Jim's Background
"Action speaks louder than words, but not nearly as often" - Mark Twain
Growing up in a hard-working household, the Grabowski family always found time for community service. Active volunteers and leaders in their church, school, and sports, giving back was a trait that was engrained in Jim from a young age.
Jim attended Marquette University starting in 2001, and was active there in volunteer roles. He was a founding member of the school's first collegiate water ski team, which quickly won National Team of the Year in 2006. He also filled the role of mascot and became (probably) the school's tallest Golden Eagle ever - often seen at community events, children's hospitals, and school sporting events. Jim graduated from Marquette in 2005 with a Bachelors of Science in Marketing.
Before finally residing in Pewaukee in 2007, Jim had the experience of living in multiple places. From the south suburbs of Chicago to Key West, each address gave Jim a more worldly view and experience which he has brought to Pewaukee, particularly in regards to tourism and seasonal ebbs and flows of business.
Much of this experience was used to bring the first beer gardens to Pewaukee, as Jim and his brother built The Beergo (formerly Winnebeergo) events to bring the community out to the parks. These events not only were family community gatherings, they raised money for Pewaukee Park and Recreation, as well as other community organizations. Over four seasons, they proudly raised almost $20,000 for area non-profits - while providing the community a great time!
When not actively toiling in Pewaukee, Jim is a Senior Account Manager of Industrial Accounts at We Energies. He is a credentialed Certified Energy Manager, and also serves as We Energies' representative to both Waukesha and Jefferson County's Economic Development Boards. His detailed knowledge of vital infrastructure and public service regulations has been relied upon many times during his appointment on the Village Plan Commission - a volunteer position which he has dedicated countless hours to over the last five years.
Jim and his rescue dog, TeaBee, live a 9-iron shot from Downtown Pewaukee, an area which he is extremely passionate about. If you're out at a downtown business- whether grabbing a coffee in the morning or a drink in the evening - there's a good chance you'll run into Jim.
If Jim can't be found wandering Wisconsin Ave downtown, he can be found on the lake - fishing, cruising, and of course, waterskiing . An active watersports enthusiast, Jim is also a competitive 3-event waterskier, having won 1st place in Wisconsin Men's 3 Overall in 2021.
Finally, Jim can be seen most often with his neighbors, who also happen to be his family. His brother, Mark, sister-in-law, Emily, and niece, Mia, are very active in the community and Pewaukee Schools - and live only a few doors down from Jim.
And to answer the question on everyone's mind...
... No. This isn't the same Jim Grabowski who played running back for the Packers in the 60s.
Community Involvement and Service
Village Plan Commission
Village Plan Commission
Village Plan Commission
Jim has served on the Village Plan Commission since 2016. His business idea was turned down, and he decided that he knew representation was needed. Jim brings that same energy to every meeting - he believes if there is a problem, we should find a way to fix it, and not just complain about it. His unique history allows him to look at every applicant's situation through their eyes.
The Beergo
Village Plan Commission
Village Plan Commission
Jim and Mark Grabowski started The Beergo (formerly Winnebeergo) in 2017 in conjunction with Pewaukee Park and Rec. Over the four summers they operated it, they not only created fun, unique events for area families, but also raised money and donations for Park and Rec, Pewaukee Lake Waterski Club, Pewaukee Youth Baseball, Pewaukee Food Pantry, and others!
B.E.E.R.
Village Plan Commission
Supporting Community Groups
Buddies of Environmental Enjoyment and Recreation (B.E.E.R.) is a registered 501c3 Pewaukee-based non-profit started by Jim and Mark Grabowski. Originally the charity arm of The Beergo Beer Gardens, B.E.E.R. now has started a new mission in 2021 - teaming with Pewaukee Park and Rec to plan and fundraise for a Pewaukee Dog Park.
Supporting Community Groups
Supporting Community Groups
Supporting Community Groups
You don't have to be a member of a community organization to help them out. One of Jim's favorite organizations to give time to is the Pewaukee Kiwanis Club. Jim is always first to sign up for bartending at the Beach Party and cleaning the Pewaukee River of downed trees and debris ahead of the Pewaukee River Run. Got a few hours? Consider volunteering with this great organization!
Board of Canvassers
Supporting Community Groups
Random Acts of Pewaukee
Having fair and honest elections is the bedrock of our democracy. That's why Jim serves on the Village's Board of Canvassers. Double checking and certifying the hard work our clerk and poll workers do, giving assurance that every vote is counted.
(However, he's going to have to recuse himself from the position for this April election!)
Random Acts of Pewaukee
Supporting Community Groups
Random Acts of Pewaukee
You don't need a big organized event to be involved. If you see something that needs to be done, just jump in and do it. For example, the benches downtown were moldy and neglected, so Jim pressure washed them. The flower bed in front of End of the Leash needed help, so Jim and The Beergo adopted it. Little efforts make a big difference in a small town! Don't be afraid to jump in, as you might be surprised as other join!
A Family Affair
Sharing a Passion
Sharing a Passion
Giving back to the Pewaukee community isn't exclusive to Jim when it comes to the Grabowskis. His brother, Mark, serves on the Village Public Works & Safety Board, coaches in the Pewaukee Basketball Club, and is usually alongside Jim in most his community work. His sister-in-law, Emily, can be found watering the flowers downtown for Positively Pewaukee. And even his niece, Mia, gets in on the action with her support of HAWS.
Sharing a Passion
Sharing a Passion
Sharing a Passion
There's rarely anything better than sharing one of your passions and giving back to a sport you love. As a competitive 3-event waterskier for that last 15 years, Jim continually works as a volunteer at area tournaments and events. He is a member of Ski Wisconsin, a group dedicated to growing the sport of waterskiing in the state. If you know Jim, you know that he finds nothing more rewarding than teaching kids (or eager adults) to ski.