Paul Keiswetter named Outstanding Business Leader by Northwood University

Pictured left to right: Northwood University President & CEO Keith A. Pretty, Northwood University Board of Trustees Vice Chair (and CEO of Artisan Tile Inc.) Dr. Jennifer Panning, Petoskey Plastics President & CEO Paul Keiswetter and Northwood University student Lance Johnson. Photos courtesy of Northwood University.

Palm Beach, FL:  On March 16, 2019, Petoskey Plastics President and CEO Paul Keiswetter received the Outstanding Business Leader Award from Northwood University.  Awards were presented by Northwood students at the Breakers in Palm Beach, FL.  Proceeds from the annual awards gala contribute to the Outstanding Business Leaders Endowed Scholarship Fund, providing assistance to students with financial need and academic merit at Northwood University.   

“It is an honor for Northwood University to recognize American business leaders for their contributions to society each year,” said Keith Pretty, Northwood University President and CEO.  “This year, we have seven recipients who exemplify success in business, communities and through their personal stories, and who provide an exceptional example to Northwood’s students and future business leaders.”

According to the website, Outstanding Business Leader (OBL) Awards are presented by the Northwood University Board of Trustees. Each awardee is selected on the basis of personal achievements which typify the unique philosophy of Northwood University. Criteria used in the selection of awardees include contribution to the philosophy of private enterprise, support of the integration of business and the arts, contribution to education, economic innovation, creative marketing ideas, community involvement, religious leadership and philanthropic contributions, as well as business success.

Northwood University student Lance Johnson was chosen to introduce Keiswetter.  Johnson said, “Paul learned from his experiences in real estate and the military and applied this knowledge to his business. It’s no wonder why Petoskey Plastics has been so successful, and why Mr. Keiswetter is being recognized today.”

In his acceptance speech, Keiswetter said, “Having the privilege of participating in in the OBL weekend with my fellow honorees has been a wonderfully fun and thought-provoking experience.  The highlight was meeting and getting to know the students and interacting with them at our roundtable discussions.  I was greatly impressed with their business knowledge and engaged attitude towards entrepreneurship.” 

Keiswetter’s fellow award recipients are:

·         Jan Bertsch, Senior Vice President and CFO of Owens-Illinois, Inc.

·         Ken Ganley, President and CEO of Ganley Automotive Group

·         Patricia Hemingway Hall, Retired President and CEO of Health Care Service Corporation

·          Jack Krasula, President & CEO of Trustinus, LLC

·         Sandy Schwartz, President of Cox Automotive

·         John Washbish, President & CEO of Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance, Inc. 

Keiswetter finished his speech with “Be sure to laugh and have fun with your work family during your run to the finish line!”

Northwood University develops the future leaders of a global society.  With business degrees offered online and on-site, Northwood University can help you reach your educational goals.  Learn more about Northwood’s Undergraduate, Graduate, International and Adult programs today atnorthwood.edu.

Petoskey Plastics is an environmentally focused recycler and plastic film, bag and resin manufacturer providing superior products and solutions. Headquartered in Petoskey, Michigan, the company provides products and engineered solutions for a variety of industries including automotive, industrial, institutional, retail, construction and home improvement.  Petoskey Plastics has facilities in Michigan, Indiana and Tennessee.  Learn more at petoskeyplastics.com.