Brad Vynalek dances his way through law, family and philanthropy

All attorneys are asked to do a lot with their time. For Brad Vynalek, partner at Quarles & Brady, a day in the office can mean billable hours to log, rm events to attend, travel, managing clients and teams, and the never-ending quest for business development opportunities.
Along with the many responsibilities and time commitments, Vynalek, a married father of three, has dedicated nearly 20 years of his life to community service projects throughout the Valley.
“This is a community with a lot of heart and opportunity,” Vynalek said. ”If we don’t have people really engaging to grow the market and the community, I feel like we’re not going to become what we need to be.”
One of his fondest charitable contributions was working with the Make a Wish Foundation.
“About nine years ago, I started helping the organization with a turnaround project where they changed the trajectory and refocused on new leadership and board recruitment,” Vynalek said. “I was one of many people who assisted in getting them a new wish house and helping them hit the goal of granting almost 500 new wishes a year. That was a phenomenal opportunity for me.”

When he isn’t working or volunteering, Vynalek hangs out with his family — his wife Amy and his children Hazel, Gabe and Mabel — whether playing on their front lawn, hiking, skiing, traveling to the beach or visiting family in other parts of the country.
He serves on the Board of Directors for Greater Phoenix Economic Council and Teach for America, and has mentored students and helped outreach and fundraising at Capital Elementary School in Phoenix for more than 17 years.
He most recently took on a 10-week physical challenge, “Dancing With the Stars,” for the National Kidney Foundation of Arizona — where he won the People’s Choice Award for his energetic dance routine.

“It has been an awesome journey of putting myself into unique situations with crazy challenges,” said Vynalek. “It’s really kind of forced me to challenge myself physically and mentally.”
His advice for those looking for an effective way to gain leadership experience or get involved in your community? Vynalek said to nd a cause that you’re passionate about and take risks.
“I see so many people who are really slow to get involved,” Vynalek said. “If you let that be impediment ve years down the road you’ll be saying, holy smokes, why didn’t I get involved?”