BizTimes Milwaukee | September 12, 2022 by BizTimes Media

BUILDINGCOMMUNITYWITHINTHECORRIDOR Redevelopment of former Briggs & Stratton complex brings new life to Milwaukee neighborhood Locally Owned Since 1995 biztimes.com$6.00»202225,-12SEP plus MAJOR REDEVELOPMENT PLANNED FOR REGENCY MALL IN RACINE 4 MEET THE RISING STARS IN LAW 31 COMMENTARY: CONCERT VENUES BETTER PREPARE TO COMPETE 52 BizTimesMilwaukeeBizTimesMilwaukee BizTimesMilwaukeeBizTimesMilwaukee BizTimesMilwaukeeBizTimesMilwaukee BizTimesMilwaukeeBizTimesMilwaukee BizTimesMilwaukeeBizTimesMilwaukee BizTimesMilwaukeeBizTimesMilwaukee BizTimesMilwaukeeBizTimesMilwaukee BizTimesMilwaukeeBizTimesMilwaukee BizTimesMilwaukeeBizTimesMilwaukee BizTimesMilwaukeeBizTimesMilwaukee BizTimesMilwaukeeBizTimesMilwaukee BizTimesMilwaukeeBizTimesMilwaukee BizTimesMilwaukeeBizTimesMilwaukee BizTimesMilwaukeeBizTimesMilwaukee BizTimesMilwaukeeBizTimesMilwaukee BizTimesMilwaukeeBizTimesMilwaukee BizTimesMilwaukeeBizTimesMilwaukee BizTimesMilwaukeeBizTimesMilwaukee BizTimesMilwaukeeBizTimesMilwaukee BizTimesMilwaukeeBizTimesMilwaukee BizTimesMilwaukeeBizTimesMilwaukee BizTimesMilwaukeeBizTimesMilwaukee BizTimesMilwaukeeBizTimesMilwaukee BizTimesMilwaukeeBizTimesMilwaukee BizTimesMilwaukeeBizTimesMilwaukee BizTimesMilwaukeeBizTimesMilwaukee BizTimesMilwaukeeBizTimesMilwaukee

Congratulation to the 2022 Future 50 Winners. The Future 50 program recognizes fast growing privately-owned companies in southeastern Wisconsin that have been in business for at least three years and have shown significant revenue and employment growth. Partner:Sponsor: Register Today! biztimes.com/future50 PresentingAbbySponsor:Windows & Exteriors American Construction Services, Inc. Approyo Inc. Best Version Media Bevco Engineering Company Biocut BliffertSystemsLumber & Hardware Business Development Pros Central Office Systems Central Standard Craft Distillery Communications, Cabling & Networking - CC&N Doral GoldenFusionEmpowerEggersDuffekCorporationConstructionImprintsElectricRecruiters,LLCPathHomeCare, Inc. Husco KruegerKahlerJohnsonJamesInCheckInternationalImagingSystemsandSonsPavingSlaterCommunications Inc. Lakeland Supply Inc. Lauber Business Partners, Inc. LePoidevin Marketing Luther Group LLC M.E. Dey & Co., Inc. Macromatic Industrial Controls MARS Solutions Group Midwest Precision MooreMilwaukeeWarehouseMoldingConstructionServices, LLC Munson, PattynPartsBadgerInc.North America Peabody's Interiors QPS Employment Group Riverwater Partners Robertson Ryan & Associates Rocket Clicks Royal Basket Trucks, Inc. TheSRHKriete Group UBUNTU Research & Evaluation Z.T.Wolter,Wixon,VyronVizanceInc.Inc.Distribution, Inc. 2022 Future 50 Winners: Future 50 Awards Luncheon Thursday, September 29, 2022 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM Italian Community Center

PHOTOGRAPHYHILLJAKE MilwaukeeBizTimes BizTimesbyDecemberandAugustJuly,March,February,January,inmonthlyexceptbi-weekly,publishedisMilwaukeeBizTimes2022.25,September–202212,September9,Number28,Volume017813)#USPS&1095-936X(ISSN POSTMASTER:offices.mailingadditionalandWIMilwaukee,atpaidpostagePeriodicalseach.$9areissuesBack$6.ispricecopySingle$108.isratesubscriptionannualBasicUSA.53202-6120,WIMilwaukee,403,SuiteSt.,JeffersonN.126atLLCMedia reserved.rightsAllLLC.MediaBizTimesby2022copyrightcontentsEntire53202-6120.WIMilwaukee,403,SuiteSt.,JeffersonN.126Milwaukee,BizTimestocorrectionsaddressSendFACILITIES:MILITARYANDNON-POSTALCFS.toUAAallSend LOCALLY OWNED FOR 27 YEARSContents » SEP 12 - 25 , 2022 biztimes.com 16 Building Community Within the Corridor Redevelopment of former Briggs & Stratton complex brings new life to Milwaukee neighborhood COVER STORY 4 Leading Edge 4 BYNOWTHE NUMBERS 5 FRESH DIGS – La Causa 6 “QUOTE-UNQUOTE” –Christine Pharr 7 MY FAVORITE TECH – Tim Russell, ONRoofMarketplaceMYNIGHTSTAND –Sam Kessenich, RyTech 8 PROJECT PITCH IT –Empresaria Cosmetics 9 BIZ TRACKER BIZ WHO’SPOLLON THE BOARD? –Wisconsin Center District 10 Biz News 10 MADE IN MILWAUKEE – MBW Inc. 12 THE INTERVIEW – Jim Zaiser, Hydro-Thermal 14 Real Estate 31 Rising Stars in Law 44 Strategies 44 HUMAN RESOURCES Nicole Schmidt 45 LEADERSHIP George Satula 46 FAMILY BUSINESS David Borst 47 TIP SHEET 52 Biz Connections 52 GLANCE AT COMMENTARYYESTERYEAR 53 NONPROFIT 54 5 MINUTES WITH… Paul Bartolotta Special Reports 22 Banking & Finance Coverage includes a look at consolidation in the banking industry, what’s driving it and what it means for businesses. 26 Real Estate: Office Space Coverage includes a look at the latest trends in office space design and an examination of how tenants today are making decisions about their office space. townbank.us/yourpartner $6,500,000 FAMILY OWNED BUSINESS Construction financing BUSINESS®BANKWISCONSIN’SFOR Bill Stone Chris Habjan Courtney Broderick biztimes.com / 3

The owner of the long-strug gling and largely vacant Regency Mall in Racine is working on plans for a $113 million redevelopment project that – similar to transfor mations done to other area malls ment components. Built in 1981, Regency Mall currently spans 810,337 square feet. Augusta, Georgia-based Hull Property Group, the owner of Re gency Mall, plans to spend $4.97 million on demolition work, $4.2 million for structural rework and interior renovations, $6.5 million on other site work, and $5 million on costs associated with tenant relocation, buildout assistance and other needs, according to city documents.Thecityexpects to spend around $22.2 million to support the project, including $21.9 million in development incentives, $235,000 in administrative expenses and other costs. In return, the city is projecting the proposed improve ments will add about $71.1 million in incremental value to the site. The TID is expected to sunset by 2043. The Regency Mall property currently has an assessed value of about $48.7 million, according to the Hullcity. Property Group pur chased Regency Mall in December 2016 for $9.6 million as part of a three-property acquisition. In 2018, it purchased the attached 106,157-square-foot former Boston Store building for $900,000. The company specializes in buying struggling mall properties, stabiliz ing them, transforming them and then repositioning them. n – would add new retail tenants, hundreds of apartments and sev eralRacinerestaurants.officials are considering a plan to create a new 138-acre tax incremental district to provide $22 this year, a 19% increase compared to the 2021 State Fair. 1,003,450 Attendance at the 11-day Wisconsin State Fair totaled

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4 / BizTimes Milwaukee SEPTEMBER 12, 2022 Leading Edge BY THE NUMBERS

Major redevelopment project planned for Regency Mall in Racine

By Ashley Smart, staff writer million in support of the Regency Mall redevelopment project. A draft plan shows the first phase of development at the site would include a grocery store and a gas station with a convenience store. The second phase would include approximately 279 apart ments and a new retail center. A final stage of development would add high-end restaurants to the site as well as a retail out parcel. The tax incremental district would include the area bound by South Green Bay Road to the west, Durand Avenue to the south, Roosevelt Avenue to the east and 21st Street to the north. More than 60% of the existing mall is vacant, city documents show. Tenants that remain in the mall include Ross Dress for Less, Bob’s Discount Furniture and Dun ham’sRegencySports.Mall lost its Burling ton store in 2020. In 2018, the mall lost Boston Store when its Milwaukee-based parent com pany Bon-Ton Stores Inc. went out of business. Sears closed its 89,119-square-foot store at Regency Mall in 2014, and the following year JCPenney closed its 149,196-square-foot store at the mall.A major part of the planned redevelopment includes plans to demolish 400,000 square feet to make way for the new develop

George Torres, who began efforts to se cure a home for La Causa’s headquarters about seven years ago.

La Causa has operations at multiple sites in the Walker’s Point neighborhood, including its charter school on South Sec ond Street, its early education and care center on West Greenfield Avenue and its crisis nursery and respite center on West Walker Street, in addition to its social ser vices office building in Glendale.

LA CAUSA OWNER/DEVELOPER: La Causa Inc. ARCHITECTS: Madisen Maher Architects Inc. CONTRACTOR: Wellspring Construction Group COSTS: $5.2 million YEAR COMPLETED: 2021 FRESH DIGS PHOTOGRAPHYHILLJAKE

LA CAUSA moved into its newly built corporate headquarters in Milwaukee’s Walker’s Point neighborhood last fall. The 15,000-square-foot, two-story building sits on a former parking lot that the non profit purchased from Milwaukee-based Rockwell Automation Inc. With Rockwell’s campus and famed Al len-Bradley Clock Tower directly to the east and I-94 to the west, the gated 1-acre site at 413 W. Scott St. is referred to fondly as “La Causa Island” by the 30-plus administrative employees who work on site daily. The building’s glass-fronted, earthtoned façade stands out against the aged houses and historic red brick church across the street, but the interior was designed to fit the neighborhood’s industrial origins with exposed iron beams and cream-col ored brick. Natural wood accents, warm lighting and leather furniture give off a rustic look, like an “Up North lodge,” said president and chief executive officer

“I didn’t want your basic office-looking building,” he said.

The building’s amenities reflect a mod ern-day work environment. There are con ference rooms of varying sizes featuring Clevertouch TVs for hybrid meetings and both indoor and outdoor seating areas for employees to work or socialize.

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“Our heart was always in this Walker’s Point area. … We wanted to make sure to let the community know that we’re not go ing anywhere,” said Torres. n

RETIRED PRESIDENT, MOUNT MARY UNIVERSITY

Leading Edge @BIZTIMESMEDIA Real-time news 6 / BizTimes Milwaukee SEPTEMBER 12, 2022

Christine Pharr, the recently retired president of Mount Mary University, accepted the Woman Executive of the Year Award at BizTimes Media’s annual Women in Business Symposium in August. Pharr is the 12th recipient of the award. She shared with attendees how she became successful and fostered diversity and inclusion during her tenure. n

“I think it’s fair to say that Mount Mary is fast becoming what Milwaukee strives to be.”

“No amount of money can make you work as hard as passion can.”

“ QUOTE un QUOTE ”

“In the end, you do your best, you over-communicate your decision and its rationale, and you pray for understanding. It usually works.”

CHRISTINE PHARR, PH.D.

“You must leverage your strengths to meet your goals and then surround yourself with others who have different strengths toyou.”help

“In a nutshell, I think (finding success is) a combination of doing something that you are truly passionate about and then understanding your strengths as well as the challenges some of those strengths might bring you.”

“So, what’s the secret sauce of being an achiever and communicator that helped me be successful? I believe it’s called accountability. We hear a lot today about empowerment and trust and it’s very important. But accountability is critical to success.”

SAM KESSENICH Chief digitalRyTechofficerLLC

KENOSHA COUNTY’S BEST IN BUSINESS #2022OvationAwards sponsored by

MECHANICAL KEYBOARD

Entrepreneur of the Year: Mariam Darsot, Nexus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Forward Awards: Herzing University | Kenosha Creative Space Inc. Kutzler Express, Inc. | Land-Quest Realty Liftpro, LLC

SAM KESSENICH, chief digital of ficer of Milwaukee-based RyTech LLC, always keeps a few reading options on hand. Right now, he’s reading “The Price of Peace: Mon ey, Democracy, and the Life of John Maynard Keynes” by Zachary D. Carter.Thebook is a biography exam ining the life of English economist John Maynard Keynes and how his ideas changed the theory and prac tice of macroeconomics and the economic policies of governments.

“I was interested in reading ‘The Price of Peace’ after hearing how thought provoking people found it on a podcast, especially with the economy we have right now,” Kessenich said. “The book does a great job of describing how life events can cause a shift in how people think about things as con sequential as monetary policy. It’s also a good reminder to continu ally think big picture, even when some of the decisions seem small to you.” n

Business of the Year: Heartland Produce Co.

The Ovation Awards dinner is November 3. Learn more and register at kaba.org/ovation-awards. presented by media sponsor

“I’m an avid reader, but I don’t feel the need to own every book I read. Enter Wisconsin Public Library Consortium, Wisconsin’s dig ital library. It’s an easy way to get a digital book loan delivered to the e-read er of your choice. Not all titles are available, and there’s often a decent wait, but it’s easy to queue up a list and read whatever comes up next, or snooze one for a week or two if you’re deep in something else. (Don’t tell anyone, but if you put your device on airplane mode, your loan never expires.)”

FAVORITEMYTECH

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TIM RUSSELL

Small Business of the Year: Finishing & Plating Service, Inc.

biztimes.com

Russell is chief technology officer of Whitewater-based RoofMarketplace, an insurtech startup trying to shake up the way roofing claims are fulfilled. While his career requires him to be immersed in all things technological, he also uses technology as a way to unwind when he’s off the clock.

WISCONSIN PUBLIC LIBRARY CONSORTIUM

“There are DIY enthusiasts when it comes to keyboards, I am not one. But for typing speed and accuracy, nothing beats the tactile feedback from a good keyboard with mechanical key switches. These aren’t (all) your grandmother’s loud clickety-clack. Consumers can choose from a variety of noise, feel, and pressure options. Mine is a full-size GMMK model with brown switches.” VPN “A virtual private network is essentially a secure, encrypted con nection to the rest of the internet. No one between you and your VPN gateway can read your traffic. For business, they’re integral to ensuring that your critical resources aren’t accessible on unsecured networks like cof fee shop Wi-Fi. We use Perimeter 81. For personal use, I’d rather my ISP not know my every online move. I use Mullvad to prevent that.”

FACTORIO “Imagine the flow state of your favorite hobby with none of the hassle. This is Factorio to a software developer. It’s a game where you crash-land on a planet and need to mine resources, turn them into other products, kill aliens and eventually build a rocket to escape – except instead of doing it all by hand (a la Minecraft) you build machines to do everything for you. There’s a reason it’s affectionately known as Cracktorio.” n

on my nightstand...

“The Price of Peace: Money, Democracy, and the Life of John Maynard Keynes” By Zachary D. Carter

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2022 OVATION AWARD WINNERS!

8 / BizTimes Milwaukee SEPTEMBER 12, 2022 Leading Edge BIZTIMES ME DIA – Like us S ome say variety is the spice of life. For Izabelle Villafuerte, the desire for more options when shopping for cosmetics was what led her to start Empresaria Cosmetics. After graduating from college, Villafuerte wanted to treat herself by purchasing her first high-quality cosmetics brush. She was disap pointed by the lack of creative designs and high“Whenprices.I look at the brushes (in stores), a lot of them look so similar and none of them look like what we make,” Villafuerte said. “I came across YouTube videos of people making their own wooden shaving brushes and I was like, ‘Hey, that’s almost the same exact thing.’” Together with her dad, Miguel, Villafuerte started building brushes out of scrap wood in the garage of her family home. Prototypes the duo initially created involved cutting the heads off other makeup brushes. Once they became more proficient in wood working, they were able to fully handcraft their own brushes. It took about two months until they sold their first set. “Neither of us had any experience so we started at the same level, just from YouTube and things like that. I guess my dad just kind of has a gift for it. He just completely surpassed me in a couple of months,” Villafuerte said. One of Empresaria Cosmetics’ most popular brush designs mimics the pattern of a bolero toy, something that ties into Villafuerte’s background as a Latina woman. The compa ny has expanded to include other designs, ranging from products with butterfly designs to others that resemble the patterns of popular candy like Pocky. Each brush is hand made with recycled wood and is also vegan and cruelty free, meaning it does not include any animal-derived ingredients and was developed without doing tests on animals. Since being on Project Pitch It, the com pany has gained more local interest from customers. TikTok and Instagram are the big gest drivers of sales for the company now, but Villafuerte hopes to get her products in some local“Especiallystores. as the holidays come, we’re look ing at different local, especially Latino-owned, shops because our audience and customers are definitely younger Latinas,” she said. She is in talks with a local gift shop to have some of Empresaria Cosmetics’ brushes kept in stock.Currently, ramping up production is Villa fuerte’s main goal. To that end, she and her father have purchased a CNC machine. Out side of a $10,000 cash prize from Project Pitch It and $15,000 from the University of Wisconsin Ideavance Seed Fund accelerator, the company has received no other outside funding. n EMPRESARIA COSMETICS FOUNDER: Izabelle Villafuerte WEBSITE: empresariacosmetics.com WHAT IT DOES: Creates custom-made, sustainable cosmetics brushes FOUNDED: 2020 PROJECT PITCH IT Greendale woman creates companycosmeticsofferinguniquedesigns

UP TO 4 SPONSORSHIPS ARE AVAILABLE TO ANCHOR THE PROJECT PITCH IT PAGE AND BRAND YOUR COMPANY AS A SUPPORTER OF STARTUPS AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP. RESERVE YOUR 2022 SPONSORSHIP TODAY! Sponsor:CONTACT LINDA CRAWFORD AT: ADVERTISE@BIZTIMES.COM OR (414) 336-7112  SUPPORT MKE’S STARTUPS! 

By Ashley Smart, staff writer

Izabelle Villafuerte founded Empresaria Cosmetics with the help of her father, Miguel.

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biztimes.com / 9 BIZ POLL Share your opinion! Visit biztimes.com/bizpoll to cast your vote in the next Biz Poll. To protect existing concert venues in Milwaukee, should city officials oppose plans by a company owned by Live Nation to build concert venues near Fiserv Forum? YES: 32.3% NO: 67.7% The average monthly rent for apartments in the metro Milwaukee area fell 9.8% in July, year-over-year, to $1,686 the 9th lowest of the 50 largest U.S. metro areas. Wisconsin’s unemployment rate is at 3% and the state added 10,000 private sector jobs in July. Wisconsin cranberry growers expect to harvest 5.2 million barrels of cranberries this year, which would be a 33% increase from a year ago. Home sales in the four-county metro Milwaukee area were down 17.2% in July, year-over-year. The Milwaukee-area manufacturing index in August was 48 A reading below 50 indicates the sector is contracting.The latest area economic data.

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• Wauwatosa Mayor Dennis McBride Milwaukee Ald. Jose Perez Gerard Randall Jr., executive director of Milwaukee Education Partnership State Rep. Jessie Rodriguez Aycha Sawa, comptroller for the City of Milwaukee Omar Shaikh, partner at Carnevor Steakhouse Milwaukee Ald. JoCasta Zamarripa

• James Kanter, board chairman, chief commercial officer of Central Standard Craft Distillery Milwaukee Ald. Robert Bauman Wisconsin Sec. of Administration Kathy Blumenfeld Grady Crosby, vice president of enterprise ESG at Northwestern Mutual State Sen. Alberta Darling Mark Flaherty, managing partner at Jackson Street Holdings State Rep. Kalan Haywood II State Sen. LaTonya Johnson Scott Manske, comptroller for Milwaukee County • Greg Marcus, president and chief executive officer of The Marcus Corp.

Who’s on the Board? WISCONSIN CENTER DISTRICT Kanter

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“The bulk of our competition is focused on how many and how cheap can we make this. It’s almost as if they look at our segment not as consumables but close to it,” said Andy Multerer. “The little stuff is what we’re high ly focusedInnovationon.”has always played a key role in the company’s success. By 2005, MBW’s product line ex panded to more than 90 individual products. The company has also seen physical growth, with the completion of six building addi tions since 1970 and the opening of a distribution subsidiary in England in 1971. MBW is in the midst of its latest addition at its Slinger headquarters. It will include the construction of a research and de velopment facility. Out of 13,000 square feet of additional space, half will be dedicated to research and development. This includes space for engineering and shop work near the testing room. MBW’s service department and sales team will also have space in the new “Thisbuilding.allowsus to address plant layout and open up a little bit more room,” said Andy Multerer. “This will really help us streamline everything with the ul timate goal of increasing capacity significantly.”Thereare also two additional areas within the Slinger headquar ters that are designated for future expansions, but the MBW team is not yet at the stage where they need to use the space. n

MBW finds market niche with its vibratory plates

— Andy Multerer, MBW Inc.

10 / BizTimes Milwaukee SEPTEMBER 12, 2022 BizNews

ASHLEY SMART PReporter / 414-336-7144 E / ashley.smart@biztimes.com T / @Biz_Ashley MBW INC. 250 Hartford Road, Slinger

SLINGER-BASED MBW Inc. was started more than 50 years ago after the company’s founders brought a new kind of vibratory plate to MBWmarket.specializes in manufac turing confined area compaction equipment. The company’s prod ucts are smaller than traditional vibratory rollers, allowing custom ers to get into smaller areas such as underneath bridges or onto patios. MBW’s flagship product is their vibratory plate. Founders Helmut Maass and Frank Multerer Sr. began the company in 1967 after breaking off from Wacker Neuson. The two men began building their special ized vibratory plates in a small, unheated utility garage. They were only able to make four plates at a time but, by 1970, MBW emerged as a market leader in vibratory plates throughout the Midwest.

“It was a revolutionary design change called the oil bath excitor,” said Andy Multerer, chief execu tive officer and president of MBW. “That was their big advantage. With everyone else’s products, you had to grease the bearings. With an excitor, one side of it is much heavier, the part that spins. Then the other side, that’s what causes the vibration. There’s a lit tle oil on the bottom so when the excitor comes around, it splashes. That’s what keeps the bearings oiled.”This gave MBW a leg up over competitors, as the company’s vibratory plates saved customers maintenance time and lasted far longer.“We’ve had machines out there and they’ve never changed the oil.

Thirty years later and it’s still run ning. It really was a huge enhance ment to that kind of equipment,” said Bert Multerer, senior advisor at MBW.Theprimary market for MBW’s equipment is construction firms.

In addition to vibratory plates, the company expanded its product range in 1970 to include per cussion rammers, trowels and mortar-plaster mixers. MBW’s most unique product is their vapor extraction unit, which is used in emergency situations to extract natural gases out of the air.

MBW employee Chris Bauer works on making a gear at the company’s Slinger headquarters.

“ The bulk of our competition is focused on how many and how cheap can we make this. It’s almost as if they look at our segment not as consumables but close to it. The little stuff is what we’re highly focused on.”

INDUSTRY: Construction equipment EMPLOYEES: 67 mbw.com

Growing through ups and downs

Tuesday, October 11, 2022 • Brookfield Conference Center Register Today! >> biztimes.com/mfg 1 2 3 4 Panelists: • JP Moran, President, LMI Packaging Solutions, Inc (1) • Tom Danneker, President & CEO, Glenroy (2) • Sachin Shivaram, CEO, Wisconsin Aluminum Foundry Co. Inc. (3) • Benjamin Gover, Chief Operating Officer, Glenn Reider (4) PRESENTING SPONSOR: 2:00pm Registration & Networking • 2:30-5:00pm Program • 5:00-6:30pm Networking Reception Discounted registration for manufacturers

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The past few years have been full of challenges with more uncertainty on the horizon, but Wisconsin manufacturers have a unique ability to handle whatever the world throws at them. It would be easy to think of recent years as once-in-a-lifetime challenges, but the truth is there are always lessons to be Learnlearned.from leaders who have faced challenges, diagnosed the issues, identified what is within their control, and found a solution to move forward at the BizTimes Next Generation Manufacturing Summit. Manufacturers from across the region will share insights on how their companies have navigated the past few years, digging into operational challenges and rolling up their sleeves to determine the strategic path forward. The educational program concludes with breakout sessions on improving your business with sustainability, leadership strategies for preventing federal penalties, and a closer look at manufacturing in southeast Wisconsin. Stay to network and mingle over cocktails and hors d’oeuvres.

The patent indicates that the company’s brewing system provides a solution to the inefficiencies found in the process and equipment commonly used in today’s breweries.

Interview

WAUKESHA-BASED

12 / BizTimes Milwaukee SEPTEMBER 12, 2022 BizNews

“We think it will be the first quarter of 2023. That’s when we’ll be ready for regular batch runs and in demonstration mode. It’s not like

The patent explains breweries currently use tanks to mash, separate, boil and clarify wort for fermentation, which slows down production speeds. Hydro-Thermal’s technology uses steam injection heating in the design of a mash coil system, which can heat the mash at a faster Hydro-Thermalrate. expects to add about a dozen employees to their brewing team in the next year and to “increase revenues upwards of $20 million to $40 million,” according to its submission to the city. During an interview with BizTimes reporter Ashley Smart, HydroThermal president and chief executive officer Jim Zaiser shared more details about the company’s brewing technology. the

Hydro-Thermal Corp. is set to build a demonstration brewery in Pewaukee to test brewing technology developed by the company. Hydro-Thermal, a manufacturer of fluid heating equipment, will be testing the use of steam injection technology in the brewing process. The company has developed brewing equipment that it believes could “significantly impact the brewing industry as we know it,” according to a project narrative submitted to the city. The demonstration lab will be located at N22 W23977 Ridgeview Parkway.

PHOTOGRAPHYARYANLILA

In layman’s terms, what are the benefits of using steam injection in the brewing process? “We’re trying to really push high technology into an industry that’s not really known for it. They use gravity and tanks and it’s just kind of drained out instead of pumping out. Most of the time, wort generation is in tubing instead of in pumps. We heat the product directly on one pass rather than it sitting in a tank and continually being turned over. The process is faster, about 25% of the processing time of a traditional method. It’s got a footprint that’s about 25% of a full process and it uses about 40% less energy.” What’s the timeline for some of the first test batches of beer being completed?

The company was granted a patent for their “system for wort generation” last year.

Jim Zaiser President & hydro-thermal.com400Hydro-ThermalCEOCorp.PilotCourt,Waukesha

How long has Hydro-Thermal been aspiring to get into the brewing industry?

“I would say for 10 years we’ve been thinking about it, and we’ve been actively working on our project for about five years.”

biztimes.com full production mode. We’re not intending to be a full-production brewery. It’s really running batches and then we send all of the wort that’s generated out for analysis. The rest of what we don’t send to analysis goes to fermenters to make actual beer.”

— Jim Zaiser, Hydro-Thermal “ My dream for the full system is that the Milwaukee area and our partners who are working on this project will realize Milwaukee is the beer capital of the world again because of this new technology.”

“The intention of our brewery is not to produce our own beer. The intention of the brewery is to demonstrate the equipment that we’re designing for our customers, and our customers would be brewing their own beer. We’re not going to have a Hydro-Thermal beer, we’re going to make other beer as a contract brewer. One of the huge advantages of such a system is when companies want to build their taproom, it takes them about a year and a half to get all of their equipment and their approvals to make beer. They can contract us while we’re making their equipment to make their beer as well. We can deliver their beer so they can sell it in their taprooms. Once someone buys our equipment, we can start training them in this demonstration lab, which takes about two months. They can develop their own recipes, they can make their own beer, and they’ll have an exact replica.”

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“That’s confidential because we don’t have any contract customers yet.”

What’s your overarching vision for where this new segment of the business is going?

“My vision for what we’re trying to do is we’re trying to bring the latest and greatest technology to the brewing industry. That technology has not been available because of limitations in the type of equipment and the old myth of the brewing industry. This new process completely revolutionizes the way beer is made altogether and the end result is the exact same beer. It’s just the process to get to that is completely more efficient. My dream for the full system is that the Milwaukee area and our partners who are working on this project will realize Milwaukee is the beer capital of the world again because of this new technology.” n Hydro-Thermal plans to create a demon stration brewery in this facility at N22 W23977 Ridgeview Parkway, Pewaukee

Will you only be brewing one kind of beer, or several? “We have kind of a basis recipe that we’re using and always test against. The system will be making every kind of beer, if possible.”

Are there any area brewers that Hydro-Thermal is working with that you can share?

Where will the batches of beer made at the demonstration brewery be available for purchase?

Property owner: First-floor commercial space owned by Al W. Hamdan and Basema Y. Mohammad of Franklin, residential condos owned by various individuals and trusts Tenants: Condo owners, vacant commercial space 215 N. Water St. (Friend & Marks Co. Building) Property owner: LLC affiliated with Heimat Group of Glendale Tenants: A Trio Jewelry Design Studio, Stephen Perry Smith Architects, and others 221 N. Water St. (Dahlman Construction Co. Building)

14 / BizTimes Milwaukee SEPTEMBER 12, 2022 Real Estate REAL E S TATE WEEKLY – The week’s most significant real estate news → biztimes.com/subscribe

Property owner: LLC affiliated with MPC Property Management of Burlington Tenant: The Barre Code, Sevva Salon, apartment residents 233-243 N. Water St. (The Saddlery) Property owner: LLC affiliated with Pieper Properties Tenant: Arch Apothecary, Advanced Hires, former home of Milwaukee Ale House, River View Lofts, and others 301-309 N. Water St. (Renaissance Building)

WHO THE BLOCK? N. Water St. (Keenan Building)

Property owner: LLC affiliated with the Altus Group U.S. Inc. of Houston, Texas

Tenant: Wisconsin Vision, The Home Market, and others 200-208 N. Water St. (Cawker Estate Building)

Property owner: LLC affiliated with Joseph Property Development LLC Tenant: Hoffman York, apartment residents

MEYERMAREDITHE 1 8 2 4 6 7 N.3WATERST. 5

Tenants: Lucky Ginger on first floor, apartment residents on upper floors 223 N. Water St. (George Ziegler & Co. Building) Property owner: LLC affiliated with Lori Lins of Greendale Tenants: Lori Lins Ltd., Saffron Modern Indian Dining, Empower Yoga, and others WATER STREET IN THE HISTORIC N. Water St. (John A. Smith Co. Building)

THIRD WARD 3 487 1 62225-2295

201-205

Property owner: LLC affiliated with Wimmer Communities of Hales Corners

NORTH

OWNS

WHO REALLY OWNS IT?

ONE SOURCE STAFFING BUILDING

Despite drawing opposition from a few dozen neighborhood residents, a proposal to construct a 55-unit apartment complex on land owned by St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, at the corner of North Hackett Avenue and Belleview Place near Downer Ave nue, won backing from the City Plan Commission in August.

Situated on the western edge of Milwaukee’s Walker’s Point neighborhood, near Mexican restaurants and auto shops, the of fice building at 1223 W. National Ave. doesn’t look all that historic, but it’s been part of the working-class neighborhood for more than 100 years. The three-story, red brick building was long home to Hetrick Printing, according to the Wisconsin Historical Society. It was constructed in 1918. At some point, large steel panels were added to the front of the building that obscure much of the upper façade. Hetrick Printing sold the structure to its current occupant, One Source Staffing Inc., in 1999. The staffing agency primarily places workers in general labor, manufacturing, assembly and light industrial jobs.

OWNER: Jeffrey Heppert/One Source Staffing Inc. ASSESMENT: $252,500

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EAST SIDE APARTMENT COMPLEX

Pitched by developer Michael DeMichele of DeMichele Co., the four-story, 55-unit development would include studio and one-and-two-bedroom units as well as 69 underground parking spots. It would be built on a grassy section of land and a surface parking lot that the church plans to sell to the developer. As part of the project, the church plans to demolish and re construct the annex addition portion of its facility.

ADDRESS: 1223 W. National Ave.

DEVELOPER: DeMichele Co. SIZE: Four-story, 55 units ADDRESS: 2618 N. Hackett Ave.

ENGINEERS&ARCHITECTSHGA

16 / BizTimes Milwaukee SEPTEMBER 12, 2022 COVER STORY BUILDING COMMUNITY WITHIN THE CORRIDOR Redevelopment of former Briggs & Stratton complex brings new life to Milwaukee neighborhood BY CARA SPOTO, staff writer

El-Amin was best known in Milwaukee for his work with young entrepreneurs when he first set his eyes on the largely forgotten Center Street structures in 2016. Just 31 years old at the time, El-Amin saw something in the buildings that others didn’t – at least not initially.

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MAKING IT HAPPEN A series of lucky connections ended up pay ing off for El-Amin and his team. Falamak Nour zad, a principal at Milwaukee-based Continuum Architects + Planners S.C. and project architect for Community Within the Corridor, not only helped with the complicated process of applying for historical designation for the property, but also connected El-Amin with Brian Roers, owner and co-founder of Roers Cos. Another connection, Nadine Wiencek, re ferred the developers to the project’s construction manager, Milwaukee-based Greenfire Manage ment Services, which had worked with Continu um on other projects.

“If you look at the momentum at the time, it was small, but you had Wyman Winston and (the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Develop ment Authority), who were doing the Transform THE 3100 AND 3200 BLOCKS of West Center Street in Milwaukee’s central city were once of a bustling hive of business activity. A place where Master Lock Co. grew into an industry leader and Briggs & Stratton once operated a substantial, multi-building manufacturing complex. When Briggs & Stratton left the corridor in the 1970s, after nearly 40 years, it left a hollow in the neighborhood and in people’s lives. New owners and tenants managed to make use of some of the former Briggs & Stratton buildings over the years, but none of them had much of an impact on the community. That is, until now. With the help of trusted partners and the back ing of Minneapolis-area real estate development firm Roers Cos., Milwaukee developer Que ElAmin and his development company, Scott Craw ford Inc., is transforming the 380,000-square-foot campus on the edge of the Sherman Park neigh borhood into a $68.5 million development, dubbed Community Within the Corridor. Standing in the middle of North 32nd Street as construction equipment buzzed in the back ground and accordion-like ventilation hoses hung from the windows of future apartments, El-Amin marked the outline of the development with an outstretched finger. “It’s Center (Street) from the train tracks, which is about 31st Street, to 33rd Street,” he said. “It’s two square blocks, so it is a massiveSpreadspace.”across nine inter connected buildings on ei ther side of the street, the develop ment will include 197 affordable housing units (available at below-market rents to tenants that meet income criteria) including two bedroom, three bedroom and four bedroom apartments; and 60,000 square feet of commercial and com munity space including a 35,000-square-foot warehouse that will be turned into a home for artists, dancers, musicians, filmmakers, nonprof its and small businesses; and a 25,000-square-foot warehouse, that will serve as a recreation center for both youth and adults.

The east block apartment building at the Community Within the Corridor. One of the oldest buildings on the campus, it was built in 1906. biztimes.com

“I thought it was amazing. Probably a lot of people didn’t see that because it is just vacant buildings,” he said.

Roers agreed, noting that with a development like that, “It’s all about the space.” In this case, it was a historic building worthy of historical tax credits that could also net affordable housing tax credits. But the company also put a lot of faith in ElAmin and his team. “He is young in age, but old in passion, heart and dedication,” Roers said. “I mean on this thing, man, any one of us could have quit because we ran into one barrier after another. And he just stuck with it and kept going toward the vision and the dream.” It was that persistence that prompted Green to reach out to El-Amin in the first place. Green had taught both Wesley and El-Amin in Marquette University’s Associates in Commercial Real Es tate (ACRE) program, so when the owner of the buildings – Gerald Jonas, owner of Jonas Builders – called to see about selling, her first thought was to call“WhatEl-Amin.Ido for a living, you think it’s mostly just selling buildings. But I work off of gut in stinct, and I read people,” said Green. “I had seen Que go through some buildings I had listed before he took ACRE. Then when he was in my class, I saw he was very persistent. I just thought: This is the guy. He was my first call.”

PHOTOGRAPHYHILLJAKE

El-Amin worked on a vision for the develop ment with the help of longtime friends and collab orators Mikal Wesley, president of Urbane Com munities; entrepreneur and rapper Rayhainio “Ray Nitti” Boynes; and Jennifer Green, broker and owner of Green Commercial Realty Advisors. He then began shopping the project around to local de velopers and investors.

A VISION Situated in the middle of an aging, low-in come and historically high-crime area, Commu nity Within the Corridor is far removed from the city’s development hot spots like the East Side, Historic Third Ward and Walker’s Point. On a good day, the drive there from downtown is about 15 minutes, and the closest freeway onramp is about two miles away. But El-Amin’s ambitious vision for the devel opment is less concerned with proximity to other places than it is with placemaking.

For El-Amin, who founded Scott Crawford Inc. while still in his early 20s – forming the mon iker from the last names of his grandfathers John H. Scott and Jeff Crawford – it was the redevelop ment work that he saw happening in other chal lenged communities that inspired him to swing for the fences on Center Street.

“I think Roers really accepted, for one, because they wanted to get into the Milwaukee market, and two, because they had no preconceived notions of what 32nd and Center was. They really looked at it based upon the project itself,” El-Amin said.

“We did a lot of walk throughs … with just about everyone who was relevant (in Milwaukee) at the time,” he said. What they heard back was: “It’s risky.” “Why there?” “It’s too big.”

Roers Cos., with getting the project “over that hump” and to a place where WHEDA would take the development seri ously and provide the much-needed affordable housing tax credits.

COVER STORY

18 / BizTimes Milwaukee SEPTEMBER 12, 2022 Once complete, CWC will be Roers Cos.’ fourth project in Wisconsin. The firm developed a 128unit senior housing development in La Crosse that opened in 2020. And it partnered with Continuum and Greenfire on a 116-unit market-rate historic rehab of Maxwell Lofts in Milwaukee’s Walker’s Point neighborhood that was completed in 2019. It also has projects planned in Sun Prairie.

Constructed during the turn of the 20th centu ry as a space for various manufacturers, including Briggs & Stratton, the buildings on both sides of the development site were essentially open spaces be fore they were turned into apartments.

Spread across three connected structures, the west block contains 67 of the development’s 197 total apartment units. All of those 67 units have now been completed, and at least 15 have already been leased. The 130 units on the east block remain under con struction but are expected to be ready for tenants by November and will have underground parking.

Courtyards with leaded glass walls that once served to let light into factory floors give some larg Milwaukee initiative. So, all the other areas of the city were being redeveloped. You had the Harbor District, you had the Aerotropolis (neighborhood vision for the Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport area), you had Riverworks (in the Haram bee neighborhood),” he said. “Center Street was an area that hadn’t been realized yet, but you did have small pockets, like Century City and Century City Tower to the north and Near West Side Part ners to the south. I just looked at this as a potential (development) that could connect those areas.”

HISTORICAL FLAIR

All told, it took more than five years to get enough funding to commence construction in March of El-Amin2021.credits

PHOTOGRAPHYFELLERANDREWAerial view of the Community Within the Corridor site (outlined).

The current financing mix, or “capital stack,” for the project includes a $16 million first mort gage on the property; $26 million in Federal Low Income Housing Tax Credit equity; $9.73 million in Federal Historic Tax Credit equity; $9.73 mil lion in State Historic Tax Credit equity; $3.15 mil lion in tax incremental financing from the City of Milwaukee; $1 million in HOME funds from the city; $250,000 from Milwaukee County and the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.; anoth er $500,000 grant from WEDC for environmen tal remediation; a $50,000 grant from Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District; and $2.15 million in developer equity. “To do affordable housing takes a lot of capi tal,” said Roers, pointing to the multitude of fund ing sources for the project. It’s especially cumbersome when mixed uses are involved.“Wealways want those mixed uses as part of the project because they support each other, but it is really a gymnastics event trying to secure the financing for the mixed uses,” Roers said. “In fact, in this scenario our bank made us step up and guarantee the commercial revenue. … I would say that this is probably one of the most complex (affordable housing projects) we have ever done,” he said.

On a recent weekday, interior construction was humming in most of the residential portions of the Community Within the Corridor development as El-Amin and his team gave a tour of the now-com pleted, west-side apartment buildings.

But getting the project to come together – or rather, making the financing work – took more than just a little bit of doing.

FINANCIAL GYMNASTICS

“We were denied competitive affordable tax credits on this project four times. We kept hav ing to extend and extend the contract. But we did secure historic tax credits in the midst of that,” El-Amin said, recalling earlier phases of the de velopment process.

A dance studio will be run by local choreog rapher Jade Charon, and El-Amin and his brother, Khalif El-Amin, plan to host a variety of youth programs and camps in the STEM and technol ogy wing, operated by their Young Enterprising SocietyBoynes,organization.arapper and founder of Sharp Cre ative, will operate the music and podcasting wing with the help of former Milwaukee Bucks player Larry Sanders and producer Andre “Bizness Boi” Robinson, a music producer who has worked with the likes of Dr. Dre and Rihanna. “I have always been looking to foster creative er loft-like units a gritty and simultaneously sophis ticated urban air – like an artist’s workshop in Paris or Brooklyn – and bathe long hallways in light. When the developers purchased the buildings, the courtyards had been covered by tin roofs. Now that they have been removed, grass has grown and tenants can see the base of one of the factory’s for mer“Allsmokestacks.ofthewood you see in here is original floors,” said Tia Cannon, construction manager of Scott Crawford Inc. and manager of the North Av enue/ Fond Du Lac Marketplace Business Improve ment District. “They had to take up each floor plank by plank, bundle it, remove each nail by hand and then replace them one by one.” Other vestiges of the buildings’ industrial past can be seen throughout the development. Enor mous, sliding factory doors separate entryways from hallways and round blade signs protrude from the doorways in the courtyards. The most histor ically notable building – a three-story cream city brick building on the northeast corner of 32nd and Center streets, was designed by architect Alexander C. Eschweiler, who designed several now historic buildings in Milwaukee and other parts of the state. But there are plenty of modern touches at Community Within the Corridor, including com puterized lockers for package deliveries and an underground gutter system that will drain into an underground cistern.

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Black creative looking to grow in your field. An arts incubator of sorts, the Creative Corri dor will have two recording studios for music and four podcasting recording rooms. There will also be an arts wing with a gallery, classroom and pro gramming, including youth and adult art therapy sessions provided by local artist Latasha Smith. A separate media and film wing will be led by Jeff Cannady of Pwr Fwd Media and will include a sound stage, theater, white box and green room.

The combination door locks on the units are also state-of-the-art and were made by the develop ment’s neighbor, Master Lock, which has a manu facturing plant directly across the street. Commenting about the collaboration, David Youn, president of Master Lock, said the company is thrilled to welcome Community Within the Cor ridor to the neighborhood and “honored that they chose Master Lock door hardware to help them se cure everything worth protecting.”

PHOTOGRAPHYHILLJAKE

But El-Amin and his collaborators have bigger plans than just providing a safe, beautiful place for families to live; they also want to enrich lives. To Boynes, who will direct activities within the Creative Academy within the complex’s Cre ative Corridor building, a key goal for Communi ty Within the Corridor will be erasing the narra tive that you have to leave Milwaukee if you are a

An example of the design style of the Community Within the Corridor apartment units. Que El-Amin takes stock of the construction progress at the Community Within the Corridor.

PHOTOGRAPHYHILLJAKE

SERVICE AND ENRICHMENT

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Jennifer Potts, who runs the Center Street Mar ketplace BID 39 and owns a nail technology school at 38th and Center, hopes the development will provide much-needed support to the area while also helping to raise its profile in a positive way. “Now you and I both know that we hear things about the Center Street area from things that happened just a few days ago – an 82-yearold woman was shot (and died), a house burned up, people were shot, and all of this kind of may hem – but there are also so many positive things happening on Center Street, and it’s absolutely amazing,” Potts said. Born in 1965 off of 18th and Locust streets and raised at 25th and Burleigh Streets in the Amani neighborhood, Potts remembers what Center Street was like before Briggs & Stratton and other longtime businesses left the neighborhood. “Half of my family, and my husband’s family, worked at the Briggs & Stratton plant. I remem ber the shopkeepers down here. I remember Miss Lottie’s cleaners. I remember Mr. Blake, he used to do my military uniforms. I remember the Ritz (Tavern),” she said.

As the remaining 130 units of the development are built out and mixed-use spaces are readied for future tenants and community use, El-Amin and Falamak said there are plans to expand the devel opment and conversations are happening with po tential partners interested in serving residents who will call the community home. El-Amin said he is working with the city on plans to use the remainder of the Matco building at 32nd and Hadley on the west block as well as the building just north of the larger apartment build ing on the east block. The second phase would also include making use of the red brick, former Ro madka Brothers building at 3100 W. Center St.

For now, however, it’s enough to see something finally happening with the empty factory sitting in the middle of a residential neighborhood.

20 / BizTimes Milwaukee SEPTEMBER 12, 2022 stores, that are easy to get into and just as easy to get out Herof.hope is that Community Within the Cor ridor will spur a greater variety of commercial investment. More investment would mean more money for the BID.

THE FUTURE

“Tia (Cannon) was talking to one of the ladies across the street the other day, and she said, ‘I was waiting for someone to do something with that building,’” El-Amin said. “It was vacant for like 30 years, so just to see new life in there is a good start for the neighborhood.” n spaces for homegrown talent. I have seen the struggle and heard the complaints, so I just start ed to focus on building bridges,” said Boynes.

COVER STORY W CAPITOL DR 1. COMMUNITY WITHIN THE CORRIDOR 2. CENTURY CITY BUSINESS PARK 3. SHERMAN PHOENIX MARKETPLACE 4. TALGO 5. MASTER LOCK 6. ASCENSION SE WISCONSIN HOSPITALST. JOSEPH CAMPUS 51W CENTER ST W NORTH AVE 175 43I WFONDDULACAVE 3 6 2 4

Across the street at the recreation center, known as the C.O.R.E. Sports Complex, Khalif El-Amin – who was a three-year starter and twoyear captain for the men’s basketball team at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point during the early 2000s – will oversee a variety of sports activities. The complex is expected to include courts for basketball, futsal (indoor soccer), volley ball and tennis. There will also be a putting green, skate park, batting cages, a fitness center as well as women’s and men’s spas. Both the Creative Corridor and sports com plex projects are slated to be complete by the end of March 2023.

Future development would include some com mercial space, a pocket park and town homes for families, said El-Amin.

The Community Within the Corridor already seems to be making an impact. Potts said her phone is “ringing off the hook” and notes that one of her nail tech students managed to get herself and her children out of substandard housing and into one of the new units at the development.

For Patricia Mann, who plans to open Neigh borhood Wash ‘n Dry in a building adjacent to the Creative Corridor space, Community With in the Corridor is providing a chance to realize a longtime dream.

And while Potts is encouraged by some of the Black-owned shops that have been popping up in the district, she notes that many of those are turn key businesses, like hair salons and convenience

Falamak added that the developers have also been approached by local nonprofit groups and health care providers that are interested in being near the new community. Other possibilities for future phases of the development include senior housing, she said. “It just snowballs little by little. It is not like we are going to have a 45,000-square-foot office space in a year, but it is really bringing services to people who are already living here and then, little by lit tle, seeing if we can push this growth eastbound all along Center Street,” she said.

“I always wanted a laundromat as a little kid. Growing up I remember going to the laundromat was always a family thing that we used to do together,” said Mann, who grew up around 45th andWhileCenter.there will be some communal washers and dryers inside Community Within the Corri dor’s apartment buildings, Mann said many fam ilies will need a place where they can get a lot of laundry done all at once.

MAKING AN IMPACT Community Within the Corridor will also serve as the new or second home to several local businesses, including three hair salons/barber shops, a daycare and a laundromat. It will be the first brick and mortar home in years for the Cen ter Street Marketplace BID.

BIZTIMES MILWAUKEE: In addition to “buying low,” are there other specific strategies that help increase impact?

MAIER: Qualified plans and traditional IRAs have been phenomenal tools to help build wealth. But from a mathematical standpoint, an even more powerful tool is a Roth IRA. Paying the cost to convert a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA is cheaper in a down market. Further, making the conversion when stock prices are low heightens the possibility of more tax-free, postconversion growth. Many clients we work with want to make impact on people beyond themselves. One way they do that is by transferring wealth to those people, either during life (a gift) or at death (a bequest). A challenge to these transfers is they can potentially trigger a tax to the transferor. That tax is based on the value of the property given away. Therefore, it makes sense to give away property that has high appreciation potential and low value. That is the very definition of the current state of the markets. Finally,

MAIER: Our wealth has more impact when we buy low and sell high. When prices are dropping, instead of ruminating about the transitory value of your personal balance sheet, use it as an opportunity to grow more wealth and impact. One might think this idea is so obvious and apparent, but that is not the case. Human beings are wired, neurologically, to give into the fear of a falling market and follow the crowd—selling low rather than high. If, with the help of an experienced advisor, you can use the fear of others as a buying opportunity, these lower prices can help increase your impact.

MAIER: A mentor one time told me, “Don’t ignore the opportunities inherent in any market.” While a down market is a scary thing, if we keep our heads and take advantage of its opportunities, our impact can be dramatically increased rather than lessened.

To read more about financial planning in today’s economy and meet our team of advisors, scan the QR code below: 555 E. Wells • Milwaukee, WI 53202 (888) 769-3796 • johnsonfinancialgroup.com

JOE MAIER: It assumes everyone is the same—and that we all live by the ethos of Scrooge McDuck. But in my experience working with clients, the vast majority do not care one bit about building wealth for the sake of just having more money. What they want is more impact, more happiness, more fulfillment. Also, they understand wealth is only one resource to achieve impact, happiness and fulfillment. Another resource is time. In fact, for many clients, a significant value we brought to the relationship was advice on balancing time and money.

Joe Maier, SVP Director Wealth Strategy JD, CPA, Johnson Financial Group Joe Maier

BIZTIMES MILWAUKEE: What does the financial services industry get wrong about why people build wealth?

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rebalancing stocks in down markets, if done correctly, can increase impact via tax savings. That helps us get more wealth to the right people, the people we care about.

BIZTIMES MILWAUKEE: How should people think about down markets?

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TAKE ADVANTAGE OF TIMES LIKE THESE

BANKING & FINANCE Special Report What factors are driving

“Typically, banks aren’t bought, they’re sold,” said Mike Daniels, president and chief executive officer of Nicolet National Bank. “The best way that some of the smaller banks can create that shareholder value, sometimes is just simply to be acquired,” said Kent Belasco, director of the commercial banking program and associate professor of finance at Marquette University. Between capital and reserve requirements, bank consolidation?BYARTHURTHOMAS,

Just in the past few years, Green Bay-based Associated Bank bought Brown Deer-based Bank Mutual, Milwaukee-based Park Bank was acquired by Chicago-based First Midwest Bank which then merged with Indiana-based Old National. Green Bay-based Nicolet National Bank has spent nearly $950 million on eight deals over the past decade, acquiring more than $6.7 billion in assets. The total doesn’t include a deal to acquire West Bend-based Commerce State Bank that was derailed by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Commerce has since found a new acquirer in Mad ison-based Summit Credit Union. There are plenty of reasons for acquisitions. In some cases, an acquirer may look to expand its geographic reach, add to its customer base or offer new services. In others, a seller may lack a leader ship succession plan or feel its growth will be con strained by capital requirements and regulations.

staff writer 1. Kent Belasco 2. Fred C. Schwertfeger 3. Mike Daniels 1 32

“No matter what industry you’re in, if you have 70%-80% of your balance sheet in one industry, regulators are going to get uptight, because they view that as risk. Within Nicolet … they’re 15%-16% of the overall company, and they have more run way, they can take care of their customers, they don’t have to go find somebody to be a partner in the deals for them and it ends up being a better ex perience for the customer,” Daniels said.

Among the reasons for the decline in the num ber of banks in Wisconsin is a steady drumbeat of consolidation. There were 17 announced deals with Wisconsin bank targets in 2019, according to S&P Global data, a figure that was also matched in 2016. The pace was a bit slower in 2020 and 2021, with a combined nine deals announced.

THERE WERE 210 BANKS in the Wisconsin market in 2021. It is a figure that has declined every year since 2006 and in all but two years since 1994.

22 / BizTimes Milwaukee SEPTEMBER 12, 2022 Belasco said, smaller banks – even those in the $500 million to $1 billion range – can have limited options.“You don’t have the avenues that you need to generate funding and competition is really stiff,” he said.Insome cases, reaching the next level for the bank may simply be too costly, time consuming or risky, relative to being acquired or having a partner.

He pointed to Nicolet’s acquisition of Mani towoc-based Investors Community Bank, which was completed in December. Investors has heavily concentrated in agriculture and dairy in particular and did not have the branch network needed to grow deposits and fund available opportunities.

“We’re going to sort out a lot of things with cryptos, with fintechs, and the credit unions are growing in a lot of respects, so I think there’s going to be a lot of things that are going to happen in the

“A lot of times what we can do with these deals is unleash the market power they have, too, where they’ve been constrained by their size,” Daniels said.

The consolidation is nothing new. In the 1930s, there were more than 14,000 banks nationally, a figure that has declined to a little more than 4,200, Belasco said. He estimates the country will likely reach 2030 with around 3,000 banks.

When economic conditions decline, contacting your nancial planner is top of mind. Sometimes less considered is contacting your estate planner, but that is equally as important. Factors such as in ation, interest rate hikes, and changes in asset values impact nances as well as your future wealth-transfer strategies. Working with an estate planner, savvy individuals can turn today’s economic drawbacks into future wealth-transfer rewards.

Estate Planning in Today’s Economic Climate

Split-interest transfers leverage the unique estate planning opportunities offered by periods of in ation or rising interest rates. Estate tax rules value certain assets by using IRS valuation tables, which are based on interest rates. Consequently, when rates increase, table valuations increase. Interest rates particularly impact estate plans employing split-interest strategies. Quali ed Personal Residence Trusts (QPRTs) gift your residence to a trust for the bene t of your family while you retain the right to live in the home. The full value is transferred out of your estate, but the retained ownership is valued to determine the residual gift (the higher the interest rate, the lower the gift).

Charitable Remainder Unitrust (CRUT):

During times of economic turmoil such as now, your nancial planner can guide you through decisions to rebalance your investment portfolios and manage your budget.

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Quali ed Personal Residence Trusts (QPRTs):

Another split-interest strategy that is bene cial in a higher rate environment leverages your philanthropic goals. A Charitable Remainder Unitrust (CRUT) involves creating a trust to bene t you or select bene ciaries for a period with annual distributions. The assets remaining at the end of the period pass to charity. This is an effective estate planning technique that also provides income tax bene ts from the present value of the future charitable donation. Like a QPRT, the higher the interest rate the greater the retained value going to charity, thus creating a higher income tax deduction in the year the trust is funded.

Role of an Estate Planner: Estate planners assist you in preserving and distributing to bene ciaries the wealth accumulated during your lifetime. They offer advice and services beyond those of any other nancial professional. Your estate planner can help ensure your assets are properly organized and protected during life, through trust vehicles for example. They collaborate and review estate planning documents to pave a smooth transfer of your assets upon your incapacity or death. Estate planners can also aid in establishing strategies for “split-interest” transfers of assets (philanthropic or otherwise), which allow you to retain lifetime access to income or property. Upon your death, the remainder of split-interest assets transfer to chosen bene ciaries.

Quali ed estate planners can assess whether changes in asset values due to depressed markets create advantageous opportunities for gifting or swapping assets between your trusts and your estate. If your current or desired estate plan involves split-interests such as life estates or remainder interests, contact a quali ed estate planner at SVA to maximize your strategy given the uncertainty of current economic conditions.

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26 / BizTimes Milwaukee SEPTEMBER 12, 2022 car’ – to borrow from Amtrak,” said Roby. Office hoteling – or “hot desking” – continues to be a solution for employers that offer employees the flexibility of remote and in-office work.

Jansen added there are signs that the squeeze is abating, but it continues to be an issue for many of Zimmerman’s current office clients.

“Many seem to be in the position where their workers have gotten used to working from home,” said Dan Beyer, owner of Milwaukee-based Dan Beyer Architects. “And a lot of companies want to get them back (in person) to the office. But how do they do this? It’s certainly obvious to us that it is not the stick approach; it’s the carrot approach. If a company can provide some amenities that weren’t there previously, that’s absolutely what they see as the best way to get employees back into the office.”

Diversity of workspaces, ‘bringing the outdoors in,’ residential comforts among latest design trends

Offering a diversity of workspaces within the office is essential, industry experts say.

“Manufacturers, all of them, have jumped on that bandwagon, and they all have some sort of product for a one-or-two-person up to a four-or-sixperson phone cube for those intermittent meetings that need to happen,” she said.

ARCHITECTSWASHATKOKUBALATHERENDERING:

2. This Dan Beyer Architects rendering shows an office café with a diversity of seating options for employees.

REAL ESTATE: OFFICE SPACE Special Report

3. Dan Beyer, owner of Dan Beyer Architects, said offices are increasingly bringing the “outdoors in.” This Dan Beyer Architects rendering shows plants lining the top of work stations.

For some employees, the allure of working from home during the pandemic faded as isolation set in, said Steve Raasch, chief executive officer of Zimmerman. Office design should include plenty

“(Employers) are reducing their overall square footage” as a result, Jansen said. “If these people formerly had an office and now are working from home, (employers) will provide a hoteling station for them to pop in once or twice a week without spending the money on real estate they no longer need.”Some employers, however, are downsizing as a cost measure, confronted with the gap between their wish list and budget, Jansen said. Inflationary pressures have forced companies to make conces sions in their office remodels by reducing their footprints and scaling back some amenities.

The pendulum that once swung toward the open-office trend is now moving back toward more private and enclosed workspaces, a response to the widespread adoption of video calls, said Lisa Jansen, vice president and director of interior de sign for Milwaukee-based Zimmerman Architec tural“AllStudios.these virtual platforms that we’re using today are creating acoustical issues in the office,” JansenTelephone-booth-likesaid. pods, in which employ ees can have privacy while they hop on a video or phone call, are a “hot trend,” she said.

CULTURE DRIVES AMENITIES

“I think the big issue right now is what they want and what they can afford are completely dif ferent things,” she said. “We probably have at least three projects right now where supply chain issues are inflating the cost of construction, which is forc ing clients to have to rethink some of the purpose of their space, which is unfortunate.”

AS EMPLOYERS SEEK equilibrium in the socalled Great Reshuffle of talent, companies are reorganizing, refurbishing and rethinking their office space to keep an increasingly mobile work forceKnowledgehappy.

In a hybrid work environment, it’s essential for employees to have access to the same technol ogy and support whether in the office or at home, said Glenn Roby, chief executive officer of Milwau kee-based Kahler Slater. “Digital equity is still a challenge faced, and advances in collaborative tech are still far behind with solutions to allow everyone to be included in a similar fashion within 10 different locations,” Roby said. “The pandemic has accelerated the need for connective technology in nearly all col laborativeContemporaryspaces.” office environments also need more than just a typical conference room envi ronment to facilitate employee collaboration, said Matt Frydach, partner at Cedarburg-based Kubala Washatko“OrganizationsArchitects.require smaller breakout rooms, working booths, and furniture groupings where two to three people can work collaboratively while connected to others remotely via laptop and Wi-Fi. With employees unmoored by traditional offices and workstations, the need for acoustic privacy be comes an important design consideration,” he said. Active collaborative space should be balanced with intimate quiet spaces – “’the library’ or ‘quiet

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workers who grew accustomed to the perks and comforts of working from home now want to see those same amenities in their work place, and employers are challenged to meet those demands as they encourage workers to clock in.

BY LAUREN ANDERSON, for BizTimes

1. A rendering of Fastenal Corp.’s mass timber office in Winona, Minnesota. Matt Frydach, partner of project architect Cedarburg-based TKWA, said the aesthetic qualities of mass timber, such as natural wood interiors, high ceilings, and expansive window glaz ing, are a differentiator for employers seeking to bring employees back to their offices.

Office space to lure employees back

CAMPBELL: The most memorable success story had to be one of my first projects in 2006. We started with a new client on a smaller job. The client gave us a chance to show our hard work, collaborative team approach, and consistent communication. Our follow-through helped establish a level of trust over the years and we have continuously delivered successful project outcomes to this day. With well-placed faith at the beginning and reliable project delivery, we are unbelievably proud of all the work we have accomplished in the greater Milwaukee area.

JAY CAMPBELL

BIZTIMES: What do you see as your most important responsibility to your employees? And your customers?

BIZTIMES: What did you learn from the pandemic crisis? How is your company stronger?

BIZTIMES: What is your favorite success story?

BIZTIMES MILWAUKEE: What is your corporate philosophy?

JAY CAMPBELL: Our mission is to provide quality construction services, with honesty, and professionalism that will ensure our clients enjoy a positive, efficient, and cost-effective construction experience. In addition, we want our team members to know they can make a difference in the world around them in their everyday lives—and have some fun doing it.

BIZTIMES: Where do you see your company in 1 year, 5 years?

CAMPBELL: A lot can happen in one year. While we continue to live in uncertain times, Campbell Construction is poised for continued growth in the next year with an even stronger outlook for the next five years.

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CAMPBELL: Since the beginning of Campbell Construction, I have understood the importance of leading by example. I have set the tone and pace for collaboration, communication, and performance. It is my responsibility to help our employees succeed in their roles and help Campbell Construction deliver on our promises to our clients. Helping each team member succeed supports the performance of the company and client satisfaction.

CEO

461 River Crest Ct. • Mukwonago, WI 53149 (262) 436-4760 • campbellconstructionbbg.com

President/Founder, Campbell Construction

Jay Campbell

BIZTIMES: What opportunities/challenges do you see on the horizon for your industry?

CAMPBELL: The pandemic brought our team members even closer together. As a family-owned business, this crisis only reinforced our dedication to our team—our extended family. We have a deeper connection and commitment to one another, our clients, and our mission.

BIZTIMES: Does your company have any new products, or services to announce?

CAMPBELL: Change is inevitable and we view fluctuations or changes in the economy as opportunities. We are proud to have a resilient, hard-working team and are ready to tackle any challenge on the horizon.

CAMPBELL: We have added a procurement manager position to our team. This is an exciting addition to the Campbell Construction family. This capability will allow us to be more cost conclusive and competitive for our clients.

“It’s only successful if it starts from the topdown,” Jansen said, adding that within her own company, CEO Raasch works from around the of fice in various spaces to give employees permission to do“Mostlikewise.companies are offering the amenities these days,” added Raasch. “It’s the good coffee in your coffee bar, it’s ‘bring your dog to work,’ all this kind of stuff. … But that doesn’t drive the culture.

One of its more recent projects, TKWA recently completed a four-story mass timber office building for Fastenal Corp. in Winona, Minnesota. Frydach said the aesthetic qualities of mass timber, includ ing natural wood interiors, high ceilings and ex pansive window glazing, are a differentiator for employers seeking to bring employees back.

A “build-it-and-they-will-come” approach to office design may not be enough to lure employees back, however. If amenities are available but em ployees don’t feel the freedom to use them, employ ers won’t reap the benefits.

It’s really the other way around. The culture drives the amenities.” n of opportunities for running into colleagues, sidling up to conversations and talking face-to-face – the kinds of interactions an employee will only find inside the office, he said. Coffee bars, comfortable cafes, and high-quali ty food service have become the norm for offices to stay competitive. Meanwhile, employees who en joyed tending to plants in their homes during the pandemic are seeking office space that “brings the outdoors in,” said Beyer. With Amazon’s biodome office in Seattle being a pioneer of the trend, Beyer said employers are opting to fill rooms with plants, creating an outdoor-like space where employees can also get work done. Garage and sliding glass patio doors remain pop ular, as companies maximize space connected to the outdoors and dematerialize walls, Beyer added. Now a standard amenity for mid-sized and larger employers, on-site fitness centers aren’t the only way to foster the kind of healthy work envi ronment today’s workforce is seeking, experts said. “Key office design impacts of the pandemic in clude greater emphasis on high-quality mechanical systems with improved air filtration and access to natural ventilation, a desire for taller partitions at individual workstations, and an increased aware ness of healthy, biophilic-inspired office environ ments that reflect WELL Building design strate gies,” said ConnectionFrydach.tooutdoor space is in high demand, said“RooftopRoby. spaces are still definitely ideal in ur ban spaces, but the suburban tenants are very much attracted to a space that can be indoor-out door and let people work and gather in an outdoor space while at the office,” Roby said. “It’s that con nection to wellness, the initiative of getting up and moving, getting fresh air, and also remaining pro ductive because you are gathering with colleagues at the office in person.” Other popular, wellness-related amenities in clude bike storage, with access to lockers and show ers, and ample access to daylight, Frydach added. In the return-to-office movement, employers face a tall order in getting it right on office design. “It’s asking for a lot, but it’s creating flexibility and privacy at the same time,” Jansen said. Employees want the assurance of safety in their environment, a sense of belonging, areas for both focus and areas for collaboration, the comforts and convenience of home, and control over lighting and sound, said Jansen.

“In a competitive market for qualified workers, having high-quality work environments is an es sential consideration,” he said.

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biztimes.com / 29 minerals company that had its U.S. headquarters in Waukesha, will be moving to a new office in Brookfield. The second, Old Republic Surety Co., will be moving from its current location in Brook field to another location in that city.

“I think some landlords have this perception that tenants aren’t willing to spend the money and make long-term commitments and move, so I think some landlords are calling the tenant’s bluff, and they are being called out on it a little bit,” Pudlosky said. “In the Metso situation, they had a space that was not sufficient for their needs, and during the negotiation process there was a sense – at least from my percep tion – that the landlord didn’t think they were going to leave, so they could play a little bit of hardball.”

Pudlosky has seen his clients working hard on their return-to-work strategies by creating a work ing environment with amenities that will make employees more eager to come back to the office. “I think employers are saying, ‘Hey, we want you back in the office, but to bring you back to the office, we’ll give you a really cool, brand-new space,’” he said.

QUALITY OVER COST

The result was Metso Outotec deciding not to renew its “Therelease.arenot as many transactions where ten ants (say), ‘I just want a low rental rate, I don’t really IF YOU TALK to any commercial real estate bro ker working in the office market these days, the phrase you’re most likely to hear them utter is “flight to Buzzwordsquality.”or not, the phrase is here to stay, it seems.Atleast three brokers working in Milwaukee and the suburban office submarkets say that qual ity remains the key motivating factor in clients looking to sign new leases, and that includes ten ants with changing space needs.

“(There’s this mentality) that everyone is work ing from home and that that is how it’s going to be going forward, and that’s not the case. At least that’s not what we’re seeing on a local and national level,” Pudlosky said.

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Pudlosky recently represented two clients in their relocations within Waukesha County. One, Metso Outotec, a Finnish mining CARA SPOTO,

staff writer GRAEF, which relocated to a 35,000-square-foot office space at The Avenue in 2019, is one Milwaukee company that embodied the flight to quality trend in its decision to invest in a new place to work for its employees. GRAEF

One of the common misconceptions is that the bulk of office employees are working from home, said David Pudlosky, senior vice president of JLL’s Wisconsin office and the practice group lead for the firm’s tenant representation team.

“People always wanted to know sort of what the janitorial service was, what the HVAC system was, but they are asking deeper questions now. I have had clients say, ‘I want to see the cleaning specs, I want to see what the cleaning company uses to clean stuff,’” he said. “In certain situ ations, we’re asking some landlords to totally upgrade their HVAC systems, and if they don’t upgrade it, we won’t move in. Now, we don’t always ask for that. And we don’t always get it, but in some situations we do. It is the sort of thing that is on the top of peo ple’s minds more than anything.”

One of the things that Pudlosky says he has noticed as clients shop for new office space – or negotiate a lease renewal – is a greater focus on the de tails, especially on things like HVAC systems and janitorial services.

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30 / BizTimes Milwaukee

“It is really all about being cre ative and flexible,” she added. “The landlords that are going to be success ful going forward are those who are providing a great product through great management.” n care about the office space,’” said Ned Purtell, an office broker and founding partner of Milwaukee-based Found ers 3, who works as both a tenant and landlord“Priorrep.to COVID, the flight to quality was happening because com panies were looking to attract em ployees and it was such a competitive market for employees, so you couldn’t afford to have a shoddy building,” Purtell said. “Post-COVID, it’s the same thing with a little bit of a differ ent twist. Now companies want their employees to be coming back into the office in a nice building.”

“During the pandemic, there was plenty of activity in terms of tenants looking for space, and plenty of pro posals and counter-proposals were sent back and forth,” Purtell said. “But very few of those deals actual ly happened. So, as an office broker, we were busy with paperwork, but we weren’t busy with getting leases signed. Now all of those deals that should have happened a year and a half ago started to happen this year.”

“I think the upgrades are definite ly across the board, and the landlords that are suffering right now are really those who have failed to ‘keep up with the Joneses’ or failed to be cognizant of new construction and new redevel opment and that impact on the mar ket,” Maguire said. “It doesn’t have to be the Huron (Building in downtown Milwaukee), but if you have the op portunity to pay the same amount of rent, or even less rent, and downsize to something that has amenities, the big winners are those that are providing those amenities or updates.”

SEPTEMBER 12, 2022 anticipate what future tenants may want in a space. That’s especially true, she said, as companies may be looking to down size their square footage needs and use those potential savings to move to a smaller space in a better area, or a building with better amenities.

The reality is that office leases are usually five, seven or 10 years. So less than 20% of the leases are rolling over in the market every year. If you’re a big user, like, let’s say a bank, and you want to give up half of your space, you can’t do that until your lease rolls over, and a lot of those big leases hav en’t rolled over yet,” Purtell said. While Purtell personally doesn’t believe there will be that much of an impact when that happens, there’s many people who do, he said.

“It was done in other markets be fore the pandemic, but I think it will be a trend going forward. These are smaller spaces – 5,000 square feet or less – but you are capturing that part of the market that didn’t leave enough time for a build out,” Maguire said.

‘KEEPING UP WITH THE JONESES’ Jenna Maguire, a vice president at Colliers | Wisconsin who special izes in landlord representation, says the building owners and property managers finding success in this new employee-centric office market are the ones who respond quickly to their current tenants’ requests and try to (414) 287.4146

One of the things nimbler land lords are doing, she said, is offering spec suites to potential new tenants that don’t have the time or money to wait on what could be an expensive and lengthy space build out.

DELAYED DEALS

If you ask Purtell about the mar ket as a whole, he’ll tell you that what he’s been seeing is actually an above average number of moves – a result of the myriad short-term lease exten sions landlords and tenants negotiat ed during the height of the pandemic.

DETAILS MATTER

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Purtell said we won’t know what the full impact of the pandemic – and consequential shifts to hybrid or fully remote work – will be on the office market until maybe a year or two from now. That’s because many tenants were still in the middle of longer leases when the pandemic hit in 2020.“Ifall leases were five years, 20% of them would roll over every year.

Jason

“Jason has a key talent of developing novel defenses and motions related to digital devices and the digital collection of evidence,” said Britt Frank, firm marketing director.

Luczak has successfully taken on a number of pro bono clients, including a 2016 case in which the Department of Corrections dou bled the percentage it was withholding from a prisoner’s wages for the payment of restitution, though this conflicted with the judgment of conviction.

In addition to his practice, Luczak is an adjunct associate profes sor of law, teaching the trial skills competition course at Marquette University Law School and coaching the Marquette National Moot Court Competition team, which won the regional competition and advanced to the national finals.

Nicole Masnica worked with the state Public Defender’s Office for nine years before joining Milwau kee-based Gimbel, Reilly, Guerin & Brown LLP in 2019. According to colleagues, she hit the ground running when she joined the firm.

NICOLE MASNICA ATTORNEY GIMBEL, REILLY, GUERIN & BROWN LLP

JASON LUCZAK PARTNER GIMBEL, REILLY, GUERIN & BROWN LLP

Masnica was recognized by the Wisconsin Law Journal in 2013 as an “Up and Coming Lawyer.” She was also named a 2022 “Elite Lawyer” and has appeared on Court TV as a commentator several times. Masnica has written for numerous publications and recently led an “Appeals 101” seminar for the State Bar of Wisconsin. She is also a member of the State Bar, Milwaukee Bar, Eastern District of Wiscon sin Bar Association, Waukesha County Bar Association, Milwaukee Young Lawyers Association and the Association for Women Lawyers. She is also on the board of the Elm Grove Junior Guild. Milwaukee presents its inaugural showcase of Rising Stars in Law, highlighting the up-andcoming legal talent practicing at firms in southeastern Wisconsin. The individuals profiled here demonstrate the plethora of young talent in the METHODOLOGY:region.The nominees do not pay to be included. Their profiles are drawn from nomination materials. This list features only individuals for whom nominations were submitted and accepted after a review by our editorial team. To qualify for the list, nominees must be practicing law at a firm in southeastern Wisconsin (in-house coun sels at private companies were not eligible). in law

biztimes.com

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Gimbel, Reilly, Guerin & Brown is a full-service law firm that has handled complex legal issues for more than 50 years. Because of our experience, dedication and compassion, clients come back to us again and 330again.East Kilbourn Avenue, Suite 1170, Milwaukee, WI 53202 414-271-1440 | grgblaw.com Rising Stars-One Law Firm that is Here for You. NicoleLuczakMasnica

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“Nicole’s skills and dedication as a PD were immediately recognized in her representation and care she took with every new client. Ni cole was so appreciated and had such successful results, espe cially in her appellate practice, that she has built her own steady referral base from satisfied clients,” said Britt Frank, marketing director at GRGB.

Jason Luczak, a trial and appel late attorney at Milwaukee-based Gimbel, Reilly, Guerin & Brown LLP, represents clients in a variety of practice areas. He has appeared on Court TV several times to provide input on Wisconsin cases and has also had cases that have been featured in Newsweek, The Daily Beast, 48 Hours and Dateline.

Gimbel, Reilly, Guerin & Brown, LLP would like to congratulate Jason Luczak and Nicole Masnica on their recognition as Rising Stars in the Law! Both part of the criminal defense and appellate practice team, they create and develop novel defenses and motions related to digital devices and the digital collection of evidence to represent their clients in forwardthinking and innovative ways.

32 / BizTimes Milwaukee SEPTEMBER 12, 2022 in law

“Ryan quickly learns the details of each client and identifies key aspects and actions. His approach is extremely diligent but still in a personable way that easily connects with clients. The breadth of his experience allows him to work on all of our corporate matters ranging from mergers and acquisitions to real estate projects,” said Brian Randall, attorney at Davis|Kuelthau.

JOHN SHANAHAN PARTNER HANSEN REYNOLDS LLC

CORPORATE ATTORNEY DAVIS|KUELTHAU S.C. Ryan Spott, corporate attorney for Milwaukee-based Davis|Kuel thau s.c. is a member of the firm’s corporate team practicing in the real estate, mergers and acquisitions, capital markets and franchising groups.

SAVEON GRENELL

Roling represents many of Milwaukee’s developers, corporations and sports teams. Over the past decade, he has played a lead ing role in more than $1 billion in real estate transactions locally and across the country.

“Ryan is invaluable to our efforts to expand by being one of the first attorneys that candidates meet in our recruiting program. He also volunteered for the firm’s technology committee, so it is common to find him trying new gadgets and programs,” said Randall.

Most recently, Cecil took the lead in responding to a complex con tractual indemnification claim that went through multiple rounds of briefing and appeals. His oral advocacy at a summary judgment hearing on the indemnification demand, coupled with his briefing, resulted in a victory for a large Wisconsin corporate client at both the trial and appellate level, Reynolds said.

“As a lawyer, Saveon finds cost effective solutions to the problems his clients face. He focuses on long-term, not short-term band-aid fixes. He is respected both for his abilities as a lawyer and for his commitment to giving back to the Milwaukee community. He is off to a tremendous start to his career,” said Daniel Vliet, shareholder and board member at Buelow Vetter Buikema Olson & Vliet.

In his practice, he represents employers in labor and employment issues as well as educational institutions and school districts.

Grenell is involved in a variety of nonprofit organizations in Milwau kee, including serving on the boards of the 30th Street Industrial Corridor BID, St. Anthony School and the Milwaukee Jewish Museum.

Most recently Roling represented Stablewood Properties, a Hous ton-based real estate investment firm, on the closing of more than $405 million in real estate transactions. He worked closely with Sta blewood to develop and implement a systematic, process-oriented legal approach, Wronski said.

He represents clients in all aspects of commercial real estate trans actions, including providing advice on entity selection and forma tion, drafting purchase and sale agreements, offers to purchase, performing due diligence, and negotiating and drafting agreements with municipalities and other stakeholders.

BRYAN CECIL PARTNER HANSEN REYNOLDS LLC Bryan Cecil is a leader in Han sen Reynolds LLC’s Milwaukee office through his thoughtful legal analysis and strong team approach to litigation, said Toby Reynolds, managing firm Cecilpartner.hasbeen recognized as “One to Watch” in Commercial Litiga tion, Construction Law and Intellectual Property Law by The Best Lawyers in America publication and as a “Rising Star” in Business Litigation by Wisconsin Super Lawyers.

“John has demonstrated impressive litigation skills and instincts since he was a young lawyer,” said Jessica Mederson, managing partner of the Hansen Reynolds Madison office. “A quick learner, John has developed an extensive knowledge of the construction in dustry in particular, and has taken a leadership role in representing construction clients in a variety of lawsuits.”

“(Shanahan’s) reputation for exceptionally hard work and strong legal acumen made him the go-to associate attorney in his early years. Now, as a partner, he is sought out by clients for those same traits,” said Reynolds.

Cecil was recently certified by the state Public Defender’s Office to take appointments for felony defendants. He volunteered to assist with the office’s overwhelming number of cases.

Since that time, Shanahan has been an anchor of the firm’s Milwau kee office, according to managing partner Toby Reynolds.

Spott’s practice focuses on advising buyers, sellers, lenders, bor rowers, tenants, landlords, developers and investors on a wide range of corporate business matters, including business forma tions, acquiring, developing, leasing and selling residential and commercial real estate, land use and zoning matters, and commer cial business transactions.

Since joining Milwaukee-based Foley & Lardner in 2011, and being named partner earlier this year, Josh Roling has become a go-to resource within the firm’s real estate law practice group, said Andrew Wronski, managing partner.

“Josh Roling has led the legal effort for Stablewood on over 100 real estate acquisitions and dispositions over the past two years. His at tention to detail is unparalleled and is coupled with a dedication to creating efficiencies in the acquisition process,” said Spencer Burton, head of investments for Stablewood Properties.

“Mike is a creative lawyer who can handle most any corporate and real estate matter and can adapt to changing circumstances during the course of a deal,” said Brian Randall, attorney at Davis|Kuelthau. “He combines his wealth of experience with practical solutions to assist clients in raising and securing funding and structuring com plex transactions. Mike always strikes the right balance for clients by strongly advocating for them and safeguarding their interests while keeping the overall picture in perspective to ensure that a small issue does not ruin a big deal.”

Shanahan has had “exceptional courtroom experience” for a young attorney, winning several trials and arbitrations, Reynolds added.

RYAN SPOTT

ATTORNEY BUELOW BUIKEMAVETTEROLSON & VLIET LLC Saveon Grenell, attorney at Town of Brookfield-based Buelow Vetter Buikema Olson & Vliet LLC is not only an exceptionally talented lawyer, but he is also committed to making a difference in Milwaukee, his colleagues say.

MIKE VAN SOMEREN SHAREHOLDER AND CORPORATE ATTORNEY DAVIS|KUELTHAU S.C. Mike Van Someren, shareholder and corporate attorney at Mil waukee-based Davis|Kuelthau s.c., is chair of the firm’s capital markets and se curities team and a member of the real estate, commercial finance, and corporate practice groups.

JOSHUA ROLING PARTNER FOLEY & LARDNER LLC

He is also a frequent speaker to high school students in the Milwau kee area about the practice of law.

John Shanahan, partner at Han sen Reynolds LLC, was the first law clerk to work for the firm just after its formation in 2011. Upon grad uation from Marquette University in 2012, he became one of the firm’s first attorneys.

“Ali is known in the Milwaukee real estate community as a top net worker and overall professional,” said Jacqueline Hrovat, sharehold er at Mallery s.c. “She is continuing to grow her practice, bringing in her own client base as she grows her network in Milwaukee. Ali has seamlessly stepped into her role at the firm and solidified our team.”

“Dan has the unique ability to connect with anyone, setting him apart from others,” said David Krutz, the firm’s managing partner. “It’s no secret that there are plenty of great lawyers that can do le gal work, but not all lawyers have the ability to be an extension of an organization. This is the rare category that Dan falls into: a trusted business partner and advisor who can get deals done.”

“Outside of her practice, Katelyn has become a strong female leader within Michael Best,” said David Krutz, firm managing partner. “In the past 18 months, Katelyn has served as a formal mentor to two summer associates and two first-year associates, a significant time commitment but one that Katelyn feels is incredibly important to each individual’s success as well as the firm’s.”

Additionally, she works closely with Michael Best’s health care prac tice to help health industry clients navigate governance, transac tional and information security matters.

Daniel Gawronski, a partner with Milwaukee-based Michael Best & Friedrich LLP, is a core member of the firm’s Venture Best team. He primarily ad vises early-stage and emerging growth companies throughout their lifecycle, including venture capital and other early-stage financings, corporate reorganizations and buyouts, mergers and acquisitions, and other general corporate matters.

Prior to joining Mallery s.c., Seifert worked in-house as claims counsel at a large title insurance company managing title and escrow litigation. She also worked in house at a local title com pany assisting commercial clients in solving both title and closing issues on transactions.

MICHAEL BEST & FRIEDRICH LLP

Outside of the office, Odian serves as a board member on the Wom en’s Fund of Greater Milwaukee.

While attending University of Wisconsin Law School, Seifert was involved in numerous organizations, such as the Association of Women Lawyers and the Student Bar Association as well as the “Wisconsin Journal of Law, Gender and Society,” serving as deputy symposium editor.

“Maggie is a talented and driven young attorney,” said Jacqueline Hrovat, shareholder at Mallery s.c. “She started her path in nursing school at Creighton and is a registered nurse as well, which only adds to her well-rounded dynamic. Mallery clients positively re spond to Maggie due to her communication, knowledge base and organizational skills.”

ALEXANDRA DON ATTORNEY MALLERY S.C. As a real estate attorney with Milwaukee-based Mallery s.c., Alexandra Don participates in WCREW, NAIOP and CARW to contin ually educate herself, stay connected and support her peers.

ELIZABETH ODIAN PARTNER

DOCKENDORFFHANNAH ATTORNEY HUPY AND ABRAHAM S.C. Hannah Dockendorff, attorney at Milwaukee-based Hupy and Abraham S.C., leads through demonstration and has shown true initiative for someone who has only been practicing for five years, according to colleagues.

Odian also is assistant general counsel, working alongside Michael Best’s HR department and firm leadership on employment matters ranging from employee leave to discipline to contracts. She also mentors several associates in the labor and employment group, and she is involved with the firm’s summer associate program, including teaching an internal investigation course.

As a senior associate in the cor porate practice group for Milwau kee-based Michael Best & Friedrich, Katelyn Pellitteri assists public and private companies with a variety of corporate and transactional matters, including corporate governance, business structuring, mergers and acquisitions, securities, tax and succession planning.

Dockendorff’s biggest client win in 2021 was a $59,000 award for a motor vehicle collision in which a distracted driver turned in front of her client. She also assisted attorney Jason Abraham to settle a case for an umbrella policy of $1.3 million.

As a partner in Milwaukee-based Michael Best & Friedrich LLP’s labor and employment relations practice group, Elizabeth Odian defends businesses in employment ligation matters involving a variety of topics, including discrimination and harassment, retaliation under Title VII, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act and Family Med ical Leave Act. “With previous experience as a general litigator, Beth has a deep understanding of how the courts view decisions and the aftermath, uniquely positioning her to provide her clients with well-thought, strategic advice and counsel them to avoid litigation and in the event of litigation, protecting them from liability,” said David Krutz, firm managing partner.

Dockendorff earned a National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40 award in both 2021 and 2022 and was awarded the Association for Women Lawyers Foundation Scholarship. She gives back to many of the organizations that Hupy and Abraham supports including Hometown Heroes, the Wisconsin Humane Society, Sojourner Truth House, Wisconsin Feeding America, SHARP Literacy and Milwaukee Street DockendorffAngels.also interned as a civil rights officer for the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development and at Catholic Charities’ refugee and immigration services, and she served as a legal volun teer at the Milwaukee Justice Center.

Outside of his practice, Gawronski provides pro bono services for the Marquette Law and Entrepreneurship Clinic and leads Michael Best’s Summerfest Tech efforts.

MICHAEL BEST & FRIEDRICH LLP

Pellitteri is also an active member in Michael Best’s Women’s De velopment Group and regularly supports the firm’s diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. She was one of two Michael Best lawyers recently selected to participate in the Leadership Council on Legal Diversity’s Pathfinder Program.

Originally based in Michael Best’s Madison office, Gawronski moved to Milwaukee in 2019 to lead the firm’s local venture capital practice with a focus on growing Milwaukee’s startup community.

MARGARET SEIFERT ATTORNEY MALLERY S.C. Margaret Seifert, attorney at Milwaukee-based Mallery s.c., is an associate on the firm’s real estate team. Her specialties include purchasing, selling, leasing, developing and financing commercial real estate.

“She goes above and beyond for the betterment of her industry and the community,” said friend and former client Kelly Sullivan, who leads project strategy and development for Gardner Builders.

34 / BizTimes Milwaukee SEPTEMBER 12, 2022 in law DANIEL GAWRONSKI PARTNER

A graduate of LISC Milwaukee’s (Local Initiatives Support Corp.) ACRE (Associates in Commercial Real Estate) program, Don stays involved in the Marquette Real Estate Alumni Network and leads the informal ACRE Alumni Association Milwaukee, both of which supports young real estate professionals in the area.

KATELYN PELLITTERI SENIOR ASSOCIATE MICHAEL BEST & FRIEDRICH LLP

“She is always the first to raise her hand and volunteer for events that cater to the nonprofit sector through her various professional organizations,” Sullivan said.

michaelbest.com Michael Best & Friedrich LLP CONGRATULATIONSBizTimes2022RisingStarsinLawMichaelBestproudlycongratulatesourtalentedRisingStarsinLawrecipients.Weapplaudyourdedication&driveinmakingtheworkplaceandourcommunitiesabetterplace!

Daniel Gawronski Odian Katelyn Pellitteri

• Elizabeth

•

BENJAMIN RYDECKI ASSOCIATE ATTORNEY O’LEARY-GUTH LAW OFFICE S.C. Benjamin Rydecki, associate attorney at Thiensville-based O’Leary-Guth Law Office S.C., focuses primarily on tax and accounting related matters, bookkeeping, and trusts and estates. This focus gives him experience with income tax, gift tax and estate tax returns.

36 / BizTimes Milwaukee SEPTEMBER 12, 2022 in law

ALICIA BERNARDS

While at Marquette, Bernards received a CALI Excellence for the Future Award for her achievement in the study of advanced legal re search in Wisconsin. Before joining O’Leary-Guth, she also interned with Chief Judge Pamela Pepper of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin.

Lauren Zwirlein, partner and attorney at Glendale-based Tabak Law LLC graduated from Marquette University Law School in 2012. Upon graduation, Zwirlein began working at Tabak Law, handling social security disability and workers compensation matters. In 2016, she became an equity partner at the firm, where she continues to manage the social se curity disability division.

JAMES BRZEZINSKI MANAGING PARTNER TABAK LAW LLC

Attorney Alex Eichhorn, a partner at Glendale-based Tabak Law LLC, is a major asset to his company and his team, according to Monica Irelan Karas, attorney and partner at Tabak EichornLaw.works in Tabak’s worker’s compensation division and ad vocates for people who have become injured or ill due to their em “Alexployment.isundiscriminating in the individuals he helps and often achieves results that result in considerable compensation for those who are the most in need,” Karas said. “Alex is a roll-up-yoursleeves-and-get-it-done kind of guy who always has his eye on the prize while obtaining the best results for his clients.

After graduating from John Marshall Law School in Chicago, Karas worked in various capacities in the Wisconsin civil courts, including family law, estate planning, real estate and insurance.

ALEX EICHHORN PARTNER AND ATTORNEYCOMPENSATIONWORKER’S TABAK LAW LLC

“Alicia uses her skills to help trustees, executors, and beneficiaries navigate complex issues when a loved one dies,” she said.

inducted into the Marquette Pro Bono Honor So ciety and has earned a Certificate in Sports Law from the National Sports Law Institute at Marquette University Law School. Prior to joining O’Leary-Guth, Rydecki interned with the Milwaukee City Attorney’s Office, participated in the Marquette University Law School’s Mediation Clinic and volunteered with the Marquette Vol unteer Legal Clinic. He has a bachelor’s degree in commerce and business adminis tration from the University of Alabama, where he graduated summa cum laude.

“While James has experience and practices in all areas at Tabak Law, he concentrates his time with the veterans benefits depart ment while leading the firm. He is compassionate and cares deeply about his clients and their goals and needs. He is thorough, thought ful, a legal scholar and a great manager,” said Monica Irelan Karas, attorney and partner at Tabak Law.

Bernards also served as an editor for the Marquette Law Review and competed in the National Moot Court Competition regionals, advanc ing to the quarterfinals.

“I have had the fortune to work with Lauren for nearly a decade,” said Alex Eichhorn, attorney at Tabak Law. “During this time, I have witnessed her put our law firm in a position to be able to help as many disabled individuals as possible. She is able to comfort our cli ents by taking complex legal ideas and making them approachable. This has, in turn, created a relationship of trust and respect.”

“I have worked with Jim for a decade and have had the honor to help bring many of his ideas to light. After seeing how veterans were con sistently getting the raw end of the deal, he decided he was going to start a division to help veterans get the benefits they deserve,” said Alex Eichhorn, attorney at Tabak.

Bernards received her law degree from Marquette University Law School with honors, along with a litigation certificate and an alter native dispute resolution certificate.

LAUREN ZWIRLEIN PARTNER AND ATTORNEY TABAK LAW LLC

She helps oversee the operations and practice of the Tabak Law Vet eran’s Benefits Law Center, which recently opened across the street from the Clement J. Zablocki Veterans’ Administration Medical Cen ter in “MonicaMilwaukee.isadedicated and hard-working attorney who has spear headed the continued growth and success of Tabak Law’s veteran’s benefits division,” said Alex Eichhorn, firm partner. “During her ten ure with Tabak Law, she has helped organize and ensure that our clients are provided the best legal services in the industry.”

“Ben has demonstrated dedication, focus, and hard work in a chal lenging and technical field of law. He helps his clients with complex tax and accounting matters,” said Maureen O’Leary, president of RydeckiO’Leary-Guth.hasbeen

“Lauren Zwirlein is a zealous advocate for individuals seeking as sistance with their social security needs,” said Monica Irelan Karas, attorney and partner at Tabak Law. “She is perceptive and intelli gent, with a keen understanding of the law, all the while remaining compassionate and empathetic to her clients and staff.”

“In addition to his skills as an attorney, Alex is a great guy who is willing to help out whenever needed and can always help out with figuring out a solution to a problem. He is absolutely one of the peo ple you want on your team if you ever find yourself in need of a work er’s compensation attorney,” she added.

ASSOCIATE ATTORNEY O’LEARY-GUTH LAW OFFICE S.C. Alicia Bernards, associate attor ney at Thiensville-based O’LearyGuth Law Office S.C., is smart, com passionate and a strong leader, according to Maureen O’Leary, president of the firm.

MONICA IRELAN KARAS PARTNER AND ATTORNEY TABAK LAW LLC Monica Irelan Karas, attorney and partner at Glendale-based Tabak Law LLC, focuses her practice on veteran’s benefits, an area she is most passionate about, according to colleagues.

She was a law student volunteer at the Marquette Volunteer Legal Clinic and at the Expungement and Pardons Clinic.

Karas is frequently featured as a guest speaker on several nation ally syndicated podcasts. Additionally, she is active in numerous VA fundraisers including Racine’s Homes for Vets and Milwaukee’s Veterans Run/Walk.

James Brzezinski, managing partner at Glendale-based Tabak Law LLC, worked for the Veterans Administration prior to attending Mar quette University Law School. While at the Department of Veterans Affairs, he focused on assessing and rating permanent disability cases. He brought that focus to Tabak.

Congratulations 2022 BizTimes Rising Stars in Law Alex E. Eichhorn | Lauren J. Zwirlein | Monica Irelan Karas | Jim M Brzezinski Your perspectives, expertise and tenacity in helping clients get what they deserve set you apart! We applaud each of you and all of the Rising Stars in Law recognized. tabakattorneys.com | 414-240-4386 Jim M. Brzezinski PARTNER / ATTORNEY Alex E. Eichhorn PARTNER / ATTORNEY Lauren J. Zwirlein PARTNER / ATTORNEY Monica Irelan Karas PARTNER / ATTORNEY

“He’s always willing to engage in dialog about issues important to startup founders and investors. Milwaukee’s startup community is young and in need of professionals who can provide advice and ser LIZ JOHNSON ATTORNEY GODFREY & KAHN S.C. A key member of Milwau kee-based Godfrey & Kahn’s real estate team since 2016, attorney Liz Johnson has played a role on some recent notable projects, including the redevelopment of the Warner Grand Theater into the Bradley Symphony Center.

Anderson filed a complaint with the Crime Victims’ Rights Board through the state Department of Justice, alleging a victim’s pri vacy and protection rights were violated when the Clerk of Courts disclosed the victim’s full name in multiple CCAP entries. This doc ument became public record and was accessible by the offender.

Within the firm, Johnson is a member of the summer associate com mittee, which is charged with leading the firm’s nine-week summer clerkship program. Outside of the firm, she serves in board leader ship roles for nonprofit education organization City Year Milwaukee and women’s professional association Professional Dimensions. She also volunteers to help mentor young women, including those at her alma mater, Divine Savior Holy Angels High School.

38 / BizTimes Milwaukee SEPTEMBER 12, 2022 in law

CONGRATULATIONS!

DeWitt

Congrats to Jay Creagh and Liz Johnson, recognized as . Our award-winning lawyers are just one of the many reasons our clients continue to choose Godfrey & Kahn. dewittllp.com Minnesota | Wiscosnin

“Liz is always a joy to work with,” said Godfrey & Kahn real estate shareholder Marvin Bynum. “Incredible colleagues and human be ings like Liz give me so much hope for the future of our team, our firm and our Johnsoncommunity.”hasbeenrecognized by her peers for her work, earn ing placement on the annual Best Lawyers “Ones to Watch” list since 2021.

is extraordinarily proud to have you as a member of our team.

GKLAW.COM

The CVRB determined the clerk violated the victim’s rights. Ultimate ly, the victim’s name was removed from CCAP and every document

ATTORNEY GODFREY & KAHN S.C. As an attorney in Milwau kee-based Godfrey & Kahn’s cor porate and startups and venture capital practice groups, Jay Creagh is “practical, strategic, and unflappable,” said Peter Sommerhauser, shareholder at the firm.

“Jay is a leader in the Milwaukee startup community and frequent ly talks and participates in startup events,” said Clint Laskowski, founder and chief executive officer of Summary Medical Inc., a client of Godfrey & Kahn.

Congratulations Attorney Lindsey M. Anderson!

LINDSEY ANDERSON ASSOCIATE ATTORNEY DEWITT LLP Lindsey Anderson, associate at torney at DeWitt, is a star at the firm, said Timothy Stewart, presi dent and managing partner. “In addition to her family law practice and leadership by example within the firm, she volunteers hours of pro bono work. She was instrumental in a groundbreaking victims’ rights victory across Wisconsin,” said Stewart.

JAY CREAGH

“What is most concerning is that the crime was a sexual assault of a child, and the perpetrator was such a danger to society that he was sentenced to spend the rest of his life in prison,” Anderson said. “The timing of the results was imperative because, despite be ing a 15-plus year old case, the perpetrator requested information regarding his appeal rights (for the underlying sexual assault case) in the middle of our complaint process with the DOJ. We needed to get certain documents sealed immediately.”

Creagh is on the board of the Wisconsin Startup Coalition, a state wide organization that lobbies on behalf of startup founders. He organizes events where he holds “office hours,” which is an oppor tunity for startup founders who wouldn’t otherwise have access to legal counsel.

“Whether advising a multi-national corporation on its first major ac quisition in the United States or helping a first-time founder through the formation process, Jay distills the issues down to what matters and helps his clients achieve their goals,” said Sommerhauser.

SENIOR ASSOCIATE HUSCH BLACKWELL

EMILY STEDMAN SENIOR ASSOCIATE HUSCH BLACKWELL

biztimes.com / 39 CATARINA COLÓN ASSOCIATE HUSCH BLACKWELL Catarina Colón, an associate at Husch Blackwell, is known by her colleagues as someone who does not shy away from a challenge. Initially focusing on commercial litigation and labor and employment, Colón also became involved in firm ini tiatives, participating in client-facing presentations and pitches, taking on leadership roles with the State Bar of Wisconsin, and men toring law students. In March 2020, Colón transitioned into labor and employment law full time. More recently, she co-founded the firm’s workplace diver sity, equity and inclusion team, a subgroup of the firm’s labor and employment practice. Colón is also the co-chair of Husch Blackwell’s employee resource group for Latinx attorneys and staff. She is also a member of the firm’s recruiting committee, acts as the diversity liaison for the firm’s summer associates in Milwaukee and is a committee member on the firm’s Executive DEI Committee. Additionally, Colón is the co-founder and secretary of the National Association of Latino Healthcare Executives - Wisconsin Chapter and is a board member for the Wisconsin Hispanic Lawyers Association.

Margaret Heitkamp, an associate at Husch Blackwell’s Milwaukee office, works with a range of clients. Her specialties include working with manu facturing clients to assess product liability, insurance coverage and related litigation risks.

Stedman takes part in Husch Blackwell’s NextGen Committee, en couraging younger attorneys to participate in firm initiatives, pro gramming and events. As part of this work, she launched monthly associate lunches to build rapport among junior staff and provide opportunities for them to ask questions and voice opinions.

She also uses LinkedIn to destigmatize mental health for attorneys and other young professionals, sharing tools and resources to make practitioners’ lives easier, Fathallah said.

“Her interest in knowing precisely how products and services work is a true asset to clients in Wisconsin and nationwide. Heitkamp’s thoroughness in learning about her clients’ businesses has helped her secure numerous defense rulings, settlements, verdicts and fa vorable appellate decisions for her clients,” said Anthony Anzelmo, partner at Husch Blackwell.

As a senior associate at Husch Blackwell working in commercial litigation, Emily Stedman’s work includes the oversight of breach-ofcontract claims and business disputes for a wide range of clients.

After her term as president of the Young Lawyers Division of the State Bar of Wisconsin, Stedman became involved in the Task Force on Wisconsin Lawyer Well-Being.

Margaret K. Heitkamp Senior Associate Emily Logan Stedman Senior Associate Catarina A. Colón Associate

The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely upon advertisements.

HEITKAMPMARGARET

“Whether in state or federal courts, Stedman’s critical and creative thinking and exceptional organizational skills allow her to obtain favorable outcomes for her clients, particularly in large, complex matters,” said Jason Fathallah, partner at the firm.

Part of Heitkamp’s practice involves firm-wide pro bono work for civil rights “Whetherplaintiffs.probono or corporate defense work, her experience demonstrates a commitment to achieving the best outcome for clients and a mastery of a litigator’s toolbox to accomplish client goals,” Anzelmo said. Heitkamp also has acted as an executive committee member and the workflow coordinator for the summer associate program at Hus ch Blackwell’s Milwaukee office, helping steer summer associates toward preferred practice areas and build professional connections.

At Husch Blackwell, we believe the talent, knowledge and perspectives of our people move clients forward. We celebrate our 2022 BizTimes Rising Stars in Law: Catarina A. Colón, Margaret K. Heitkamp and Emily Logan Stedman. These attorneys exemplify the professionalism, collaborative approach and client-focused service that shape our firm’s core values.

Bold in Confidentvision.inaction. huschblackwell.com 511 North Broadway, Milwaukee, WI 414.273.210053202

“April is an extremely dynamic and creative litigator, who goes the extra mile to help her clients,” said David Hanus, co-partner in charge of Hinshaw’s Milwaukee office. “She is also a dedicated and thoughtful mentor and has been instrumental in helping the firm to achieve our goals to attract and retain top-level, diverse talent.”

Earlier this year, April Toy, part ner at Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP, was among the lead attorneys who obtained a summary judgment win on be half of client Chula Vista Inc. in a class action in Wisconsin federal court. The suit against the Wisconsin Dells resort and waterpark sought $20 million in damages with potential exposure of $60 mil lion under Wisconsin law.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Taback provided legal support to Mil waukee County and its partners around ensuring compliance with state and federal requirements related to health and safety and use of federal funding. His efforts also supported the continuity of services provided to county residents by reviewing, commenting and approving reopen ing plans for all Milwaukee County facilities, said Ben Weston, chief health policy advisor for Milwaukee County.

Advertise in these upcoming special reports to get your message in front of area business executives. Contact Linda Crawford today! Phone: 414.336.7112 Email: advertise@biztimes.com Business in Racine & Kenosha Counties Manufacturing & Logistics October 24, 2022October 10, 2022 Space Reservation: October 5, 2022 Space Reservation: September 21, 2022 Congratulations to our partner, April Toy, recognized on the list of 2022 Rising Stars in Law. ©2022 Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP | Attorney Advertising hinshawlaw.com | 414.276.6464 CONGRATULATIONS! in law

The daughter of a Salvadoran immigrant, Toy is committed to di versity and inclusion efforts, Hanus said. As co-chair of Hinshaw’s Hispanic Latino Affinity Network, she’s involved in programming to retain and advance Hispanic attorneys at the firm. She also serves as Region IX president of the Hispanic National Bar Association and is involved in efforts to diversify the federal judiciary.

40 / BizTimes Milwaukee SEPTEMBER 12, 2022 in law APRIL TOY PARTNER

CORPORATIONASSISTANT

HINSHAW CULBERTSON& LLP

As assistant corporation coun sel for Milwaukee County, Judd Taback staffs the Milwaukee County Pension Board and focuses his efforts on administrative law, public pension law, open records and open meetings law, and procurement.

“Judd is an invaluable, reliable, composed attorney, thinker, and per son,” said Maggie Daun, Milwaukee County chief corporation coun cil. “Willing to push himself beyond his comfort zone, he makes the Office of Corporation Counsel better every day. He’s a credit to his family, whom he loves fiercely, and the county. We are very fortunate that he’s chosen to share his many talents with us.”

JUDD TABACK COUNSEL MILWAUKEE COUNTY

biztimes.com / 41 SCOTT REIGLE ATTORNEYSHAREHOLDER MEISSNER TIERNEY FISHER & NICHOLS

S.C. Scott Reigle, shareholder attorney at Milwaukee-based Meissner Tier ney Fisher & Nichols S.C., returned to Wis consin just as the pandemic hit and the firm’s office went remote.

“Garrett has exceptional analytical skills which allow him to not only quickly identify the pertinent legal issues in a matter, but to also find the likely outcomes resulting from those legal issues. His accomplishments are unparalleled for his age group,” said Meissner Tierney Fisher & Nichols shareholder William Stuart. “He has successfully handled a variety of highly complex matters in both real estate litigation and transactional work. His superior intellect and common-sense approach to the practice of law have served him well in all those matters and his overall practice of law,” said Garrett’s focusStuart. extends beyond the office to the students of Notre Dame School of Milwaukee. As a volunteer for after school clubs, he works with students to improve their basic survival skills.

“His work ethic, sense of humor and humility have proven him a per fect fit for MTFN and earned him a place at the table as a shareholder in less than two years after joining the firm,” Martens added. Reigle has presented educational sessions at BizTimes Media’s Family & Closely Held Business Summit and its Innovation and Entre preneurship Forum. He also sits on his firm’s marketing committee and is on the board of directors of Milwaukee Crime Stoppers.

JACOB SOSNAY ASSOCIATE ATTORNEY MEISSNER TIERNEY FISHER & NICHOLS S.C. Jacob Sosnay, associate attor ney at Milwaukee-based Meissner Tierney Fisher & Nichols S.C. has an easy-going demeanor and a command of the law that has proved to be a significant asset to the firm, accord ing to colleagues.

“He puts our junior associates and paralegals at ease and makes for a successful mentoring relationship,” said Kylee Martens, marketing coordinator at Meissner Tierney Fisher & Nichols. “He has served as a role model to five individuals in the past year, including a law clerk who was a first-year law student.”

“Jake has been an extraordinary mentor to me since I started at Meissner Tierney this past January,” said colleague Samuel Morris. “He’s a terrific attorney and an even better person on top of it. No matter how busy he is, he always makes time to help me out when I have a question or just to check in to see how I’m doing.”

Congratulations to our Rising Stars! mtfn.com | 414-273-1300 Garrett A. Soberalski Scott T. Reigle Jacob A. Sosnay Visit biztimes.com/reprints or email reprints@biztimes.com today for more information.  ORDERREPRINTS!YOUR Awards, cover stories, special reports, advertisements, feature stories, whatever your interests may be. We’ll provide reprints of any publishedREPRINTS!material.RISING LAW MILWAUKEE SEPTEMBER 2022 SAVEON GRENELL ATTORNEY VETTER OLSON & Saveon Grenell, Town of Brookﬁ Buelow Vetter Vliet LLC not only talented also committed difference colleagues say. practice, represents employers employment educational school “As lawyer, cost effective problems focuses long-term, short-term band-aid respected both lawyer to giving Milwaukee community. tremendous said Daniel and Buelow Vetter Vliet. variety organizations including serving the 30th Street Corridor BID, School and the Jewish Museum. He speaker students the about the practice law

“Despite not being able to interact much with his fellow attorneys for the first four months here, he was able to make real connections and build trust,” said Kylee Martens, marketing coordinator at Meissner Tierney Fisher & Nichols.

“Scott is a cerebral lawyer who has exceptionally high-level ana lytical skills. In addition, he has done a great job of managing and mentoring younger lawyers and paralegals,” said firm shareholder Michael Cohen.

SOBERALSKIGARRETT ATTORNEYSHAREHOLDER MEISSNER TIERNEY FISHER & NICHOLS S.C. Garrett Soberalski began as an associate attorney with Milwau kee-based Meissner Tierney Fisher & Nichols S.C. in 2015 after serving as a judicial term law clerk for Judge G. Michael Halfenger of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin. So beralski is now a firm shareholder.

Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation » Corporate partnerships » Fundraising event volunteers » Special event auction items

Featured below is a short list of how you can help the nonprofits featured in the 2022 Giving Guide. There are numerous ways for you and your company to volunteer, attend events, fundraise or make donations.

CONTACT: Tim McMurtry waukee.orgtimothy.mcmurtry@employmil-II

Florentine Opera » School show sponsors » Student ticket underwriters » Mainstage sponsors

Looking for a way to get involved this year?

ABCD: After Breast Cancer Diagnosis cards to national businesses and organizations (i.e. Amazon, Starbucks, etc.) auction items and raffle baskets branded giveaways at inperson events

COA Youth & Family Centers » Diapers » Children’s books » Winter coats CONTACT: Betsy bmitchell@coa-yfc.orgMitchell Advocates High chairs and strollers Pack ‘n plays » Cleaning supplies

» Financial

CONTACT: Tina tina.jones@girlsontherun.orgJones

CONTACT: Leah dation.orgLFiasca@greatermilwaukeefoun-Fiasca

CONTACT: Jennifer jennifer@hawspets.orgSmieja Healing Warrior Hearts » Donations/auction items » Meals for veterans retreats » Office and facility supplies

» Event

» Our

CONTACT: Heidi heidi@bookwormgardens.orgKrueger Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee » Chromebooks » Child-size face masks » Toys or gift cards ($20 value)

Bookworm Gardens » Corporate sponsors » Annual fund operations support

» Gift

CONTACT: Nicole donations@bgcmilwaukee.orgGulatz

Community

» Advocates

CONTACT: Jeri Kavanaugh jkavanaugh@communityadvocates.net Cristo Rey Jesuit High School » Van drivers CONTACT: Kaylee kbeck@cristoreymilwaukee.orgBeck

CONTACT: Ellen ellen@abcdmentor.orgSchupper MKE MKE totes

CONTACT: Tim tim.nikolai@heart.orgNikolai of Milwaukee donations

CONTACT: Lisa Lendl@FeedingAmericawi.orgEndl

THE NONPROFIT Wish List

Greater Milwaukee Foundation » Early Childhood Education Fund » Impact Investing Fund » Community Grants Fund

CONTACT: LaShawndra lashawndra@awe-inc.orgVernon

» Silent

CONTACT: Thomas tmccreary@tmul.orgMcCreary HAWS » Pet food, basic care items » Program underwriters » Event sponsors/auction items

CONTACT: Patricia warriorheart@starﬁClasonshfound.org

42 / BizTimes Milwaukee SEPTEMBER 12, 2022

Tool battery/chargers » 106-quart plastic storage

Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin » Fundraising » Volunteer opportunities » Food donations

CONTACT: Bob pfundsteinb@archmil.orgPfundstein

janet@actshousing.orgDolan American

Greater Milwaukee Urban League » Mentors for students 11 to 17

Easterseals Southeast Wisconsin » Event tickets » Donations for new IT equipment » Donations for new van CONTACT: Tabitha tabithaw@eastersealswise.comWhitmer Employ Milwaukee » Funding » Partnerships

Acts Housing » 18V

American

» One-of-a-kind

CONTACT: Jennifer Schulte jschulte@ﬂorentineopera.org Girls on the Run » Program supplies, markers » Volunteers » Auction items

CONTACT: Leslie Del Ponte ldelponte@crohnscolitisfoundation.org Eastcastle Place » Guest speakers » Musicians CONTACT: Laura lwengler@eastcastleplace.comWengler

Artists Working in Education » Donations/workplace giving » Estate planning/bequests/stock » Volunteering/in-kind donations

CONTACT: Janet Cancer Society volunteers State leadership volunteers to Recovery drivers CONTACT: Laurie laurie.bertrand@cancer.orgBertrand Heart Association for health policy auction items arts/media services

Archdiocese

Tool battery/chargers » 12V

» Road

» Visual

CONTACT: Sara von vonhems@matc.eduHemert-Dachelet

SHARP Literacy » Multicolor construction paper » Model Magic » White paper CONTACT: Mika mika@sharpliteracy.orgTurner St. Coletta of Wisconsin » Donations » Corporate sponsors

Prevent Blindness » Auction items » Event sponsorships » Vision screening volunteers

CONTACT: Robin rbaker@stcolettawi.orgBaker St. Marcus School » Grocery/gas/big box gift cards

The Gathering » Disposable or cloth face masks » Bottled water » Bag lunch items

CONTACT: Sheree Dallas army.orgsheree.dallas@usc.salvation-Branch

United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County » Support for our diaper bank

CONTACT: Jayne jthoma@unitedwaygmwc.orgThoma Wisconsin Hero Outdoors » Sponsors for women’s events » Donations for meals » Volunteers for small events

CONTACT: Bill bill@jobsworkmke.orgKrugler

CONTACT: Ali Schram ali.schramm@milwcollegeprep.com Milwaukee Film » Sponsorships and donations » In-kind services

CONTACT: Lyn lyn@thegatheringwis.orgHildenbrand

CONTACT: Alexander aldurtka@iiwisconsin.orgDurtka JobsWork MKE » Laptop computers

CONTACT: Breanna Breanna@pbwi.orgReckamp Rocketship Schools » Donations » Student Chromebooks CONTACT: Brittany BKinser@rsed.orgKinser Ronald McDonald House Charities » Monetary/gift card donations » Unique auction items CONTACT: Julie jhahn@rmhc-easternwi.orgHahn

CONTACT: Sarah Communication@ywcasew.orgChojnacki Zachariah’s Acres » Monthly donations » Event sponsorships » In-kind donations

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Milwaukee Academy of Science » Basic school supplies Graphing calculators Recess equipment

CONTACT: Caregiver GrowHope@SaintA.orgcoordinators

Milwaukee College Prep » Holiday gifts sponsorship » Event sponsorships » Uniform/athletic fee sponsors

CONTACT: Cecilia cecilia.davis@stmarcus.orgDavis

YWCA Southeast Wisconsin » Laptop book bags for students » Headphones for laptops » Volunteers to remove wallpaper

CONTACT: Danielle dmcneill@maccfund.orgMcNeill Marcus Performing Arts Center and sponsorshipsprogram Annual fund contributions Ticket underwriting for youth CONTACT: Megan MATC Foundation, Inc. Donations to MATC Promise Donations to DACA Scholarship Donations to Healthcare Heroes

CONTACT: Rachel Vander Weit rachel@mkeﬁm.rog Milwaukee Rescue Mission » Men’s jeans » Underwear-new, all sizes » Children’s khaki pants

SaintA » Pack and plays » Car seats » Diapers

CONTACT: Polly den.orgpmorris@lyndensculpturegar-Morris

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mhuse@marcuscenter.orgHuse

CONTACT: Annmarie annmarie@securefutures.orgBaumgartner Seton Catholic Schools » Fundraising » Classroom supplies CONTACT: Gina Styer gstyer@setoncatholicschools.org

CONTACT: Brian brian.lenhart@milmission.orgLenhart Operation Dream » Donations » Auction items » Laptops CONTACT: Marco dream.orgmarco.morrison@operation-Morrison

MACC Fund Auction items Event volunteers Donations to research

SecureFutures » Money Coach volunteers » Money Coach scholarship funds » Money Path education partners

International Institute of Wisconsin Corporate sponsors Auction items Refugee donationsresettlement

Lynden Sculpture Garden » Adopt-a-bench

» Event

Salvation Army of Milwaukee County » Monetary donations » Volunteers during the holidays » Red Kettle match sponsors

CONTACT: Tammy tsawyer@wiherooutdoors.orgSawyer

Zoological Society of Milwaukee » Auction items » Sponsors CONTACT: Jenn jennifert@zoosociety.orgTrissel biztimes.com

CONTACT: Sam skuhl@milwaukeeballet.orgKuhl

Scaling Wellness in Milwaukee » Sponsors » Donations » Videographer CONTACT: Eugene executive1@swimke.orgManzanet

CONTACT: Tresca tmeiling@mascience.orgMeiling Milwaukee Ballet » Fundraising » Volunteer opportunities

Strategies

3. Conduct information-sharing sessions regarding the direction of the company. Have your employees hear about activities in key areas of the company so they have a better understanding of the workings of

4. Respect and show appreciation for specific accomplishments when they occur. Wheth er it is an individual or a team, it is manage ment’s responsibility to celebrate the success es to show gratitude for a job well done. There are a wide variety of other strategies you can use to help retain talent. Turnover is costly, re tention of staff is a way to keep morale up and avoid a boomerang or, worse yet, an avalanche of people leaving the organization. Toss around ideas with your staff and ask them what they feel would be motivating. You might be really surprised to hear what your staff has to say. n

2. Managers conduct regular, meaningful conversations with the people on their teams. The trend for performance reviews has been to get away from just one or two sessions a year to regular discussions of goals and performance. Show the people on your team that you really care about them and care about their success. Schedule bi-weekly meetings and ensure those conversations ac tually take place.

HUMAN RESOURCES

44 / BizTimes Milwaukee SEPTEMBER 12, 2022

NICOLE SCHMIDT Nicole Schmidt is a human resources consultant and the owner of Reward Strategies LLC (hrrewardstrategies.net).

Grass looks greener – Employees may have left the organization if they feel they were not appre ciated enough during the lockdown. Some employ ees jumped ship when enticed by another job with more money and flexible work schedules. Retirement sounded like a good idea – During the pandemic many employees thought they did not want to work in a dangerous, infectious envi ronment. Now, some realize that life is pretty bor ing at home all of the time. How many of your peer companies have found that a segment of the employees who have left their jobs are now reconsidering and would like to get back to their former roles? Or these employees at least want to re-engage with the workplace, co-workers and key initiatives within their organizations. This trend could be called the Boomerang Factor. Turnover is expensive – The company not only loses the knowledge that is walking out the door, but also a) downtime b) hiring costs (adver tisement, interview time, screening, drug test) and c) inflated salaries to hire up are real stresses to your bottom line. Meanwhile, some people who are working from home are finding downsides. Work-life balance – Some who are working at home are finding that the work life-balance isn’t any better, stating that they are never able to step away from their jobs since they are called upon anytime day or night since they have the resources available to them all the time. Staying at home means no promotions – Sor ry to say, but if your boss doesn’t know what you are doing all day, he or she may have a tough time recommending you for a larger role. Particularly, if you don’t want to come into the office.

Great Resignation, work from home trends could reverse ALL OF US are aware of the significant level of turnover and hiring shortages that have occurred after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Now that many employers are looking to bring staff back up to profitable levels, the employees are nowhere to be found. What’s going on? Here’s some thoughts on why we can’t find the staff we need:

the organization. Many times, employees only know the small part of what they do on a day-to-day basis. It is very motivating and energizing for each employee to know how what they do adds value to the overall success of the company.

1. Sponsor interactive, fun events at the office. For example, a trivia contest, product demon stration, or entertaining speaker can get the staff reacquainted with the individuals on their teams.

It has long been documented that an engaged employee is much more productive and willing to give that extra effort for the overall good of the company. Here are some ideas to avoid your em ployees leaving the company and ways to keep them engaged, involved, and appreciated:

coming?boomerangWorkforce

WHAT TO DO ABOUT YOUR CURRENT STAFF?

Previously, she was a global compensation manager for A.O. Smith. She can be reached at rewardstrategies@yahoo.net.

LEADERSHIP

George Satula is an executive leadership coach working primarily as a group chairman in Vistage Worldwide, a private advisory board for growth-focused, high-integrity CEOs, executives and business owners. He is also a leadership development consultant, strategic planner and speaker. He can be reached at George@SatulaUSA.com

THE WORLD IS SHORT OF LEADERS

is more about motivating and inspiring people, a big difference.Leadership is best used to empower others. That results in greater trust toward the leader and among peers. It can become a virtuous cycle of trust given back to the leader, then back again to the team. If you don’t have trust, you have nothing.

The Greek philosopher Aristotle was the voice of reason for Alexander the Great, while on his way to becoming king. This “voice of reason” relied on the significance of slowing down to think and tak ing time to process issues. Today’s leader, particular ly those who aspire to greatness, need this, too. n

WHAT GREAT LEADERS DO TO BE BETTER

Over the past 22 years, I’ve had a front row seat to watch and work with many business lead ers from a wide range of industries. No two were exactly alike. Yet the most effective leaders shared a common belief and dedication to continuous self-development and lifelong learning.

LEARNING NOURISHES THE MIND Leaders gain several important benefits through lifelong learning. Those include: » Improved competency and confidence. » Generating better ideas. » Improved problem solving. » Being more prepared for the unexpected. » Greater perspective and discernment. » A higher level of relevance and adaptability.

Resting on past successes might not be enough to fend off competitors, anticipate changing con sumer needs or deal with the unexpected, such as supply chain disruption, inflation, worker shortag es, market crashes or even a pandemic. Looking over the horizon to move your compa ny forward has become more difficult, particularly if you’re “stuck in the weeds.” Business consultant Peter Drucker said that only three things happen naturally in organizations: friction, confusion and underperformance. “Everything else requires lead ership,” he said. In practice, what does leadership self-develop ment look like?

The next step in self-development includes participating in a business-focused peer advisory forum and a personalized leadership coach or ex ecutiveTheymentor.challenge your thinking. They poke holes in your strategies. They review your decisions be fore you act on them. They analyze root causes of a problem and your solutions, without being judg mental. They encourage new ideas and solutions without strings attached.

The world abounds with managers who con trol things like quality, time and money. Leadership

Unquestionably, leadership skill-building ac tivities such as pursuing more challenging re sponsibilities, participating in industry events, connecting with key stakeholders, reading books, attending seminars, and conducting research are all important.However, to “see a little further” toward highly effective and influential leadership, there must be action steps to structure and implement a self-de velopment and learning process. Consider this in triguing quote by Dee Hock, the founder of Visa, “If you look to lead, invest at least 40% of your time managing yourself.”

All those skills can be shared with others to build a stronger team and culture.

/ 45

It includes skill building in areas of effective communications, strategic risk-taking, culture im provement, talent development and team building. The process starts with an investment of time in structured learning, together with subject matter experts, and access to leadership-level educational resources.Yet,we all can only go so far on our own.

GEORGE SATULA

biztimes.com

There’s a story that surrounds that statement. But what’s remarkable about Newton’s genius is that he was largely a self-taught learner. Nurturing his mind became a lifelong passion.

The journey of self-development and learning should be a choice, not a directive. Along the way, a leader understands that honesty, openness and vulnerability are part of becoming a great lead er, particularly when equipped with the skills of self-awareness, self-reflection and self-confidence.

Bob Davids, a successful entrepreneur and au thor of “Leadership without Ego,” said leadership is a gift. “You can’t buy it or sell it. You can’t trade it … you either have it or you don’t. You need to be in touch with the people you lead, and you need to be in their shoes.”

Leaders should always learningbe

The importance of selfdevelopment Sir Isaac Newton, one of the greatest mathema ticians and physicists in history, said, “If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.”

REAL WORLD STORM FORECAST

You’re no longer isolated in the corner office.

Another thing that sets QQO apart from the rest – in addition to the glorious views and inces sant sounds of Road America that greet you and soothe you throughout your round – is a very per sonal meeting with your maker on the tenth hole.

46 / BizTimes Milwaukee SEPTEMBER 12, 2022

The next time I head up to play golf at QQO, I will feel like Norm in Cheers, as I will be welcomed like a family member. But that is the point of all successful family businesses. You, the customer, are one of them. You are a member of the family. And you care about it just as intensely as they do because of that care and concern.

This is what families that want to stay in busi ness do. They control the narrative. They make sure they do everything to help their customers through the rough (golf pun).

DR. DAVID BORST

Dr. David Borst is executive director and chief operating officer of Family Business Leadership Partners, a regional resource hub for family business. He can be reached at David.borst@cuw.edu.

I hope you don’t make the trek to Quit Qui Oc. Leave the place to me. It’s so far … but if you do, they will know your name because you, the customer, are family. n

Treating familycustomersthelike

FAMILY BUSINESS Strategies

Quit Qui Oc Golf Club in Elkhart Lake is a gem I HESITATE to write this article. First, because it will appear to be a shameless plug for a family business, and second, because now more people will flood to this piece of heaven making it more difficult for me to get in! For me, Quit Qui Oc Golf Club in Elkhart Lake is personal. For those of you not into golf, it isn’t always about the score, the handicap, the winner’s purse. It is about the beauty of the game, the fam ily that taught you and the free pass that family gave you on Sunday to skip church services to go andForplay.me, Quit Qui Oc is the quintessential fam ily business. QQO has been in the family for 50plus years and when you arrive, Todd and Rachel Montaba make you feel like family. Frequently during the round, Todd will usually check on us to see how things are going. It matters to him, as it does to all family businesses, that our experience is a positive one. It didn’t start that way over 20 years ago. My first experience after being new to the game of golf was to witness a bumper car match between two golf carts throughout my 18 holes. It became more intense when the foursome became a six-some and then an eight-some, all while bashing carts in a good ol’ time by yahoos from out of state. I called the clubhouse and Todd made sure that got shut down in a hurry. He apologized and tore up the credit card charge for the round. It wasn’t his fault. In fact, his carts probably sustained some damage, which he was not too happy about. What hooked me as a customer was how he handled a less than positive experience.

A sense of history is another key to a successful business. This along with a respect for that history, like the maintenance of gravestones not even part of your family but certainly part of your legacy.

Food and drink is part of many a family tra dition, from serving it to other family members at holidays or strangers passing along the road of life. Food is a symbol of welcome for those of us who are German, gemütlich.

its own it doesn’t need all of those trappings. You know when something is loved and natural. Per fect and pristine like Augusta it is not, but cared for and maintained just right – it is.

QQO has that, too. Great food! For fear my edi tor won’t publish my fanboy appraisal of this place, I won’t gush too much. OMG for the QQO 19th hole sandwich!Butsince I am not the food critic for BizTimes, let me tie in a family note. When a family business wants to be successful, they care about the entire experience. At QQO, they do. And the difference here is that it is real. Some golf locations plant their flowers, cut their lawn, trim their trees all a certain way to look good. But when something is natural and beautiful all

If you survive the tricky 90-degree dogleg left, you are met with a cemetery plot of the homesteader from years gone by. The back nine was abandoned during World War II for a lack of use but had been built around a family burial plot from a century or more before. It is authentic. It is history. It is what makes a family legacy what it is. Even the name Quit Qui Oc, derived from the French and Menominee Indian words for “land along the crooked river,” has history and character.

3. Don’t stop marketing

“Even if a recession does not happen, it’s smart to diversify your sales channels to reach as many customers as possible,” according to the SCORE article.

1. Keep the cash flowing A recession usually means delayed payment from customers and clients, so now’s the time to build up those cash reserves. Take stock of your current monthly cash flow and address any past due invoices. With inflation, your expenditures are likely higher than usual. Identify areas where you can cut back, such as underused subscriptions and dues for or ganizations you barely interact with.

Visit biztimes.com/notable for information and deadlines

Notable Women in Health Care Nomination deadline: Oct.28, 2022 | Issue date: Dec. 12, 2022

2. Diversify sales channels

Nominations now open!

NOTABLES & RISING STARS 2022

BizTimes Media is proud to announce the second annual BizTimes Media’s Notable Veteran Executives, a special editorial feature within BizTimes Milwaukee’s November 7th print issue and online (Biztimes.com) that will shine a light on current and former service members who are held up by colleagues, superiors and others as leaders and role models within their workplaces as well as in the wider community.

N OTA BLE VETERAN EXECUTIVES

biztimes.com / 47 Tip Sheet

If you wait to borrow money until it’s abso lutely necessary, it could be too late. SCORE encourages businesses to contact their lend ers now if there are concerns about meeting financial obligations during a recession. n

A recession is not the time to slack on getting the word out about your business. Kabbage reported that 57% of medium and large busi nesses and 29% of the smallest small businesses surveyed consider branding as their “primary differentiator from competitors.” Don’t under estimate the impact of social media and digital advertising on consumer purchase decisions.

How to survive a recession

Keep up with BizTimes’ 2022 roundup of the leaders making a difference throughout southeast AtWisconsin.companies across southeast Wisconsin, notable executives are running businesses, and investing in growth throughout the region. Rising Stars are mentoring, teaching and volunteering in their communities. The leaders profiled in these categories are nominated by their peers at work and in the community.

4. Financial support

Nomination deadline: September 23, 2022 Issue date: November 7, 2022

A recent survey by Kabbage from American Express found 83% of U.S. small business owners are concerned about the economy go ing into recession. However, 80% said they are confident they can survive it. The top reason for their confidence: surviving the COVID-19 pandemic. Citing the survey in a recent article, SCORE advises businesses to be proactive and ready for a recession. Here are some tips on how to be prepared:

The Kabbage survey indicates online sales have dipped in the past year. A recession could bring those numbers back up as consumers opt to shop online instead of driving to the store in an effort to save on gas.

Inaugural Issue —— BIZTIMES.COM/WISCONSIN 275 —— Wisconsin’s Most Influential Business Leaders RESERVATIONSADVERTISINGNOWOPEN DID YOU MAKE THE LIST?

biztimes.com / 49 Marketplace AWARD WINNING LEADERS IN ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY PROGRAMS AND WASTE MANAGEMENTS SOLUTIONS www.enviro-safe.com Germantown, WI | (262) 790-2500 | info@enviro-safe.com N New 30,000 Sq. Ft. Addition • Great Customer Service • Continuous Growth • Transportation Services • Family Owned & Operated Since 2002 • Sustainability Programs • Compliance Services (WDNR, EPA & DOT) Contact Pavlic Vending to get your market today! Variety, convenience and healthy foods… all at no cost to your organization! 262.574.1600 | www.pavlicvending.com FRIESIAN EXPERIENCESHERD Where horses help heal people Sign-up now for private riding lessons! HorsesTours for Sale Corporate Events Foaling EquineHerdCommercialExperiencesPhotoShootsLifeCoachingforAdultsFacilitatingforHerdHealing friesianherdexperiences.comfriesianherd@yahoo.com262-510-8963 Lobby furniture | Cubicle panels Office chairs | Carpeting Commercial + Residential CARPET CLEANING Call Mark today: 414.610.9507 | meyercarpetcleaning.com SH A RE YOUR PRODU C T/SE R V IC E OR ADD YOUR BUS I NESS C A R D A D VE RTIS E I N T H E MARK ET P L ACE S ECT IO N TO DAY ! Cont act A dvertisi ng Sal es fo r rates and s pecs advertise@biztimes.com or 414-336-7112 GET THE WORD OUT! News? Press Releases? Awards? Show them off in BizTimes’ new BizUpdates section. Submit your company news at biztimes.com/bizconnect

Loftus joined Axcesor in August of 2015 becoming Vice President of Development in 2018. He spearheaded the 2021 relocation of Axcesor to Menomonee Falls and the expansion and customer acquisition yielding our twenty-four percent growth. “Scott is supported by a team of managers, engineers and leaders that are learning, growing and developing the company culture to meet the manufacturing demands of our changing world” said owner Bob LoftusAdikes.said

“We will continue on an exciting growth path. Our customerdriven focus will continue to reinforce Axcesor’s already stellar reputation.”

TECHNOLOGYAngi

Gimbel, Reilly, Guerin & Brown LLP Welcomes Attorney Adam J. Schleis

Jennifer Buck to beenLEEDJenniferPrincipalAssociateBuck,AIA,APBD+C,haspromotedto Associate Principal. As a Project Leader, Buck is an expert in her ability to move projects forward and focus on our clients’ strategic business goals.

MANUFACTURINGScottLoftus

LEGAL SERVICES

The trialWisconsinMilwaukee,basedandlitigation

Krueger Joins OwnersEdge as OwnersEdgeCMO Inc., a 100% ESOP owned companyholdingfocused on investing in and building sustainable businesses throughout the Midwest, has hired Angi Krueger as its Chief Marketing Officer. As CMO, Krueger, who has more than 25 years of experience, will work with OwnersEdge and each of its five affiliate companies to develop and implement strategic marketing that enhances their brand presence, differentiates them and accelerates their growth. In addition to marketing, OwnersEdge provides its companies with ESOP management, formalized strategic planning, human resources, IT, administration services and accounting.

PLASTICS NEWS CFO OF THE YEAR AWARD

BANKING

NEW BERLIN, WI (August 11, 2022) – Radius Packaging, Inc. (“Radius” or the “Company”), a leading rigid plastic packaging provider in the Midwest, is proud to announce that the Company’s Chief Financial Officer, Angela Breitbach, was recently named the winner of the 2022 Plastics News Chief Financial Officer of the Year award. Ms. Breitbach joined Radius Packaging, formerly known as Schoeneck Containers, in 2008 as a Staff Accountant and has led the Company’s finance organization since 2017. Through her effective leadership and tireless commitment to the Company, she earned the Chief Financial Officer title in fall 2020. “I’m honored to accept this award and thankful to Plastics News for the recognition,” said Ms. Breitbach. “This award is a reflection of the hard work that everyone at Radius puts in on a daily basis to be the best partner we can be to our valued “I’mcustomers.”incredibly proud to see Angela earn this award,” said Tom Frank, President & CEO of Radius.

LEGAL SERVICES

law firm of Gimbel, Reilly, Guerin & Brown LLP (GRGB) is pleased to announce the addition of Attorney Adam J. Schleis to the firm’s criminal defense, guardianship, and juvenile group.

RADIUS PACKAGING’S ANGELA BREITBACH WINS

Meissner Tierney Fisher & Nichols S.C. Welcomes Caleb R. Gerbitz as an FisherMeissnerAttorneyTierney&Nichols S.C. (MTFN) is pleased to welcome Caleb R. Gerbitz as an Attorney. Caleb is a member of MTFN’s litigation team, focusing his practice on business and corporate disputes and insurance coverage issues.

50 / BizTimes Milwaukee SEPTEMBER 12, 2022 BizConnections BIZ UPDATE – BIZ PEOPLE

von welcomesBriesenAttorney Christopher R. Smith Excited announceto that Chris Smith has joined von Briesen as a Shareholder in the Milwaukee office. Smith focuses his practice on real estate development, eminent domain and property tax. He received a J.D. from Marquette University.

LEGAL SERVICES

Wintrust Commercial Banking at Town Bank, N.A. hires new Senior Vice President Wintrust Commercial Banking at Town Bank, N.A. is pleased to welcome Senior Vice President Norb Schiek to their team. Norb is a seasoned lender with extensive experience in asset-based and cash flow lending in both the bank and non-bank platforms. He believes commercial lending is a partnership and attempts to build strong relationships with business owners while also providing consultation and advice. In Norb’s new role, he will be a part of the Wisconsin market lending team, seeking to build longterm relationships with companies throughout the state with revenues of $20MM to $200MM

ARCHITECTURE Kahler PromotesSlater

BANKING Waukesha State Bank Promotes Meena Granado to Commercial Banker Waukesha State Bank is proud to announce the promotion of Meena Granado to commercial banker. In her new role, Granado will be responsible for prospecting, developing, and managing commercial loan portfolios. LEGAL SERVICES von welcomesBriesenAttorney Morgan L. Turner Turner is Associateanin the firm’s Trusts and Estate Section and focuses her practice on estate planning and trust administration. She serves on the Trust Committee for Life Navigators. Turner received a J.D. from Marquette University.

promoted to President of Axcesor, ScottInc.

Kahler PromotesSlater ChappelearErica to Associate Principal Erica Chappelear has been promoted to Associate Principal. As HR Manager, Erica enhances our culture of learning and development as she oversees our internal process for reviews, staff coaching, employee engagement, and onboarding new staff.

ARCHITECTURE Kahler PromotesSlaterJeremy Happel

New

ARCHITECTURE

ARCHITECTURE Kahler PromotesSlaterElizabeth Crowley

tohasJeremyAssociatetoPrincipalHappel,AIA,beenpromotedAssociate Principal. As an Architect with an extensive background in adaptive reuse, historic preservation, and cultural resource management, he has guided many complex and catalytic community projects.

Kahler PromotesSlater

Pogwizd-NeradMelindato Associate Principal Melinda PogwizdNerad, AIA, has been promoted to Associate Principal. As an Architect, she has worked on several significant healthcare projects and is an advocate in the design industry to advance the role of women in architecture.

ARCHITECTURE

FINANCIAL SERVICESToddClemens has been promoted to Principal at SVA Certified PublicSVAAccountantsPublicCertifiedAccountants professional Todd Clemens had been promoted to Principal. His expertise includes assurance and audit services, mergers and acquisition services, fraud and litigation support services, and outsourced CFO services.

tohasElizabethAssociatetoPrincipalCrowleybeenpromotedAssociate

Promotions, Accolades and Board Appointments

ARCHITECTURE Kahler PromotesSlaterKurt Thieding to Associate Principal Kurt Thieding has been promoted to Associate Principal. As Senior Graphic Designer and Manager, he plays a key role in designing and communicating our brand through quality deliverables. He is as an expert in marketing, technology, and operations.

/ 51 BIZ PEOPLE Advertising

Principal. As Director of Marketing and Senior Strategist, she leads the strategy, development, and execution of the firm’s brand across our multiple industries and offices.

ARCHITECTURE Kahler PromotesSlater FermanianNicole to Associate Principal Nicole Fermanian has been promoted to Associate Principal. As Contract & Licensing Specialist, she develops and manages agreements and maintains state licensing and registration requirements.

PUBLICATION DATE: NOVEMBER 7, 2022 Take advantage of the opportunity for your organization to be seen by the region’s business and philanthropic leaders all year long. 3 MORE WEEKS TO RESERVE SPACE! Deadline: September 30, 2022 2023 EDITION CONTACT MEDIA SALES TODAY! (414) 336-7112 OR ADVERTISE@BIZTIMES.COM A SUPPLEMENT OF REGIONAL PHILANTHROPIC OPPORTUNITIESASUPPLEMENT2021EDITION LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE. To place your listing, or for more information, please visit biztimes. com/bizconnect

biztimes.com Section: Hires,

Independent & Locally Owned Founded 1995 —

— Photo courtesy of the Milwaukee Public Library/Historic Photo Collection

PUBLISHER / OWNER Dan dan.meyer@biztimes.comMeyer DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS Mary mary.ernst@biztimes.comErnst ENGAGEMENTCOMMUNITY / OWNER Kate kate.meyer@biztimes.comMeyer EDITORIAL EDITOR Andrew andrew.weiland@biztimes.comWeiland MANAGING EDITOR Arthur arthur.thomas@biztimes.comThomas ASSOCIATE EDITOR Maredithe maredithe.meyer@biztimes.comMeyer REPORTER Ashley ashley.smart@biztimes.comSmart REPORTER Cara cara.spoto@biztimes.comSpoto

Save MKE’s Music Scene promises to fight any zoning changes for the FPC Live project. But the site, located in the Deer District, is com pletely appropriate for additional entertainment venues. What justification is there for opposing this rezoning, other than to block out a competi tor, which has nothing to do with zoning?

COMMENTARY

DIRECTOR OF SALES Linda linda.crawford@biztimes.comCrawford SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Christie christie.ubl@biztimes.comUbl ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Paddy paddy.kieckhefer@biztimes.comKieckhefer ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Dylan dylan.dobson@biztimes.comDobson ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Christy christy.peterson@biztimes.comPeterson SALES ADMIN Gracie gracie.schneble@biztimes.comSchneble ADMINISTRATION COORDINATORADMINISTRATIVE Sue sue.herzog@biztimes.comHerzog PRODUCTION & DESIGN GRAPHIC DESIGNER Alex alex.schneider@biztimes.comSchneider ART DIRECTOR Shelly shelly.tabor@biztimes.comTabor

WEBSITE: www.biztimes.com CIRCULATION: 414-336-7100 | circulation@biztimes.com ADVERTISING: 414-336-7112 | advertising@biztimes.com

SALES & MARKETING

VOLUME 28, NUMBER 9 | SEP 12, 2022 126 N. Jefferson St., Suite 403, Milwaukee, WI 53202-6120

REPRINTS: 414-336-7100 | reprints@biztimes.com

There’s no good reason for the city to op pose the FPC Live project. Milwaukee’s estab lished concert venues had better prepare to compete. n

EDITORIAL: 414-336-7120 | andrew.weiland@biztimes.com

52 / BizTimes Milwaukee SEPTEMBER 12, 2022 GLANCE AT YESTERYEAR

A group of local concert venue owners have formed a group, called Save MKE’s Music Scene, to oppose FPC Live’s plans near Fiserv Forum. Their beef is that its parent company, Frank Productions, is owned by Live Nation, one of the largest live entertainment companies in the world. The group says Live Nation’s exten sive relationships with performers will enable it to bring those artists to FPC Live’s venues in Mil waukee at the expense of older concert venues in theThecity.leader of Save MKE’s Music Scene com pared Live Nation to Walmart. “They come into a community with uncom petitive pricing, put independents out of busi ness, shutter neighborhood businesses and displace workers,” said the group’s executive director, Craig Peterson.

PHONE: 414-277-8181 FAX: 414-277-8191

Concert venues better prepare to compete THERE ARE LOTS of places to see a concert in Milwaukee. For many, Fiserv Forum or stages at the Summerfest grounds immediately come to mind.Butthere are many other concert venues in the city, accommodating a wide variety of art ists and crowds of all shapes and sizes, ranging from intimate settings at the Cactus Club and Shank Hall up to huge stadium shows at Ameri can Family Field. A big question that’s being asked in Milwau kee right now: How many concert venues can this market support? The reason for that ques tion is FPC Live, a division of Madison-based concert promotion company Frank Productions, is planning a $50 million development near Fiserv Forum with two concert venues, one with a capacity of 4,000 and the other 800. In ad dition, a mixed-use development planned near the Marquette Interchange includes an indoor concert venue for crowds of up to 3,500, which would be run by Pabst Theater Group and a yetto-be-named partner. So those two projects would create three new concert venues in downtown Milwaukee. How would that impact the marketplace? Hopefully they will bring more shows here and attract artists that ordinarily would skip playing in Milwaukee. But the new venues will also probably take market share from existing concert venues in Milwaukee. Older venues of similar size may have to make improvements and look for other ways to compete with the newer venues.

ANDREW WEILAND EDITOR / 414-336-7120 / andrew.weiland@biztimes.com / @AndrewWeiland

BizConnectionsFerry&ClasArchitects at work

This photo circa 1895 shows men working at drafting tables in the offices of Ferry & Clas Architects. The firm, which operated from 1881 to 1918, had its offices at what would now be 725 N. Broadway in downtown Milwaukee. Today, the site is a parking garage for the Two-Fifty office tower at 250 E. Wisconsin Ave. Ferry & Clas was responsible for designing several of Milwaukee’s now historic buildings, including the Milwaukee Public Library and Pabst Mansion.

On the other hand, another approach is to try to convince the government to prevent your competition from doing business against you.

Of course, that’s a basic fact of life in a free market economy. When new competitors in your industry enter your market, you have to figure out how to compete with them or your business won’t survive.

Key fundraising events: 23rd Annual Tennis Ball, Nov. 12 at the Italian Community Center in Milwaukee. We also host tennis and/or pickleball socials at area tennis clubs.

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Key donors: USTA Foundation, Bader Philanthropies, Anon Charitable Trust, Harri Hoffman Family Foundation, RA Stevens Family Foundation, The Frieda and William Hunt Memorial Trust, WE Energies Foundation, USTA/Midwest Tennis & Education Foundation

— Andrew Weiland, staff writer 3000 N. Sherman Blvd., Milwaukee WI 53210 (414) 442-8195 | mtef.com Facebook: Facebook.com/milwaukeetennisandeducationfoundation Twitter: @MTEF4tennis LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/milwaukee-tennis-and-education-foundation-mtef/

Executive leadership: Rachael Badt, executive director

MEDICAL COLLEGE GETS $5.9 MILLION FOR MULTIPLE MYELOMA RESEARCH calendar MILWAUKEE TENNIS & FOUNDATIONEDUCATION

The MATC Foundation received a $112,000 donation from Van Horn Latino of Milwaukee and El Rey, a family-owned and operated grocer in Milwaukee, to increase the college’s Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals Plus Scholarship fund. | Standard Process donated 67,000 meals to Feeding America and more than 200 food banks across the nation through the company’s 7th annual One Day, One Bottle, One Meal event. | The Milwaukee Police Department received 204 first responder bags to help children deal with crisis situations as part of the REACH-A-Child program, from an $11,000 grant from the AT&T Foundation. | Cory and Michelle Nettles have pledged $50,000 to create a match challenge to support Milwaukee Film’s Black Lens program and Cultures & Communities initiatives, including the 2022 festival. | Cousins Subs awarded a total of $20,000 in scholarships to four Wisconsin high school senior athletes through its 10th annual Wisconsin Sports Awards Scholarship Contest.

The Alzheimer’s Association Wisconsin Chapter will host the Walk to End Alzheimer’s on Sept. 18 at Henry Maier Festival Park in downtown Milwaukee. Held in hundreds of communities, the walk is the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research.

Prospective board members should either directly or indirectly have a passion for the game of tennis and the opportunities the game of tennis brings to people and communities.

The Paula & Rodger Riney Foundation will provide $5.9 mil lion to the Medical College of Wisconsin to fund multiple my elomaThisresearch.investment by the St. Louis-based foundation will sup port cancer research projects during the next two years and promote ongoing advancement of MCW’s work in immunother apies to treat patients who are long-term survivors of myeloma. “We are pleased to partner with the MCW Cancer Center in our shared aspiration of finding a cure for multiple myeloma,” said Rodger Riney. “Since the estab lishment of the foundation, we have sought out the most innova tive work in the field, and we are very excited about the promise MCW’s research shows for treat ing this complex disease.” For more than 20 years, Wau watosa-based MCW has worked with health care partners to pro vide patients with research-based myeloma clinical care and access to cancer clinical trials and med ical discoveries, including find ings in immune therapies – an approach that deploys the body’s natural immune defenses to slow the spread of cancer cells. “We are grateful for this transformative support from the Paula and Rodger Riney Founda tion,” said Gustavo Leone, Ph.D., director of the MCW Cancer Cen ter and the Dr. Glenn R. and Nan cy A. Linnerson Endowed Chair for Cancer Research. “There has never been a more exciting time to be at the forefront of this pi oneering research. The scientific advancements we will make with this gift will yield much needed benefits for generations of pa tients and families facing a diag nosis of multiple myeloma.”

Board of directors: 20 members, including officers Mike Buckholdt, president; Sarah Cyganiak, secretary; Chris Schifano, treasurer; Kurt Janavitz, past president. Is your organization actively seeking board members? Yes What roles are you looking to fill? We are looking to include people from diversified backgrounds who are committed to improving the lives of underserved children through tennis, education, and mentorship, whether through financial or in-kind contributions.

Ways the business community can help your nonprofit: Sponsorships or donations to our annual Tennis Ball as well as volunteers at our tennis programming and/or tutoring sessions.

Acts Housing will host its Neighborhood Table event on Sept. 14 in downtown Milwaukee’s Deer District to celebrate the more than 3,214 families the organization has helped purchase homes over the past 26 years. Ticket proceeds benefit Acts’ mission to help underserved families become homeowners.

nonprofit

NONPROFIT

DONATION ROUNDUP ABCD: After Breast Cancer Diagnosis will hold its virtual event and fundraiser, A Night In with ABCD, on Sept. 12, streamed live from 54 Below in New York City for viewers around the world. The event raises awareness and funds for ABCD’s free, customized one-to-one emotional support services.

WRTP|BIG STEP will host its second Cheers to Careers celebrity mixology fundraiser on Sept. 29 at Bottle House 42, 1130 N. 9th St. in Milwaukee. The event raises funds to support WRTP’s mission of greater inclusivity, equity and opportunity for Wisconsin’s workforce.

SPOTLIGHT

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Year founded: 1975 Mission statement: Our mission is to improve the lives and futures of Milwaukee’s youth through tennis, education and mentoring.

Primary focus of your nonprofit organization: Milwaukee Tennis & Education Foundation strives to create opportunities for children in Milwaukee, especially those from underserved communities who lack a safe place to play and learn. MTEF uses tennis as the hook to capture student attention and then engages them in positive development activities, including academic enrichment, health and wellness, and life skills training.

Employee count: One full-time; two to 25 part-time (changes seasonally)

NEXT SUMMER, Milwaukee-based Bartolotta Restaurants will open The Commodore, a new fine-dining restaurant and catering venue on Nagawic ka Lake in Delafield. Bartolotta has partnered with David Herro and Jay Fran ke of HF Hospitality Group to develop the concept, which will breathe new life into a historic waterfront property that previously housed Weissgerber’s Seven Seas Restaurant for nearly 40 years. BizTimes associate editor Mare dithe Meyer spoke with owner, co-founder and chef Paul Bartolotta about how the partnership took off, his vision for the 27,000-square-foot lakeside restaurant and the company’s growth trajectory.

54 / BizTimes Milwaukee SEPTEMBER 12, 2022

“Going back in time, we had found out that (the Seven Seas proper ty) might be for sale when my brother (Joe Bartolotta) was still alive, and Joe and I drove out there and we drove around and we looked around. It was years ago, and I just remember seeing how beautiful it was and (Joe) goes, ‘Man, this is such a great location on the lake.’ If anything, we’ve learned that views and locations near water count, and we both sort of looked at each other and he goes, ‘Wow, this is a pretty big undertaking, it’s beyond our reach. I know it’ll be a ton of money, it’s an old building,’ and we let it go. Years later, a broker contacted me after Joe passed and asked if I had any interest. … I drove out there on my own and drove around again and looked at it and thought what a great opportunity, but not practical as a business model.

WHAT’S THE STORY BEHIND THE PARTNERSHIP WITH HF HOSPITALITY?

5 MINUTES WITH… PAUL BARTOLOTTA owner, co-founder and chef, The Bartolotta Restaurants

“And then I got connected with David and Jay. A friend of mine called me and said, ‘They want to talk to you, … you should call them,’ so I did. … I went out (to Lake Country) and had a preliminary meeting and the connection was immediate. They were very transparent on what they wanted to do. Jay loved the design part of it, … David was very interested in this long-haul view of Lake Country. This is where they live, and it’s very important to them. Within a short time, we connected on values, on vision, and all of it. They have the financial wherewithal to be

biztimes.com the capital partner. We’re super excited to do this with them because it would have been something, quite honestly beyond our reach initially.”

“When we develop a concept, a third of our development in our con cept has to do with the environment – what it feels like, how you feel in that environment, what the arrival looks like, what the parking looks like, what the first person you meet feels like. … It is all in the details. The other third has to do with the food and beverage offerings, what’s going to be on the menu, what’s going to be served to drink, you know, the wine program, cocktail program, after-dinner drink program. And then of course, the element we’ve always leaned into as well is the hospitality component: What is Bartolotta hospitality, what is our promise in terms of standard of service, hospitality and building real relationships where people feel that they are recognized? …

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“Obviously, there was a conversation but the reality is that they had spent a fair amount of time on their end really taking a deep dive into the history of the building; the history of Lake Country; coming up with the name The Commodore, which attaches itself to the leader of the yacht club or the head of the yacht club; and past and then present and looking at the history of it. The ideas that they had in terms of respecting the history of the building and coming up with a theme like this really connected with us, with me. We connected with the idea that we can do something that respects the past but also lives in the present and is built for the future, and that’s exactly the mindset that they have, and we aligned with that almost immediately.”

WHAT’S YOUR VISION FOR THE MENU AND ATMOSPHERE?

“(HF Hospitality) had the vision already. They had done a lot of work even before meeting with us on what they wanted the vision to be, and they just hadn’t fully settled in on an operator. Initially, maybe their mindset was getting someone to either lease it or manage it. We weren’t interested in leasing, and we weren’t interested in having a management agreement. We were only interested in a partnership. And so, we pro posed the terms on which we would do it.

“To our regular customers, it’s an opportunity for them to visit an other diverse restaurant in our collection. It’s going to have a beautiful catering venue, plenty of small private event and meeting spaces are available above and beyond the restaurant, so it’s going to offer a lot from business opportunities for the business diners that are out on the west side, for small conferences, and social functions from rehearsal din ners to weddings to baby showers to bridal showers to closing dinners, to retirement parties or whatever it may be, there’s a tremendous op portunity from the event side of the business out there at the Bartolotta standard of hospitality.

“It’s certainly a modern take on a yacht club theme. Looking back on the history of Lake Country, we want to pull in things that have typically been done and been done successfully and do them in our way.

HOW DID THE CONCEPT BEHIND THE COMMODORE COME ABOUT?

WHAT GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES DO YOU EXPECT WILL COME OUT OF THIS NEXT VENTURE?

(Center from left) Paul Bartolotta, Jay Franke, David Herro and Keith Trafton stand with The Bartolotta Restaurants team in front of the future home of The Commodore on Nagawicka

“… We have an organization, we have a lot of talent within our group, we have people that are ready for the next challenges. It’s our job to create opportunity and career pathways for the people who work in our company, we want them to know that growth is continually on the hori zon. I don’t intend to stop at the Commodore, there’s more to come.” n

“We did a little bit of research on our own, and we found out that there is a significant number of individuals that are already members of our rewards program that live out that way. Realizing that it’s located almost halfway between Milwaukee and Madison, it makes you realize that this could draw from several counties around the Lake Country area as well as Milwaukee. It’s not a far drive for our people who live in Brook field or Elm Grove or Wauwatosa, for sure, but I think the place is special enough that it’s going to draw a lot of our customers from wherever they live now. We’ve already determined demographically that out of the 120,000 members in our rewards program, there’s a pretty significant number of them that we have out in that neighborhood, so hopefully, our opening there won’t be a secret.

Lake.THEBARTOLOTTARESTAURANTS

“We view what we do as finding a way to be intrinsically invested in whatever community we’re operating in, whether it’s Joey Gerard’s in Greendale or Mr. B’s in Brookfield or Ristorante in Wauwatosa or any of our Milwaukee restaurants. It’s important that we’re engaged in what’s going on in those communities, and I see this now as an extension into Lake Country, where we fully intend to be deeply immersed in the activi ties and the community and the culture.”

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Children’s Wisconsin has been helping kids and families for more than 125 years. When you plan a gift to Children’s Wisconsin, you allow us to continue to care for kids’ physical, social and mental well-being for generations to come. When you choose to make us part of your family, we feel deeply honored. We will ensure you leave a legacy of hope as we work to achieve our vision that Wisconsin kids are the healthiest in the nation.

Brenda C. Dillard, MBA Planned Giving bdillard@childrenswi.orgDirector

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BizTimes Milwaukee | September 12, 2022

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