Our Heritage:
GCI was formed in 1986 by the late Gary Comer, founder of the renowned Lands' End Inc. Mr. Comer was the epitome of the American dream – a driven and innovative man who established his own business and until his passing in 2006, encouraged and empowered others to do the same. In fact the Lands' End website showcases his passion in his own words, "Because I was able to do it [create a company], I know that it can still be done in America today, and I encourage all of you who have the burning desire to start your own business, to try it. Start with an idea, and a niche, and I wish you the 'little bit of luck' you'll need."
GCI was formed in 1986 by the late Gary Comer, founder of the renowned Lands' End Inc. Mr. Comer was the epitome of the American dream – a driven and innovative man who established his own business and until his passing in 2006, encouraged and empowered others to do the same. In fact the Lands' End website showcases his passion in his own words, "Because I was able to do it [create a company], I know that it can still be done in America today, and I encourage all of you who have the burning desire to start your own business, to try it. Start with an idea, and a niche, and I wish you the 'little bit of luck' you'll need."
Mr. Comer not only embodied this entrepreneurial passion, but also he founded Gary Comer Inc., now known as GCI to help provide that “little bit of luck" needed for burgeoning enterprises." Today, the company continues to grow and thrive through the leadership of Bill Schleicher and Gary's two children, Guy and Stephanie Comer. Our goal is to keep the fun and exciting entrepreneurial spirit of Lands' End alive. In doing so, our focus is to create as many jobs in a quality atmosphere as possible, while securing companies' growth potential and positioning them to thrive.
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William Schleicher -
President and Chief Operating Officer of GCI
As part of his duties with GCI, Bill serves as a board member for its portfolio company investments and actively works with leadership teams to develop strategic insight and opportunities.
Before joining GCI in 1991, Bill worked at Arthur Andersen where he gained exposure to public reporting, internal controls, and securities regulation requirements for large, publicly held companies. He also worked with entrepreneurs in a variety of small businesses, helping them develop strategic plans, accounting systems and financial controls.
In addition to his other duties, Bill provides oversight and management to all of the Comer family investment portfolios and trusts, family assets, and financial planning. He is a board member of the Comer Science and Education Foundation and the Medical Home Network and actively participates in their philanthropic activities.Contact William
Bill is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and a CPA. -
Vicki Kalnins –
Vice President of GCI
As part of her duties with GCI, Vicki helps coordinate financial, treasury and human resource functions for GCI's active investments and consults with the management team of the passive investments in reviewing tax positions, financial reporting, and human resource programs.
Within GCI, Vicki manages the treasury function, implements investment and wealth strategic plans for the Comer family and coordinates operations of the philanthropic entities.Prior to joining GCI in 1993, Vicki was employed in the tax department of Arthur Anderson. There she gained exposure to middle market companies and coordinated the tax positions and compliance of the business with the personal and philanthropic endeavors of the owners.Contact Vicki
Vicki is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a CPA. -
Jacob Fitch -
Director of Finance & Operations
As part of his duties with GCI, Jake works with portfolio company management teams in reviewing accounting processes, financial reporting, budget and operational improvements. For the early stage investments he performs many of the CFO functions, as needed, including treasury, financial management and operational support. Internally, Jake performs rigorous financial review and analysis on each of GCI's portfolio companies.
Jake began his career as the Accounting Manager for MICRA Scientific, Inc. - a startup company funded by GCI in 1994. MICRA was later merged into Eichrom Technlogies, one of GCI's first investments in the early 1990's. At Eichrom,Jake served as the Director of Finance & Accounting and became Vice President of Operations managing finance, production, quality and customer support functions. As of 2007, he began working with GCI directly and currently serves on the Board of Directors for Eichrom.Contact Jacob
Jake has also been involved in the Comer family philanthropic activities in the Grand Crossing neighborhood on Chicago's south side. Most recently, Jake was the Project Manager of financing and construction for the new Gary Comer College Prep High School. Jake is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and a CPA.