Hospital as a nurse anesthetist. They live in La Crosse with their daughters Evelyn and Rosalie, along with their two dogs, Reuben and Brady.
EVELYN LUCHANGCO
Evelyn (“Evie”) is 2 1/2 years old and brings so much joy to everyone she meets. She is quite the little chatterbox. Evie loves books, singing, and playing with her baby sister.
ROSALIE LUCHANGCO
Rosalie (“Rosie”) was born in February 2025. She is the perfect addition to our family. Rosie has found her voice and wants to make sure she is heard. She loves playing on her playmat and wants to be where all the action is.
RYAN & BRENNA HANSEN
Ryan graduated from UW-Madison with a double major in finance and real estate. Ryan is based in Atlanta, and he is the Market Officer of Georgia for Link Logistics, an industrial real estate firm. Brenna graduated from the University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana with a major in Finance and a minor in Informatics. She is currently an Associate Director of Risk and Compliance at Protiviti, based in their Atlanta office. In her free time, Brenna enjoys petting dogs and listening to Taylor Swift.
MEGAN HANSEN
Megan graduated from UW-Madison in 2020 with a major in Dairy Science and a minor in Ag Business. She is based in Madison, WI and works at Star Blends as a Supply Chain Manager. Her focus at work is getting products from point A to point B. In the last year she took on a new role of manager and is managing the Quality Specialist. She likes to spend most of her free time outside working out, traveling, and hanging out with friends. She ran her second half-marathon in June.
WILLIAM HANSEN
Will is 21 years old and is a senior at UW-Milwaukee studying business finance. He continues to play club rugby for the UWM Panthers–they had a good season this year and he was an asset on the field. He is back working at Brennan Marine for a fourth summer, working in the office this year as an intern in asset management. He is hoping to study abroad next spring.
AMY AND TOM STROM
Amy is the second oldest of John and Donna’s children. She has retired from her role as headmistress at Providence Academy, but continues to volunteer there as well as her church and the community. Amy's retirement is also allowing her the privilege to spend precious time with her parents and siblings as well as her nieces, nephews, their spouses and her great nieces and great nephews that have returned to the La Crosse area. In 2022, Tom retired from his position as financial services instructor at Western Technical College. He is staying busy by volunteering at several organizations like: Catholic Charities food bank/clothes closet, the Warming Center, Mobile Meals, and many different roles at church. He also works on genealogy and taking online classes. He also enjoys biking and working out.
EMILY STROM
Emily graduated from the University of Dallas in 2024 with a B.A. in English. This past year, she enjoyed living in St. Paul and working as a Mission and Culture Fellow. During her fellowship, she took Catholic Studies graduate courses at the University of St. Thomas and student taught eighth-grade English at St. Agnes School. Emily has accepted a job for next school year teaching ninth-grade history and eleventh-grade literature at Chesterton Academy in Hopkins. She will also be working on a Catholic Educator Formation and Credential program that will count toward her M.A. in Catholic Studies. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, spending time with family and friends, playing cards, going for walks, and reading (usually at least four books at the same time).
PAUL AND KARLA HANSEN
Paul is the third Hansen sibling. He works for Nesnah Ventures, specializing in building development and helping with site selection for Burrachos. Karla has retired from her position at Providence Academy and is embracing her role as Grandma. She continues to enjoy her flower and vegetable gardening.
GABE & JULIANNE WATESKI-HANSEN
Gabriel and Julianne Hansen are settling into their new life in Holmen, Wisconsin. Gabe continues to work as the Digital Marketing Manager at Nesnah Ventures, managing each portfolio companies’ online presence. When he’s not working, he enjoys playing music and reading books. Julianne has embraced her new role as a stay-at-home mother, finding joy in nurturing a growing family, especially with another baby due in August! When she has down time (which is minimal, to say the least), she loves cooking, talking with family, and watching TV shows on her iPad. They both love to cook and spend time together as a family.
MICHAEL HANSEN
Michael Hansen is a lively toddler who keeps his parents on their toes with his boundless energy and love for running around both indoors and out. His world revolves around books, trucks, puppies, animals, and his favorite show Paw Patrol. As a growing boy, Michael’s infectious giggles and enthusiasm for exploration fill the Hansen household with joy and constant activity.
MATTHEW & LEENA HANSEN
Matthew continues his career as a pharmacist at West Salem Pharmacy. When he isn’t working he is spending his free time with his family. Leena continues to be blessed to be a stay at home mom to their two beautiful girls. They love to get outside to play and read many books together. Matthew and Leena currently live with Paul and Karla, but hope to move into a new home within the year.
ISABELLE HANSEN
Isabelle continues to grow so fast and is a year and a half old. She loves to play, go for walks outside, read books, go out on her swing, or go for tractor rides. The park has been a new discovery that she really enjoys as well. She especially loves anything to do with, “Bampa” (Grandpa) or “Bama” (Grandma), as they are best friends. She is learning her animal sounds and new words every day. She is adjusting quite well to her baby sister and realizes that she isn’t so bad to have around either.
ANASTASIA HANSEN
Anastasia was born April 11th, 2025, two weeks early. She had a bit of Jaundice so we stayed an extra day in the hospital so she could get in a good round of “tanning”. She is as healthy as can be and growing so fast. She loves to be held and to eat. Mom and Dad are soaking up the baby cuddles while they can because it never lasts long enough.
MARY AND TIM BRENNAN
Mary is the fourth child of John and Donna. She has a background in marketing and is a co-founder of Providence Academy. Mary has served on the Providence Academy board since its founding in 2005 and provides strategic and operational direction in her role. Tim’s background is in information technology; he currently serves as president of Nesnah Ventures, working with shareholders and company and shared services leaders to execute strategy, drive profitability, and reduce risk. Tim is a member of EPIC 21and has been a contributing member of the regional peer executive group since 2012. Mary and Tim are active in several Catholic organizations, including the St. James Parish Council and the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem. Tim and Mary enjoy family time, grandchildren, international travel, and outdoor activities.
JOHN BRENNAN
John graduated from Texas A&M with a degree in Industrial and Systems Engineering and recently completed his MBA at Southern Methodist University. John is currently a Manager with Crowe LLP’s Mergers and Acquisitions practice where he specializes in advising mid-market buy-side Private Equity clients on Business and Operations Due Diligence, Roll-ups, and Post-Merger Integrations. John is currently based in Dallas, TX.
ELIZABETH & NICHOLAS PHILLIPS
Elizabeth (Brennan) Phillips graduated from the University of Dallas in 2018 with a degree in Business Administration and later earned her MBA in 2022. She is the Marketing Director at Nesnah Ventures and its portfolio of businesses, where she works closely with Cate (CMO) to implement short- and long-term marketing goals focused on business growth. Elizabeth married Nicholas (“Nick”) Phillips on November 4th, 2023.
Nick was born in Dallas, TX, and raised in Edmond, OK. He graduated from Oklahoma State University with a BSBA in Management Information Systems and a minor in Accounting. Elizabeth and Nick welcomed their first child, James Nicholas, on August 20th, 2024.
At the beginning of 2025, Elizabeth and Nick moved back to La Crosse, WI, to be closer to family. Nick joined the UniFide team in January 2025 and is currently working toward a project manager role. He spends his days out in the field with the techs, meeting customers, and rapidly expanding his knowledge of the weighing industry. In addition to the move, Elizabeth and Nick purchased their first home and are spending their free time fixing it up before moving in this summer.
JAMES NICHOLAS PHILLIPS
James (“Jamie”) was born on August 20th, 2024. Jamie spends his free time crawling around the house, pulling himself up on anything (and anyone), and reading books. Some of his favorites include Click Clack Moo: Cows that Type, Let’s Build a Farm, Dinosaurs in Trucks, Brown Bear, Brown Bear, Where’s Spot?, and Dear Zoo. He is a chatterbox (something he gets from his father 😊) and loves spending time outside when he gets overwhelmed (something he gets from his mother). He is thoroughly spoiled by his Mimi, Poppy, and both aunts.
MATTHEW & GABRIELLE BRENNAN
Matthew and Gabrielle are celebrating five years of marriage this year! Matthew is still working at the Shepherd Material Science Company and was promoted to a full time finance role in January. Another work highlight from the past year was traveling to Mirecourt, France to visit his company's production facility there. After hours, Matthew continues working with his new men's ministry at our parish and spending as much time as possible with our growing family. Gabrielle's days continue to be spent caring for our growing family. One of the greatest gifts of this year has been her friendship with a number of young moms from the parish. Their weekly get togethers continue to be a great support system and sanity check for all involved. Gabrielle brings the voice of these young families to our parish by serving on St. Gertrude's Pastoral Council (now on her third year) and she is once again in the heart of organizing this year's Bunco night after the inaugural event last year was so well received. In addition to all the day to day excitement, Matthew and Gabrielle had the chance to take their first solo trip since their honeymoon and spent a long weekend in New York together. Visiting the Met Cloisters, seeing a number of Broadway shows, and enjoying dinners that could last longer than 15 minutes were just a few of the great memories collected as part of this time away.
LEO BRENNAN
Leo turned four this past May. Some highlights for Leo this past year were getting promoted out of his toddler bed into a twin bed, being fully potty trained (even at night!), and finishing his first year of preschool. He has really come out of his shell this year and, as noted even by his teachers, he is quite the storyteller. He is quick to recognize someone willing to listen and will talk your ear off if you let him.
PETER BRENNAN
Peter turned two back in February. In the past few months, Peter's vocabulary has taken off. Though a lot still gets lost in translation, it's been incredible to get glimpses into what's going on behind those impish brown eyes. Peter has also demonstrated a new level of fearlessness and loves jumping off furniture, getting tossed in the air by dad, or going on rides at the amusement park that even his older brother has deemed too scary. Additionally, he has decided that he can do everything by himself and any attempts to help are quickly brushed aside.
JANE BRENNAN
Jane Nicole is the latest addition to our family and will be 7 months old in June. She is a champion night sleeper but she often forgets she is still a baby and needs to sleep during the day too. She is quick with her smiles and has already found her voice in our loud house. Her favorite thing in the world though is her two older brothers. With maximum effort, her parents can get the occasional chuckle out of her, but anything her brothers do immediately results in peals of laughter from Jane.
KATHERINE BRENNAN
Katherine is 23 years old. She continues her work as a teacher’s assistant for Pre-K and Kindergarten students at Providence Academy, something she started the 2021-2022 school year. Katherine also works at Creamery Creek, caring for and feeding baby calves, and at Sue Kolve’s Salon & Day Spa, assisting with their daily operations. This summer, she will be spending her time working her regular jobs plus babysitting, walking, enjoying her various hobbies, and practicing some driving skills.
ANNA BRENNAN
Anna is 16 years old and will be entering eleventh grade at Providence Academy this fall. Over the past year, Anna preformed in the ballet Alice in Wonderland, participated in track, trap shooting, a school play, Schola, and piano. This past winter, Anna traveled with classmates to Washington D.C. to witness to life at the March for Life. Anna continues to take ballet and will be performing in the ballet Cinderella in October. This summer Anna is working on her driver’s permit and then will take to the roads for practice. In addition, she is babysitting and developing her piano skills.
TOM HANSEN
Tom, the youngest Hansen sibling, is an extremely loving and caring adult with Down Syndrome. He lives with his parents (John & Donna), and he is a proud retiree from Kwik Trip having worked in their Commissary for 28 years. He is a fervent Minnesota Vikings fan and loves NFL football, movies, and Comedy Fridays.
Hansen Family Business
Nesnah Ventures is a family owned private equity firm with a long-term focus. We measure our success not just by the growth of our companies, but also by the growth of leaders and their impact on others. Our actively managed portfolio includes a diverse array of businesses in many sectors. We are 23 years into our goal of being a 100-year company.
BURRACHOS
(fast casual Mexican restaurant)
CODABOW
(producer of composite bows for stringed instruments)
UNIFIDE CST
(ranging from small deli scales to large truck scales)
SMITH ENERGY, LLC
(XXX)
STAR BLENDS FEED
(custom blending of dairy feed ingredients)
VENTURE FUELS
(wholesale petroleum)