Sheboygan’s Lynn Potyen Named Woman of Influence for Her Work Transforming Lives Through Games

ByBrian Bateman
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Lynn Potyen, the dynamic force behind Sheboygan’s beloved game store The GameBoard, has just been named a 2025 Woman of Influence by Insight on Business. This prestigious honor recognizes Potyen’s groundbreaking work in redefining tabletop games not just as entertainment—but as a force for education, therapy, and meaningful human connection.

Potyen’s journey began in 2006 when she opened The GameBoard in Sheboygan’s historic downtown. Inspired by her son’s struggle with a severe speech delay, she turned to games as tools for therapy and learning. What started as a personal mission grew into a community-wide movement. Today, The GameBoard is known throughout Wisconsin and beyond as a “Third Place”—a welcoming environment outside home and work where people of all ages gather to think, learn, and play together.

This award from Insight on Business celebrates women across the New North who are transforming industries and communities. Potyen stands out not just for her entrepreneurial success but for her deep-rooted civic engagement. She chairs the Business Advocacy Committee for the Sheboygan County Chamber of Commerce, serves on the Sheboygan Harbor Centre Business Improvement District board, and contributes her time to RCS Empowers’ Business Advisory Board. Her leadership has earned her numerous awards and a permanent place in the Library of Congress archives.

Potyen has also gained national recognition as a thought leader in the gaming world, contributing a chapter to the globally distributed book What Board Games Mean to Me, where she writes about the health benefits of play. Her work highlights how games build cognitive, emotional, and social skills—supporting not just families, but classrooms, therapy practices, and even corporate teams.

“It’s an honor to receive this award,” Potyen shared. “Throughout my career, I’ve tried to show that games are more than just fun—they’re powerful tools for learning and connection. This recognition means my message is resonating, and that’s going to help us reach and support even more people.”

Potyen and the other 2025 Women of Influence will be honored July 29 at a luncheon at the Oneida Casino Hotel in Green Bay and featured in the upcoming Women of Influence special edition.

If you’re in Sheboygan, stop by The GameBoard at 621 N. 8th Street or visit them online at the-gameboard.com. Whether you’re a gamer, a parent, an educator, or just curious about the power of play—you’ll find a warm welcome and a world of discovery waiting.

Want to congratulate Lynn or share your favorite memory from The GameBoard? Leave a comment below, share this story with your friends, or tag @SheboyganLife and @TheGameBoardWI on social media!

FAQ

Who is Lynn Potyen?
She’s the owner of The GameBoard in Sheboygan and a national advocate for using board games as tools for therapy, education, and connection.

What is the Women of Influence Award?
It’s a regional honor from Insight on Business recognizing women in Wisconsin’s New North who are making a lasting impact through leadership and innovation.

How is The GameBoard different from other game stores?
It’s not just a retail space—it’s a community hub that promotes mental health, social development, and creativity through play.

Where can I learn more about Lynn’s story?
Her work is featured in What Board Games Mean to Me and archived in the Library of Congress. You can also visit the-gameboard.com.

When will Lynn be honored?
At a special luncheon on July 29, 2025, at the Oneida Casino Hotel in Green Bay.

More Information:
Lynn’s impact has been recognized both locally and nationally. As chair of the Business Advocacy Committee for the Sheboygan County Chamber of Commerce and a board member for multiple local organizations, she’s not just a business owner—she’s a civic leader. Her game store’s mission has also caught the attention of educators, therapists, and national media for its innovative use of games to promote cognitive development, social growth, and emotional wellness.

Visit https://the-gameboard.com or call (920) 453-4263 for details about store hours, events, or to schedule a speaking engagement with Lynn Potyen.

We encourage readers to stop in, support local, and experience firsthand why Lynn Potyen is a true Woman of Influence.

Sheboygan Life Publisher

Brian Bateman is a lifelong Sheboygan County resident, web developer, and founder of SheboyganLife.com. Inspired by his love for the area and a desire to give back, he created this free, community-driven platform to share local events, stories, and happenings.

A graduate of Plymouth and Sheboygan South High Schools and the UW Center in Sheboygan, Brian has spent his career building digital solutions across Wisconsin for clients around the world.

From local event coverage to boosting small businesses, Brian’s mission is simple: spotlight what makes Sheboygan special, support the locals behind it, and keep the community connected, informed, and on the grow.

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