BizTimes Milwaukee | September 16, 2019

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BizTimes Milwaukee (ISSN 1095-936X & USPS # 017813) Volume 25, Number 12, September 16, 2019 – September 29, 2019. BizTimes Milwaukee is published bi-weekly, except monthly in January, July and December by BizTimes Media LLC at 126 N. Jefferson St., Suite 403, Milwaukee, WI 53202-6120, USA. Basic annual subscription rate is $42. Single copy price is $3.25. Back issues are $5 each. Periodicals postage paid at Milwaukee, WI and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send all UAA to CFS. NON-POSTAL AND MILITARY FACILITIES: Send address corrections to BizTimes Milwaukee, 126 N. Jefferson St., Suite 403, Milwaukee, WI 53202-6120. Entire contents copyright 2019 by BizTimes Media LLC. All rights reserved.

Contents

4 LEADING EDGE 4 NOW

BY THE NUMBERS 5 BIZ TRAVELER 6 PUBLIC RECORD BIZTRACKER 8 THE FRANCHISEE 9 PROJECT PITCH IT 10 IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD BIZ POLL 11 THE GOOD LIFE

12 BIZ NEWS 12 NEW GROUP FOR WOMEN IN PUBLIC FINANCE 14 MY TAKE 16 NEXT GENERATION MANUFACTURING SUMMIT PREVIEW

18 REAL ESTATE COVER STORY

20

27 FUTURE 50 74 STRATEGIES

Standing out in a crowd Derse takes trade show exhibits to another level

Special Report

20 Entrepreneurship & Family Business In addition to the cover story, coverage includes profiles of the fast-growing 2019 Future 50 companies and a report on how some family businesses use advisory boards to provide valuable advice from an outsider’s perspective.

74 LEADERSHIP Karen Vernal 75 MANAGEMENT George Satula 76 A BRIEF CASE

79 BIZ CONNECTIONS 79 PAY IT FORWARD 80 GLANCE AT YESTERYEAR COMMENTARY 81 AROUND TOWN 82 5 MINUTES WITH…

WE ARE MARQUETTE PROUD OFFICIAL BANKING PARTNER OF We cheer “Ring out ahoya” and we fly our blue and gold with pride. That’s because Milwaukee is our home, too; and we always root for our local university. As Marquette’s Official Banking Partner, we’re here with the financial tools and solutions the school community counts on. It’s just one of the ways we support the places and people who make Milwaukee great.

414-273-3507 | townbank.us

biztimes.com / 3

Leading Edge

BIZTIMES DAILY – The day’s most significant news → biztimes.com/subscribe

NOW

First destinations announced for return of Midwest Express

By Andrew Weiland, staff writer The resurrected Midwest Express Airlines recently showed off its first new airplane and announced its initial flight destinations at a press conference at Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport.

The airline plans to launch service by the end of the year, offering nonstop flights from Milwaukee to Cincinnati; Omaha, Nebraska and

Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Midwest Express Airlines president Greg Aretakis, who was vice president of market planning for Midwest Airlines from 2005-‘09, is working with his partners Rick Kummerow, treasurer of Midwest Express Airlines, and Tony Intravaia, vice president of finance and administration of Midwest Express,

BY THE NUMBERS Chicago-based First Midwest Bancorp will acquire the parent company of Milwaukeebased Park Bank for

195

$

MILLION.

4 / BizTimes Milwaukee SEPTEMBER 16, 2019

to relaunch the airline brand.

An announcement about an official launch date could occur in the next few weeks, Aretakis said.

More flight details and information about fares will be announced at that time, he said.

Originally known as Midwest Express, Midwest Airlines was based in Oak Creek and had its main hub at Mitchell International in Milwaukee.

Midwest Airlines was acquired by Indianapolis-based Republic Airways Holdings in 2009, it was merged into Denver-based Frontier Airlines and in 2011 the Midwest Airlines brand was eliminated.

Midwest Express and Midwest Airlines had a loyal customer base, especially Milwaukee area business travelers that appreciated its wide leather seats and its signature warm chocolate chip cookies. Milwaukee travelers who remain loyal to the Midwest Express brand also miss some of the direct flight service that the airline provided here, Aretakis said. “(Besides customer service) the second thing that we hear the most (about why people miss Midwest Express) is, ‘I hate making a connection in Detroit or Chicago, or some other place. We want nonstop flights,’” he said. “We used to fly 150 nonstop flights a day out of Milwaukee. There are many destinations that have never gotten that service (back). Nonstop flights are

a really big thing.”

The Midwest Express flights will be offered on 50-seat Bombardier CRJ 200 aircraft.

“The nice thing about the airplane, for the kind of routes we’re starting on, it’s exactly what we want,” Aretakis said. “We were seeking out a partner airline that operated this airplane type.”

In August, Midwest Express announced that it was partnering with Portland, Maine-based Elite Airways LLC. Elite Airways will operate the initial aircraft and provide flight crews and maintenance service for Midwest Express.

Midwest Express will establish its own reservation system, customer service operations and in-flight amenities to support its flights.

Midwest Express still needs to complete a few steps before it can launch service, Aretakis said. The company is hiring more employees and is building its reservation system. Once those steps are complete the company will announce when it will start taking flight reservations, he said.

“We have lots of jobs (to fill), whether it’s customer service, sales, various analytical or financial (positions). We have a lot of jobs,” Aretakis said.

“Hundreds” of former Midwest Express/Midwest Airlines employees have called seeking a job with the new airline, he said. n

B I Z T R AV E L E R :

LAS VEGAS

MICHELLE D’AT TILIO Chief executive officer, Sosh

As chief executive officer of Milwaukee-based marketing firm Sosh, Michelle D’Attilio often travels to meet with clients across the country. Recently, a cyber security conference brought her to Las Vegas, a city she has visited many times over the years. She offered these tips when traveling to Sin City. n

T R A N S P O R TAT I O N : “I prefer to fly Delta and, because I travel as much as I do, I tend to splurge on first class. The problem is Delta doesn’t have a direct flight to Vegas. So, if I’m in a rush, I’ll take Southwest, which has a direct flight. But I don’t mind having layovers; I talk to people I don’t know. Quite honestly, the airport is another way to network.”

E XC U R S I O N S: “Downtown Container Park has a bunch of small shops and startups.

It allows owners to show proof of concept. Around there, you can also see a bunch of Burning Man art; you can walk around and see The Big Rig Jig. Often times when people think of Vegas, they think of the Strip. Unless I have a conference near the Strip, I spend probably less than 5% of my time there.”

ACCO M M O DAT I O N S A N D F O O D : “The Oasis at the Gold Spike is a project by Downtown Project, which is basically an effort to reinvent the downtown. It’s really nice and not too expensive. I think of it as a small town in Wisconsin; it’s an area of Vegas that people don’t even know exists. It’s a safe, great community.”

“My favorite restaurant is Le Thai. And it actually has ties to Milwaukee.

The owner Dan (Coughlin) is from Milwaukee. PublicUs is great for breakfast and has coworking spaces.”

T R AV E L T I P : “The best thing to do is TSA PreCheck, or get Clear (airport security program). If you have Clear, they’ll bring you to the front of the PreCheck line, they scan your fingerprints and you can skip everyone. Because I’m traveling so much and … don’t want to waste a minute of sitting at the gate, Clear and PreCheck have been instrumental.” biztimes.com / 5

Leading Edge

THE

PUBLIC

RECORD 47.29.

The latest area economic data.

The Milwaukee-area manufacturing index for August was

Nothing Routine about Franklin naming rights deal

For three of the past four months the index has been below 50, which indicates the sector is contracting.

By Arthur Thomas, staff writer When ROC Ventures announced Routine Baseball as the naming rights sponsor for the Ballpark Commons in Franklin in September 2018, it was described as a 10-year, seven-figure deal that brought together a local company and a new entertainment destination.

The only problem is, according to a Routine Baseball lawsuit filed in August, a final naming rights deal never came together even though the Franklin-based company’s name and logo are featured prominently at the stadium dubbed Routine Field.

Mike Zimmerman, managing partner of ROC Ventures, owner of the Milwaukee Milkmen (who play at Routine Field) and the Milwaukee Wave, called the lawsuit “outrageous” and “a PR stunt … designed to cause external pressure on us given the high-profile nature of the project.”

Michael DeGrave, president of Routine Baseball, declined to comment on Zimmerman’s comments but said, “We have confidence in each and every allegation in our complaint.”

The lawsuit is still pending, but the initial complaint did shed some light on the business deal behind the naming rights:

$150,000/year A non-binding letter of intent signed by both sides called for the naming rights to cost Routine $150,000 per year for five years. The lawsuit alleges a final deal never came together and Zimmerman had Routine Baseball signage installed at the field without DeGrave’s approval.

Ownership stake The LOI also called for ROC Ventures to acquire 15% stakes in Routine and Complex Solutions, a merchandising company. Routine was also to receive an 85% stake in ROC Ventures entity Lifestyle Sports Apparel LLC.

1,500 bobbleheads According to the complaint, ROC Ventures ordered 1,500 bobbleheads from Complex Solutions in May for Milkmen fan appreciation night on Aug. 24. A ROC Venture employee allegedly had the shipment from a vendor of Complex rerouted to the team, prompting DeGrave to call the police. Zimmerman says FedEx reached out to his company and called it “karma” that the bobbleheads were delivered to him. n 6 / BizTimes Milwaukee SEPTEMBER 16, 2019

3.0% Wisconsin had a

seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate in July.

890,500,

Employment in the metropolitan Milwaukee area in June reached

a new record, surpassing the area’s previous employment high, reached in June 2000.

Home sales in the four-county metro Milwaukee area were up

3.8%

in July, with a total of 2,263 homes sold, compared to July 2018.

49 There are

Wisconsin companies on the 2019 Inc. 5000 list of the fastest growing companies in America.

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Leading Edge

the

FRAN C H I S E E Mother-daughter duo Jamie and Marilee Rusch, owners of Pure Barre.

JAMIE AND MARILEE RUSCH PURE BARRE

The new Pure Barre studio at 120 W. Town Square Way in Oak Creek opened Aug. 1.

“It’s just amazing, the workout that you get from this and the friends you make from it. I’m over 60 and I go six days a week,” Marilee said.

THE FRANCHISE: Irvine, California-based Pure Barre was founded in 2001 by dancer and choreographer Carrie Rezabek Dorr. Since then, the franchise has expanded to 500 studios throughout the U.S. and Canada. Pure Barre studios offer workouts focused on low-impact, high-intensity isometric movements that lift and tone muscles.

JANUARY 2017: A cancer survivor of five-and-a-half years, Marilee Rusch was looking for a new fitness routine after trying many large fitness chains and gyms. Her daughter, Jamie Rusch, convinces her to take a class at Pure Barre in Elm Grove. Marilee signs up for a membership that same day. About a month later, Marilee approaches her daughter about opening a studio of their own.

“I have always been an athlete, whether it be dancing or CrossFit, and my mom did not want to be in a class surrounded by 20-somethings who looked like they just walked out of ballet practice,” Jamie said.

“But our experience couldn’t have been more opposite. Everyone was excited and supportive of us. The instructors were invested in our success.”

SPRING 2017: Jamie and Marilee submit an online inquiry about opening a studio. They undergo a thorough interview process, including a review of their financial statements.

SPRING 2018: Marilee and Jamie sign a franchisee agreement.

Pure Barre in Oak Creek sells merchandise in studio.

OCTOBER 2018: The duo travels to Irvine, California for four days of owners training.

AUGUST 2019: Construction is completed on the new Pure Barre studio at 120 W. Town Square Way in Oak Creek, in time for the Aug. 1 opening date.

THE FRANCHISE FEE The franchisee fee to open the new Pure Barre studio in Oak Creek was $49,500.

8 / BizTimes Milwaukee SEPTEMBER 16, 2019

Pure Barre studios offer low-impact, high-intensity workouts.

“There’s continual training backed by awesome knowledgeable people who have helped us with any questions we can’t figure out on our own,” Marilee said.

PROJECT PITCH IT CANNEDWATER4KIDS LEADERSHIP: Greg Stromberg, CW4K founder and chief executive officer; Peter Gorman, CW4K board member and chief marketing officer A D D R E S S: PO Box 116, Sussex WEBSITE: cannedwater4kids.com W H AT I T D O E S: Provides purified canned drinking water to communities around the world.

F O U N D E D: 2008

CannedWater4Kids gives aluminum water cans a ‘higher purpose’

By Lauren Anderson, staff writer

I

n the later years of his successful career in the metal packaging industry, Greg Stromberg felt compelled to give back, help others and make a difference in the world.

In 2008, he founded a social entrepreneurial charity, CannedWater4Kids, to do just that. CW4K, based in Sussex, sells drinking water in aluminum cans to raise funds for water projects in disadvantaged communities worldwide.

The idea for the organization was inspired by a keynote address Stromberg heard during the annual Canmaker Summit in Chicago in 2007. The presentation was about the role of metal packaging in reducing food waste and alleviating hunger in developing regions.

“I had always wanted to do something more for my company, my family, and when I learned more about the problems with water, I said, ‘Well, let’s put water in the can and give it a higher purpose,’” Stromberg said.

Then working for INX International Ink Co., Stromberg approached his CEO about the idea and got the green light to pursue it. The company made an initial pallet of cans, which were then filled with water at a brewery in Michigan.

Since then, CW4K has sold more than 3 million cans – including 12-ounce aluminum cans and 16-ounce aluminum bottles – with all proceeds going to its mission. Stromberg does not take a salary through the organization.

Additional revenue comes from philanthropic donations and sponsorships.

Aramark, the hospitality partner for national and state parks, is among CW4K’s largest clients.

“We do very little advertising,” Stromberg said. “We’re a lean virtual e-charity … We get customers through e-commerce.”

As companies re-examine their sustainability practices, Stromberg said they increasingly are turning to eco-friendlier solutions, such as ordering water in aluminum cans. CW4K is capturing some of that market.

“As part of their sustainability policies, the first thing they attack is their waste, and that includes their water bottles,” Stromberg said.

Over the years, CW4K has completed 33 water projects across the world, including projects in Guatemala, Zambia, Kenya and Tanzania. It has also shipped canned water to areas of the U.S. affected by hurricanes and other disasters, along with Flint, Michigan.

Stromberg recently appeared on the most recent season of entrepreneurship pitch show “Project Pitch It” on WISN-TV Channel 12.

Exposure through the show has opened new doors for the organization.

“Every day we’re seeing more orders coming in and I attribute that to Project Pitch It,” Stromberg said. n

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Leading Edge IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD When did you open Mequon Shoe Repair and what’s your background in shoemaking?

Raisa Fridma: “We started 22 years ago in West Allis, and then 11 years ago we moved to Mequon. In Russia, my husband (Naum Fridman) used to work in a shoe factory, making shoes. We came to Wisconsin from Russia in 1995.”

MEQUON SHOE REPAIR 10970 N. Port Washington Road NEIGHBORHOOD: Mequon FOUNDED: 1997 OWNERS: Raisa and Naum Fridman SERVICE: Boot and shoe repair

Just shoes?

“Shoes, steel toed boots, baseball gloves, leather chairs—we’ve done one for a dentist’s office. Sometimes we sew buttons. We also do zippers on

BIZ POLL

jackets. Sometimes people bring in bags, telling us, ‘It was my grandma’s and I want to keep it.’”

Allis. Most people know us through word of mouth.”

What’s your favorite part about operating a small, familyowned business?

“There are a lot of advantages. It’s why my husband continues to stay in this business at the age of 72. People often come in and tell us stories and say that we are helping them… It’s not just business and money—it’s something personal. It’s been good for us because it’s made our circle of people much wider than what we’d have at a regular job.” n

Who is your clientele?

How has it grown over the years?

“We have many different kinds of customers—police officers, firefighters, kids, adults, working people who wear steeltoed boots, dancers from the nearby dance studio … I can’t count the number of customers we’ve had over the years, but people still come in over and over again…

We still have customers coming from West

A recent survey of BizTimes.com readers.

Will the new Midwest Express airline be successful?

YES:

NO:

71%

29%

Bringing a wealth of experience to our clients for generations.

Godfrey & Kahn has provided strategic legal advice and proactive solutions to family-owned and privately-held businesses for over 60 years.

10 / BizTimes Milwaukee SEPTEMBER 16, 2019

Share your opinion! Visit biztimes.com/bizpoll to cast your vote in the next Biz Poll.

St. Joseph hospital VP plays guitar gigs by night

By Lauren Anderson staff writer

W

hen Dr. O’Rell Williams, vice president of medical affairs at Ascension SE Wisconsin Hospital – St. Joseph Campus, isn’t on the job, you might catch him on stage playing a gig around town.

the

Good LIFE

Dr. O’Rell Williams plays guitar during Concerts in the Park at Gengler Park.

A Milwaukee native, Williams received a guitar as a Christmas present from his mother when he was in fifth grade and has been playing ever since. He has played for live audiences, including a stint touring with The Commodores the summer after Lionel Richie left to pursue his solo career.

“I used to have this big old Prince mane - people used to say, ‘Look at that kid playing the guitar. He looks like Prince,’” Williams said.

He later went on to work as a firefighter for 14 years, during which he played in a band with other members of the Milwaukee

Fire Department.

“We played a lot of the festivals, the Third Ward Jazz Festival, and other events,” Williams said. “It was really cool.”

After pursuing his career in medicine, he put performing on the back burner until an opportunity arose last summer during Concerts in the Park at Gengler Park, located across the street from St. Joseph hospital.

Milwaukee band Christopher’s Project was scheduled to play. Williams offered to pitch in as a guitarist.

“We played a few songs and it was so much fun,” Williams said. “It was a blast.”

Since then, Williams has played more gigs with Christopher’s Project, including a performance for the Morning Blend, Real Milwaukee and the Divas of Soul tribute show at the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts. n

I

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biztimes.com / 11

BizNews FEATURE FROM LEFT: Nikiya Dodd, Milwaukee alderwoman; Cathy Jacobson, president and CEO of Froedtert Health; Laura Lenhard, vice president of finance and administration of the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts; Sherry Gerondale, CFO of Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority.

New group seeks to bring women in public finance together

By Marla Hiller, staff writer DANA LACH knew the national Women in Public Finance organization had helped her throughout her career.

“It really helped me personally build stronger relationships with the other women in public finance,” said Lach, an attorney at Foley & Lardner LLP in Milwaukee, noting she learned a lot from WPF’s events and seminars. “It created a sense of community.”

Founded in 1997, Women in Public Finance is a national professional networking organization aimed at advancing women’s leadership opportunities in the public

12 / BizTimes Milwaukee SEPTEMBER 16, 2019

finance sector.

However, Lach realized that many public finance professionals in Wisconsin did not have access to the resources she received from WPF. “(We) thought it was time to bring the national organization here locally so that women have a closer access point,” said Tatiana Graver, manager of finance at the Wisconsin Health & Educational Facilities Authority.

Lach and Graver worked together to start a Wisconsin chapter, the 20th for the organization nationwide. The state group

officially launched Aug. 6. Graver now serves as the president of the chapter and Lach is secretary and vice president for education.

To get the chapter off the ground, the duo worked the phones, went on road trips and mined their contacts to find sponsors and members. Graver said they had to go and talk to people in person to share their excitement for the Wisconsin chapter.

Those efforts paid off. Sponsors at the launch event included Baird, Clifton Larson Allen, Foley & Lardner LLP, Kaufman Hall, PNC, Quarles & Brady and Stifel.

“We had just pretty much every investment bank you can think of in Wisconsin to support WPF, which is exciting beyond words,” Lach said.

The kickoff event also included a panel discussion featuring Sherry Gerondale, chief financial officer of the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA); Cathy Jacobson, president and chief executive officer of Froedtert Health; Laura Lenhart, vice president of finance and administration of the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts; and Milwaukee Alderwoman Nikiya Dodd.

“Our overall goal is advancing and supporting the careers of women in public finance and we’re going to have relationship-building activities and educational activities and forums,” Lach said.

The national Women in Public Finance organization originally focused on the Midwest, but it grew over time and began spawning regional chapters and affiliates. The idea was professionals in a particular state could have more regular contact with each other and hold events that complement the national organization’s activities.

The Wisconsin chapter plans to hold similar events and programing to what the national organization does, including professional relationship-building, educational outreach, mentoring and offering scholarships. A point of emphasis for the chapter is bringing opportunities to professionals who might not have a chance to attend otherwise.

“There may be public finance professionals in northern Wisconsin who would never think or have the opportunity to attend a national conference put on by the Women in Public Finance,” Lach said. “But if we were able to put something on locally, we would be providing a much closer to home access point.”

She added the chapter is also focused on being “all-inclusive” and “all-encompassing” by not requiring membership fees to join and welcoming both men and women. The

TOP: Tatiana Graver, of the Wisconsin Health & Educational Facilities Authority and president of the Wisconsin chapter of Women in Public Finance, addresses the chapter's first gathering during a kickoff event at Foley & Lardner LLP. BOTTOM: Debra Gerber, of ImageMaster, LLC, and Joe Adomakoh, of the Wisconsin Department of Administration at the event.

goal is to reach every municipality and county in the state.

“There’s a growing spotlight on diversity and inclusion and we thought of that as an opportunity to point that spotlight at the state of Wisconsin,” Lach said.

With the Wisconsin chapter’s official launch complete, Lach and Graver are looking ahead. They would like to hold a similar event to the launch in Madison while also developing webinars on ever-evolving areas such as tax and security law, Lach said. n

I

Unlock your leadership potential.

Take your career to the next level.

For more than six decades, high performing executives have turned to Vistage peer advisory groups to help them be more successful. The Vistage Key Executive Program connects you to an elite peer group with one goal: empowering one another to reach new levels of extraordinary.

Confidentially address personal and professional challenges with the guidance of an accomplished business leader. Leverage new insights and powerful resources to hone your leadership skills and push your career forward.

Master the essential elements of successful executives.

Learn more at vistage.com/key. ©2019 Vistage Worldwide, Inc. 19_261_5063

biztimes.com / 13

BizNews

MY TA K E

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Trump’s trade policy

President Donald Trump has imposed tariffs on numerous goods in an attempt to reduce the United States trade deficit and boost U.S. manufacturing. He has imposed several tariffs on Chinese goods and China has responded with retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods. Critics of Trump’s trade policy say the tariffs are hurting the U.S. economy. For example, the total value of Wisconsin exports dropped by $673.2 million during the first seven months of this year. But Trump says the tariffs are hurting China and will eventually result in a better trade deal for the U.S. The U.S. and China will hold new trade talks in October. n

Learn more at paysbig.com/heart.

U.S. REP. RON KIND PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP D-La Crosse

Republican

OPPONENT SUPPORTER Comments are from Twitter:

IMPACT OF THE TARIFFS “Tariffs are taxes on Wisconsin’s farmers, workers and families and that’s exactly who is going to feel it after this escalation.”

“We are doing very well in our negotiations with China. While I am sure they would love to be dealing with a new administration so they could continue their practice of ‘ripoff USA’ ($600 billion a year), 16 months PLUS is a long time to be hemorrhaging jobs and companies.”

WHO’S PAYING THE PRICE “Moms and dads who are just trying to make sure their kids have everything they need for the new school year are the ones who are going to be forced to pay the price for yet another round of reckless tariff hikes.”

“Think what happens to China when I win (re-election). Deal would get MUCH TOUGHER! In the meantime, China’s supply chain will crumble and businesses, jobs and money will be gone!”

TRADE ALLIES

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14 / BizTimes Milwaukee SEPTEMBER 16, 2019

“China is already refusing to buy our agriculture products, unilateral tariffs are not going to make China more willing to come to the table. We need to stop using Wisconsin families as pawns and get serious about working with our trade allies to hold China accountable.”

“For all of the ‘geniuses’ out there, many who have been in other administrations and ‘taken to the cleaners’ by China, that want me to get together with the EU and others to go after China trade practices remember, the EU and all treat us VERY unfairly on trade also. Will change!”

&

SHAPING THE FUTURE Manufacturing Matters! 2017 will take place at the Hyatt Regency in Milwaukee on February 23rd, 2017. The theme of this year’s conference is Shaping the Future, and the conference features 18 breakout session in six tracks including: Growth • Operational Excellence • Human Capital Management C-Suite Essentials • Technology & innovation Wisconsin Manufacturing P L AT I N U M S P O N S O R

Nworkforce GS SPPOONNchallenges P RL EASTEI NN TAs UI M SSOO RR : and trends are

on the minds of most manufacturers, we are pleased to announce this year’s keynote presenter is Kip Wright, Senior Vice President of Manpower, North America. Kip will discuss G O key L D workforce SPONSORS trends and what manufacturers can do to secure and develop their current and future workforces.

Wednesday, October 4, 2017 • October 7:00 - 11:00 AM Save the Date!

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REGISTER TODAY! Are you letting the disruptors control you, or are you building a “Proactively Adaptable Organization” www.manufacturingmatters.org

The Shaping Your Join us forConnections the annual Next Generation Manufacturing Summit, featuring a lively interactive discussion with chief executive officers and leaders of southeastern Wisconsin manufacturing companies. These CEO’s will share their company’s ideas and best practices for competCompany’s Future 1 in the 21st century.

2 ing in a global marketplace and how they strive to be “proactively adaptable” world-class manufacturers

3

Next generation manufacturing companies are making connections with other businesses Proactively adaptable organizations look beyond their own four walls and next purchase order and are preparing for the inevitable disruptors in to drive innovation. They are also connecting machines to improve productivity, reacting today’s business environment. Hear from industry leaders who are creating processes and a culture of innovation, as well as methods of talent to connections between economies and markets, and striving to connect with their attraction, that will drive innovation in their business. future workforce.

Moderated Panel: Join us for the 14th Annual Next Generation Manufacturing Summit on Oct. 9. CEOs from • Jim Hawkins, CEO - Kenall Manufacturing (1) the region’s leading manufacturers will discuss how they make these connections and will 4 5 • Jim Leef, President - ITU AbsorbTech (2) share best practices that help their businesses succeed. Following the presentations and • John W. Mellowes, CEO - Charter Manufacturing Company, Inc. (3) discussion, make sure to attend three of the following roundtable sessions where area • David Werner, Manufacturing and Supply Chain Director, Industrial Adhesives and Tapes Division (IATD) - 3M (4) manufacturing leaders will share their ideas and best practices on these topics: Moderator - Joseph Weitzer, Ph.D., Dean - Center for Business Performance Solutions, Waukesha County Technical College (5) Presenters: » Accessing Tax Savings in Your » Maximizing your supplier’s capabilities – Facility and Operations From at local and design to global Manufacturing Matters! 2017 will take place theconcept Hyatt Regency • John Batten, President & CEO, Twin Disc (1) »inBest Practices:on Turn Export Efforts Milwaukee February 23rd, 2017. manufacturing.

The theme of this year’s • Bill Berrien, CEO, Pindel Global Precision (2) Into Export Revenues Monetizing Your 2Facilities — Whether 3 1and»the 4 5 conference is Shaping the Future, conference features 18 • Ken Bockhorst, President & CEO, Badger Meter, Inc. (3) » CBD - The Good, Bad and Ugly Expanding, Relocating or Just Remaining session in sixCulture tracks including: »breakout Developing a Company » Monetizing Your Innovation • Jeffrey Dawes, President & CEO, Komatsu Mining Corp. (4) to Optimize Productivity » Preparing for a Successful Business Tran• Stacy Peterson, CEO, Connoils, LLC (5) • Operational Excellence • Human »Growth Graduating from Passionate sitionCapital & Leaving a Meaningful Legacy The program continues with roundtable discussions.

The CEO panel and roundtables will address a variety of topics including: Management C-Suite Essentials • Technology & innovation Entrepreneur to Seasoned Mentor » Secrets of Successful Negotiations™ Building organization’s • Creating a process and culture to be more innovative • Additive manufacturing/3D printing »Wisconsin How to •Find the an Hidden Money“adaptability muscles” » The Business Case for Sustainability Manufacturing for the future • Automation and process improvement • Process improvement in Your Business » Transformational Productivity • Talentchallenges development and retention • Logistics & supply chain management • Customer-focused innovation workforce and trends are »AsInnovating the attraction, Quote-To-Cash » Trusts, Estates and Succession Planning • Leadership & engagement • Succession planning • And more with Design Automation » Winning the• War for Talent onWorkflow the minds ofInternet most manufacturers, • Big data, of Things, Artificial Intelligence Exporting, global engagement » Women in Manufacturing we are pleased to announce this year’s

SHAPING THE FUTURE

REGISTER TODAY! • biztimes.com/mfg

keynote presenter is Kip Wright, Senior Vice President of Manpower, North Register Today! biztimes.com/mfg America. Kip will discuss key workforce SPONSORS: GOLD SPONSORS trends and what manufacturers can do FEATURED MAIN STAGE EVENT AT Kip Wright to secure and develop their current and Senior Vice President of future workforces.

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BizNews EVENT PREVIEW

John Batton

Bill Berrien

Jeffrey Dawes

Ken Bockhorst

Stacy Peterson

Top CEOs to headline Next Generation Manufacturing event Arthur Thomas, staff writer THE CHIEF EXECUTIVES of Komatsu Mining Corp., Twin Disc Inc. and Badger Meter Inc. will headline the ninth annual BizTimes Next Generation Manufacturing Summit on Oct. 9.

Bill Berrien, chief executive officer of New Berlin-based Pindel Global Precision, and Stacy Peterson, president and CEO of Big Bend-based Connoils LLC, will also be featured speakers during the morning’s panel discussion.

“We’re excited to have a great lineup of speakers for our annual manufacturing event,” said Dan Meyer, publisher of BizTimes Media. “Manufacturing is such an important sector for southeast-

ern Wisconsin’s economy and attendees will have an opportunity to hear and learn from industry leaders and experts.”

Manufacturing employment has dipped as a share of metro Milwaukee’s total employment, from around 16.3% in 2012 to 15% this year, but the sector remains a top engine for the region’s economy, accounting for 16.2% of GDP in 2017.

Manufacturers have also had to confront uncertainty in recent months as trade tensions have escalated, particularly between the U.S. and China. Wisconsin exports are down 5.1% in the first half of the year.

Taking place at the Wisconsin Manufacturing & Technology Show, the event will focus on the connections shaping the future for manufacturers, including connections to other companies, among machines, across markets and economies and to the future workforce.

BizTimes associate editor Arthur Thomas will moderate a panel discussion featuring Berrien; Peterson; Jeffrey Dawes, president and CEO of Komatsu Mining; Ken Bockhorst, president and CEO of Badger Meter; and John Batten, president and CEO of Twin Disc.

The event will also feature

roundtable discussions with the area’s leading manufacturers sharing best practices in growth through international trade, bringing more women into the industry, navigating tariffs, business transitions, leadership development, new product development and managing growth.

The Next Generation Manufacturing Summit will run from 7:30 to 11 a.m., Oct. 9, at the Wisconsin Exposition Center at State Fair Park in West Allis. It will be part of the Wisconsin Manufacturing & Technology Show.

Registration is open at biztimes.com/mfg n

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Why are high costs reducing access to medicine?

Toward more accountability, transparency, and balancing of power in the pharmaceutical market

by Jim Mueller

Jim Mueller President and CEO Mueller QAAS Web: myqaas.com Social: linkedin.com/in/jim-mueller Contact: (262) 696-3610

The cost of prescription drugs has been rising for years, and many medications are now unaffordable for a significant number of Americans.

According to a recent American Journal of Medicine survey, 20 percent of cancer patients reported taking less medication than their doctor prescribed to save money.

This problem is not limited to cancer patients, either. Patients nationwide are choosing to forgo their doctor’s orders because they cannot afford their medications. A Harvard study found that at least 6 percent of privately insured, 10 percent of Medicaid-insured, and 14 percent of uninsured adults do not take their medication to avoid financial stress.

As politicians debate about how to make prescription drugs more affordable, I think we first need to take a step back and explore how pharmaceuticals got so expensive.

In the pharmaceutical industry, the distribution and pricing of drugs is complicated, and there are many different transactions along a pill’s journey from manufacturer to patient. In short, the drug distribution cycle begins with a pharmaceutical manufacturer (Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson), which produces a drug. Next, the drug is sold to a wholesaler (Cardinal Health, Amerisource Bergen) and distributed to pharmacies (CVS, Walgreens, etc.). Finally, the pharmacies dispense the drug to patients.

Drug products are subject to a series of price markup, rebate, and discount agreements throughout the transactions.

Some of these agreements, such as original list pricing and wholesale costs, are calculated according to industry standards. Some, however, are negotiated in private between manufacturers and third-party pharmacy benefit managers. The private pricing agreements, more than the others, have a hand in driving pharmaceutical costs up.

The popular thought is that making drug prices transparent would force the pharmaceutical industry to set fair prices and work on behalf of the public. Many in the industry, as well as economists, have said that total transparency would not necessarily result in lower costs for consumers. For one, the original list price of a drug is often not the price consumers pay, so publicizing it may have little effect for them. Secondly, transparent pricing could allow larger players to price their competition out of the market. Some argue that this could drive prices up even more in the long run. Setting concrete standards for private pricing negotiations between manufacturers and pharmacy benefit managers would perhaps be more effective than simply publicizing drug list prices. This could lead to more accountability, transparency, and balancing of power in one of the most profitable markets in the country.

Despite systemic challenges, there are ways for the individual consumer to mitigate high pharmaceutical costs. For starters, research your medications to see if there are lower-cost options available. GoodRx is a free website that compares prices for brand name and generic medications at pharmacies near you and provides other cost-saving opportunities like coupons. You can also ask your physician to help you save money on prescriptions whenever possible. If you are already aware of generic options, this can be a quick conversation. Ultimately, the informed patient has an advantage over the uninformed. Understanding drug cost origins, your benefits, and your doctor’s recommended treatment plan can help you make the best of an imperfect situation.

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Real Estate

REAL ESTATE WEEKLY – The week’s most significant real estate news → biztimes.com/subscribe

ALLEN OLSEN

The Kings & Convicts brewery is being built along with a new high-end hotel in Pleasant Prairie.

Racine, Kenosha counties see growing need for hotel rooms

THE AREA ALONG I-94 in Racine and Kenosha counties is booming with new development as more companies locate and expand there. Hospitality and tourism experts say this development activity has created a need for more hotel rooms.

BizTimes Milwaukee examined hotel market data for the two counties, specifically focusing on the I-94 corridor eastward to Lake Michigan. The data, provided by Hendersonville, Tennessee-based STR Inc., showed that hotel rooms added in this area over the past several years were quickly absorbed, indicating the demand for rooms is there.

According to the STR data for 2019, the hotel occupancy rate through July was 57.6%, one percentage point below the occupancy rate for the same period last year but within the range of 52.660.3% reaching back to 2013. Over that same period, five hotels have come online, four of which were added in 2018 and 2019.

Greg Hanis, hotel industry analyst and president of New Berlin-based Hospitality Marketers International Inc., said hotel guest demand growth in the Racine County and Kenosha County area has exceeded the pace of hotel development. Hotel room supply in the area has increased about 3.2% per year while demand has increased about 5.4% annually.

“Which is really good, because what that’s indicating is the new hotels are bringing new demand

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An affiliate of Brookfield-based Milwaukee Electric Tool Corp. in August bought a 52,000-square-foot office building in Menomonee Falls’ Woodland Prime office park from Kohl’s Corp.

A Milwaukee Tool spokesperson said the company was still determining what operations will be moved into the vacant building. The rapidly expanding tool maker is in need of space even as it moves forward with a 114,500-square-foot expansion of its Brookfield headquarters. Milwaukee Tool president Steve Richman hinted at a Milwaukee 7 conference earlier this year that the company would need to expand its campus even further.

Kohl’s had originally planned to move into the office park as part of expansion plans for its Menomonee Falls headquarters. The company instead opted to acquire and renovate existing buildings near its campus on Ridgewood Drive.

WHO REALLY OWNS IT?

to the area,” he said. “That’s a real positive thing; even though the occupancy has stayed relatively flat, the demand has gone up.”

Hanis calculated an absorption rate of 7.1 months for the new hotels in the Racine County and Kenosha County area. He said that absorption rate is more than satisfactory to many hotel developers.

“Most developers like to see it under three years and, in fact, they like to see it around two years just to be on the safe side for absorbing the new rooms,” Hanis said.

Meanwhile, the average room rate in the area has grown from around $80 during the first seven months of 2013 to about $96.50 in 2019. Hanis said the data reveals a 4.1% growth rate per year on average, which is above the rate of inflation.

Dennis DuChene, president of the Kenosha Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, noted the county has seen the number of hotel rooms increase by roughly 200, to around 1,200, over roughly the past year. He said while average daily room rates haven’t yet caught up to the increase, the rooms are certainly being used.

“As the rooms … come online, we’re filling these rooms,” he said.

“It’s driving the rates down a little bit, but I think over time things will even out.”

He said increased demand is coming from the growing number of area events as well as businesses moving operations across the Illinois state line.

Dave Blank, president and chief executive officer of Real Racine, the Racine County convention and visitors bureau, said the hotel market reports he reviews regularly show occupancy has remained the same even as room numbers have gone up with the addition of new hotels. He said this indicates the county could take on even more hotel supply.

Taiwanese electronics manufacturer Foxconn Technology Group is among a number of major companies starting up new operations in the area. So far, hoteliers say Foxconn and other new companies have not

been the drivers of hotel room demand growth in Racine County, but rather the workers who are putting up the new buildings and reconstructing the roads, Blank said. Major ongoing road projects include the expansion of I-94 south of Milwaukee County.

Heather Wessling Grosz, vice president of economic development at the Kenosha Area Business Alliance, also said extended-stay hotels are seeing demand from construction workers and other business travelers.

KABA invested in the 80-room Stella Hotel & Ballroom, which opened recently in downtown Kenosha. Wessling Grosz said the hotel, particularly the event space, meets space needs for weddings and corporate events.

“It’s just a regular and constant increase in the demand for hotels because it’s a growing market,” she said.

Construction in late August officially commenced on a development that includes a 124-room hotel and a brewery along I-94 in Pleasant Prairie. M. Brad Slavin, a consultant on the project, said construction of the new Kings & Convicts Brewing Co. brewery has started first, with the hotel to follow.

Slavin said the site of the hotel and brewery is “an optimal location” due to its proximity to new facilities being built for companies such as Foxconn and German candy maker Haribo of America. n

TURNER HALL Constructed in 1882, Turner Hall was founded by the Milwaukee Turners as an athletic club facility. Today, it serves as a venue for live entertainment and weddings in the ballroom, food and hospitality in its tavern and a rock-climbing gym.

A national historic landmark, Turner Hall is located near the one-year-old Fiserv Forum and related entertainment block. Altogether, this area of downtown offers entertainment experiences in buildings both old and new.

This summer, new signage was installed on the historic building, including a 22-foot blade sign for Turner Hall, a sign for the Tavern at Turner and another for the Turners Climbing Gym. ADDRESS: 1034 N. Vel R. Phillips Ave. OWNER: Milwaukee Turners ASSESSED: $747,900

ALEX ZANK Reporter

P / 414-336-7116 E / alex.zank@biztimes.com T / @AlexZank

biztimes.com / 19

STORY COVER

D W O R C A el N

I r lev e T h t o U n a O to s t i G b i h N x DI ow e

N A T S

20 / BizTimes Milwaukee SEPTEMBER 16, 2019

e d a r t s e ak Derse t

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writer S, staff A M O HUR TH

BY ART

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here was a time when most of the fans heading to a baseball game in Milwaukee might have known the Derse Inc. company name.

After all, Derse was responsible for billboards all over town and painted signs on taverns for the likes of Miller, Pabst and Schiltz.

Today, however, nearly all of Derse’s business is outside of Wisconsin. The thousands of fans who drive past the company’s headquarters at West Canal Street and Selig Drive on their way into the Miller Park parking lots are likely unaware that Derse is one of the largest designers and builders of trade show exhibits in the country.

“Milwaukee’s not a hot trade show city for many reasons, but it’s been an ideal place for our headquarters to be because the workforce here is hardworking and grounded, down-to-earth people,” said Brett Haney, chief executive officer of Derse.

The company got its start in 1948 as a sign painting business operated from the Milwaukee garage of founder Jim Derse’s mother. Over the years, Derse moved into making billboards and exterior signage before eventually starting to build trade show exhibits. When Bill Haney, Brett’s father and company chairman, and his business partner Bill McNamara, currently Derse’s vice chairman, bought the company’s trade show business from the Derse family in 1989, annual revenue was around $8 million.

This year, the company expects to bring in around $170 million in revenue. It was named one of the winners of the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce’s Council of Small Business Executives Future 50 Awards. The company has been named to the Deloitte Wisconsin 75 list of the state’s largest privately and closely held companies.

Its workforce has grown to more than 500, including around 130 in the Milwaukee area. Derse also has divisions located in Chicago, Pittsburgh, Atlanta, Dallas and Las Vegas and is evaluating how to accommodate more growth in the future.

“We’ve got some real estate constraints right now because our warehouses, not just in Milwaukee but around the country, are pretty full,” Haney said. “That’s a good thing, but we’re right now looking at our long-term needs to grow and add space in some of the divisions.”

Haney, who took over from his father as CEO at the beginning of the year, said Derse saw strong growth from 2010 through 2015. Sales growth was a little bit stagnant in 2016 and 2017, but the company has returned to growth over the past two years.

“There were some things strategically that I think we missed that caused that,” Haney said.

“Often times in a business the size of ours, you

might make a decision this year and the end result of that decision doesn’t really play out in the sales numbers until three years later.”

CEO transition Haney’s future wasn’t always expected to be at Derse. He joined the company in 2013. After graduating from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, he started his career in real estate development, first at then Brookfield-based NAI MLG Commercial and later as a principal at Brookfield-based HSI Development Partners.

“There was a calling,” said Haney, who grew up around the business. “I loved real estate, I loved what I was doing, but in the back of my mind, the opportunity to come back and maybe lead the company one day was appealing, working alongside my dad was an appealing thing.”

Haney’s transition to CEO was part of a multiyear succession planning process and Derse expects to name a new president to fill Haney’s former role in the near future. The company has also created an executive committee to help transition leadership of the company as the elder Haney and McNamara move closer to retirement.

“It’s a critical thing to think about many years in advance,” Haney said. “We also don’t just think about succession planning for the CEO position, that’s something that’s top of mind for many of our key management spots around the country.”

Haney acknowledged there have been pros and cons to having spent time away from the business.

“It would have been helpful had I had more experience in a few of the entry-level positions here like a project manager or even in sales,” he said.

At the same time, Haney said his real estate career gave him great experience in understanding finance and risk.

“I saw this huge real estate expansion where you couldn’t lose and everyone was making money and times were good,” Haney said. “Then in ’09 I saw the collapse and the devastation. That left a mark on me from a risk-taking perspective that will last forever.”

Derse’s growth has generally benefited from a strong economy, making it easier to compete in an environment where marketers increasingly look to digital options.

“Luckily, when the economy is good marketing budgets are pretty flush,” Haney said. “It’s been a good run for 10 years, but when recessions hit, and there will be another recession coming up, marketing budgets definitely get slashed and it’s more competitive for spend.”

Even with some turbulence in the economy and trade tensions increasing globally, Haney said he still is expecting strong growth for the company in 2020. biztimes.com / 21

STORY COVER

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Competing for attention Despite the growth of technology and digital options, Haney said he is also optimistic about the company’s future in face-to-face marketing. He pointed out Derse’s customers are usually working on multimillion dollar orders with their clients, creating a need for both parties to build a relationship and get comfortable with each other.

“Being face-to-face I think creates trust in relationships and as long as humans have that need to interact with each other, I think that will be good for us,” he said.

Derse’s bread and butter is in building exhibits and booths for customers to use at trade shows, but the company also provides services for events off the show floor and for the permanent environment at a customer’s facility. Customer exhibits are also stored in Derse warehouses and Sho-Link, a co-op business that Derse owns with several other exhibit houses, provides services at the actual trade show or convention.

Haney said Derse’s relationship with customers also extends beyond simply building the trade show exhibit. It starts with understanding what a customer is trying to achieve at a show and extends to helping execute on new leads after the show is over. It also includes studying the market to make sure a customer is going to the right trade shows.

“Oftentimes clients will come to us and say ‘We want to go to XYZ trade show’ and we ask ‘Why do you want to go to that?’” Haney said.

“And the response is either ‘We’ve always done it’ or ‘Our competitors go there’ or ‘We think we 22 / BizTimes Milwaukee SEPTEMBER 16, 2019

should go.’ When you’re making a big investment in a trade show for the spend, it needs to be better than that.”

Bill Hanes, vice president of marketing and strategy for Lesaffre Yeast Corp., said Derse does a good job of helping his company understand what it is trying to achieve. Lasaffre makes the Red Star brand of yeast and has its U.S. headquarters in Milwaukee. The parent company is based in France.

“We just created a new booth. We had several meetings around our concept, our vision and they really helped us flesh out our vision for what we wanted our booth to represent and the messaging we wanted,” Hanes said, adding Derse also provided good digital tools to understand how well the booth performed after a show.

Badger Meter’s trade show booth, created by Derse.

Deb Balderas, events manager at Brown Deer-based Badger Meter Inc., said her company switched to Derse at the start of the year because it could incorporate more technology into a new booth design.

Badger Meter was redesigning its booth for its top trade show, one where it is typically a top sponsor. All of the company’s executives and sales and marketing teams attend the event.

“It’s like picking up our corporate headquarters in Brown Deer and putting it in whatever city the show is at,” Balderas said.

The design process started with a sales, marketing and events team from Badger Meter meeting with Derse. Balderas said Derse helped the brainstorming process by going through a variety of designs beyond booths, including buildings and interiors. The Badger Meter team identified what they liked and Derse used that information to develop two concepts.

“It was really a cool experience as an

event and trade show manager,” Balderas said.

Ultimately, Badger Meter decided to combine the two concepts while also asking Derse to build a booth that could expand from 20-by-40-feet this year to a 40-by-40-foot design next year.

“They’ve been right alongside us just going with what we’re looking for,” Balderas said. “Their style is very similar to ours, it’s very collaborative, they have a whole team of people we’re working with.”

Balderas and Hanes both said face-to-face marketing and trade shows are still a key part of how their companies interact with customers, even as digital offerings continue to grow.

Hanes noted that many Lesaffre customers are bakers and a personal interaction helps build trust in the product.

“It’s more of an older, old school kind of industry, so it’s slowly changing to digital, but slowly is the key word in that statement. It’s going to take a while,” Hanes said.

Balderas said trade shows offer an opportunity to meet with hundreds of prospective customers in a few days instead of over the course of months or years.

The challenge is that other exhibitors and competitors are also vying for the attention of trade show attendees.

“It’s vital for us to make that space as open, as warm, as welcoming and also useable by our sales team and our marketing team to be able to do what they need to do away from our corporate office,” Balderas said.

She said the average visit to a booth is often around just 90 seconds.

“You’ve got to be able to bring them in, get the right people in front of them, provide them with an experience they can walk away with and remember in a period of 90 seconds,” Balderas said. “It’s a unique kind of marketing, but it’s fun.”

Adding value for customers Derse’s designing of exhibits also goes beyond the architecture of a booth to consider other experiential elements.

“What are the smells? What are the sounds?

Basically everything outside of the architecture, what can we create to provide a better experience for their clients,” Haney said.

He pointed to one example in which Derse built a bus ride within a booth for a pharmaceutical client that simulated living with schizophrenia.

“Doctors were lined up for hours to have this experience at that booth,” Haney said.

Adding value through design, developing strategy before or after a show, or just understanding the return on investment helps Derse build a more consultative relationship with customers, Haney said. That relationship is important for the inevitable next economic downturn.

“When recessions do hit, we’ll have clients come to us and say ‘We need to basically accomplish the same things next year, but we’re going to have 25% less budget to do that,’” Haney said. “The only way to do that and perform for your clients is to be able to think outside the box and be consulta-

Derse also provides services for events off the show floor.

tive, so that’s a strength of ours.”

Haney said the company has also remained profitable every year, even during recessions, something he credited to a more conservative fiscal approach. His father is an accountant and Haney has a finance degree from UW-Madison.

“There’s a lot of businesses in our specific industry that are led by sales-minded people,” Haney said. “We think through what we do from a financial perspective, versus just what the hot thing sales-wise is at the moment.”

He also credited the company’s process and

procedure for helping keep operations stable. In a competitive market, Haney said he expects cost to become an even more important factor moving forward.

“Twenty years ago when we would meet with a client, oftentimes the decision-maker at that client would be someone in the marketing department because with what we do, everything is custom and unique and usually has a creative component,” Haney said.

Over time, the procurement departments of many companies have become more involved in biztimes.com / 23

picking a firm to work with for trade show exhibits.

“What does procurement do?” Haney said.

“They beat down the cost as low as they can get. I think companies in our space long-term that don’t have scale like we do, the mom-and-pop type players, will find it harder to compete than ever before.”

He also said that as a private company – the Haney family holds the majority of shares – Derse has an advantage over its competitors that are part of publicly-traded companies.

“The pressures on publicly-held businesses to make the number next quarter sometimes offset some of the long-term thinking that needs to happen,” Haney said. “We’re all in for 25, 30 years … my long-term vision for the company is that we have facilities like this in Europe and Asia as well.”

Derse already does some business internationally, but Haney’s vision would have the company building and servicing exhibits from overseas facilities. He noted that those markets have a number of differences from the U.S., where trade unions are heavily involved at many convention halls.

In Europe, Germany has traditionally been the heart of the trade show world and many of the largest convention spaces are located there. Millions of square feet of convention hall space are currently under construction in China, a market Haney described as like the “wild west.”

“Stats like that to me also give confidence to the future of our business,” he said of the new convention space in China. n

STORY COVER

Derse also helps clients create permanent displays in their offices.

A panel of prominent real estate professionals will discuss the opportunities for economic growth in metro Milwaukee, as well as the significant challenges facing the region and how it will all impact the commercial real estate development in the area.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2019 7:00am - 7:30am - Registration & Networking 7:30am - 9:30am - Program

MILWAUKEE HAS ARRIVED… NOW WHAT? Several significant commercial real estate developments and events have occurred, or will occur soon, in our region in recent years (the DNC in Milwaukee, major golf championships, Fiserv Forum, Foxconn, Northwestern Mutual Tower & Commons, Komatsu’s new headquarters in the Harbor District, Michels Corp.’s R1VER project in Bay View, the new Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra performance center…and many others).

These developments and events are bringing new excitement and attention to Milwaukee. But now what? How will the Milwaukee area capitalize on all of this activity, and what impact will it all have on the region’s commercial real estate market moving forward?

PANELISTS: Kalan R. Haywood, Sr., President, Haywood Group, LLC (1) Juli Kaufman, President, Fix Development (2) Steve Palec, Chief Marketing Officer, Irgens (3) Blair Williams, President, WiRED (4)

MODERATOR:

Andy Hunt, Director, Marquette University Center for Real Estate

Register now: biztimes.com/creconference Sponsors:

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Special Report ENTREPRENEURSHIP & FAMILY BUSINESS

Family members involved with Perlick Corp. operations include (from top left) Robert Perlick-Molinari, David Perlick-Molinari, Mark Bergum, Theodore Perlick Molinari, Laurie Navarro, Larry Molinari, Gail Perlick, Pam Bergum and Steve Bergum.

Some family businesses draw insight from outside advice

BY ALEX ZANK, staff writer LARRY MOLINARI has this to say about family-owned Perlick Corp.’s board of advisors: “I wish we would have started it much sooner.”

Molinari is chairman of the board and former co-chief executive officer of the 102-year-old, Milwaukee-based manufacturer of commercial bar and beverage systems, residential undercounter refrigeration and brewery fittings.

The company has an advisory board that consists of four family members and three independent, non-family members. The four family members vote on any motions brought before the board but receive guidance and insight from the others.

Companies like Perlick that opt to have a formal board of advisors are likely in the minority, according to experts.

David Borst, retired dean of business at Concordia University and chief operating officer of the Family Business Legacy Institute, estimates

less than half of family businesses choose to have a board.

“A board of advisors is a rarity,” he said.

Rand McNally, principal at Mequon-based consultant McNally Ltd., said, based on research his firm did a couple years ago, roughly one-third of private companies have boards that function adequately, another third have boards that do not function, and the remaining third don’t have a board at all. He cautioned that the research was not statistically valid but likely “better than anything else that is out there.”

McNally’s firm helps private, family-held companies search for board members and evaluate existing boards.

Borst said the need for outside opinions is clear in many family businesses, as outsiders aren’t worried about pleasing the boss.

“There is a tremendous amount of homogene-

ity when you’re dealing with only your family,” Borst said. “You need the perspective of others.”

He said one option is to simply hire someone to provide the specific guidance a company is seeking.

“If you need to have an outside perspective of an attorney, accountant or financial advisor, you hire them and they advise you professionally,” Borst said.

When filling seats on actual boards, Molinari said family-run companies should seek out experts who also understand the intricacies of a family business, as they operate very differently than those that are publicly owned.

“When you look for board members, you want people in a family business,” he said. “You also want skills that the CEO and chairman need in evaluating their business, and not only evaluating, but ideas to move forward and grow the business.” biztimes.com / 25

REDEFINED • RECHARGED • RETOOLED

OCTOBER 8–10, 2019

Exposition Center at Wisconsin State Fair Park • Milwaukee, WI

ADVANCING IDEAS FOR FUTURE MANUFACTURING A tradition since 1989! The 16th biennial WIMTS is where you will make connections with new technological advancements, potential new employees and new, resourceful suppliers and business partners.

HIGHLIGHT EVENTS Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce Foundation Business & Industry Luncheon - Featuring Jay Timmons, President & CEO of the National Association of Manufacturers. Also “The Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin” contest winner will be revealed.

BizTimesMedia Next Generation Manufacturing Summit Featuring a panel of CEOs from prominent local manufacturing organizations who will share their insights and best strategies on how to grow the region’s manufacturing industry.

Keynote Addresses: “Industry 4.0: Four IoT Technology Trends that will Impact Small to Midsized Manufacturers” - Kent Lorenz, Presenter “Disrupt or be Disrupted; Imperatives for Manufacturers in the Age of Disruption” - Todd McLees, Presenter

Wisconsin’s Largest Manufacturing Event

225+ EXHIBITORS REGISTER TODAY

FREE Admission Online: www.WIMTS.com Questions? Contact Cheryl Luck at 262-367-5500 or Cheryl@EpiShows.com 26 / BizTimes Milwaukee SEPTEMBER 16, 2019

He pointed out his father-in-law and third-generation owner, Robert Perlick, did not have a board of advisors. Later, around the time Molinari and co-CEO Steve Bergum were looking to retire, they established a board that consisted of themselves plus some consultants.

One of the consultants eventually suggested it would be better if they looked for more independent voices to serve on the board. Once Perlick hired a new CEO, they leaned on him to suggest prospective board members.

However, that didn’t work out for the best. Learning from Perlick’s mistakes, Molinari said it would have been better to do a wider search, to have hired an agency to assist them, and to have selected advisors who specifically had experience in family businesses.

Once their CEO retired, an employment agency was brought on to find both a new chief executive and new advisors. The agency gave them a list of candidates that would fit their needs. Coincidentally, they found their new CEO, Dick Palmersheim, during the process of finding new board members.

Using manufacturing companies as an example, McNally recommends a few specific perspectives to make up an advisory group: someone with financial skills; someone who understands sales and marketing; an operational expert, specifically in modern manufacturing practices; and a socalled “technologist,” someone who understands technology in the field.

McNally added that most board members should have experience as a C-suite leader, such as a CEO, a CFO or chief marketing officer.

The prominence of the technologist role is one that has

dramatically increased in the past five years or so, he said.

“Everything is being driven with new technology, whether it’s artificial intelligence, (or) it’s your digital marketing from your website,” McNally said.

The field of digital marketing is “the hottest category around,” he said.

McNally noted there are seven digital marketing experts in Wisconsin that his firm has identified as good candidates to serve on boards. Three of those he has gotten on boards, and the rest are soon to follow.

Borst said it is also crucial to find people who are tied to the mission of the company or organization. Borst is a board member of two Milwaukee schools: The Institute of Technology and Academics and the Edessa School of Fashion. He and other board members who volunteer their time do so because they believe in the mission of the organizations but also have expertise that can contribute to their success, he said.

“Lots of people want to give money to causes but when it comes to putting in time and other resources into causes, they’re not always as willing,” Borst said. n One of the refrigerators manufactured by Perlick Corp.

Presenting Sponsor

MMAC/COSBE’s

AWARDS LUNCHEON

THE FUTURE 50 PROGRAM WAS CREATED BY MMAC’S COUNCIL OF SMALL BUSINESS EXECUTIVES TO RECOGNIZE TOP LOCAL FIRMS THAT ARE GROWING IN REVENUE AND EMPLOYMENT. 360 DEGREES

GENEVA SUPPLY

ROCKET CLICKS

ADVENT

GOOD CITY BREWING LLC

SCAS MANAGEMENT GROUP LLC

ACCUTRANS GROUP ALL OCCASIONS CATERING/BUBBS BBQ

GLENN RIEDER, INC.

AMERICAN CONSTRUCTION SERVICES, INC. AMI INFORMATION SYSTEMS ARROW SEWING CABINETS

GREENFIELD REHABILITATION AGENCY, INC. HERITAGE SENIOR LIVING LLC INCHECK, INC.

SANBORN TUBE SALES OF WI, INC. SPECTRUM INVESTMENT ADVISORS SPIKE BREWING EQUIPMENT SRH

BRUNCH

INTERSTATE ROOF SYSTEMS CONSULTANTS, INC.

CLEARY GULL, INC.

KOWAL INVESTMENT GROUP LLC

THE AMERICAN DEPOSIT MANAGEMENT CO.

CUSTOM WIRE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

MAGELLAN PROMOTIONS

TITUS TALENT STRATEGIES

DIVERSIFIED DESIGN AND MANUFACTURING, INC.

MOORE CONSTRUCTION SERVICES

EQUIPS

PRICE ERECTING COMPANY

CENTRAL STANDARD CRAFT DISTILLERY

JAMES IMAGING SYSTEMS

CURRENT ELECTRIC COMPANY

LEMBERG

DERSĒ

MINDFUL STAFFING SOLUTIONS LLC

ENVIRO-SAFE RESOURCE RECOVERY FARETEMPS

PARTSBADGER LLC

PLASTI-COIL / TRI-TEC

RENT COLLEGE PADS, INC.

Gold Sponsors

TALL GUY AND A GRILL CATERING TESCHGLOBAL

THE CABINETREE OF WI, INC. TUNA TRAFFIC LLC

VJS CONSTRUCTION SERVICES VULCAN GMS

WAREHOUSE-LIGHTING COM LLC

WENTHE-DAVIDSON ENGINEERING CO.

Media Partner

The Future 50 Awards Program is a service of the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce (MMAC) and its Council of Small Business Executives (COSBE). biztimes.com / 27

MMAC/COSBE’s

Future 50 companies build the Milwaukee economy Take a close look at the 2019 class of Future 50 companies, and it’s not hard to see how important they are, collectively, to the metro Milwaukee economy.

These firms are building Milwaukee and building in Milwaukee. Of the 50, 12 are manufacturers (carrying on Milwaukee’s traditional economic backbone) and 10 are in construction, in a region that has no shortage of construction projects. There are also 8 business/professional services firms and 6 information technology firms in the group.

county Milwaukee region that have been rapidly growing. To qualify for the award, a company must be headquartered in the region; be independently owned; have been in business for at least three years; and demonstrate strong growth in revenue and employment. There is no age limit for the companies, since companies can innovate and reinvent themselves at any time.

A company can receive the Future 50 award up to three times.

Together, these 50 companies have 3,291 employees and expect total revenue of more than $1.1 billion in 2019. That revenue total is 22% higher than the 2018 revenues of last year’s Future 50 class.

The Future 50 winners will receive their awards at a luncheon program on Friday, Sept. 20, at the Italian Community Center in Milwaukee’s Historic Third Ward. For more information or to register, visit biztimes. com/future50.

The annual Future 50 program recognizes companies in the seven-

BizTimes Milwaukee is the media sponsor of the Future 50 program.

On behalf of everyone at the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce, I want to congratulate all of the companies that were honored as recipients of the 2019 Future 50 awards. As the Milwaukee Region’s economy continues to thrive, these 50 businesses stand as examples of how smart and innovative approaches can drive growth across a wide variety of industries.

Since 1988, the Future 50 awards have recognized the fastest-growing companies in our region. As part of the application process, companies must submit financial data that is then verified and analyzed, resulting in an objective approach to determining which companies are worthy of Future 50 recognition.

This year’s list of winning companies shows us that the Milwaukee Region continues to grow in our traditional areas of strength especially our manufacturers, who claimed 12 of the 50 spots. But our region’s economy isn’t defined solely by a few industries. From business and professional services to construction, information technology, finance, health services, hospitality and others, there is a broad range of industries represented on our list of winners. This shows us that our economy continues to diversify.

And while many of the companies on this list are relatively young, we also have several winners who have been in the game for a while.

With the right approach, a company can enter a growth phase at any time.

Finally, I want to speak directly to our region’s aspiring entrepreneurs: I hope you find inspiration somewhere in this list. If these companies can experience success, so can you.

TIM SHEEHY

President, Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce 28 / BizTimes Milwaukee SEPTEMBER 16, 2019

Congratulations to all the honorees, including these Park Bank customers: Arrow Sewing Cabinets | Custom Wire Technologies, Inc Glenn Rieder, Inc | Plasti-Coil / Tri-Tec | Rocket Clicks | SRH

MMAC/COSBE’s

Presenting Sponsor

It is an honor to participate in our 21st year as the presenting sponsor of the MMAC/COSBE Future 50 program. As the banking partner for six of this year’s winners, we see firsthand the passion, vision and work ethic you bring to your company and community every day. Likewise, we are passionate about supporting businesses and their leaders by providing a relationship-banking approach that starts with a common goal – your success. If your plans call for a banking partner who works hard alongside you, we would love to hear from you. We have the desire and expertise to provide practical and timely solutions so your business grows in the good times and withstands the challenging times.

Congratulations to all the honorees of 2019. Our community is stronger because of your commitment and success. Enjoy the recognition. You have truly reached a memorable milestone.

DAVE WERNER

President & CEO, Park Bank

Table of contents: 360 Degrees. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 AccuTrans Group. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 ADVENT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 All Occasions Catering/Bubbs BBQ. . . . . . . . . 38 American Construction Services, Inc. . . . . . . . 38 AMI Information Systems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Arrow Sewing Cabinets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Brunch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Central Standard Craft Distillery . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Cleary Gull, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Current Electric Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Custom Wire Technologies, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Dersē . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Diversified Design and Manufacturing, Inc.. . 45 Enviro-Safe Resource Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Equips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 FareTemps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Geneva Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Glenn Rieder, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

30 / BizTimes Milwaukee SEPTEMBER 16, 2019

Media Sponsor

BizTimes Media is proud to support the 2019 Future 50 program. It’s one of the many ways in which BizTimes encourages business growth in southeastern Wisconsin, including through our award-winning news coverage, our in-depth industry analysis and our value-added events throughout the year.

Mid-sized companies are vital to the Milwaukee-area economy. And these high-growth companies have vital knowledge to share. So, it’s no surprise that many of the winners of this year’s program are businesses and executives we write about frequently in the pages of our magazine, BizTimes Milwaukee, and on our website, bizimes.com.

Check out the cover story for this issue of BizTimes Milwaukee on Derse, one of the Future 50 award winners for 2019.

Thank you all for letting us share your success stories, and please reach out when you have more news to share.

Also, thank you to the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and to our sponsors for spotlighting the important work these innovative companies are doing in our region.

DAN MEYER

Publisher and owner, BizTimes Media

Good City Brewing LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Greenfield Rehabilitation Agency, Inc. . . . . . . 51 Heritage Senior Living LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 InCheck, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Interstate Roof Systems Consultants, Inc. . . 52 James Imaging Systems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Kowal Investment Group LLC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 Lemberg. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 Magellan Promotions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 Mindful Staffing Solutions LLC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 Moore Construction Services. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 PartsBadger LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 Plasti-Coil / Tri-Tec . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 Price Erecting Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 Rent College Pads, Inc.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 Rocket Clicks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 Sanborn Tube Sales of WI, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 Scas Management Group LLC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 Spectrum Investment Advisors . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

Spike Brewing Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 SRH. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 Tall Guy and a Grill Catering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65 TESCHGlobal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 The American Deposit Management Co. . . . 67 The Cabinetree of WI, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67 Titus Talent Strategies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68 Tuna Traffic LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69 VJS Construction Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70 Vulcan GMS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 Warehouse-Lighting COM LLC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 Wenthe-Davidson Engineering Co. . . . . . . . . . 72 Profiles compiled by: Marla Hiller Photos: Lila Aryan Photography, John O’Hara Photography, White Dog Photography - Paul Gaertner and contributed photos.

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1 Anthem internal data, 2016.

2 Anthem enterprise results based on 2014 clinical and cost-of-care programs for commercial business.

3 Anthem internal data, 2017.

4 Anthem, Productivity Solutions Quantifying Value Study, 2015.

5 Aon, 2016 Aon Health Care Survey, Overview of Key Findings: http://go.aon.com/health-cb-2016-aon-health-care-survey.

Life and Disability products underwritten by Anthem Life Insurance Company. Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is the trade name of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wisconsin (BCBSWI), which underwrites or administers the PPO and indemnity policies; Compcare Health Services Insurance Corporation (Compcare), which underwrites or administers the HMO policies; and Wisconsin Collaborative Insurance Company (WCIC). BCBSWI underwrites or administers PPO and indemnity policies and underwrites the out of network benefits in POS policies offered by Compcare or WCIC; Compcare underwrites or administers HMO or POS policies; WCIC underwrites or administers Well Priority HMO or POS policies. Independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Anthem is a registered trademark of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc. 111275WIEENABS 7/19

MMAC/COSBE’s

Gold Sponsors

WISCONSIN COLLABORATIVE INSURANCE COMPANY (WCIC)

WCIC is a joint venture between Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and Aurora Health Care. Bringing to the market Well PrioritySM a product that connects Anthem and Aurora –resulting in the next generation of health care. Unlike other health care products Well PrioritySM takes a more personal, in-depth, proactive approach to help members stay healthy and actively engaged in their care. This high-touch, enhanced process brings a new, efficient way of bringing health care to consumers at a lower cost. Well PrioritySM uses Anthem’s Blue Priority network, which offers your employees access to quality care covering 69 counties and 90% of Wisconsin’s population. To learn more visit wellpriority.com WCIC IS PROUD TO SPONSOR THE FUTURE 50 PROGRAM. WE HONOR THE LEADERS WHO CONTRIBUTE SO MUCH TO THE GROWTH OF OUR COMMUNITY.

At Reinhart, we recognize the challenges and opportunities that face growing companies and organizations. From start-up and capitalization to market leadership and succession planning, we help our clients navigate regulation, secure intellectual property, expand facilities, build capacity and accelerate growth – all while developing lasting relationships. By deeply understanding the distinct attributes of each business, our attorneys deliver a combination of legal advice, business acumen and superior service perfectly matched to each client’s unique situation.

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL FUTURE 50 AWARD WINNERS. WE LOOK FORWARD TO WORKING WITH YOU AS WE BUILD A GREAT FUTURE TOGETHER.

Kowal Investment Group is proud to be a Master Mettle winner and a sponsor of the 2019 Future 50 Awards.

Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA and SIPC. Investment Advisory Services offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. Kowal Investment Group, LLC is not a registered broker/dealer, and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services.

W238N1660 BUSSE RD., SUITE 100 | WAUKESHA, WI 262-522-4040 | WWW.THEKOWALWAY.COM

C PA s

As a full-service, business-oriented law firm with a long history of supporting the aspirations and achievements of growing companies, Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren is pleased to co-sponsor the MMAC/COSBE Future 50 Awards Program. We salute this year’s winning entrepreneurs, business leaders and job creators for the critical role they play in the economic vitality of Milwaukee – including several winners we are proud to call clients.

Kowal Investment Group is a family-owned financial advisory organization with experience in working closely with business owners, retired individuals and those nearing retirement to provide a conservative and sensitive approach to retirement planning. For 30 years, we’ve acted under a fiduciary standard of care to help our clients retire well. Our experienced financial advisors are uniquely qualified to help individuals with at least $750,000 in retirement assets accumulate and manage wealth while preserving existing assets throughout their retirement.

a n d

B u s i n e s s

A d v i s o r s

Congrats to all 2019 Future 50 recipients!

We are proud to be associated with The Cabinetree of WI, Inc.

Congratulations, Future 50 winners! Thank you for providing valuable learning and career opportunities for our students and graduates.

Realizing a vision takes hard work, luck, and sound financial practices. Sitzberger & Company works with emerging companies and young leaders to chart their financial course in the short and long-term.

UW-Parkside was founded by the community for the community and has made an extraordinary impact on lifelong learners throughout southeastern Wisconsin.

Sitzberger has grown alongside our clients into a regional public accounting firm offering prospective financials, audits, reviews, and navigating the complex world of start-up tax returns. We’ve learned that the better we know our clients – who they are, what they do, where they financially want to go – the better we can help them achieve their goals.

CONGRATS AGAIN TO ALL PAST AND PRESENT FUTURE 50 WINNERS!

The elements of the UW-Parkside 2025 Strategic Framework provide the university with clear direction as well as agility. We are “Future Focused” on the exciting opportunities ahead!

Throughout our history, business partners have turned to UW-Parkside to help solve key challenges. We will continue to prepare graduates with the knowledge, skills, and ethical responsibility to meet your future workforce needs.

I invite you to connect with UW-Parkside.

Together we’ll build even stronger partnerships to help sustain and grow our vibrant economy.

Congratulations, again, on your success and recognition as Future 50 Award winners.

DEBBIE FORD, CHANCELLOR

University of Wisconsin-Parkside 32 / BizTimes Milwaukee SEPTEMBER 16, 2019

Partnering For Growth

Reinhart salutes the 2019 Future 50 Award winners, including several we are proud to call clients.

As long-standing partners in Greater Milwaukee’s business success, our attorneys are dedicated to helping clients face important issues, execute sound strategies, and achieve business goals—all while building lasting relationships.

reinhartlaw.com · 414.298.1000 MILWAUKEE · MADISON · WAUKESHA · CHICAGO · ROCKFORD · MINNEAPOLIS · DENVER · PHOENIX

MMAC/COSBE’s

A statistical look at the 2019 Future 50 APPROXIMATE CURRENT EMPLOYMENT Leisure/ Hospitality

3

Finance/Real Estate/Insurance

1-9

Manufacturing

12

5

1

Information Technology

6

3

3

Business/ Professional Services

1

8

1

$1 - 2 million

9

$5 - 10 million $10 - 25 million $25 - 50 million

5

$50 + million

6

12 11

COMBINED TOTAL EMPLOYMENT 2016 2,352 Employees

13

4

35 - 49

200 +

7

3

COUNTY LOCATION

6

$2 - 5 million

100-199

20 - 34

Other

APPROXIMATE ANNUAL REVENUE RANGE $.75 - 1 million

3

9

10

2

75 - 99

15-19 Construction

Wholesale/ Retail Trade

7

10 - 14

MAJOR BUSINESS OF 2019 FUTURE 50

Health Services

50 - 74

4

2

3

22

17

Ozaukee

0

Walworth Washington/ Racine

Waukesha

Milwaukee

Kenosha

COMBINED TOTAL REVENUE

2017 2,741 Employees

2018 3,156 Employees

17%

2019 (Projected) 3,291 Employees

15%

2016 $609,923,730

4%

2017 $724,265,977

2018 $927,247,988

19%

Growth over previous year

28%

2019 (Projected) $1,131,271,533

22%

Increase over previous year

YEAR COMPANY WAS FOUNDED

YEARS HONORED AS A FUTURE 50 C0MPANY

Prior to 1986

1986 - 1991

1992 - 1997

1998 - 2003

15

4

1

5

34 / BizTimes Milwaukee SEPTEMBER 16, 2019

2004 - 2009

12

2010 - 2016

13

1st Time

32

2nd Time

6

3rd Time

12

HIGHER EDUCATION. HIGHER POTENTIAL.

GRADUATE PROGRAMS Graduate study at UW-Parkside offers world-class programs in a variety of formats giving you the necessary flexibility to fit academics into your busy life. Take a look at our graduate programs as you take the next valuable step to enhance your education and qualifications.

Applied Biotechnology (MS) Applied Professional Studies (MA) Business Administration (MBA) Biological Sciences (MS) Clinical Mental Health Counseling (MS) Computer and Information Systems (MS) Health and Wellness Management (MS) Healthcare Administration (MS) Information Technology Management (MS) Sport Management (MS) Sustainable Management (MS) NEW! Smart City Graduate Certificate

Designed for busy, working adults.

Learn more at uwp.edu/GRADUATE University of Wisconsin-Parkside is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges & Schools, and by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business-International (AACSB).

Be at Parkside.

MMAC/COSBE’s

360 Degrees LLC MILWAUKEE INDUSTRY: Design/Build FOUNDED: 2007 PROJECTED 2019 REVENUE: $3.8 million BUILDIT360.COM

Interior design and build firm 360 Degrees focuses on hospitality and high-end residential interior design. The company recently added six new employees to both its operations and production teams in response to its current growth.

360 Degrees has grown in all areas of the company, including personnel, capacity, production and vision. It attributes its growth to word of mouth from clients. However, this growth leads 360 Degrees to its biggest obstacle at the moment – maintaining high quality while growing quickly.

WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE The company plans to expand its finishing capabilities in the future and is also adding a 401(k) retirement contribution and other employee benefits in January 2020.

YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED?

“Do everything to the best of your abilities.”

– Ariel Schoeninger, office champion

360 Degrees is looking forward to accommodating the growing city of Milwaukee and all of the diverse design and build needs that come of the growth.

2ND-YEAR WINNER BRIAN POLSTER AND ROB BINTER, OWNERS

MMAC/COSBE’s

AccuTrans Group MILWAUKEE INDUSTRY: Chauffeured Transportation FOUNDED: 2008 PROJECTED 2019 REVENUE: $2.5 million ACCUTRANSGROUP.COM

AccuTrans Group provides chauffeured ground transportation. The company’s growth is measured through increased revenue and job creation. To encourage more growth, AccuTrans has added additional vehicle types to serve a variety of clients.

However, this growth has created new obstacles for AccuTrans. Previous systems and processes no longer work for their increase in employees and clients. In order to keep up with their advancement, AccuTrans needs to create new ways to sustain their systems and processes.

WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED?

“If you find someone that does something really well, it’s because they screwed it up a few dozen times.”

– Matthew Carroll, chief executive officer

MASTER METTLE WINNER LUCAS SCHUMACHER (LEFT FRONT), MARK SUMNER (LEFT REAR), NICK LAWRENCE (MIDDLE FRONT), MATT CARROLL (MIDDLE REAR), SCOTT SCHMOLLER (RIGHT SIDE REAR), PAUL FILAK (RIGHT SIDE FRONT)

36 / BizTimes Milwaukee SEPTEMBER 16, 2019

ADVENT INDUSTRY:

MMAC/COSBE’s

MILWAUKEE

Medical/Health care FOUNDED: 2004

ADVENTKNOWS.COM

Advent is a medical practice that treats nose, sinus, snoring and sleep apnea concerns. The company offers services such as The Breathing Triangle evaluation, in-office CT scans, at-home sleep studies and customized treatment plans.

Madan and Gwen Kandula, co-founders of Advent, explain that Advent’s growth “is determined by the number of patients (it) serve(s).” Between 2018 and 2019, Advent added three new locations and more than 65 new employees. However, its growth means that Advent needs to maintain its standard as it grows and WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE ensure that it delivers the same quality of YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED? care regardless of number of patients.

“‘The Obstacle is the Way’

by Ryan Holiday. It illustrates how stoicism is the task we need to do.”

– Madan and Gwen Kandula, co-founders of Advent

Looking forward, Advent has opportunities to continue growing. The Kandulas say that “(i)t’s not about being everything to everyone, rather providing specific solutions for those who have felt dismissed.”

1ST-YEAR WINNER MADAN AND GWEN KANDULA

OUR SUCCESS IS MEASURED BY YOURS

As a 2019 Future 50 Master Mettle winner, we’re proud to be recognized among Southeast Wisconsin’s fastestgrowing companies. Our success is measured by the success of our clients. For more than 30 years, our focus has been on helping our clients across Southeast Wisconsin achieve the retirement they’ve always dreamed of.

Kowal Investment Group – The Retirement Specialists – is a premier retirement planning firm that is uniquely qualified to help individuals and business owners with at least $750,000 in retirement assets RETIRE WELL. Visit thekowalway.com to learn more.

W238N1660 Busse Rd, Suite 100

I

Waukesha, WI 53188

I

P 262-522-4040

I

F 262-522-3787

Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA and SIPC. Investment Advisory Services offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. Kowal Investment Group, LLC is not a registered broker/dealer, and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services. Raymond James is not affiliated with MMAC or Park Bank. This ranking is not representative of client experience, is not an endorsement, and is not indicative of future performance.

Award winners must be independent companies at least 3 years old, headquartered in the greater Milwaukee area, and demonstrate strong revenue and employment growth over the past 3 years. Master Mettle winners have been on the list 3 consecutive years. There is no fee for this award. biztimes.com / 37

MMAC/COSBE’s

All Occasions Catering/ Bubbs BBQ BIG BEND INDUSTRY: Catering FOUNDED: 1929 BUBBS.COM

All Occasions Catering is a food catering service that offers a variety of menus and full service capabilities, from a corporate picnic to an unforgettable wedding.

Under the same owner, Bubbs BBQ is a Texas-style BBQ full-service catering company.

All Occasions Catering and Bubbs BBQ look at customer service and attention to detail to measure growth.

In the face of rapid growth, the biggest challenge for the companies in the future will be staffing, especially with an increasing number of corporate clients.

WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED?

“Plan your work and work your plan.”

– Mark Anderson, president

As they continue growing, All Occasions Catering and Bubbs BBQ plan to always be on the cutting edge of food trends.

MASTER METTLE WINNER ALL OCCASIONS CATERING/BUBBS BBQ TEAM

MMAC/COSBE’s

American Construction Services Inc.

WEST BEND INDUSTRY: Commercial architecture, construction management, real

estate brokerage, real estate development and property management FOUNDED: 1980 PROJECTED 2019 REVENUE: $30 million TEAMACS.NET

American Construction Services is a commercial architecture, construction management, real estate brokerage, WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE real estate development and property YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED? management firm. According to Kraig Sadownikow, president of American “There were two pieces Construction Services, the company’s of advice that my father recent growth “couldn’t have (been) shared with me that achieved…without a solid team.”

The company is currently working on its marketing strategy with its new director of business development and has added several new staff members and commercial real estate services.

1ST-YEAR WINNER AMERICAN CONSTRUCTION SERVICES TEAM

38 / BizTimes Milwaukee SEPTEMBER 16, 2019

Moving forward, American Construction Services plans to continue to add services that are important to its customers and provide new opportunities for the company.

we have adopted as a company: ‘Work Hard, Work Honest…What else is there?’ and ‘Manage what you can control. You can’t control the weather, but you can plan for it.’”

– Kraig Sadownikow, president of American Construction Services

AMI Information Systems INDUSTRY:

MMAC/COSBE’s

MOUNT PLEASANT

Information Technology FOUNDED: 1986 PROJECTED 2019 REVENUE: $4.5 million AMIINFOSYS.COM

AMI Information Services provides core banking software and managed IT service for financial institutions, non-bank financials, charitable foundations and other businesses. AMI’s recent growth, measured by gross revenue and number of clients served, was the result of adding new clients and providing new services to existing clients.

WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED?

“The best advice I ever received is from my Grandpa Mel VanDenBerg. ‘If you can’t find time to do it right the first time, how will you find time to do it again?’”

– Jason Greenwood, vice president

The company’s largest hurdle in the future is ensuring its software development and system implementation capacity are equal to the demand for its products and services.

AMI recently has expanded its strategic partnership with data center infrastructure provider OFFSITE. AMI is also in the process of developing the newest version of some of its platforms.

New opportunities for AMI come from clients wanting a higher level of dayto-day support that larger competitors cannot provide.

1ST-YEAR WINNER GARY FRIEDRICH, JASON GREENWOOD, T. JOHN GREENWOOD AND MARK LEE

Congratulations from the strategic partner behind

All Occasions Catering/Bubbs BBQ Congratulations All Occasions Catering/Bubbs BBQ! WaterStone Bank is proud to be your business partner.

When it comes to taxes and your business, it never hurts to hire a top-notch CPA crew.

Now you can focus on what makes your company great.

WATER STONE BA NK

Sitzberger & Company, SC is a full-service CPA firm offering an array of business and individual tax and accounting advice to help you establish a secure financial future.

OFFICES IN BROOKFIELD, GLENDALE AND LAKE GENEVA (414) 761-1000 • WSB ONLINE .COM

SITZBERGER & COMPANY SC Main Office: 611 North Barker Rd. #200

Brookfield, WI 53045

SitzbergerCPAs.com (262) 860-1724 biztimes.com / 39

MMAC/COSBE’s

Arrow Sewing Cabinets DELAVAN INDUSTRY: Sewing and Craft FOUNDED: 1943 PROJECTED 2019 REVENUE: $6 million ARROWCABINETS.COM

1ST-YEAR WINNER ARROW SEWING CABINETS TEAM

MMAC/COSBE’s

Arrow Sewing Cabinets supplies sewing and craft furniture to North American and global markets in fully assembled and ready-to-assemble format. Currently, Arrow is focused on growth in three markets: independent sewing machine dealers across the United States, internet partners such as Amazon and Wayfair, and its relationships with major sewing machine manufacturers such as Singer, Viking, Pfaff, Janome and Juki.

In 2015, Arrow narrowed its focus to the sewing and craft furniture market WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE because it felt it “could be an industry YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED? leader,” said Jerry Voors, company “Focus Matters” president. Since that refocus, Arrow has doubled its staff, expanded and rebranded – Jerry Voors its product lines and invested heavily into marketing.

“It is paying huge dividends,” Voors said.

The company is struggling to find quality staff, particularly because it is located outside of the metro area, according to Voors. However, he said Arrow plans to double its size over five years by continuing “…to focus on quality, product line expansion, and hiring energetic and quality staff to grow with us.”

Despite having an outdated connotation, the sewing and quilting market is popular among 23-35 year olds and 55+ year olds, Voors said. Arrow has an opportunity to create furniture suited for those demographics and to properly store valuable sewing equipment.

Brunch

MILWAUKEE INDUSTRY: Restaurant FOUNDED: 2016 PROJECTED 2019 REVENUE: BRUNCHITUP.COM

$2 Million

Brunch, a full service breakfast and lunch restaurant, is growing fast. Owner and founder Morgan Sampson attributes the company’s success to its central principle that people are its “greatest asset.” Pushing leaders to realize their greatest potential influences all of their employees for the better, cultivating Brunch’s gratitude and generosity-filled WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE environment.

Brunch recently launched an online catering service that allows users to choose their order, pickup time and date all on the Brunch website.

YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED?

“People are your greatest asset, so treat them well.”

– Morgan Sampson,

Finding the next restaurant location owner and founder for Brunch is critical, says Sampson.

Brunch’s next spot must align with the company’s growth plan. Brunch is looking towards establishing two more locations in southeastern Wisconsin, franchising the brand and then taking it to other cities and states.

Sampson says Brunch is in “growth mode” and is now looking to grow in the most efficient way possible “while also remembering the human factor.”

1ST-YEAR WINNER BRUNCH TEAM

40 / BizTimes Milwaukee SEPTEMBER 16, 2019

Central Standard Craft Distillery

MMAC/COSBE’s

MILWAUKEE INDUSTRY: Manufacturing FOUNDED: 2014 PROJECTED 2019 REVENUE: $1.3 million THECENTRALSTANDARD.COM

Central Standard Craft Distillery manufactures handcrafted spirits. Pat McQuillan, president of Central Standard Craft Distillery, said the company measures growth “in sales of cases in the market, barrels filled of our spirits for aging and people hired.”

WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED?

“Always bet on yourself and surround yourself with smart people.”

– Pat McQuillan, president of Central Standard Craft Distillery

The company’s growth has created an obstacle: ensuring that it has enough space and capacity to continue to grow and be efficient.

Central Standard’s recent changes include hiring more people, adding a fully automated bottling line for increased capacity, releasing a Wisconsin-style brandy and launching Hard2O, a low-proof vodka water, according to McQuillan.

In the future, Central Standard plans on expanding its products into states beyond just Wisconsin and continuing to grow its team and efficiency.

MASTER METTLE WINNER PAT MCQUILLAN AND EVAN HUGHES

Congratulations from the strategic partner behind

Brunch

Congratulations Morgan and the team at Brunch!

Congratulations...

Future 50 Award Winners!

American Construction Services Inc.

EWH SMALL BU SI NESS ACCOU NTI NG S .C.

We are proud to be your partner.

(26 2) 796-10 40 • EWHSBA .COM

Call us for an Earning Relationship – 262.247.2800 commercestatebank.com biztimes.com / 41

Cleary Gull Inc.

MMAC/COSBE’s

MILWAUKEE INDUSTRY: Investment Banking FOUNDED: 1987 CLEARYGULL.COM

Cleary Gull Inc. is a boutique investment banking firm that primarily advises privately held companies, private equity firms and public companies on middle market sales, divestitures, mergers and acquisitions, raising private debt and equity capital, WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE and other transactions. Cleary Gull has YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED? experience in the manufacturing, consumer, “My parents taught me business and industrial services, health care, that your reputation is the software, and technology industries. most valuable asset you Cleary Gull’s revenues, transaction volume and number of employees have have in both your work grown significantly over the past few years. and personal life. Economic President and managing director Ronald and financial situations Miller attributes this growth to the favorable change. People switch capital markets, increased number of buyers jobs easily; and businesses and lenders, and the “limited number of high succeed or fail. If you act quality companies for sale.” according to the highest In the past few years, Clearly Gull has ethical standards, you will moved offices, redesigned its internal succeed in the long run.” process, expanded its staff, and received recognition as a great place to work two – Ronald Miller, president and years in a row. managing director Additionally, Miller says that Cleary Gull will continue to provide “Wall Street caliber level of expertise and client service” and help represent entrepreneurs, private equity funds, and middle market public companies.

1ST-YEAR WINNER CLEARY GULL TEAM

Congratulations from the strategic partner behind

Congratulations from the strategic partner behind

Cleary Gull Inc.

Current Electric Company

Godfrey & Kahn congratulates Cleary Gull on this welldeserved honor.

Congratulations, Current Electric Company! Cornerstone is proud to be your banking partner.

GOD FR EY & K AHN, S.C.

CORNER STONE COMMUN I TY BAN K

(414) 273-3 500 • GKLAW.COM

42 / BizTimes Milwaukee SEPTEMBER 16, 2019

PAUL FOY (26 2) 375-9150 • BANKWITHCORNERSTONE .COM

Current Electric Co.

MMAC/COSBE’s

BROOKFIELD INDUSTRY: Electrical FOUNDED: 1983 CALLCURRENT.COM

Current Electric Co. provides residential and commercial electrical service and installation, commercial solar installation, residential solar service, design and installation, backup power generators, and the Tesla Powerwall. The company measures its growth beyond just sales; it also looks at employee happiness.

President Charles Smith said “…growth will happen because of happy employees… happy employees bring happy customers, which then brings a happy and healthy bottom line.”

The Tesla Powerwall is Current Electric’s most recent offering. The Tesla Powerwall is a battery backup system for the whole house. When it works with “Always do one more than solar charging, “it is a powerful tool that the customer expects.” takes us into the future of environmental friendliness,” Smith said. Current Electric is planning to add certifications in the future to install Tesla Powerpack in large commercial buildings.

WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED?

Like many companies, Current Electric faces the challenge of finding skilled labor, something Smith expects to continue going forward.

1ST-YEAR WINNER CHUCK SMITH

Custom Wire Technologies INDUSTRY:

MMAC/COSBE’s

PORT WASHINGTON

Medical Contract Manufacturing FOUNDED: 2001 PROJECTED 2019 REVENUE: $5 million CUSTOMWIRETECH.COM

Custom Wire Technologies provides custom wire products for original equipment manufacturers in the medical device industry.

WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED?

“If you want success, don’t be afraid of hard work; embrace it.”

The company measures its growth monetarily but also by reviewing its customer base. Custom Wire looks at the product composition of the top 25 customers and the percentage of overall business customers today compared to the past few years.

– Bob Boldig, president

Custom Wire’s biggest obstacle to growth is that the “current direct labor market condition is poor,” according to Bob Boldig, president of Custom Wire.

Looking forward, Custom Wire is not planning on any major changes but rather continuing to ensure customer satisfaction and advancing its employees’ capabilities through training.

1ST-YEAR WINNER CUSTOM WIRE TECHNOLOGIES TEAM

biztimes.com / 43

Derse

MMAC/COSBE’s

MILWAUKEE INDUSTRY: Manufacturing and Advertising FOUNDED: 1948 PROJECTED 2019 REVENUE: $170 million DERSE.COM

Derse is a marketing agency and exhibit builder. Some of the factors that led to an increase in Derse’s annual revenue include high demand for trade show and event marketing services, an increase in existing client revenue, and an increase in new business.

Despite its growth, Derse faces challenges in several industries due to slowing investments and competition from WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE digital marketing budgets. However, the company is looking to invest in new YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED? technology, talent, greater efficiency and “Finish what you start! continued client satisfaction.

(stay focused)”

Recently, Derse increased its focus – Julia Haas, marketing director on event marketing and marketing environments, growing its client support and assisting clients in their brand messaging. Growth of Derse’s trade show marketing services will prove to be the next area of opportunity for the company.

1ST-YEAR WINNER BILL HANEY, BILL MCNAMARA AND BRETT HANEY

Providing experienced leadership in times of growth and change.

414-273-8060

||

Lauber-Partners.com

We’re proud to recognize the 2019 Future 50 winners, including those we’ve been privileged to serve: Arrow Companies Current Electric Company Derse Inc.

Vulcan Global Manufacturing Solutions Warehouse-Lighting COM LLC Wenthe-Davidson Engineering Company

Fractional Leadership / Interim Leadership / Consulting Finance & Accounting / HR / Nonprofit Management / Executive Search 44 / BizTimes Milwaukee SEPTEMBER 16, 2019

Diversified Design and Manufacturing Inc.

MMAC/COSBE’s

MUKWONAGO INDUSTRY: Manufacturing FOUNDED: 1991 PROJECTED 2019 REVENUE: $3 million DDMTOOL.COM

Diversified Design and Manufacturing provides solutions for product design, durable tooling, high precision gages, automation fixtures, reliable production and certified inspection services. The company takes several factors into account for measuring growth, such as customer satisfaction, financial success, high quality, flawless safety and true team orientation.

WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED?

“Our customer partners are the singular focus of our entire organization.”

– Ron Pence, chief operating officer

Recently, Diversified Design and Manufacturing has grown by enhancing engineering offerings, expanding its manufacturing and developing new customer relationships. Continuing to grow these relationships is a large area of opportunity for Diversified Design and Manufacturing as well as continuing to improve services and expand capabilities.

Looking forward, Diversified Design and Manufacturing will face the challenge of obtaining superior talent in the face of ongoing labor shortages.

1ST-YEAR WINNER GALE PENCE, HEATHER SCHMIDT AND RON PENCE

Congratulations from the strategic partners behind

Diversified Design and Manufacturing, Inc. von Briesen & Roper congratulates the Diversified Design and Manufacturing Team!

VON B R I ESEN & R OP ER , S.C. THOMAS KAMMERAIT (414) 276-112 2 VONBRIESEN.COM

Congratulations on your achievement! Your team at Town Bank wishes you continued success.

Stamm Technologies Congratulates All Future 50 Award Winners!

We are proud to be a technology partner for these award winners:

360 Degrees Derse Glenn Rieder, Inc.

WI NT RU ST COMME R C I AL BAN K I N G AT TOW N BA NK

JAY MACK (414) 273-3 507 TOWNBANK .US

1207 West Canal Street

stammtech.com (414) 263–4260 biztimes.com / 45

Enviro-Safe Resource Recovery

MMAC/COSBE’s

GERMANTOWN INDUSTRY: Environmental FOUNDED: 2002 PROJECTED 2019 REVENUE: $7 million ENVIRO-SAFE.COM

Enviro-Safe Resource Recovery provides environmental resource recovery services and sustainable waste management programs. One of the programs is a cost-effective, environmentally sound waste minimization and recycling program.

The company’s growth is founded on successful employees, environmental compliance and valued customers.

Enviro-Safe Resource Recovery’s employees believe in their company’s goals and objectives, which leads to positive results and growth.

WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED?

“Love what you do and never work a day in your life.”

– Jeffery Vilione, president However, in the face of rapid growth, Enviro-Safe Resource Recovery works to avoid overextending itself beyond its managing capabilities, bringing in new customers only when it has the infrastructure to support them.

Recently, Enviro-Safe Resource Recovery implemented a new ERP system, added more vehicles to its transportation fleet, and has hired additional experienced people in the industry.

MASTER METTLE WINNER JEFFREY D. VILIONE AND DAWN ZELLMER

Our Core Values Are Simple: Respect, Passion, Integrity, Sustainability and Trust

Our company is committed to our employees, customers, environment and community. This has allowed us to grow into industry leaders in resource recovery and landfill diversion programs. Our mission is to help companies meet their overall sustainability , initiatives and zero landfill goals.

Overall programs pertaining to WDNR, EPA, & DOT Regulations Sustainability Programs Training Waste Management Services

Compliance Services Environmental/Safety Programs Development Full Service Provider

www.enviro-safe.com | 262-790-2500 | Email: info@enviro-safe.com | Germantown, WI 46 / BizTimes Milwaukee SEPTEMBER 16, 2019

Equips INDUSTRY:

MMAC/COSBE’s

BROOKFIELD

Financial Intuitions & Health Care Equipment Maintenance FOUNDED: 2008 EQUIPS.COM

Equips provides equipment repair, preventative maintenance and service call management. Clients are able to have one location for requesting service and managing all of their equipment maintenance.

According to Adam York, president of Equips, the company measures growth “by the number of people (it) serve(s).” Because of its recent growth, Equips added 100 new financial institutions WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE to its client list primarily through an YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED? acquisition that York said fit very well with its current services.

“The book ‘Traction’

by Gino Wickman advocates hiring, training, terminating, and promoting on our core values. We strive for that – and it has made a major difference for our culture.”

– Adam York, president of Equips

In the future, Equips plans to add new hires in four different departments, apply new technology and offer new services such as ATM managed services, York said.

Because Equips is the sole company in its marketplace, it needs to educate potential clients that its services exist before it can start to build partnerships.

MASTER METTLE WINNER ADAM YORK

Congratulations from the strategic partner behind

ENVIRO-SAFE RESOURCE RECOVERY

Congratulations. Honored to provide you with the personal attention your business deserves.

SP R I NG BA NK

Congratulations Acts Housing on being named one of Heart of Canal Street’s selected charities!

BizTimes Media is proud to be your partner.

Acts serves diverse families throughout Milwaukee’s inner city. Most home owners purchase formerly vacant, vandalized foreclosures. Usually rehab costs are less than demolition and new owners save hundreds on their monthly housing costs. Their vision is to create vibrant Milwaukee neighborhoods through homeownership.

Heart of Canal Street raises money that supports Acts Housing and other Heart Of Canal Street selected charities by hosting the Canal Street bingo game. Since it began in 1994, over $19 million has been gifted to hundreds of local children’s charities.

Play the Canal Street bingo game and share your heart with local charities!

(26 2) 75 4-5 5 5 5 • SPRINGBANKWI.COM

(414) 933-2215 | actshousing.org 2414 W Vliet St, Milwaukee, WI 53205 biztimes.com / 47

MMAC/COSBE’s

Fare Temps MILWAUKEE INDUSTRY: Staffing FOUNDED: 2015 PROJECTED 2019 REVENUE: FARETEMPS.COM

$16 million

Fare Temps provides medium and light industrial staffing services. The company’s services also include E-Verify, on-site services, candidate transportation, bilingual staffing, 24/7 operations, drug testing and related services to serve diverse clients. Fare Temps measures growth through “…clients served, hours produced, and client satisfaction,” according to Tony Picon, president.

Fare Temps plans on expanding geographically by opening a new branch in Waukesha County. Picon said the largest challenge the company faces is the lack of quality employees in the workforce.

WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED?

“From ‘The 7 Habits of Highly Successful People’: Understand first, then be understood.”

– Tonly Picon, president

1ST-YEAR WINNER STEVE O’BRIEN, ALEX TORRES AND TONY PICON (BACK ROW) AND AURY ISLAS (FRONT)

MMAC/COSBE’s

Geneva Supply DELAVAN INDUSTRY: Supply chain and logistics FOUNDED: 2009 PROJECTED 2019 REVENUE: $99 million GENEVASUPPLY.COM/

Geneva Supply provides Amazon strategy and fulfillment for every area of a business. The company has a network of warehouses, digital marketing experts and data-driven brand management services to assist in the growth of its clients.

The e-commerce marketplace is where Geneva Supply sees most of its new opportunities. Geneva Supply is able to provide expertise to its clients as they adapt to the rapid changes in the e-commerce market. Yet, while opportunities abound, the company is focused on choosing opportunities carefully so as to not overextend itself.

WHERE DO YOU SEE THE MOST OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUR COMPANY RIGHT NOW?

“The e-commerce marketplace is changing so rapidly and with our focus, we can provide expertise on how to change along with it.”

– Morgan Olson, digital marketing strategist

2ND-YEAR WINNER JEFF PETERSON AND MARK BECKER, CO-FOUNDERS

48 / BizTimes Milwaukee SEPTEMBER 16, 2019

Glenn Rieder, LLC

MMAC/COSBE’s

WEST ALLIS

INDUSTRY:

Architectural millwork FOUNDED: 1946 PROJECTED 2019 REVENUE: $80 million GLENNRIEDER.COM

Glenn Rieder, LLC manufactures and installs architectural millwork and related interior finishes for luxury hotels, casinos, restaurants, corporate offices, professional sports facilities and other institutions. Glenn Rieder measures its growth in terms of revenue, profits and human resources expansion.

WHAT FACTORS CONTRIBUTED TO YOUR GROWTH OVER THE PAST YEAR?

“A larger backlog has been the main driver of our growth in recent years.”

– Michael Floyd, chief executive officer

Despite challenges related to hiring and retaining a high quality workforce at every level of the company, Glenn Rieder has hired 26 new full time employees this year.

Glenn Rieder has plans for new projects in the hospitality and gaming markets, two areas that present many opportunities for the company. Chief executive officer Michael Floyd said the company is focusing its efforts on striving for continuous improvement.

2ND-YEAR AWARD MICHAEL FLOYD AND JAMES CARAGHER

Congratulations from the strategic partner behind

Congratulations from the strategic partner behind

Geneva Supply

Glenn Rieder, Inc.

Congratulations, Geneva Supply!

Chortek can’t wait to see what’s next!

Congratulations on receiving this prestigious award, Glenn Rieder!

We’re a proud partner.

C HORTEK LLP

VRAK AS CPAS + ADV I S O R S

MARK ALBRECHT (26 2) 52 2-82 27 • CHORTEK .COM

(26 2) 797- 0 400 • VRAKASCPAS.COM

biztimes.com / 49

Good City Brewing

MMAC/COSBE’s

MILWAUKEE INDUSTRY: Brewing FOUNDED: 2016 PROJECTED 2019 REVENUE: GOODCITYBREWING.COM

$6 million

Milwaukee-based Good City Brewing is a brewery, taproom, restaurant and event space. Since launching in 2016 with 15 employees, the company has grown to now have more than 80 employees.

Part of that growth was spurred by Good City opening a new brewery and taproom adjacent to Fiserv Forum in downtown Milwaukee. Its new 300-seat event space, called Good City Commons, has capacity to host large weddings and corporate events. Good City also recently released its new Spare Time Hazy IPA and Home Lager.

1ST-YEAR WINNER

DO YOU PLAN TO MAKE ANY CHANGES TO YOUR COMPANY?

“We are always evaluating ways that we can get better.”

– President Dan Katt

KARLIE WINCHESTER

As the craft beer industry becomes more crowded and competitive, Good City Brewing continues to innovate and adapt to stay on top of the trends. Looking forward, the company is focused on providing memorable retail experiences, while eyeing new opportunities for growth.

DAN KATT, DAVID DUPEE AND ANDY JONES

Congratulations from the strategic partners behind

Good City Brewing LLC Cheers to Good City Brewing!

You’ve really tapped into your potential!

EDUCATOR S CREDIT UNION (26 8) 8 86-5900 ECU.COM

PROUD TO BE A FUTURE 50 WINNER! At Glenn Rieder, we believe our accomplishments can only be judged by the success of our customers.

We share our success with our employees, our customers, and our community.

Cheers to Good City Brewing!

Godfrey & Kahn wishes you much continued success.

GODFREY & KAHN, S.C. (414) 273-3 500 • GKLAW.COM

Congratulations Good City Brewing!

Your hospitality and vision will drive future success.

ZIZZL 414-449-2888 | glennrieder.com 6520 West Becher Place, West Allis WI 53219 50 / BizTimes Milwaukee SEPTEMBER 16, 2019

ROB GOLL (414) 800 -2018 • ZIZ ZL .COM

Greenfield Rehabilitation Agency

MMAC/COSBE’s

BROOKFIELD INDUSTRY: Health Services FOUNDED: 1967 PROJECTED 2019 REVENUE: $22 million GRAWI.COM

Greenfield Rehabilitation Agency provides physical, occupational and speech therapy services for nursing facilities, senior communities, home health communities and outpatient therapy services in Wisconsin. Greenfield Rehabilitation Agency attributes its recent growth to its distinguishing position in the market as a therapist-owned and -operated business.

WHERE DO YOU SEE THE MOST OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUR COMPANY RIGHT NOW?

“We are not looking for growth for growth’s sake; we are looking to make the best moves that allow us to deliver our best services and bring value.”

– Kate Brewer, president

Greenfield Rehabilitation Agency faces the challenges of responding to health care regulatory changes, along with growing competition against large hospital systems that typically refer patients within their own clinic networks.

In response to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ recent revision of its payment system for skilled nursing facilities, Greenfield Rehabilitation Agency is working to ensure it receives adequate reimbursement for its services.

1ST-YEAR WINNER KATE BREWER AND MICHELLE POOLE

Heritage Senior Living LLC INDUSTRY:

MMAC/COSBE’s

WEST ALLIS

Health Care & Real Estate & Construction FOUNDED: 2000 PROJECTED 2019 REVENUE: $70 million HERITAGESENIOR.COM

Heritage Senior Living LLC provides care for independent, assisted, and memory care senior housing. Every year Heritage constructs over $30 million in purposebuilt housing. The company’s growth is measured in added employees and gross revenue, properties built or bought and WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE additional housing units. Factors that have YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED? contributed to Heritage’s growth include a new senior housing apartment building, “My uncle was living continued lease of two senior housing in Antigo, Wisconsin campuses, and the acquisition of an 80,000while I was in the Twin square-foot office building in Minnesota.

Cities. He said I should come to Antigo and build apartments. I thought I would humor him and drive the 4-1/2 hours to at least have a good time. I assembled my legal and accounting team and built my first building in 1990, and the rest is history.”

– Milo Pinkerton, chief executive officer

Heritage plans on continuing to build new housing, including almost 300 units in 2019 and 2020 and a new senior housing campus in Appleton. These future plans create a need to hire more staff, a current challenge for Heritage.

In the future, Heritage plans on providing third-party property management services because of its experience building and managing for its own account. It also plans on continuing to build housing and care campuses.

1ST-YEAR WINNER MILO PINKERTON

biztimes.com / 51

MMAC/COSBE’s

InCheck Inc.

WAUWATOSA INDUSTRY: Background screening YEAR FOUNDED: 2002 PROJECTED 2019 REVENUE: $6.5 million INCHECK.NET

InCheck Inc. provides background screening, drug testing and industry intelligence for employers, volunteer groups and sports organizations. InCheck is also a national third party administrator of drug testing and occupational health services programs.

The largest hurdle that InCheck faces is sustaining profits when investing in sales and marketing. To do so, the company is investing in a new marketing strategy to create long-term stability.

An additional obstacle is having a sufficient number of employees – neither overstaffing nor understaffing.

WHAT’S NEW AT YOUR COMPANY?

“Marketing, marketing, marketing. We are in fullblown marketing mode.”

– Andy Gallion, chief executive officer

Looking forward, InCheck plans to maximize profits by improving pricing in some areas of the company and streamlining protocols in others. Finding the most efficient way to conduct a background check is important for the future of InCheck.

2ND-YEAR WINNER ADAM KIEHL, RACHEL THEISEN & ANDY GALLION

MMAC/COSBE’s

Interstate Roof Systems Consultants NEW BERLIN INDUSTRY: Roof and building envelope consulting FOUNDED: 1999 PROJECTED 2019 REVENUE: $4 million IRSCINC.COM

1ST-YEAR WINNER INTERSTATE ROOF SYSTEMS CONSULTANTS TEAM

52 / BizTimes Milwaukee SEPTEMBER 16, 2019

Interstate Roof Systems Consultants provides schools, offices, hospitality, manufacturing, and retail property owners and managers with roof and enclosure management services. Additionally, WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE the company works alongside facility professionals to evaluate, consult, manage YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED? and protect commercial building roofs “Early in my career, one and building envelopes. of my first employers told Beyond measuring its growth with the me to find what you enjoy, standard revenue and staff, IRSC views its work to be the very best success through its ability to respond to urgent roof and envelope needs within 24 at it and you’ll be very hours, regardless of location. successful.”

Uncontrollable weather serves as – David Velcheck, CEO the main obstacle for IRSC, according to CEO David Velcheck. “Her (mother nature’s) wrath makes scheduling a complete nightmare at times,” he said, adding IRSC’s clients understand those uncontrollable circumstances. Another challenge is finding new hires that will fit into the already established team dynamic.

Currently, IRSC is in the process of renovating its Waukesha office space and expanding its Illinois office. It is also participating in Scale Up Milwaukee, an initiative that supports companies’ growth aspirations. Another recent addition to IRSC is its new drone services, which provide clients with infrared thermography reports quickly.

James Imaging Systems INDUSTRY:

MMAC/COSBE’s

BROOKFIELD

Office equipment FOUNDED: 1977 PROJECTED 2019 REVENUE: $21 million JAMESIMAGING.COM

James Imaging Systems provides innovative document imaging and printing solutions. It focuses on ensuring “that clients have the necessary tools to communicate and share documents quickly and effectively,” said Roberta Gorzek, marketing manager.

WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED?

“Hire the best ...

Fire the rest ...

And stay out of court!”

– Lola Tegeder, chief executive officer, and Thomas Tegeder, president

The company measures its growth in two ways: sales volume and contracted print volume each month. Gorzek said factors contributing to the growth of James Imaging are “a strong brand awareness, reputation and referrals, along with (a) great team,” and its acquisition of Ross Imaging in Sheboygan and Appleton.

Recently, James Imaging was named “Dealer of the Year” from Toshiba, as its largest dealer in the nation. Additionally, the company is an HP Premier Partner Dealership.

Looking forward, James Imaging has many opportunities for growth. Gorzek said the company will continue to grow its market share in the Fox River Valley and concentrate on “complete client satisfaction.”

2ND-YEAR WINNER LOLA AND TOM TEGEDER

Congratulations from the strategic partner behind

Congratulations from the strategic partner behind

Interstate Roof Systems Consultants, Inc.

James Imaging Systems

Congrats on your growth! We are proud to support Interstate Roof’s digital marketing.

Chortek is proud to support James Imaging. Here’s to your continued success!

TOPL I N E R ESU LTS C OR P OR ATION

CHORT EK LLP

FRED VARIN

MARK ALBRECHT

1-800 -8 80 -1960 • TOPLINERESULTS.COM

(26 2) 52 2-82 27 • CHORTEK .COM

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Kowal Investment Group

MMAC/COSBE’s

WAUKESHA INDUSTRY: Retirement planning/investments FOUNDED: 1987 PROJECTED 2019 REVENUE: $6 million THEKOWALWAY.COM

Kowal Investment Group is a family-owned financial advisory organization that works with business owners, retired individuals and those nearing retirement. The company focuses on estate planning, investments, retirement income, taxes related to retirement and insurance.

Kowal Investment Group attributes its growth to its dedication to ensuring clients do well. This includes pushing employees to participate in professional development, study groups, continuing education classes and regional conferences to continue to hone their personal and professional skills.

REMINISCE STUDIO

Kowal faces the challenges of market volatility, a competitive environment and a changing regulatory environment.

MASTER METTLE WINNER

Moving forward, Kowal plans on opening practices in Port Washington, Racine and Middleton. Additionally, the company plans to grow organically and through acquisition.

WHERE DO YOU SEE THE MOST OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUR COMPANY RIGHT NOW?

“Whether they are looking for a final push heading into retirement, retirement asset management and consolidation, or assistance in transferring business assets to retirement assets, our team’s focus is on helping them live the retirement of their dreams.”

– Heather Krugler, new client development

KOWAL INVESTMENT GROUP TEAM

Congratulations from the strategic partners behind

Congratulations from the strategic partner behind

Kowal Investment Group, LLC

Magellan Promotions

Kudos to Kowal Investment Group from Chortek!

Congratulations on your ongoing success!

C HORTEK LLP MARK ALBRECHT (26 2) 52 2-82 27 CHORTEK .COM

Congratulations to the entire Kowal team!

WFA Staffing is proud of our partnership.

Congratulations Magellan Promotions! WaterStone Bank is proud to be your business partner.

WAT ER STONE BA N K

W FA STA FFI NG G R OU P (414) 36 5-36 51 WFASTAFFING.COM

54 / BizTimes Milwaukee SEPTEMBER 16, 2019

(414) 761-1000 • WSB ONLINE .COM

Lemberg INDUSTRY:

MMAC/COSBE’s

BROOKFIELD

Electrical construction YEAR FOUNDED: 1928 PROJECTED 2019 REVENUE: $46 million LEMBERGELECTRIC.COM

Lemberg is an electrical construction company that provides services including infrared scanning, data communications, and security/cameras/door access services.

WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED?

“I don’t remember any specific advice, but a lot of people have helped me get to where I am today.”

– Dave Washebek, chief executive officer

Lemberg follows its strategic planning efforts to achieve increased revenue, which is one of its main indicators of growth.

Recently the company started using lean construction techniques in its project management. Those techniques include using agile construction tools to measure job productivity and provide greater value for its customers.

Offering energy technologies and data communications provides Lemberg with new opportunities thanks to the growing Internet of Things market.

MASTER METTLE WINNER LEMBERG LEADERSHIP TEAM

Magellan Promotions INDUSTRY:

MMAC/COSBE’s

WEST ALLIS

Promotional product distributor FOUNDED: 2005 PROJECTED 2019 REVENUE: $4 million

MAGELLANPROMOTIONS.COM

Magellan Promotions is a promotional product marketing company that provides services to businesses, nonprofits and higher education institutions.

Growth at Magellan Promotions is measured by total sales. According to captain Michael Wolaver, three factors have WHAT’S THE BIGGEST contributed to the company’s recent growth: its team, low turnover level and OBSTACLE TO YOUR “consistency level,” and a few key product COMPANY’S GROWTH? solutions that have resonated with its “The biggest obstacle target audiences.

for growth is finding the unique solutions that make potential clients consider us as a resource.”

– Michael Wolaver, captain

Magellan Promotions has several new initiatives underway, including the recent hire of a new graphic artist, developing a new business strategy that has a stepby-step plan to reach strategic goals, and forming an advisory board.

Moving forward, Wolaver said there are many opportunities for Magellan related to admission and alumni offices at universities.

“Our opportunity is using our collegiate experience to put together solutionbased ideas that help solve the challenges that these departments face,” Wolaver said.

1ST-YEAR WINNER JULIA BURACZEWSKI-JASKIE, RACHEL SCHAAR, MICHAEL WOLAVER, ALYSSA ADRIANSEN AND HANNAH JORGENSEN

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Mindful Staffing Solutions LLC

MMAC/COSBE’s

MILWAUKEE INDUSTRY: Education and employment FOUNDED: 2019 PROJECTED 2019 REVENUE: $600,000 MINDFULSTAFF.COM

Mindful Staffing Solutions LLC is a staffing service that provides training and employment for individuals who are interested in careers in the medical, manufacturing, restaurant/hospitality, and construction industries. Mindful Staffing Solutions also offers transitional services to help people start their careers.

President Reginald Reed Jr. said Mindful looks beyond sales and profits to measure its growth. It also looks at the efficiency of process and systems operations, along with the number of lives impacted by the training and careers created.

WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED?

“Keep your nose down and focus on the business.”

– Josh Sparks

Mindful is currently identifying and plans to move into a new building that will become a corporate HQ and training facility, Reed said. The new building will host training for its new offerings in the medical, manufacturing, and restaurant/hospitality fields. Mindful’s new location will also include driver’s education, which is provided at no cost for those who need a driver’s license before they start their career.

The manufacturing industry is promising for Mindful, Reed said, noting that its pairing of transportation with training has the potential to impact the workforce needed in that sector.

1ST-YEAR WINNER REGINALD REED JR.

Congratulations from the strategic partner behind

Mindful Staffing Solutions LLC

With

JON FINCH

Congratulations to the Mindful Staffing Solutions team on this well-deserved honor!

VP of Training & Recruiting MILWAUKEE TOOL

HUSCH BLACK WE L L

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2019 Potawatomi Hotel & Casino - Legacy Ballroom in the new hotel tower

4:00 PM - 6:30 PM | MMAC Members $49 - Non-members $69

ERIC MEIER (414) 978-5 413 • HUSCHBLACKWELL .COM

Register at: WWW.MMAC .ORG/CALENDAR.HTML 56 / BizTimes Milwaukee SEPTEMBER 16, 2019

Moore Construction Services

MMAC/COSBE’s

MENOMONEE FALLS INDUSTRY: Construction FOUNDED: 2007 PROJECTED 2019 REVENUE: $50 million MOORE-CS.COM

Moore Construction Services is a construction management firm that provides design-build and general contracting services in southeastern Wisconsin. In March, the firm moved into its new corporate headquarters.

WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED?

“Focus more on why you do things and not as much on what or how you do them.”

Due to an increase in revenue and profits, Moore Construction Services’ current hurdle is keeping up with its growth. Looking forward, Moore Construction Services plans on adding members to its marketing team.

“This is one of the few times in my career that there is more work than we have capacity to take on,” said Michael Moore, president.

The senior living and medical office markets look strong for the company, Moore said.

MASTER METTLE WINNER MOORE CONSTRUCTION SERVICES TEAM

Congratulations from the strategic partners behind

Moore Construction Services, LLC Congratulations on another outstanding performance by everyone at Moore Construction Services, LLC M K F I NA NC I A L G R OU P, I NC. MICHAEL KRATZER (26 2) 789 - 0 450 MKFGWIS.COM

Congratulations on your achievement! Your team at Town Bank wishes you continued success.

WI NT RU ST COMME R C I AL BAN K I N G AT TOW N BA NK

JAY MACK (414) 273-3 507 TOWNBANK .US

biztimes.com / 57

MMAC/COSBE’s

PartsBadger

CEDARBURG INDUSTRY: CNC machining services FOUNDED: 2016 PROJECTED 2019 REVENUE: $9 million-$12 million PARTS-BADGER.COM

PartsBadger provides ordering of computer numerical control-manufactured parts as well as instant quoting online, CNC machining and finishing services, and lead times. Recently, PartsBadger opened a new 15,000-square-foot facility in Cedarburg and added casting and sheet metal services.

PartsBadger looks at revenue, on-time delivery, quality and innovative marketing to measure the company’s WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE growth. To continue growing, PartsBadger YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED? is looking to add new services and increase its integration of artificial “Whether you think you intelligence. Additionally, PartsBadger can or you can’t, you’re sees new opportunities in the macroprobably right.” economic changes of the economy caused by millennials.

- Mr. Chambers, WASC Student PartsBadger’s largest obstacle is battling the labor shortage and finding and keeping employees who fit in well with the company.

Council Camp, 2001, said to Roy Dietsch, PartsBadger CEO

1ST-YEAR WINNER PARTSBADGER TEAM

MMAC/COSBE’s

Plasti-Coil/Tri-Tec LAKE GENEVA INDUSTRY: Manufacturing YEAR FOUNDED: 1975 PROJECTED 2019 REVENUE: PLASTICOIL.COM

$7.5 million

Plasti-Coli/Tri-Tec is a custom plastic injection molder with expertise in producing gears and precision plastic components, as well as internal and external threads. Plasti-Coli/Tri-Tec’s growth is measured by an increase in sales over prior periods. Over the past year, the company said its growth has been spurred by current customers that value its core values and U.S. base.

WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE

YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED? The company faces the challenge of finding labor and is looking for ways to “Be in the present, learn automate to offset labor. So far, Plastifrom the past, help create Coli/Tri-Tec has developed a new EOS the future.” management system, added new injection – Larry Austin, president molding machines, and increased the sizes to mold larger parts. Additionally, the company is currently working on a new ERP system, which will give it faster access to machine performance, cycle times and rejects.

Looking forward, Plasti-Coli/Tri-Tec wants to communicate to its customers that it has a wide range of ability to mold different parts.

1ST-YEAR WINNER SCOTT MERCIER, TODD KAERCHER, KRISTINE KENDALL, LARRY AUSTIN, PATRICK AUSTIN AND STEVE BRAHMSTADT

58 / BizTimes Milwaukee SEPTEMBER 16, 2019

Price Erecting Co. INDUSTRY:

MMAC/COSBE’s

MILWAUKEE

Construction/manufacturing FOUNDED: 1915 PROJECTED 2019 REVENUE: $10.2 million-11 million PRICEERECTING.COM

Price Erecting Co. specializes in machinery moving and installation, equipment repair, rigging and erecting, steel fabrication, and off-site millwright and ironworker services. Price Erecting has grown rapidly in its profitability, net dollars and number of projects, due in part to an increase in statewide manufacturing and construction projects.

WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED?

“If you think you are the smartest person in the room, you’re in the wrong room.”

Price Erecting, like its industry peers, faces many unknowns, including government initiatives, Foxconn, economic stability and the weather. The company works to have a plan for those variables while focusing on perfecting what is within its control.

Looking forward, Price Erecting is focused on improving its partnerships and strategic relationships. Additionally, it’s planning on expanding into complementary industries to build up its talent, workforce, and project capabilities. Price Erecting plans to continue growing by working with other teams for its manufacturing projects.

1ST-YEAR WINNER TIM BAIRD, JASON HASS, MICHELLE DEGRAVE AND JASON YOUNG

WE WOULD LIKE TO THANK OUR EMPLOYEES AND CUSTOMERS FOR ALL OF THEIR GREAT WORK AND WE LOOK FORWARD TO GROWING THE BUSINESS HERE IN WISCONSIN. biztimes.com / 59

MMAC/COSBE’s

Rent College Pads, Inc MILWAUKEE INDUSTRY: Technology/Real Estate FOUNDED: 2012 PROJECTED 2019 REVENUE: $6 million RENTCOLLEGEPADS.COM

Milwaukee-based Rent College Pads helps college students across the United States find places to live near their universities.

Recognizing the challenge that college students face as inexperienced renters, Rent College Pads developed a website that allows students to find and compare off-campus housing.

Since launching with Marquette University in 2013, Rent College Pads has expanded to more than 100 universities across the United States and continues to add to that list.

1ST-YEAR WINNER DOMINIC ANZALONE, CEO OF RENT COLLEGE PADS

MMAC/COSBE’s

Rocket Clicks

MENOMONEE FALLS INDUSTRY: Digital Marketing and Advertising FOUNDED: 2008 ROCKETCLICKS.COM

Rocket Clicks is a digital marketing and advertising agency that focuses on pay-per-click and search engine optimization services including: technical SEO, content strategy, brand management, copywriting, social media advertising, display advertising, mobile advertising and remarketing.

According to Tyler Dolph, president of Rocket Clicks, the company’s growth is “directly tied to our client’s growth and success.” This is because Rocket Clicks is “in business to serve our clients,” he said.

In the past year, Rocket Clicks continued to improve its services in order “to enhance our customers’ experience and performance within their accounts.”

MASTER METTLE THE ROCKET CLICKS TEAM

60 / BizTimes Milwaukee SEPTEMBER 16, 2019

Sanborn Tube Sales

MMAC/COSBE’s

PEWAUKEE INDUSTRY: Manufacturing FOUNDED: 1957 PROJECTED 2019 REVENUE: $21 million SANBORNTUBE.COM

Sanborn Tube Sales is a custom manufacturer, distributor and manufacturer’s rep for tubing, aluminum extrusions and fabricated parts. The company places a major emphasis on its ability to deliver products to its customers quickly. “We operate with a sense of urgency,” the company’s website states. “Speed to market is everything when you’re manufacturing a product.”

WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED?

“My father told me from the time I was a young man that, ‘The world owes you nothing and to earn success you must work hard and be passionate about your work’.”

– President John Topetzes

Finding operations employees with a good work ethic, especially when it comes to second, third, and weekend shifts, is the largest challenge Sanborn faces currently. The company says adding more people to its team is critical for its continued growth.

Recently, Sanborn added new equipment in laser tube cutting, material handling and quality inspection. For new hiring, the company has designed a culture index survey to help identify potential candidates.

MASTER METTLE LEFT TO RIGHT: ANDY PARSCHE, JOHN TOPETZES, CHAD SCHULTZ FRONT: SANDY FUNK

Congratulations

MMAC Future 50 Award Winners Cleary Gull | Sanborn Tube Sales | Vulcan GMS We are excited to support these growing companies in Milwaukee.

Wisconsin’s largest family-owned bank.

JohnsonBank.com

Banking. Wealth. Insurance. Family.

biztimes.com / 61

Scas Management Group

MMAC/COSBE’s

MILWAUKEE INDUSTRY: Health Insurance and Health Care FOUNDED: 2011 PROJECTED 2019 REVENUE: $2.3 million SCASMG.COM

Scas Management Group, LLC serves as backroom administration for health insurance companies and non-medical in-home care. The growth of Scas Management Group is based on the growth of its clients. Two of its largest clients, Trilogy Health Insurance and Caring With Honor, have grown significantly, which contributed to the growth of Scas Management Group.

Moving forward, Scas Management Group’s largest challenge is hiring caregivers who can pass background checks and drug tests. Additionally, My Choice Family Care bought Scas Management Group’s largest client, Trilogy Health Insurance. Scas Management Group is hopeful that this purchase will contribute to its business and it can provide help for My Choice Family Care once the ownership transition process is complete.

WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED?

“Always do a figure 8 at the end of your cast while musky fishing, which means give 100% effort to the end, no short-cuts.”

– Ron Scasny, president

Scas Management Group is considering plans to open an office in Lake Mills, Appleton and Houston, adding to their already existing satellite offices in Mequon and Racine.

MASTER METTLE SCAS MANAGEMENT GROUP TEAM

Congratulations from the strategic partner behind

OUTREACH COMMUNITY H E A LT H C E N T E R S

Scas Management Group, LLC

Congrats on this well deserved recognition! From the VBA Team

PHONE: (414) 374-2400 WEB: ochc-milw.org To ensure that men, women and children in the Greater Milwaukee Area receive the quality health care, behavioral health, housing and supportive services needed to live at the highest possible level of self-sufficiency.

2019 GIVING GUIDE F EATURED NONPROF I T

V I RTUA L B ENEFI TS A D MI NI STR ATOR

To learn more, visit biztimes.com/giving PRODUCED BY

PAT H F I N D E R S PHONE: (414) 964-2565 WEB: PathfindersMKE.org

Pathfinders’ mission is Empowering Youth – Changing Lives. Our vision is to ensure all youth are safe, healthy, independent, successful and valued.

MICHAEL CLAYTON (26 2) 9 46-1200 • VBASOFTWARE .COM

62 / BizTimes Milwaukee SEPTEMBER 16, 2019

2019 GIVING GUIDE F EATURED NONPROF I T

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Spectrum Investment Advisors INDUSTRY:

MMAC/COSBE’s

MEQUON

Investment Advisors FOUNDED: 1995 PROJECTED 2019 REVENUE: $5.4 million SPECTRUMINVESTOR.COM

Spectrum Investment Advisors is a professional retirement plan consultant and an individual wealth management advisor. The advisors develop guides to help their clients with plan design, investments, governance policy monitoring and provider evaluation, and participation advice.

WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED?

“Hire well and manage little.”

–Warren Buffet

Spectrum looks at plan assets, retention, and revenue as a measure of its growth. The wealth management business has grown from 0% to 20% of Spectrum’s revenue in the past ten years and Spectrum anticipates it will continue to grow to 35% over the next decade.

Recently, Spectrum expanded their space to include a second floor, adding a total of 2,977 square feet. This expansion provided room for its number of employees to increase from 23 to 55. Additionally, Spectrum is welcoming a new president: Manuel Rosado. Rosado is succeeding James Marshall who founded Spectrum Investment Advisors 24 years ago. Marshall will now serve as ambassador to Spectrum.

1ST-YEAR WINNER THE SPECTRUM INVESTMENT ADVISORS TEAM

Congratulations from the strategic partner behind

Spectrum Investment Advisors Congratulations to Spectrum Investment Advisors! We’re proud to be your partner.

Advertise in these upcoming special reports and get your message in front of area business executives.

Health Care: Senior Living

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Contact Linda Crawford today!

Phone: 414.336.7112 Email: advertise@biztimes.com biztimes.com / 63

Spike Brewing Equipment

MMAC/COSBE’s

MILWAUKEE INDUSTRY: Manufacturing FOUNDED: 2011 PROJECTED 2019 REVENUE: SPIKEBREWING.COM

$7.5 million

Spike Brewing Equipment designs, builds, sources, and manufactures beer brewing equipment for consumer and commercial markets. In each of the past four years, Spike Brewing has doubled in revenue. The company attributes its growth to new product development based on consumers’ needs.

Looking forward, Spike Brewing’s biggest obstacle is developing a team that is able to handle its rapid growth.

In this vein, the company hired its first WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE two employees over the age of 35 in the YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED? Spring of 2019.

Spike Brewing Equipment has plenty of space to grow in the brewing markets and will potentially start to move beyond just beer. Some of these additional products could include coffee, kombucha, and cannabis oils.

“The 2 keys to success are 1. Communication 2. No surprises” – Ben Caya, president

1ST-YEAR WINNER BEN CAYA

SRH

MMAC/COSBE’s

MILWAUKEE INDUSTRY: Advertising and Marketing FOUNDED: 2014 PROJECTED 2019 REVENUE: $2.5 million SRHMARKETING.COM

SRH provides strategy, branding, creative, and content and media placement.

Fees revenue, defined as overall revenue minus media pass-through, and profit are how SRH measures its growth.

In 2018, SRH moved into a new office in Milwaukee’s Brewers Hill neighborhood with a view of downtown. Additionally, WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE SRH has tripled the size of its team in the YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED? past three years. SRH plans on continuing to add more people to the company in “Trust is everything.” the future.

– Kurt Raether, partner and

1ST-YEAR AWARD

NICK COLLURA

In the future, SRH plans on winning managing director work away from big agencies that are not keeping up with the changing market and building a strong base of health care clients from all across the industry.

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT, SAM HOGERTON, MATT SABLJAK, KURT RAETHER

64 / BizTimes Milwaukee SEPTEMBER 16, 2019

Tall Guy and a Grill

MMAC/COSBE’s

WEST ALLIS INDUSTRY: Catering FOUNDED: 2009 PROJECTED 2019 REVENUE: $1.5 million TALLGUYANDAGRILL.COM

Tall Guy and a Grill is a catering company that provides fully-staffed events with appetizers, dinner, and cocktails, drop-off orders for celebrations or anything else its customer might need. Over 90% of what the company serves is made in-house and over 50% of its ingredients are from Wisconsin.

“Sourcing local and supporting other small, independent businesses has been a cornerstone of our business model since day one,” said Dan Nowak, owner.

WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED?

“Always trust your gut.

Follow your passion so you can become the truest version of you.”

Growth at Tall Guy and a Grill is measured in two ways: increased sales and profitability and growth in its team.

Nowak explains that it’s “not just in the sheer number of additional people we add to our team” but also “how much did our team grow personally and professionally over the past year?”

Recently, Tall Guy and a Grill hired a new HR firm to assist in hiring and onboarding new staff, job postings, the initial interview process and electronically delivering documents to all new hires. “This has been a game-changer for us,” Nowak said.

– Dan Nowak, owner

1ST-YEAR AWARD DAN NOWAK

Congratulations from the strategic partners behind

Tall Guy and a Grill Catering

EWH SMALL BUSINESS ACCOUNTING S.C

ORDER YOUR REPRINTS!

360 Degrees LLC

MMAC/COSBE’s

MILWAUKEE INDUSTRY: Design/Build FOUNDED: 2007 million REVENUE: $3.8 PROJECTED 2019

Congratulations to Dan and his dedicated team!

OM BUILDIT360.C and high-end focuses on hospitality build firm 360 Degrees added six new employees to both Interior design and recently design. The company growth. residential interior in response to its current production teams its operations and including personnel, in all areas of the company,to word of mouth from 360 Degrees has grown its growth and vision. It attributes obstacle at the capacity, production Degrees to its biggest growth leads 360 clients. However, this high quality while ADVICE moment – maintaining WHAT’S THE BEST RECEIVED? growing quickly.

YOU’VE EVER expand to the best The company plans “Do everything to in the future its finishing capabilities of your abilities.” a 401k retirement and is also adding office champion employee benefits – Ariel Schoeninger, contribution and other in January 2020. forward to design and 360 Degrees is looking and all of the diverse growing city of Milwaukee accommodating the of the growth. build needs that come

2ND-YEAR WINNER BRIAN POLSTER

AND ROB BINTER,

OWNERS

MMAC/COSBE’s

AccuTrans Group MILWAUKEE Transportation INDUSTRY: Chauffeured FOUNDED: 2008 million REVENUE: $2.5 PROJECTED 2019

ROUP.COM ACCUTRANSG The company’s ground transportation. provides chauffeured To encourage AccuTrans Group revenue and job creation. a variety of through increased vehicle types to serve growth is measured has added additional more growth, AccuTrans

clients.

has created However, this growth AccuTrans. Previous new obstacles for no longer work for systems and processes and clients. In their increase in employeesadvancement, their order to keep up with to to create new ways AccuTrans needs and processes. sustain their systems

(26 2) 796-10 40 • EWHSBA .COM

ADVICE WHAT’S THE BEST RECEIVED? YOU’VE EVER

that “If you find someone well, does something really it it’s because they screwed up a few dozen times.”

– Matthew Carroll, chief executive officer

WINNER (LEFT REAR), NICK MARK SUMNER (LEFT FRONT), REAR), SCOTT LUCAS SCHUMACHER CARROLL (MIDDLE FRONT), MATT FRONT) FILAK (RIGHT SIDE LAWRENCE (MIDDLE SIDE REAR), PAUL SCHMOLLER (RIGHT

MASTER METTLE

Congratulations, Dan and the team at Tall Guy and a Grill Catering!

O GLETREE DEAKINS JESSE DILL (414) 2 39 - 6 400 • O GLETREE .COM

36 / BizTimes Milwaukee

SEPTEMBER 16, 2019

Awards, cover stories, special reports, advertisements, feature stories, whatever your interests may be. We’ll provide reprints of any published material.

Congratulations to Tall Guy and a Grill from The Equitable Bank!

THE EQUITABLE BANK (414) 476- 6 4 3 4 THEEQUITABLEBANK .COM

9

Call 414-336-7100 today and allow our reprint coordinator to assist you with some proven marketing ideas. biztimes.com / 65

TESCHGlobal

MMAC/COSBE’s

GRAFTON INDUSTRY: Modern Data Strategy & Services FOUNDED: 2005 PROJECTED 2019 REVENUE: $10 million TESCHGLOBAL.COM

TESCHGlobal is a professional services firm that works to solve its clients’ challenges and provide modern data management, business intelligence and application development services. To measure its growth, TG “takes a three tiered approach,” says Will Tesch, founder and chief executive officer. These three tiers are financial performance, employee satisfaction and customer satisfaction.

Although TG has kept its eyes on what’s going on in the rest of the world and helping global organizations, it is now thinking of scaling back and focusing on its local communities such as Wisconsin and Boise, Idaho.

Tesch explains that TG’s biggest obstacle going forward is the company itself. But TG “loves finding individuals who…want to challenge the status quo, and combat any moments of the company hindering itself,” he said.

WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED?

“I was encouraged to step outside my own comfort zone, and I push others to do the same. Even though we may make mistakes, we learn along the way and are able to grow!”

– Will Tesch, founder and chief

Because of TG’s involvement with executive officer health care organizations, the group has decided to launch a new company called HealthLC. This new development is where Tesch believes there are new opportunities for TG.

1ST-YEAR WINNER WILL TESCH

Congratulations from the strategic partner behind

Congratulations from the strategic partner behind

TESCHGlobal

The Cabinetree of WI, Inc.

Congratulations to TESCH Global. Hawkins Ash CPAs is proud to support their growth!

Congratulations on your achievement! Your team at Town Bank wishes you continued success.

H AWKI NS ASH C PAS

WINTRU ST C OMME RC IA L BA NKING AT TOWN BAN K

DAN MORIARTY

JAY MACK

(26 2) 24 3-9610 • HAWKINSASHCPAS.COM

(414) 273-3 507 • TOWNBANK .US

66 / BizTimes Milwaukee SEPTEMBER 16, 2019

The American Deposit Management Co.

MMAC/COSBE’s

PEWAUKEE INDUSTRY: Financial Services YEAR FOUNDED: 2009 PROJECTED 2019 REVENUE: $39 million AMERICANDEPOSITS.COM

The American Deposit Management Co. is a treasury management and financial services company specializing in providing full deposit insurance with the highest rates in the U.S. The American Deposit Management Co. is also a MSRB registered municipal advisor and has offices in Wisconsin, Texas and Arizona.

WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED?

“A very wise woman once told me that as long as I was passionate about what I was doing, the respect would come.”

– Kelly Brown, chief executive officer

ADM has services that can be used by every industry in the U.S., which proves challenging when the company needs to focus on just a few industries and create marketing strategies for those industries.

Recently, ADM has expanded into a new sector called “commodity escrow” and chief executive officer Kelly Brown says, “it is exciting, fun, and, frankly, an industry that has been largely ignored.”

Brown says she hopes the company “in five years will look more like the ‘Amazon’ of financial services…it sounds lofty but I believe it is what we will accomplish.”

1ST-YEAR WINNER KELLY BROWN AND ROBERT ZONDAG

The Cabinetree of WI Inc.

MMAC/COSBE’s

BROOKFIELD INDUSTRY: Kitchen and bath YEAR FOUNDED: 1983 PROJECT 2019 REVENUE: $4 million THECABINETREE.COM

The Cabinetree is a full-service remodeling company. Its staff includes designers, project managers, carpenters, electricians, plumbers, flooring installers and tile setters. The Cabinetree specializes in kitchens, baths, lower levels, mud rooms, laundry rooms, whole house renovations and additions.

WHAT’S NEW AT YOUR COMPANY?

“In September of 2019 The Cabinetree will be moving into a brand new facility right next door to our current location. The new showroom located at 595 Janacek Road is one of the most innovative remodeling showrooms in all of southeastern Wisconsin.”

- Chris Draeger, president

Moving forward, one of Cabinetree’s biggest hurdles will be continuing to find competent tradespeople. It currently has long-term employees, some of them having been at Cabinetree for over 25 years. Adding new employees is one of the larger changes Cabinetree has planned, and it’s looking for the most talented designers and craftsmen.

A selling point of Cabinetree is that everything a customer needs for remodeling is within Cabinetree’s staff and resources. The company says there is no need to use multiple remodeling companies when working with them.

1ST-YEAR WINNER THE CABINETREE TEAM

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Titus Talent Strategies

MMAC/COSBE’s

MILWAUKEE INDUSTRY: Service FOUNDED: 2015 PROJECTED 2019 REVENUE: TITUSTALENT.COM

$11 million

Titus Talent Strategies is a recruiting firm and Predictive Index certified partner.

It strives to identify, attract, hire, measure and guarantee high-quality performance from the people it hires. To assess its growth, Titus Talent Strategies looks beyond simply the revenue and profits and examines “client retention, number of new partners and market shares within our existing partners and lastly, but very importantly, the impact of our generous giving; The Titus Catalyst Fund,” said chief executive officer Jonathan Reynolds.

Reynolds says Titus Talent Strategies’ biggest challenge is “retaining our employees and continuing to hire outstanding people who are passionate about our vision, mission and values.”

However, despite this obstacle, employee-owned Titus Talent Strategies recently hired two key employees, which Reynolds said, “further demonstrates our commitment to put employees first.”

WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED?

“Try not to become a man of success. Rather become a man of value.”

- Albert Einstein

Looking forward, Reynolds wants Titus Talent Strategies to push itself to grow 20% year-over-year. Additionally, Titus Talent Strategies is hoping to continue expanding into new geographic regions, industries and service lines. Reynolds believes his company is able to meet these goals because “change and growth is part of our DNA at Titus!”

1ST-YEAR WINNER TITUS TALENT TEAM

Congratulations from the strategic partner behind

R I V E R E D G E N AT U R E C E N T E R

Titus Talent Strategies Congratulations Titus Talent Strategies from your friends at First Business Bank.

PHONE: (262) 375-2715 WEB: reiveredgenaturecenter.org

The mission of Riveredge Nature Center is to promote conservation through education that awakens curiosity, engages the body, and explores connections to nature for all generations. Through this, Riveredge envisions healthier human and natural communities.

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RONALD McDONALD HOUSE CHARITIES EASTERN WISCONSIN PHONE: (414) 475-5333 WEB: rmhc-easternwi.org To keep families together and promote the health and well-being of children.

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Tuna Traffic LLC

MMAC/COSBE’s

CALEDONIA

INDUSTRY:

Technology and Marketing FOUNDED: 2018 PROJECTED 2019 REVENUE: $2.5 million TUNATRAFFIC.COM

Marketing firm Tuna Traffic specializes in three areas: creative and design, digital marketing and software engineering and web development.

Tuna Traffic measures its growth in four categories: client growth, growth in the company’s own services, skill range delivered by its team and its focus on the right type of clients that can best benefit from Tuna Traffic’s services.

WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED?

“Learn to say, ‘No.’” – Douglas Shimp, president of Tuna Traffic

The company recently began working on artificial intelligence marketing platforms to help clients “leverage customer data, gain powerful insights to anticipate customer behavior and improve the customer journey,” said company president Douglas Shimp.

Being in the technology industry brings fresh challenges every day, and the company is learning all the time, Shimp said.

1ST-YEAR WINNER THE TUNA TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT TEAM

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR STRATEGIC PARTNERS • All Occasions Catering / Bubb’s BBQ

• Mindful Staffing Solutions LLC

• ADVENT

• Tuna Traffic LLC

• Interstate Roof Systems Consultants, Inc.

• Wenthe-Davidson Engineering Co.

• James Imaging Systems

MyKnowledgeBroker.com | 800.566.7007 | The Knowledge Brokers

biztimes.com / 69

VJS Construction Services

MMAC/COSBE’s

PEWAUKEE INDUSTRY: Construction FOUNDED: 1947 PROJECTED 2019 REVENUE: VJSCS.COM

$170 million

VJS Construction Services provides general contractors, construction managers and design builders, specializing in developing facilities for education, senior living, housing, retail, manufacturing, medical, corporate office, religious and government use.

WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED?

As VJS Construction Services continues to grow, its biggest obstacles include “the current labor force and the volatility of the economy,” says Craig Jorgensen, president of the company.

To combat the labor shortage, VJS launched an internship program for those considering careers in construction.

Looking forward, VJS Construction Services sees continued opportunities in the senior living area. Jorgensen said, “many of the campuses we have worked with over the years are reconfiguring, retooling, expanding, or rethinking how they deliver their housing experiences.”

1ST-YEAR WINNER TOP, LEFT TO RIGHT: CRAIG JORGENSEN, RICK ANDRITSCH, DAVID JORGENSEN. BOTTOM, LEFT TO RIGHT: GARY JORGENSEN, JAKE JORGENSEN, CHAD BATHKE, CHRIS SAUVÉ, JASON SCHNEIDER

– Tom Schueler, founder of VJS Construction Services” –Craig Jorgensen, president of VJS Construction Services

Education is another market where VJS sees opportunities.

Congratulations from the strategic partner behind

“‘Give compliments,’ ‘Get experience in the field,’ ‘Learn from the ‘old’ people,’ ‘Do not think you know it all,’ ‘Never talk down to people,’ ‘Treat others the way you want to be treated,’ ‘Your word is important - don’t play games!’’

S A I N TA

VJS Construction Services

PHONE: (414) 463-1880 WEB: sainta.org

Our mission is to facilitate equity, learning, healing and wellness by restoring the connections that help children and families thrive.

Congratulations to VJS Construction on your well-deserved recognition.

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A X LEY ATTOR NEYS

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S E T O N C AT H O L I C S C H O O L S PHONE: (414) 831-8400 WEB: setoncatholicschools.org

Seton Catholic Schools is a transformational educational system committed to overcoming academic and social challenges, empowering students, families and educators to attain their God-given potential.

(26 2) 524-8 500 • AXLEY.COM

2019 GIVING GUIDE F EATURED NONPROF I T

70 / BizTimes Milwaukee SEPTEMBER 16, 2019

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Vulcan Global Manufacturing Solutions

MMAC/COSBE’s

MILWAUKEE INDUSTRY: Manufacturing FOUNDED: 1978 PROJECTED 2019 REVENUE: $50 million VULCANGMS.COM

Vulcan Global Manufacturing Solutions provides radiation shielding solutions for medical, security and NDT industries. There are four business units within Vulcan GMS: Vulcan Lead, Vulcan Machining, Vulcan Fabrication and Vulcan China.

Vulcan GMS has different production options including casting, extrusion, CNC machining, 3D printing, metal spinning, WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE among others.

YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED?

“The best advice I ever received came from my dad, Chuck Yanke, when he told me to ‘fail faster.’ He encouraged me to develop a culture of experimentation; to be willing to try new things, but do so quickly. And if something’s not working, fail fast and pivot.”

– Paul Yanke, chief executive officer

Vulcan GMS measures its growth by looking at its financial success, growth of the organization and the improvement of the lives of its customers.

With the large growth Vulcan GMS has experienced comes one of its larger obstacles: maintaining the culture of the company. However, Paul Yanke, chief executive officer, says that Vulcan’s employees “bleed Vulcan blue.”

Moving forward, Vulcan is advancing into the field of medicine and innovative consumer products.

1ST-YEAR WINNER PAUL YANKE

Warehouse-Lighting COM LLC

MMAC/COSBE’s

NEW BERLIN INDUSTRY: Lighting systems YEAR FOUNDED: 2008 WAREHOUSE-LIGHTING.COM

Warehouse-Lighting COM LLC provides LED lighting fixtures and related products for industrial, commercial, architectural and residential applications.

Additionally, Warehouse-Lighting diagnoses lighting needs for its customers, provides lighting layouts and makes recommendations.

WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED?

“Failure is not an option.”

Applications include commercial space and office buildings, apartments, condos, television and movie sets and many others.

The largest obstacle for WarehouseLighting is the lack of knowledge about the benefits of LED lights in the market.

According to chief executive officer James Abraham, there are still companies that don’t use LED lighting because they don’t know about its benefits. To counter this, Warehouse-Lighting strives to provide that information and holds special programs for contractors, electricians and other trade customers.

Recently, Warehouse-Lighting launched a new website with added support for customer service, sales and tech areas of the company.

LILA ARYAN

– James Abraham, CEO

2ND-YEAR WINNER JAMES ABRAHAM

biztimes.com / 71

Wenthe-Davidson Engineering Co.

MMAC/COSBE’s

NEW BERLIN INDUSTRY: Manufacturing FOUNDED: 1941 PROJECTED 2019 REVENUE: WENTHE-DAVIDSON.COM

$40 million

Wenthe-Davidson Engineering Co. manufactures electric motor generator housings, emission system components for diesel trucks, and metal tubular products. Its growth is measured “by top and bottom-line activity,” according to president Frederick Anderson. In addition, “providing complete fabrication of all assemblies so (its) customers simply WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE assemble” has contributed to the growth YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED? of the company, Anderson said.

MASTER METTLE

LILA ARYAN

“Worries and concerns are Currently, Wenthe-Davidson never as bad as they first Engineering Co. is challenged by the labor appear.” shortage and finding employees that fit the company. “The job markets are very tight no matter what positions we are trying to fill,” Anderson said.

Anderson is looking to solar and wind energy for growth and expansion of the company. Wenthe-Davidson has added a second location to help develop in those markets. Additionally, Anderson wants the company to push itself to be as cost efficient as possible, saying “there is always a better, less-costly way to manufacture and fabricate.” The company plans to achieve that “through lean manufacturing and the adoption of six sigma quality.”

THE WENTHE-DAVIDSON ENGINEERING TEAM

Congratulations from the strategic partners behind

Wenthe-Davidson Engineering Co. Congratulations on your well-deserved achievement from your friends and colleagues at Buelow Vetter!

BUELOW VETTER BUIKEMA OLSON & VLIET, LLC ROB BUIKEMA

New Hire?

Share the news with the business community!

(26 2) 36 4- 0300 • BUELOWVETTER .COM

Congratulations on your leadership and for being a strong supporter of our community.

NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL PATRICK T. HORNE, CLU®, CHFC®, CASL®, CLTC FINANCIAL ADVISOR • (414) 2 5 4-2011 • PATHORNE .COM Northwe stern Mutual is the marketing name for The Northwe stern Mutual Life Insurance Company, Milwaukee, WI (NM) and its subsidiarie s. Patrick T Horne is an Insurance Agent of NM

Announce new hires, promotions, accolades, and board appointments with BizPeople.

Visit biztimes.com/bizconnect to submit your news!

We congratulate Wenthe-Davidson Engineering Co. on this award and wish them continued success.

REILLY, PENNER & BENTON LLP JOEL JOYCE (414) 271-7800 • RPB.BIZ

72 / BizTimes Milwaukee SEPTEMBER 16, 2019

2020 EDITION

Reserve your space in the 2020 Giving Guide!

MACC FUND, MIDWEST ATHLETES AGAINST CHILDHOOD CANCER, INC.

MISSION The MACC Fund raises funds for research in Wisconsin for childhood cancer and related blood disorders like sickle cell disease and aplastic anemia providing a Gift of Hope Through Research.

A Gift of Hope Through Research

10000 W. Innovation Dr., Suite 135 Milwaukee, WI 53226 (414) 955-5830

Your involvement in this annual publication includes an in-depth

maccfund.org facebook.com/MACCFund @maccfund TOTAL EMPLOYEES: ANNUAL REVENUE:

6 $4,854,837 1976

profile, plus several advertising elements in BizTimes Milwaukee

YEAR ESTABLISHED:

SERVICE AREA Research is supported at The Medical College of Wisconsin, Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin, the UW Carbone Cancer Center and Marshfield Clinic.

FUNDING SOURCES

GOALS

FUNDRAISING/EVENTS

The goal of the MACC Fund is to find a cure by providing funding for research. The MACC Fund raises money and benefits from a number of exciting events throughout the course of the year. Please visit www.maccfund.org as well as the MACC Fund Facebook page and the MACC Fund Twitter and Instagram accounts to keep up to date on what the MACC Fund is doing!

The MACC Fund benefits from a number of exciting events throughout the year. Please visit www.maccfund.org and follow the MACC Fund on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES Trek 100 volunteers manage rest stops, help on the routes and serve food to appreciative riders. Milwaukee Brewers Mini Marathon, 5K and 10K volunteers help in a number of ways. Volunteers play key roles soliciting items for events which they stage working with MACC Fund staff. Whatever the volunteer role, it has a common goal of helping the MACC Fund help children.

n Special Events .......................................................... 75% n Memorial Donations ..................................................9% n General Donations ..................................................... 7% n Foundations..................................................................6% n Major Gifts ....................................................................3%

EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP

Scott Falk (Treasurer) ★ Robert W. Baird & Co.

Kevin Steiner (Vice Chair) ★ West Bend Mutual Insurance Company

Junior Bridgeman

Heartland Coca-Cola Bottling Company

Jon McGlocklin (President and Co-Founder) ★ Milwaukee Bucks and MACC Fund

Al Costigan

Costigan Family Foundation

Wm. O. Steinberg (Chair Emeritus) ★ Strategic Leverage Partners Eddie Doucette (Honorary VP and Co-Founder) Doucette Promotions, Inc. Jan Lennon (Secretary) ★ Community Volunteer

70

magazine, BizTimes Nonprofit Weekly enewsletter and BizTimes.com.

The MACC Fund supports research for childhood cancer and related blood disorders like sickle cell disease and aplastic anemia.

Thanks to generous supporters, the MACC Fund has contributed over $63 million to research in Wisconsin benefiting children throughout the world and helping the overall cure rate for childhood cancer to increase from 20% to 80% since the MACC Fund began in 1976, yet children can relapse and have “late effect” issues that require additional research. MACC Fund supported research impacts the treatment of children throughout the state, the nation and the world.

★ DENOTES EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP

Knoebel and Associates

Chair

GIVING OPPORTUNITIES The MACC Fund affords many giving opportunities whether as a volunteer, event participant, sponsor or generous donor.

Donors can remember a loved one or honor a friend with a donation in their name. Donations can be made through company sponsored events corporate or individual giving.

Gifts of securities and insurance as well as planned giving and estate planning are all vehicles that can be part of a Gift of Hope Through Research.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Paul Knoebel (Chairman) ★

Paul Knoebel

Space Reservation: September 27, 2019

Paul Griepentrog Godfrey & Kahn, S.C. ★

Greg Klimek

Kenan Advantage Group

T.J. Marini

Wells Fargo Private Bank

Tim Michels

Tammie Miller TKO Miller

Lindsay Schweikert Fiserv

John F. Steinmiller

info@maccfund.org ★ www.maccfund.org Phone: 414.955.5830 ★ Fax: 414.955.6170 10000 W. Innovation Drive, Suite 135 ★ Milwaukee, WI 53226

Milwaukee Bucks

Aldo Madrigrano

Retired, Beer Capitol Distributing

2019 GIVING GUIDE | biztimes.com/giving

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Michels Corporation

by the Region’s Business and Philanthropic Leaders all year long.

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Strategies LEADERSHIP

The ingredients of leadership Leadership served well is like a good meal

“FOOD NOURISHES the body. Leadership, if served well, nourishes the spirit, inspires innovation, and influences outcomes.”

With these words, I opened a conference for executives in food service for senior living communities across the country, sponsored and hosted by Direct Supply, an employee-owned company, headquartered in Milwaukee.

RECIPE FOR LEADERSHIP During the keynote, I suggested that ingredients for effective leadership include the three I’s: Influence, Inspiration and Innovation.

INFLUENCE Participants were asked to consider the qualities of someone in their lives who inspired them.

Qualities they identified included: compassion, care, thinking outside of the box, ability to have fun, being capable of hearing a different opinion, etc. In our coaching and consulting world, we identify those qualities as qualities of Emotional Intelligence.

I shared with the participants that, while IQ and technical skills are important for securing a job, the qualities of Emotional Intelligence are twice as significant as IQ and functional skills combined as a predictor of success.

We know that if we want to influence others, we need to give them the sense that we appreciate and believe in them.

74 / BizTimes Milwaukee SEPTEMBER 16, 2019

INSPIRATION Definition: To fill someone with the urge or ability to do or feel something, especially to do something creative.

Effective leaders do what Max Depree writes in his book “The Art of Leadership.” He suggests that there are two major responsibilities of leaders: The first is to define reality and articulate a vision, and the second is to say “thank you.”

As leaders, we need to connect the mission, vision and values of the organization to the purpose of the contribution of each employee.

Consider the story of a man walking in a city.

He sees a building being constructed. When he stops to ask the first worker: “What are you doing?” The worker responds with a bit of sarcasm, “It’s pretty obvious that I am laying brick.” As the man continues around the corner, he asks a second worker, engaged in the same process of slabbing down mortar and adding bricks. When he asks this worker: “What are you doing?” she replies, “I’m building a cathedral.”

As leaders we need to ensure that employees know that the work they are doing is contributing to building a cathedral.

A number of years ago, I had the privilege of working with the leadership team for the Green Bay Packers. We worked together to develop the mission and vision statements, and to articulate the values of the organization.

In a facilitated meeting with all employees we presented the work of the leadership team to invite their buy-in. One of the exercises was for employees to talk in small groups about where they witnessed values in action. As the conversation evolved, a coach stood up and said: “I want to talk about excellence (one of the defined values). Every day I go into the locker room, the floor is spotless, equipment is in order, everything we need for a game or practice is ready for us.” Then he said across the room: “Jim, I have never thanked you.”

Jim worked for the Packers for 23 years in maintenance and facilities. He never had the experience of being thanked publicly. The coach’s words not only inspired Jim, they inspired all of the leaders and employees in the Packers organization.

THE THIRD I: INNOVATION Innovation is making changes in something established with new methods, ideas, etc. Or to introduce something new, often a new product.

How do leaders encourage innovation? Innovation means change and when change is introduced in our lives there is some level of resistance.

Leaders need to acknowledge the resistance to change, normalize it, and then provide support for employees to transition through change.

If we are to encourage innovation, we must encourage ideas. Oftentimes, the ideas that employees bring to leaders frustrate rather than advance possibilities. Learning to receive ideas from others, even when you don’t think they will work, is an important skill in leadership. If employees believe their ideas are not welcome, there will be no innovation.

As I concluded the Direct Supply keynote, I realized how grateful I was for the experience of being with this group of passionate, committed leaders who are eager to influence, inspire and innovate. They will make a difference in the lives of hundreds of staff and residents who live in senior living facilities across the country.

What will be the leadership meal that you prepare in your organization? n

KAREN VERNAL Karen Vernal is the president of Vernal Management Consultants LLC, a Milwaukeebased leadership and organizational firm.

For more information, visit vernalmgmt.com.

Strategies MANAGEMENT

The bigger picture Five ways to help employees think like an owner WHETHER YOU’RE a business leader or a business owner, you understand the merits of explaining and communicating your company’s mission, vision and values to employees.

It defines your organization’s culture. It helps people understand how you differ from your competitors and how you bring value to the marketplace.

Some of this may be diminished or lost among rank-and-file employees. This isn’t necessarily intentional. It might simply be because your leaders at the top concentrate more time and energy on strategic thinking. Lower-level employees must spend their time on operations. Each group serves a purpose in getting things done.

If you want to win in today’s complex business environment, however, you need more than just competent people at all levels to help you grow.

Here are five things you can do to help each employee “think like an owner.”

1. DEVELOP EMPLOYEES Don’t just train them. Take a keen interest in their entire workplace experience by providing thoughtful mentoring and coaching. Offer sincere and frequent feedback.

Create an environment that’s open to challenges, calculated risk and change that will lead to growth.

2. ENCOURAGE CRITICAL THINKING This is one of the most important problem-solving skills that a leader must develop. It’s

equally valuable for employees at all levels.

Help them feel comfortable with “Socratic questioning” of the status quo. That means encouraging them to explore complex ideas, get to the truth, uncover issues and problems, question assumptions and analyze concepts, to distinguish what we know from what we don’t know. Socratic questioning focuses on fundamental concepts, principles, theories, issues or problems.

It seeks continuous improvement of processes and products and looks for new opportunities.

3. COMMIT TO THE EMPLOYEE EXPERIENCE This includes the initial onboarding process, helping employees fit in with the company culture, and offering career planning and opportunities to advance.

Today’s ideal workplace experience goes even further. It includes three things that matter most in the modern environment: 1. Advanced technological tools.

2. A physical workspace that fosters collaborating with other teams.

3. A culture that emphasizes learning and an entrepreneurial team-building spirit.

They must prioritize their own activities, adjust to changing conditions, manage time efficiently, demonstrate the ability to make well-reasoned decisions and practice better listening skills.

They must be as much of a good follower as a good leader.

So why is it a big deal if employees have an ownership mindset? Benefits galore for the employer and its customers.

But employees who have a real sense of ownership exhibit the same honesty, trust and respect as their companies do. They work well with their supervisors and peers, and they enjoy a workplace that respects and appreciates everyone.

A healthier, more productive company increases profits. More profits lead to more resources that can improve products and services. Better products and services create more satisfied and loyal customers.

The overall effect? A company that’s unstoppable. And that benefits everyone. n

Take care of your employees and they’ll take care of your customers.

4. SHARE A GLOBAL VIEWPOINT All employees want and need to know the broader strategic direction of your organization.

It helps them see how they “fit” into achieving excellence, how they contribute to the company’s economics that drive profitability, and how they can stay relevant and be engaged.

It also requires their commitment, accountability, and better resource planning – just like an owner. Everything now matters that much more.

5. STRESS PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY It starts with the person at the top. Help develop employees and treat them like owners. In practice, it means greater transparency of “the big picture,” positive thinking, and giving employees a voice at the table.

Employees share an equal responsibility.

GEORGE SATULA George Satula is an executive leadership coach working primarily as a Vistage chairman, leading three CEO mastermind groups in southeastern Wisconsin. He is also a speaker and leadership development consultant. He can be reached at (262) 7867400 or George.Satula@VistageChair.com. biztimes.com / 75

Strategies A BRIEF CASE

How do I make a change within an underperforming area of my company?

Nate Manning Ted Balistreri Co-owner Sendik’s Food Markets “Business organizations are a collection of people who come together to accomplish something that an individual could not accomplish on their own. Therefore, when we identify an issue in our organization that needs change, our first source of information is our people. This usually means our team members who are on the front lines, customer-facing and with a great deal at stake.

“First, we assess whether we have the right people with the right capabilities necessary to lead change. Second, we determine if the team has the right tools in place to complete the task at hand. Assuming the right people are in place and have the tools necessary to complete the job, we solicit input from them to clearly identify the factors leading to non-performance. Once identified, we solicit information from them as to what actions can be taken to overcome the obstacles at hand.

“By identifying the issues and asking for their input, our team members become an integral part of planning and executing changes that are needed to address opportunities we may have. This engagement leads to higher levels of enthusiasm and job satisfaction as the changes necessary for course correction are enacted. Plus, it's a lot more fun for everyone involved as they see the progress they are making. In this regard, excellent communication with all those involved in the process is a key ingredient to success.”

76 / BizTimes Milwaukee SEPTEMBER 16, 2019

Vice president and general manager, HVAC & controlsNorth America Johnson Controls “The first step: determine if this area of the company is strategically important. Think of it as a stock— buy, sell or hold. Assuming buy or hold, the next step is to define the problem and what future success looks like. These statements are the rallying cry for your organization, and for creating alignment among leaders in your business.

“Now it’s time to go to work. Handpick a team with diverse backgrounds and approaches, and create bandwidth – if they do this part-time it is likely to fail. Use this as an opportunity to give high potential talent a growth opportunity with exposure to leadership. Gather the team, outline the problem and get everyone aligned around the definition of success. Help them create a ‘war room’ and allow them to define metrics and milestones to drive transparency of progress on an operating cadence that will meet your deadline.

“It’s important to communicate to your entire organization what is happening and provide regular updates. Why? Because the fix will need to be sustainable and this means employees will need to buy in along the journey.

“Positive reinforcement is a force multiplier for productivity and continuous improvement, so put as much thought into this as you did trying to solve the issue.

“Done consistently, this process becomes organic and keeps your business on the right path.”

Lindsay Ruch Vice president Versant “Like most independent businesses, Versant strives to provide an outstanding level of service to our clients and partners. In order to effectively turn ‘what if’ into ‘wow’ and remain competitive in our pricing, we continually monitor our project efficiency and make work process adjustments where necessary.

“At Versant, we document our workflow processes for each project. After a project is complete, we analyze performance, looking specifically for areas that take a disproportionate amount of time. We take into consideration the assignment or task at hand and the predetermined budget laid out in the statement of work.

“Communication among team members is one important area we've implemented change in, by putting more emphasis on in-person communication than on email or text. This is hard to do in today’s age of constant digitized communication. However, we found in-person meetings allowed us to better flesh out our creative goals and objectives and, in turn, create more effective in-depth strategies that deliver the best results for our clients and partners.” n

Marketplace

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FINANCIAL SERVICES

CATEGORY

Anne Sapienza joins owner group at IAG Wealth Partners, LLC. Anne Sapienza, CRPC® has become an owner of IAG Wealth Partners, LLC. As part of IAG’s continuity planning, the addition of Anne to the ownership group signifies the company’s commitment to serving its clients and their families for generations.

TECHNOLOGY

Attorney Nicolas J. Probst joins von Briesen & Roper, s.c.

Attorney and registered Wisconsin lobbyist Nicholas J. Probst has joined von Briesen & Roper, s.c. in the Madison office. Probst will lead the firm’s new government relations and administrative law section.

TECHNOLOGY

Anastasia Chapek joins New Resources Consulting as vice president of sales.

Anastasia will build, train, and manage NRC’s successful sales team; develop and execute annual sales plans; and establish sales strategies. Her 19+ years of experience includes account expansion, training oversight, and sales process implementation.

Andrew Petrasko named principal at SVA Consulting.

SVA Consulting would like to congratulate Andrew Petrasko on his promotion to principal.

Andrew is adept at diagnosing complex business problems and works collaboratively with stakeholders to envision and deliver effective technology solutions.

BIZ UPDATES

Advertising Section: Press Releases, etc.

B R A EGER AU TO GR O U P C H A N GE S N A M E TO L A K E AU TO GR O U P! New Name Reflects Roots, Commitment to Greater Milwaukee Community.

Braeger Auto Group has announced a name change to Lake Auto Group, effective September 1, 2019. This re-branding begins the next chapter in the company’s long history serving the greater Milwaukee area. Braeger Chevrolet will become Lake Chevrolet and Braeger Ford will become Lake Ford. The company will continue with the same ownership, management and locations-along with the same great customer experience.

Todd Reardon, Chairman of Braeger Company of Wisconsin, released the following statement on Braeger’s name change to Lake Auto Group:

ly be known as Lake Auto Group effective September 1. Braeger has a long history of serving the greater Milwaukee community as well as Southeastern Wisconsin, and we’re ready to begin this new chapter as Lake. We’re proud to serve our community and customers and look forward to continuing our heritage of being the Premier Chevrolet and Ford dealerships in Southeastern Wisconsin and Milwaukee.

With the same ownership and management team in place, Lake will continue to deliver the same world-class service and satisfaction that residents have come to expect.”

“I’m excited to announce that Braeger Auto Group will official-

From Homelessness to Housing

PRESENTS:

Chronic and family homelessness are growing concerns and challenging issues in the Milwaukee area that impact the entire community. Our panel discussion will address the realities of the growing tent city in downtown Milwaukee, hidden homelessness and other housing-related challenges in the region and possible solutions and paths to stable housing, along with ways you can help. Learn more about this important issue and see how you can guide our community toward solutions.

2019

CORPORATE CITIZENSHIP

Following the panel discussion, we will recognize BizTimes Media’s 2019 Nonprofit awards finalists and honorees. The for-profit categories include: corporate citizen of the year, corporate volunteer of the year, in-kind supporter, next generation leadership and lifetime achievement. The nonprofit categories include: executive of the year, nonprofit organization of the year (large & small) and social enterprise.

Friday, November 1, 2019 Registration & Networking - 7:00am–7:30am Breakfast & Program - 7:30am–9:30am

Panelists Eric Collins-Dyke, MSW, APSW, Homeless Outreach Services Manager, Milwaukee County Housing Division (1) Michael Gosman, Executive Director, ACTS Housing (2) Beth Wierick, CEO, Milwaukee Downtown - BID #21 (3) 1

PLATINUM SPONSOR: 78 / BizTimes Milwaukee SEPTEMBER 16, 2019

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Moderator: Lauren Anderson, Associate Editor, BizTimes Milwaukee

Register Today! - biztimes.com/npawards

PAY IT FORWARD Maria Nicholas-Groves and Sarah Fracek

Nicholas-Groves leverages Milwaukee volunteers to support food sustainability projects worldwide Maria Nicholas-Groves President and chief executive officer Talent Growth Partners

LILA ARYAN PHOTOGRAPHY

Nonprofit served: Feeding Mouths, Filling Minds Service: Founder

IN 2012, Maria Nicholas-Groves, president and chief executive officer of Milwaukee-based Talent Growth Partners, co-founded Feeding Mouths, Filling Minds, a Brookfield-based nonprofit that partners with orphanages and schools to develop sustainable water and food systems.

Nicholas-Groves first spent time in Kenya while on a service project in college. A decade later, she returned to an orphanage and school she had visited during that initial trip and discussed with its founder about how the orphanage could better utilize the land to sustainably feed its children.

“I thought my husband and I would help fundraise for that and offer some guidance. It ended up catapulting not just that project in Kenya, but projects in other parts of Africa,” Nicholas-Groves said.

That project launched Feeding Mouths, Filling Minds. Since then, the organization has supported computers and training, food, water and sanitation systems in Cameroon; built a slaughterhouse in Guatemala; funded rainwater collection and storage systems in Rwanda; and helped other organizations with their fundraising efforts to build water wells for schools in Sierra Leone and Liberia.

Fueling FMFM’s work is a network of volunteers, including Milwaukee area professionals that Nicholas-Groves has recruited to leverage their areas of expertise in support of the cause. Today, about 20 core volunteers - including marketing professionals, architects

and engineers - gather regularly to work on FMFM projects.

“We are a nimble, thoughtful, deliberate nonprofit,” Nicholas-Groves said. “Every penny actually goes to the projects. You don’t have this massive overhead, so the skills everyone contributes makes a massive difference.”

Sarah Fracek, vice president of strategy and marketing for Kane Communications Group, got connected to FMFM through a former employer that was fundraising for the organization’s large water project in Cameroon. She quickly became a key volunteer and now serves as its board chair.

Recruiting and leveraging the skills of the organization’s volunteers is one of Nicholas-Groves’ strengths, Fracek said.

“Maria in her day job is an executive recruiter and naturally stocks talent easily,” Fracek said. “People are drawn to her because of her profession and personality … Once you get connected, it’s hard to stay away.” n

LAUREN ANDERSON Associate Editor

P / 414-336-7121 E / lauren.anderson@biztimes.com T / @Biz_Lauren

biztimes.com / 79

BizConnections VOLUME 25, NUMBER 12 | SEP 16, 2019

GLANCE AT YESTERYEAR

126 N. Jefferson St., Suite 403, Milwaukee, WI 53202-6120 PHONE: 414-277-8181 FAX: 414-277-8191 WEBSITE: www.biztimes.com CIRCULATION: 414-336-7100 | circulation@biztimes.com ADVERTISING: 414-336-7112 | advertising@biztimes.com EDITORIAL: 414-336-7120 | andrew.weiland@biztimes.com REPRINTS: 414-336-7100 | reprints@biztimes.com PUBLISHER / OWNER Dan Meyer dan.meyer@biztimes.com

SALES & MARKETING

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS Mary Ernst mary.ernst@biztimes.com

EDITORIAL EDITOR Andrew Weiland andrew.weiland@biztimes.com ASSOCIATE EDITOR Lauren Anderson lauren.anderson@biztimes.com ASSOCIATE EDITOR Arthur Thomas arthur.thomas@biztimes.com REPORTER Maredithe Meyer maredithe.meyer@biztimes.com REPORTER Alex Zank alex.zank@biztimes.com

DIRECTOR OF SALES Linda Crawford linda.crawford@biztimes.com ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Paddy Kieckhefer paddy.kieckhefer@biztimes.com ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Molly Lawrence molly.lawrence@biztimes.com ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Maggie Pinnt maggie.pinnt@biztimes.com ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Christie Ubl christie.ubl@biztimes.com SALES INTERN Tess Romans tess.romans@biztimes.com

ADMINISTRATION ADMINISTRATIVE COORDINATOR Sue Herzog sue.herzog@biztimes.com

INTERN REPORTER Marla Hiller marla.hiller@biztimes.com

PRODUCTION & DESIGN

Downtown view

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Alex Schneider alex.schneider@biztimes.com

This James Conklin photo shot from the Hotel Schroeder building, now the Hilton Milwaukee City Center, shows downtown Milwaukee to the east. The image includes the former downtown Boston Store building. The store later became part of The Shops of Grand Avenue Mall. The store closed last year when the retailer’s parent company, Bon-Ton, went out of business and the building was rebranded as HUB640.

ART DIRECTOR Shelly Tabor shelly.tabor@biztimes.com

— Founded 1995 —

— Photo courtesy Milwaukee Public Museum

COMMENTARY

Century City finally gains momentum WHEN WAS the last time a company with more than 200 employees decided to move its headquarters from the suburbs to Milwaukee’s central city? I can’t think of one.

So, it was a very big deal when Franklin-based meat processing company Strauss Brands announced that it would build a new headquarters and processing facility at the Century City business park in Milwaukee.

Century City was created by the city at the former A.O. Smith/Tower Automotive site, south of West Capitol Drive and along West Hopkins Street. The city acquired the 84-acre site in 2009 and began a $40 million project to clean it up, demolish dilapidated buildings and install new infrastructure. Century City is the city’s biggest initiative to attract much-needed jobs to the north and northwest side of Milwaukee.

It has taken years for those efforts to show 80 / BizTimes Milwaukee SEPTEMBER 16, 2019

Independent & Locally Owned

any significant progress. The city partnered with Fox Point-based General Capital to develop a 53,160-square-foot speculative industrial building at Century City. The building was completed in 2016 but sat vacant, until this year.

Good City Brewing bought the building last year and moved its office and warehouse operations there recently. Good City occupies a portion of the building and hopes to lease out the rest of the space.

One of the few remaining buildings at Century City from the A.O. Smith days is occupied

by Talgo, a Spanish-based company that makes trains. Talgo left Milwaukee after then Gov. Scott Walker canceled plans for a high-speed rail system in the state, for which the company had been making trains. But the company later returned to Century City to perform work on a $73 million contract to overhaul rail vehicles for Los Angeles County. Earlier this year, Talgo was awarded a $139 million contract to rebuild rail cars for Metrolink in Southern California, work also to be done at Century City.

Now comes Strauss, which plans to build a 175,000-square-foot facility at Century City and will have 250 employees there. The company could get up to $4.5 million in incentives from the city if its employment there grows to 500.

“We just feel it’s a good location for our workforce,” said Strauss chief financial officer Jerry Bussen. “We sort of mapped out our workforce and found that most of them commute in from that area.”

In this tight labor market, availability of labor is one advantage the central city can offer to businesses that are otherwise typically resistant to have operations in low income areas with higher crime rates.

The new momentum at Century City is welcome news for the north and northwest sides of Milwaukee, but many more employers and jobs are needed in that area of the city.

Planned moves to the suburbs by Astronautics and Leonardo DRS will remove 900 jobs from lower-income neighborhoods of Milwaukee.

Hopefully more companies take an interest in Century City. n

ANDREW WEILAND EDITOR

P / 414-336-7120 E / andrew.weiland@biztimes.com T / @AndrewWeiland

AROUND TOWN

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HPGM annual meeting

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Hispanic Professionals of Greater Milwaukee recently held its annual meeting at The Pfister Hotel.

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SUNDAI COOK, JIQUINNA COHEN and REGINA FLORES, all of Milwaukee Public Schools.

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BRETT BLOMME of Cream City Foundation; ERIK KENNEDY of Advocate Aurora Health; and JAY MESSAR of Cream City Foundation.

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BOB LAMB of U.S. Bank, SUZANNE ZWASKA of U.S. Bank, ROB HENKEN of Wisconsin Policy Forum; and BARRIE HENKEN.

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MASHA MILSHTEYN of U.S. Bank and MARTA MEDINA of Associated Bank.

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ERICKA SERNA-ROMO of Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin, EVELYN JONES, and JEANNETTE PAEZ of St. Anthony School.

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ALEX ZAMORA of Chase, AMBER SMITH of Chase, and MANNY LARA of Advocate Aurora.

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STEPHANIE RIVERA BERRUZ and ABIGAIL FAVELA, both of Marquette University.

Photos by Lauren Anderson

‘Swing Fore the Kettle’ The Salvation Army of Milwaukee County hosted its sixth annual Swing Fore the Kettle golf outing on Aug. 26 at Wisconsin Club’s Country Club.

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(Top from left) BRIAN MEKKA of The Salvation Army of Milwaukee County, and MARCIA STASKA, (bottom from left) KRISTIN FULLER and EMILY FUGER, all of Kohl’s Corp.

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DARIO MELENDEZ of Fox Sports Wisconsin and DAN NEEDLES of WISN-12.

10. BRIAN MEKKA of Kohl’s Corp.; MAJOR STEVEN WOODARD, MAJOR JENNIFER WOODARD, MAJOR CHRISTINE MERRITT, MAJOR STEVEN MERRITT, all of The Salvation Army; and FRANK STEPHENS of Computing Technology Solutions.

11. PAUL GEORGE, co-owner of Wisconsin Vision; HEATHER GEORGE of First Weber; and ANN PLOCH and GREG PLOCH. 12. MICHAEL BASSI of Marquette University, MAUREEN ROHLFING of Milwaukee County District Attorney’s office, and MARK ROHLFING, fire chief of the Milwaukee Fire Department.

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Photos by Liz Budelman, The Salvation Army Wisconsin & Upper Michigan biztimes.com / 81

BizConnections

MIDWEST EXPRESS

5 MINUTES WITH…

5 MINUTES WITH…

GREG ARETAKIS President, Midwest Express Airlines

GREG ARETAKIS was vice president of market planning for Midwest Airlines from 2005-‘09. Originally known as Midwest Express, the Oak Creek-based airline was acquired by Indianapolis-based Republic Airways Holdings in 2009, it was merged into Denver-based Frontier Airlines and in 2011 the Midwest Airlines brand was eliminated. Now Aretakis is leading an effort to revitalize that brand. The new Midwest Express plans to start service by the end of this year with flights to Grand Rapids, Michigan; Omaha, Nebraska; and Cincinnati, Ohio.

After a recent press conference at Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport, Aretakis spoke with BizTimes Milwaukee editor Andrew Weiland about the new Midwest Express.

service (back)…When we started talking about the idea of bringing back a brand called Midwest Express, we asked people (in the Milwaukee business community), ‘Do you still have a need for these destinations?’ As we started getting, for lack of a better word, a survey of various destinations, these places (Grand Rapids, Omaha and Cincinnati) kept on popping to the top of the list.

“The data for people flying to, say, Grand Rapids, stopped in 2011 when the flights stopped. So, we don’t have great data. But you know what we have? We have corporations saying we want to go to Grand Rapids. And that’s more important to us, because Midwest was always fully integrated into the community, and we intend to be so again.”

CUSTOMER SERVICE “A lot of people remember a lot of different things (about the original Midwest Express). What everyone starts talking about is the exceptional customer service, our Midwest style. We have people on our team who were part of the original Midwest (Express), who built that customer service training and employee selection. We are going to bring that back. That’s a top priority.”

COOKIES…BUT NO FEES “One of our hallmarks will be no fees. The way the airline business used to be, you buy your ticket and you get all of the components as a part of that. We’ll have complimentary snacks, and we’ll have cookies. When we ask people (who want so see Midwest Express make a comeback) what are the things that really matter to you, (they say) it’s customer service, it’s convenience in terms of the flights, and the cookies.”

DESTINATIONS “Everybody has a route they want us to fly. So, we are not starving for ideas… (Midwest Airlines) used to fly 150 nonstop flights a day out of Milwaukee. There are many destinations that have never gotten that

INVESTOR SUPPORT “All of our investors today are from Wisconsin. This is a Wisconsin-based company … We’re moving forward (to launch the business). The airplane (being) here is a testament to that.” n

82 / BizTimes Milwaukee SEPTEMBER 16, 2019

LEADER IN

MILWAUKEE-AREA BUSINESS NEWS Committed to Journalism Excellence

AABP AWARDS 2019

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Best Feature Layout Shelly Tabor & Alex Schneider

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