Bill Hermann ’68 - CC Author Shares His Insights Bill Hermann ’68 built his career at Plante Moran by paying attention to the needs of each client and each staff person, and then figuring out how to meet their needs. His determination to meet those needs involved skill, dedication, and a willingness to create a new way to serve. Now that Bill is retired, he has cast his net wider and is sharing those same gifts with the world. Bill Hermann came to Plante Moran at the age of 20, working as a proofreader. He completed his years at Plante Moran by serving two terms as Managing Partner, from 2001 to 2009, leading the firm on a growth trajectory during which it expanded its geographic footprint and broadened its service capabilities, all while maintaining its presence on the Fortune list of the “100 Best Companies to work for.” Based on his experience and on the culture of the organization, Bill and his successor, Gordon Krater, co-authored “Succession Transition: A Roadmap for Seamless Transitions in Leadership.” During his tenure as Managing Partner Emeritus, he has mentored, consulted, and lectured, sharing the strong organizational culture and methods of leadership. This most recent phase of his career led to the concept for his next book, “Giving the Gift of a Career: A Roadmap of Individually Focused Staff Development.” Concentrating on the individual’s personal and professional growth is the major theme, and it demonstrates how this attention leads to growth and success for the individual as well as for the organization. In the opening pages of his second book, he sends kudos to Mr. Robert Scheuermann, “esteemed former English teacher at Catholic Central-and apologies for any dangling participles.” Bill reflected that his philosophy of leadership and staff development is a cumulative effect, starting with Goodness, Discipline, and Knowledge that became a part of him during his years at Catholic Central. That evolved into the approach he took toward the people he worked with and for: “Do the right thing for the right reason, and you’ll get the right result.” Bill’s new book is available at AMAZON and BARNES AND NOBLE. 6
Left to right: Dave Hermann ’92 - Son, Bill Hermann ’68 - Father, Michael Hermann ’23 - Grandson (in front of Bill), future CC student Nathan Wallace ’29 - Grandson (in front Michael), Ken Hermann ’08 - Son, Bill Hermann ’91 - Son
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