The WIDGET Source

Todd officially began working at The WIDGET Source in 2001, although as a long-time friend of Sue Kaestner, he had been helping out with various projects for many years before that.

Todd came to The WIDGET Source with a range of work experiences including project management, IT support, software testing, and facilities management. Sue made wise use of this eclectic collection of skills by having him take over the daily management of the business as well as helping out with sales, shipping, and anything else that popped up.

Because of this breadth of experience in the widget world, Sue transferred ownership to him prior to her death to ensure that the clients would continue to receive the products and service they had come to expect.

Todd lives in Fitchburg, WI, with his wife and three dogs: Hetty (border collie mix), Lily (retired racing greyhound), and Bishop (retired racing greyhound). He earned degrees from the University of Arizona (BS Microbiology) and Oklahoma State University (AS Fire Protection Technology, and an MBA). For excitement, he was a volunteer firefighter for 20 years, ultimately retiring as a captain.

Laurie joined The WIDGET Source in 2015, having collaborated on several events in conjunction with her business, Capitol Weddings & Events, LLC. Laurie previously served as a Director of Special Events for a local non-profit, following a successful career in state government as an Executive Assistant in the Wisconsin State Senate and as a Special Assistant in the Office of the UW System President, where she coordinated the award-winning Wisconsin Economic Summits.

With three children who were very involved in their school activities, Laurie was an active parent volunteer and an expert on managing high school booster clubs. Laurie is Past President of Wisconsin Women in Government and currently serves on the Board of Directors for TEMPO Madison, the Waunakee Scholarship Drive and the Alpha Chi Omega House Corporation.

Laurie and her husband Dave are recent empty nesters and proud that their oldest daughter secured a great job following her college graduation. Their younger children, who are twins, are currently attending college which means the house is quiet, clean and the grocery bill is much smaller!/

Sue co-founded the company (previously known as KaestnerBodway, Inc.) in 1984, and became the sole proprietor in 2000. Prior to owning her own business, she worked in the Governor Dreyfus administration.

Sue contributed to the community by serving on the Board of Directors for a variety of groups, including the Tempo Madison , the Middleton Chamber of Commerce, the Madison Advertising Federation. Sue also contributed to the transformation of The Guild into an online purveyor of fine art and craft.

Sadly, Sue passed away in July of 2021. She is sorely missed.