BizTimes Milwaukee | September 17, 2018 by BizTimes Media

and a miss Lessons learned from failed startups

plus THE HARLEY-DAVIDSON 115TH IN PHOTOS 18 MARQUETTE PROGRAM GIVES HANDS-ON BUSINESS LESSONS 32 MEET THE 2018 FUTURE 50 COMPANIES 35

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BizTimes Milwaukee (ISSN 1095-936X & USPS # 017813) Volume 24, Number 12, September 17, 2018 – September 30, 2018. 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 2018 by BizTimes Media LLC. All rights reserved.

Contents

4 Leading Edge

4 NOW BY THE NUMBERS 5 ON THE JOB WITH… 6 IN FOCUS 8 STYLE 10 PUBLIC RECORD BIZ TRACKER 12 IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD BIZ POLL ON MY NIGHTSTAND 14 GETTING THERE 15 PROJECT PITCH IT

16 News

16 MADE IN MILWAUKEE 18 THE HARLEY-DAVIDSON 115TH IN PHOTOS. 22 GENERAC’S RENOVATED HQ WILL BE ON DISPLAY AT NEXT GENERATION MANUFACTURING SUMMIT. 24 REAL ESTATE 35 FUTURE 50

COVER STORY

Sw ing and a miss Lessons learned from failed startups

Special Report

26 Entrepreneurship & Family Business A look at the student entrepreneurs in the new Marquette Student-Run Business Program, and profiles on the fast-growing 2018 Future 50 companies.

84 Strategies

84 EVALUATION Jim Lindell 85 LEADERSHIP Christine McMahon 86 COACHING Aleta Norris

88 Biz Connections 88 NONPROFIT 89 AROUND TOWN 90 PERSONNEL FILE 91 SBA LOANS 92 GLANCE AT YESTERYEAR COMMENTARY 94 FIVE MINUTES WITH…

NOW IN DOWNTOWN MILWAUKEE 731 N. JACKSON ST.

414-273-3507 | townbank.us

biztimes.com / 3

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

NOW

Developer wants to evict Post Office from downtown Milwaukee building By Corrinne Hess, staff writer The Chicago-based real estate development firm that purchased the downtown Milwaukee post office building three years ago has filed an eviction notice against the U.S. Postal Service. Matt Garrison, managing principal of R2 Companies, alleged

that the Postal Service, which leases the 1.1 million-squarefoot, four-story building at 341 W. St. Paul Ave., has not kept the building in acceptable condition, so he wants to remove it and begin renovating the building. “Under the lease, the USPS shall

BY THE NUMBERS Foxconn Technology Group, Advocate Aurora Health Inc., Johnson Controls International plc and Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Co. have formed a

100

MILLION

corporate venture capital fund to invest in startup companies worldwide. 4 / BizTimes Milwaukee SEPTEMBER 17, 2018

‘keep the property in good repair and a tenantable condition… the term repair … includes repairs of every character, exterior and interior, structural and non-structural, ordinary, as well as extraordinary…’” Garrison said on Twitter. The USPS declined to comment on the dispute. Garrison tweeted that he has waited for a response from the USPS for five months. “They have not shared plans to address repairs and capital issues with the property for which they are 100 percent responsible,” Garrison said. “Since it appears that the USPS is unwilling/unable to perform under the terms of the lease, we are seeking to remove them and begin renovations of the property. As one of the most visible structures/locations in (Milwaukee), this building deserves better.” Garrison’s firm purchased the downtown Milwaukee post office building for $13.1 million in October 2015 from a group of private investors based in Wauwatosa. At the time, he announced a dramatic redevelopment plan for the building once the post office’s lease was up. The plans included 980,000 square feet of office space, between renovations to the existing structure and a new office tower that would be built on its west end. A new 282,000-square-

foot residential tower would be built on its east end, according to the plans. Renovations to the existing structure would also create 300,000 square feet of space to be filled by restaurants, bars and entertainment venues, as well as 212,000 square feet of space for a big box retailer. A 13,000-squarefoot extension of the RiverWalk and a 14,000-square-foot pedestrian bridge connecting the building to the Harley-Davidson Museum across the Menomonee River would also be added, according to the plans. Along West St. Paul Avenue, Garrison envisioned various types of retail on the first and second floors – including at least one bigbox store – to activate foot traffic and draw people from the Historic Third Ward. In October 2015, the current lease was still in place for four years and eight months, with an option to extend it for up to 30 years. When he purchased the building, Garrison said the property made the investment worth the wait. The downtown Milwaukee post office property has approximately 1,500 feet of frontage on the Menomonee River. When asked for an update on his plans for the property, Garrison said right now he is focused on the current task of evicting the post office. n

Bell Ambulance paramedics

LILA ARYAN PHOTOGRAPHY

ON THE JOB WITH…

By Lauren Anderson , staff writer When Bell Ambulance’s paramedics report to work, they are prepared to respond at a moment’s notice wherever a need may arise. On any given day, their duties range from transporting a patient to a routine medical appointment to responding to a serious medical emergency. Milwaukee-based Bell, which has a fleet of 40 ambulances at eight stations across the city, provides 24/7 emergent and non-emergent responses to emergency rooms.

“Wherever the (computer) screen tells us to go, we go,” said EMT Justin Malueg. Outside of day-to-day calls, Bell’s paramedics provide standby services at large community events, including Milwaukee Brewers games, Summerfest and the Wisconsin State Fair, ready to respond in the case of an emergency. “Every day, getting to see the direct impact you have on someone’s life, it’s really rewarding,” said EMT Alex Ebben. n

1 EMT Alex Ebben talks on the radio while driving an ambulance. EMTs are often staged in certain areas of the city during their shifts.

2 EMT Justin Malueg uses a radio to communicate with dispatch while riding in the back of a Bell ambulance.

Ebben and Malueg, both EMTs with Bell Ambulance, take a cot out of an ambulance.

EMTs communicate with dispatch over portable radios.

5 Malueg sorts through a backpack full of equipment, which includes a portable oxygen tank.

6 Mauleg connects a nasal cannula to a portable oxygen tank, which is administered to patients who need respiratory help. biztimes.com / 5

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BIZTIMES MEDIA – Like us

inf cus

THE CITY OF MILWAUKEE earlier this summer completed construction on a 100-foot-long wooden structure that extends into the Milwaukee River by way of an old railroad trestle, which gave it the name Trestle Park. The $1.2 million project, which was funded by tax increment financing, was announced in July 2017. Now, just more than a year later, the East Erie Street land plot is complete, with shrubs, trees, grass and a newly installed Bublr Bikes station. The Historic Third Ward property, located at 501 E. Erie St., was once used as a landing for a swing bridge, which connected the rail line from one side of the river to the other. The city purchased the parcel, which is almost 1 acre in size, in 2013 from Union Pacific Railroad. Jim Shields, a design principal at Minneapolis-based HGA Architects, led the park’s design efforts with Milwaukee-based development firm Mandel Group Inc. Mandel’s new DoMUS Apartments, located adjacent to Trestle Park, are connected to the park with an adjoining Milwaukee RiverWalk segment, also built by Mandel Group. Shields said Trestle Park’s design echoes that of the High Line, a 1.45-mile-long elevated park, greenway and rail trail built on a former railroad line in Manhattan. n -Maredithe Meyer 6 / BizTimes Milwaukee SEPTEMBER 17, 2018

JON ELLIOTT OF MKE DRONES LLC

Trestle Park

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@BIZTIMESMEDIA – Real-time news

b ourb on whiskey REDEMPTION WHISKEY 10-YEAR BARREL PROOF HIGH-RYE BOURBON $94.99 at Downer Avenue Wine & Spirits, Milwaukee Stamford, Connecticut-based Redemption first launched its Barrel Proof Collection in late 2015. These limited edition whiskeys are offered with the same mash bills as its standard bottles, but are bottled at cask strength. The high-rye bourbon has a mash bill of 60 percent corn, 36 percent rye, and four percent malted barley. It matures for 10 years in new, charred American oak barrels and is bottled at 57.4 percent ABV.

J. HENRY & SONS FIVE-YEAR CASK STRENGTH BOURBON $64.99 at Discount Liquor, Milwaukee This 120-proof spirit, produced in Dane, is aged in new, charred oak barrels for five years and made from heirloom red corn grown on the J. Henry farm.

that is

TUTHILLTOWN SPIRITS HUDSON BABY BOURBON

JOS. A. MAGNUS & CO. TRIPLECASK FINISHED STRAIGHT BOURBON WHISKEY $99.99 at Ray’s Wine & Spirits, Wauwatosa This 100-proof bourbon, made in Washington, D.C., is aged in a combination of sherry and cognac casks. It boasts deep caramel, vanilla and nutty flavors with hints of sherry – perfect for drinking neat.

8 / BizTimes Milwaukee SEPTEMBER 17, 2018

$49.99 at Sendik’s, Milwaukee Stored in a first-use charred American oak barrel, this Gardiner, New York corn whiskey undergoes an aging process that gives it a light sweetness and deep amber color. This 100 percent corn bourbon has a bright, defined taste and a warm finish with notes of marzipan and roasted corn.

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

As workforce challenges 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.

Thursday, October 4, 2018 • 7:00 - 11:00 AM Generac Power Systems - Corporate Headquarters Kip Wright

Unlocking Success in Your Company Senior Vice President of Manpower, North America

It’s more than Tariffs, Technology and Talent

Success in manufacturing requires more than dealing with and navigating through the everyday challenges facing manufacturers in southeastern Wisconsin. It also requires good leadership, a clear vision, a commitment to innovation and much more. Join us for the annual Next Generation Manufacturing Summit on Oct. 4, featuring presentations and a panel discussion from CEOs of southeastern Wisconsin based manufacturing companies. These CEO’s will share their company’s strategies for success, along with the whys behind their best practices for competing in a global marketplace and how they strive to be world-class manufacturers in the 21st century. Confirmed presenters/panelists: • Aaron Jagdfeld – President & CEO – Generac (1) • Keith Coursin – President – Desert Aire (2) • Paul Woelbing – President – Carma Laboratories, Inc. (3) • Rich Simonson – COO – Carma Laboratories, Inc. (4) • Frank Carroll – President & CEO – Broan-NuTone (5) Moderator - Arthur Thomas, manufacturing reporter, BizTimes Milwaukee (6)

The program continues with four concurrent roundtable discussions on a variety of topics including: • 3 Ways for Manufacturers to Stay Ahead of Disruption • Best practices for successful product development and innovation • Best Practices in Transitioning to the Next Generation: the Entrepreneurial Lifecycle

• Foxconn Supplier Readiness & the Construction of a Regional Ecosystem • Industry 4.0: The Future is Here, Just Not Evenly Distributed • Is your company culture by default or design? • Lessons learned while doubling your sales

• Transformational Productivity • Turn Export Efforts Into Export Revenues: Best Practices to Fast Track to ROI • Veterans in the Workplace • And more

SUPPORTING:

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BIZTIMES MEDIA – Connect

THE The latest area economic data.

RECORD

For the first seven months of 2018, passenger traffic at General Mitchell International Airport was up

3.4%

from the same period in 2017.

The Milwaukee-area manufacturing index for August was

64.63.

Any reading greater than 50 indicates growth in the sector.

Attendance at the Wisconsin State Fair was up 1% this year, reaching a new record of

1,037,982. 28,400 Wisconsin’s economy added

private-sector jobs during the first seven months of the year.

Home sales in the metro Milwaukee area were up

1.5%

in the first seven months of the year, compared to the same period in 2017.

10 / BizTimes Milwaukee SEPTEMBER 17, 2018

PUBLIC

Tearing down and rehabbing Milwaukee homes By Arthur Thomas, staff writer IN AUGUST 2016, state officials announced a $4.5 million initiative aimed at combatting poverty in Milwaukee in the wake of civil unrest in the Sherman Park neighborhood. A portion of the effort, $2 million, called for the rehabilitation of 100 homes and for another 100 to be demolished or deconstructed. The state Department of Financial Institutions reimburses the City of Milwaukee up to $10,000 for each home that’s either torn down or rehabbed. The idea is to improve the appearance of city neighborhoods while also providing work opportunities to residents. Through mid-July, the city had sold 82 homes to six developers, including Advance Construction Builders LLC, Jason Scott Realty & Management LLC, Gorman & Co., CUBE Development/FIT Investment Group, Ezekiel Community Development Corp. and Strong Blocks Real Estate LLC. Work was completed on 33 of those homes and another 40 were underway. “The combination of $1 property sales and grant funding has provided an incentive for both mom-and-pop and large developers to tackle vacant, distressed properties and ready them for tenants and owner-occupant buyers,” said Martha Brown, deputy commissioner of the Milwaukee Department of City Development. Through the end of August, 72 properties had been torn down. A new city ordinance, which went into effect Jan. 1, requires homes built in 1929 or earlier to be deconstructed instead of demolished. Tina Klose, a spokeswoman for the Milwaukee Department of Neighborhood Services, said the change means most homes will be deconstructed. Milwaukee originally had until June 1 to complete work on the homes and submit reimbursement documents to the state. The deadline has since been extended to July 1, 2019 for rehabbed homes and to Dec.1, 2019 for deconstructed homes.

Rehabilitation »» »» »» »»

82 homes sold to developers 31 of 33 completed homes sold or rented Work in progress on 40 homes 2 reimbursements issued by DFI totaling $18,000

Demolition and deconstruction »» 72 homes razed »» 40 reimbursements issued by DFI totaling $391,680 »» At least 9 deconstructions

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BIZTIMES MEDIA – Like us

IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD

JORDAN MACHINERY CORP. 512 S. Fifth St., Milwaukee NEIGHBORHOOD: Walker’s Point FOUNDED: 1942 OWNER: Douglas Jordan SERVICE: Custom machine building and repair

BIZ POLL

Do you think the U.S. Postal Service should be evicted from its downtown Milwaukee building?

61%

Why has the company decided to stay here as the neighborhood has changed around it? “Part of it is just because we’ve always been here and when (my grandfather) opened here it was centrally located because this whole area was industrial. We have realtors hitting us up more and more that want the building, but for right now, the amount of money it would cost to rebuild

and move everything, I mean we’d have to be cranking out a lot of work to make that worthwhile. Taking it apart to move it would be about a week just for one machine.” Are there a lot of companies that do what you do now? “Not as many in the Milwaukee area. One of our biggest competitors, Busch (Precision), went out of business two years ago. There’s still a lot of little job shops around. The advantage we’ve got is we’ve got some really big machines.” n

JEFFREY REMSIK President and CEO Bottom Line Marketing & Public Relations

NO:

39%

Share your opinion! Visit biztimes.com/bizpoll to cast your vote in the next Biz Poll. 12 / BizTimes Milwaukee SEPTEMBER 17, 2018

over the years we’ve done things with Briggs & Stratton, Pabst, Schlitz, all the breweries.”

on my nightstand...

A recent survey of BizTimes.com readers.

YES:

What kind of parts does Jordan machine? Jon Jordan, shop manager: “We do custom machining and machinery building. So we actually don’t do any real production work. Over the years we’ve repaired … the industrial dryers at The Pfister, the freeway sign going over (I-94 at the Sixth Street exit). We fix great big stainless steel funnels for Usinger’s where the sausage goes in, we fixed the machines they were using for the deep tunneling project for the sewer, and

‘Bad Blood’ By John Carreyrou

“BAD BLOOD: Secret Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup” tells the story of Theranos, a Silicon Valley biotech startup that claimed to have developed revolutionary blood testing technology. The company raised more than $700 million from venture capitalists and private investors, which resulted in a $10 billion valuation at its peak in 2014. In 2018, the SEC charged founder Elizabeth Holmes with fraud for raising money through false or exaggerated claims. Jeffrey Remsik, president and chief executive officer of Bottom

Line Marketing & Public Relations, drew comparisons between “Bad Blood” and “The Smartest Guys in the Room,” a book about the rise and fall of Enron. “‘Bad Blood’ also is about the vision, values and the passion that drive entrepreneurs,” Remsik said. “They devote their life to the vision, which comes to define their selfworth. No one can match their level of commitment and hard work. ‘We are so innovative that the normal business rules don’t apply to us.’ But what rules do apply? Do the ends justify the means?” n

Lessons Learned

PRESENTS:

Seven business and community leaders from southeastern Wisconsin will share their best advice, leadership insights, secrets to success, and ways they overcame their toughest challenges in their own professional and personal lives. This will be a fast-paced discussion. Each speaker will share their stories and insights, followed by Q & A from the audience. In just 90 minutes, attendees at the annual 90 Ideas in 90 minutes event will walk away with insights and information on all 90 ideas to help them to be a better leader and to overcome their own business and personal challenges.

Thursday, October 11, 2018

Speakers: • Therese Bailey, Founder, ZenZen Yoga Arts (1) • Elana Kahn, Director, Jewish Community Relations Council, Milwaukee Jewish Federation (2) • Dan Katt, Co-Founder and CEO, Good City Brewing (3) • Erik Kennedy, Community Impact Coordinator Senior, Aurora Health Care (4) • Jim Tarantino, Founder, Capri Senior Communities (5) • Andrew Weins, COO, JDog Junk Removal & Hauling United (6) • Sherry Zhang, Founder and CEO, GenoPalate, Inc. (7)

3:30-5:00 PM Italian Community Center SPONSORED BY:

Make plans to attend as you prepare to be a better leader in 2019. To register, go to biztimes.com/90ideas

Leading Edge

GETTING

THERE

PRESENTS:

2018

Did you always want to work in health care?

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2018 7:30AM - 9:30am | Italian Community Center Trauma’s Effect on Milwaukee’s Workforce Psychological trauma knows no boundaries, damaging individuals in urban and rural areas and harming the social and economic systems in which they live. In the workplace, trauma often translates to absenteeism, difficulty establishing professional relationships and poor decision making. Learn more about trauma from Dr. Mike Lovell, president of Marquette University and Amy Lovell, president of REDgen, and see how you can help guide our community toward solutions. Immediately following the Lovells’ presentation, we will present the Nonprofit Excellence Awards.

“Coming from West Virginia, most of my family was in the coal mines and had health-related issues because of that. I always knew I wanted to do something with health care because they all had injuries and illnesses associated with being in the coal mines. I wanted to do something to make their lives better. That was the driving force for me going into health care.”

Most rewarding part of your job? “The highlight of what I do is being able to positively impact patients’ lives and the lives of our staff. Being able to see the look on a nurse or physician’s face when they provide great care and our patient is able to leave our facility in better health than when they came here. It’s truly what makes me happy and gives me the drive to move forward.”

What’s next, professionally? “Continued growth and development from a leadership standpoint. If there is an opportunity to become president and CEO of a facility within Ascension, that would be an absolute dream come true for me. Right now, I’m just focused on being the best COO that I can be and making sure our patients and staff are taken care of.”

How has the move to Milwaukee been? “It’s been fantastic. I love Milwaukee. It’s a great city and a growing city. We live in Elm Grove, about 25 minutes west of downtown. I can’t say anything bad about living in the land of beer and cheese.”

What are you watching right now? “I just finished binge-watching ‘Stranger Things.’ Because I’m an ’80s kid, I thought it was one of the greatest shows ever made.”

FINAL CALL FOR NOMINATIONS Nominate the people and for-profit organizations making a positive difference by donating their time, talent and treasure.

ERIC RHODES

Nominate the nonprofit organizations and executives making the region a better place to live, work and play. Self-nominations are encouraged!

Chief operating officer

Winners will be recognized at the awards program on November 2nd.

PLATINUM SPONSOR:

14 / BizTimes Milwaukee SEPTEMBER 17, 2018

ASCENSION COLUMBIA ST. MARY’S AGE: 37 HOMETOWN: Beckley, West Virginia EDUCATION: Bachelor’s in business administration and master’s in health services administration from Xavier University. PREVIOUS POSITION: Senior vice president of operations at Mercy Hospital and Medical Center in Chicago

PROJECT PITCH IT K

COMPLETE SHAPING LEADERSHIP: Kathy Conway WEBSITE: completeshaping.com W H AT I T D O E S: Makes garments for breast cancer survivors F O U N D E D: 2017

Breast cancer survivor designs apparel at Complete Shaping By Molly Dill, staff writer

athy Conway invented her product out of necessity, and she estimates another 300,000 U.S. women have the same need. Conway recently appeared on entrepreneur pitch show “Project Pitch It” on WISN-TV Channel 12 to present her company, Complete Shaping LLC, which sells prosthetic tops and swimwear for women who have undergone bilateral mastectomies. “In 2009, I was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent a bilateral mastectomy, the removal of both breasts,” said Conway, 61, chief executive officer of Complete Shaping. “This has left me flat-chested, with an enormous scar across my torso. I also had multiple lymph nodes removed, increasing my risk for lymphedema, which is a swelling of the arm that is lifelong and not curable.” One precaution to prevent lymphedema is to not wear tight clothing, Conway said. She tried numerous pocketed garments with insertable breast prosthetics designed for breast cancer survivors, but couldn’t find any that were comfortable. Several had heavy elastic supports that lay directly on top of Conway’s scar, irritating it. Conway developed a prosthetic top for herself and wore it so her clothing would fit better, and then her friends started asking about it. So in 2017, with the encouragement of her son Sean, 29, Kathy formed Complete Shaping. The company is incorporated in Wilmette, Illinois, but most of the partners are in Wisconsin. Complete Shaping has a patent pending on the design of the tops. With the assistance of a $5,500 Kickstarter campaign and a contract manufacturer, Complete Shaping received its first production run in February. Its tops and suits are now sold

Sean and Kathy Conway.

in eight mastectomy shops in four states, and on Complete Shaping’s website. They retail for about $160, which is the amount Medicare covers every six months for prosthetic shaping. “We’re just trying to get this out to as many women as possible,” Sean said. “We know we’re probably not going to be billionaires from this.” On “Project Pitch It,” Complete Shaping was awarded investment advice, mentorship, introductions to local investors and strategy development from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Lubar School of Business and Stuck LLC. A meeting with UWM business professors helped the Conways get advice on potential avenues of growth for Complete Shaping, Sean said. Kathy said she hopes to improve the lives of women who have undergone a traumatic experience. “This top has really been wonderful for me and I hope it can help other women,” she said. n

RESERVE YOUR SPONSORSHIP TODAY! UP TO 4 SPONSORSHIPS ARE AVAILABLE TO ANCHOR THE PROJECT PITCH IT PAGE AND BRAND YOUR COMPANY AS A SUPPORTER OF STARTUPS AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP. Sponsor: biztimes.com / 15

BizNews

Sign Effectz takes joy in problem solving ON ANY GIVEN DAY, there is a good chance you drive by the work of Milwaukee-based Sign Effectz Inc., whether it’s the large Stone Creek coffee cup along I-94, the Oscar’s Frozen Custard waffle cones, the Café Hollander signs or more recently, the Opus building occupied by Foxconn Technology Group in Mount Pleasant. “We design and build some of the coolest stuff out there,” said Adam Brown, president of Sign Effectz. “And we’re not a huge company by any stretch; most of those (contracts) go to the biggest in the industry because they have the resources to be able to throw at it.” Sign Effectz started in Brown’s garage in 1996. The company has now grown to 25 employees and a 17,000-square-foot facility near Lincoln Park. Staple projects for Sign Effectz include channel letters, monument and pylon signs, LED lighting of signs, and custom, one-of-a-kind signs that border on art. Brown credits his relationship with co-owner Rick Rossetti for helping the company grow. While Brown brings a creative approach and explores new methods and techniques for building signs, Rossetti’s analytical mind focuses on the details and makes projects work from a business perspective. “That’s what makes our partnership work so well,” Brown said. “There has to be yin and yang, there’s no doubt about it.” A major turning point for Sign Effectz came after about 10 years of doing business. Brown asked his top employees where they wanted to be in five years. When Rossetti expressed a desire to run the operation, 16 / BizTimes Milwaukee SEPTEMBER 17, 2018

Brown knew he would need to step aside. The change allowed Brown to establish AFX, a division within the company that works on research and development with new materials and techniques. “The diversity of materials, and freedom, in a somewhat commoditized product allows you to add light and texture and really opens up that mosh pit of materials of what’s possible,” he said. Ultimately, Brown said, the work is about solving problems. An artist or architect has an idea for a sign and it is up to Brown and his team to develop a solution that can bring the idea to life. “We can commit to projects before we have any idea how to solve them and that’s primarily out of pure passion and joy of problem solving,” he said. Taking on tough challenges can also make other projects possible in the future. In one case, lessons learned on a sign for a library in California helped with the waffle cone signs for Oscar’s Custard. The library sign was an ivy branch with different portions illuminating when books from different categories are checked out. Brown said Sign Effectz probably would not have been as ambitious with the Oscar’s signs without the previous experience of working with changing lights. While Sign Effectz does work across the country and even internationally, most of the work is in southeastern Wisconsin and the Midwest. Creative and custom projects draw plenty of attention, but the business is balanced out by installation work

Adam Brown in the shop at Sign Effectz.

SIGN EFFECTZ INC.

1827 W. Glendale Ave., Milwaukee INDUSTRY: Custom signs EMPLOYEES: 25 signeffectz.com

for larger national franchises. Brown continues to explore new methods of manufacturing, diving into 3D printing in recent years. It could open up more ways of customizing signs, particularly interior elements, while also making it easier to produce small batches of custom products at a reasonable price, he said. “Your fabricators on the floor now turn into (computer-aided design) modelers,” Brown said. “I did. I love it. I came from busting my knuckles and dropping stuff on my toes and wasting material to problem solve and figure out how to build something... to getting to the 3D CAD modeling world where you can do all of that stuff in a virtual world and make sure 1,000 pieces all match and align and run it through animation to see if it works.” On the one hand, 3D printing represents an opportunity to attract potential employees who are not going into the skilled trades, but Brown also wonders if not working with

their hands as much will turn some people away. “I wonder if you’ll be able to maintain the level of interest and passion in 3D CAD modeling because there’s little pain associated with it all of the sudden. It’s just a mental math problem and you hit print,” he said. n

ARTHUR THOMAS Reporter

P / 414-336-7123 E / arthur.thomas@biztimes.com T / @arthur8823

sponsored by

Congratulations! 2018 OVATION AWARD WINNERS Business of the Year: GOOD FOODS GROUP Small Business of the Year:

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biztimes.com / 33

Special Report

Tim Donovan, Julie Schlyakhetko, Jack Toner and Megan Pokrandt, members of the SRB founding student board of advisors.

Marquette College of Business Administration Dean Brian Till and Raisch have helped form the SRB Program. The pair has worked together before, previously implementing a similar program at Xavier University in Cincinnati. Till recruited Raisch in November to help build the infrastructure at Marquette. “The great thing about Owen is he’s old enough where he’s got some experience with this, but he’s young enough where he connects with the students,” Till said. Raisch is working to establish a national association for student-run business programs because of the impact he’s seen them create. “Ultimately, I envision these becoming popular at campuses across the country,” Raisch said. “The students have this incredible, transformative learning experience.”

Any student in any area of study at Marquette can participate in the SRB program. While there isn’t a formal relationship with Marquette’s student entrepreneurship space, the 707 Hub, there’s some informal overlap, Till said. The best ideas have emerged organically from the students, he said. There’s a little extra work this semester as the program is built from scratch. Blue & Gold Ventures owns the SRB companies, so the students would cycle through those businesses rather than retaining them, Till said. “What we want to be able to do is set up the program in such a way that it does not fall in the legal boundaries of the university,” Till said, and allows the businesses to operate more nimbly. Each student-run business has a board of advisors, which are professionals in the commu-

nity who have expertise in that type of business. Among the executives involved are Scott Yauck, who created the 84South development where Vida will be located, and Mike Zimmerman, owner of The Rock Sports Complex in Franklin, Raisch said. B&G Ventures has its own board of directors, which have legal and fiduciary responsibility for the sound management of the program. “I first discovered the student-run business program when I was a visiting professor at Loyola Chicago,” Till said. “To me, it was this really cool idea because it was giving students these real-world, hands-on experiences while they were still a student. “It’s a very impactful learning experience for students, and so when I came to Marquette, given what I had seen other places I had been, I thought, ‘Wouldn’t that be fantastic if we had that here?’” Till said. The goal is to provide students with a greater depth of basic business knowledge than what they’re learning in the classroom, as well as the soft skills they’ll need in the professional world, he said. “They’re going to have to work in teams, they’re going to bump up against problems that are unexpected, with time deadlines associated with them,” Till said. The students are paid by the businesses, and the hope is that some of them will qualify for internship credit. “Our hope is that these businesses are robust and viable and may continue for 15, 20, 25 years and provide a training ground then for students who come through Marquette,” Till said. “Some businesses may not successful. That’s inevitable.” And B&G Ventures plans to create jobs in the process. “By 2022, we expect to employ 250 students from Marquette and we expect to have at least 12 businesses up and running,” Raisch said. n

Specializing in entry level through executive placements in: • Manufacturing and Production • Professional and Technical • Skilled Trades and Construction • Office and Clerical

Remember...EXPERIENCE COUNTS Contact us today... 2 locations to serve you! 34 / BizTimes Milwaukee SEPTEMBER 17, 2018

9001 N. 76th St., Milwaukee, WI 53223 | 414.365.3651 10533 National Ave., West Allis, WI 53227 | 414.837.7900 wfastaffing.com

THE FUTURE 50 PROGRAM WAS CREATED BY MMACâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S COUNCIL OF SMALL BUSINESS EXECUTIVES TO RECOGNIZE TOP LOCAL FIRMS THAT ARE GROWING IN REVENUE AND EMPLOYMENT.

AWARDS LUNCHEON 360 DEGREES ABBY WINDOWS AND EXTERIORS ABLE ACCESS TRANSPORTATION LLC ACCUTRANS GROUP ALL OCCASIONS CATERING/BUBBS BBQ ANDERSON ASHTON INC. BRECKENRIDGE LANDSCAPE DESIGN CONSTRUCTION & MAINTENANCE, LLC BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT PROS LLC CAPRI SENIOR COMMUNITIES CENTRAL STANDARD CRAFT DISTILLERY CLEARWING PRODUCTIONS COATES ELECTRIC CONNOILS, LLC CONST R UCTION MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATES, INC. CREA T IVE MARKETING RESOURCES, INC. CRESCENDO COLLECTIVE DYNA M IC SOLUTIONS WORLDWIDE LLC ENDPOINT SOLUTIONS CORP. EVERYTHING2GO.COM, LLC EXHIBIT SYSTEMS FIRST CHOICE INGREDIENTS, INC. GENEVA SUPPLY GLENN RIEDER, INC. HURT ELECTRIC INC

PRESENTING SPONSOR

GOLD SPONSORS

C PA s

a n d

B u s i n e s s

INCHECK JAMES IMAGING SYSTEMS JCP CONSTRUCTION JOHNSON & SONS PAVING LLC KESSLERS DIAMONDS KEYSTONE STAFFING GROUP LLC KOWAL INVESTMENT GROUP, LLC. LANGE BROS. WOODWORK CO., INC. LEMBERG MOORE CONSTRUCTION SERVICES, LLC. NEWPORT NETWORK SOLUTIONS, INC. PAVEDRAIN, LLC REICH TOOL & DESIGN, INC. ROCKET CLICKS SCATHAIN SILENTBOOST CONSULTING GROUP STOWELL ASSOCIATES SWARMING TECHNOLOGY TECHCANARY VIZANCE WANTABLE, INC. WAREHOUSE-LIGHTING COM LLC WEATHER TIGHT CORPORATION WENTHE-DAVIDSON ENGINEERING CO WISCONSIN INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY, INC. Z.T. DISTRIBUTION, INC.

MEDIA SPONSOR

A d v i s o r s

THE FUTURE 50 AWARDS PROGRAM IS A SERVICE OF THE METROPOLITAN MILWAUKEE ASSOCIATION OF COMMERCE (MMAC) AND ITS COUNCIL OF SMALL BUSINESS EXECUTIVES (COSBE).

The 2018 Future 50 companies are a varied group, offering a tapestry of business services that make up the fabric of Milwaukee. Eighteen of the companies named to the Future 50 list this year offer “other services” – the largest industry group. What are those “other services”? Health care, transportation, catering, business development and more. These companies provide the assistance businesses need to run their companies as effectively as possible. In addition to those 18 service firms, 14 of the Future 50 companies are in construction, seven are in manufacturing, seven in technology, three in wholesale trade and one in finance/real estate/insurance. Together, these 50 companies leave a big mark on southeastern Wisconsin. They have a combined projected 2018 revenue of $927.2 million.

AWARDS LUNCHEON

Future 50 are the fabric of Milwaukee

The annual Future 50 program recognizes companies in the sevencounty 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. The Future 50 winners will receive their awards at a luncheon program on Friday, Sept. 21, at The Pfister hotel in downtown Milwaukee. For more information or to register, visit biztimes.com/future50. BizTimes Milwaukee is the media sponsor of the Future 50 program.

Building has a boom or bust reputation, but for construction and related firms in the Milwaukee region, that boom shows no signs of slowing down. The Future 50 program, recognizing fast-growing firms throughout the seven counties of southeast Wisconsin, is proud to present its 2018 slate of winners. Fourteen of the 50 winners this year are construction or construction-related companies, indicative of the region’s overall growth and development. This trend has been gaining momentum over the past few years. In 2017, there were 12 construction firms on the list and in 2016, there were nine. Growth in this sector tends to have a strong ripple effect – think HVAC, lighting fixtures, landscaping etc. – not to mention the employees that will fill places like the new BMO Harris Financial Center, the new home for the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra and the Haribo candy production facility. And yet, diversity is the key to a long-term position of economic strength. In addition to the 14 construction firms, there are 18 business services, seven technology, seven manufacturing and three wholesale trade firms on the list. Innovation has always been a hallmark of the companies on this list and several stand out this year for their unique products or services, such as the Wisconsin International Academy, which provides housing and community services for international high school students and Wantable, a subscription-based online fashion retailer providing curated apparel from personal stylists. Taken together, the Future 50 are a major economic driver. Combined revenue figures for all 50 firms in 2017 totaled $724 million, a 19 percent increase over 2016 combined revenue. By year-end, the firms are predicting 28 percent in growth over 2017 revenue. Total employment for all 50 firms in 2017 was 2,741 and the companies are projecting to employ 3,156 by the end of this year (a 15 percent increase). No one can predict with certainty the state of our regional economy over the next decade, but with companies like these founding, expanding and inventing, I like our chances for continued growth. Stay tuned and watch out for the construction barrels.

TIM SHEEHY

President, Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce 36 / BizTimes Milwaukee SEPTEMBER 17, 2018

A C E L E B R AT I O N O F ANDERSON ASHTON Design/Build Contractor

ROCKET CLICKS Internet Marketing Agency

CAPRI SENIOR COMMUNITIES Senior Living Solutions

SWARMING TECHNOLOGY E-Commerce Solutions

GLENN RIEDER Custom Interior Finishes

WANTABLE Online Personal Stylists

It’s an exciting time in southeastern Wisconsin. With numerous developments taking shape, the opportunities for companies of all sizes continue to grow. As Milwaukee’s largest community bank dedicated to business, Park Bank is optimistic about our ability to help your business bring these opportunities to fruition.

Congratulations to all the honorees, including these Park Bank customers: Anderson Ashton, Inc | Glen Rieder, Inc | Jim Tarantino Rocket Clicks | Swarming Technology | Wantable, Inc

414.466.8000 | ParkBankOnline.com F50-2018.indd 1

Member FDIC 8/29/2018 1:56:20 PM

Media Sponsor

Congratulations to the MMAC/COSBE Future 50 Award honorees of 2018. Your focus and determination to succeed help make our region the vibrant place it is today.

BizTimes Media is proud to support the 2018 Future 50 companies. It’s one of many ways in which BizTimes encourages business growth in southeastern Wisconsin, including through its award-winning news coverage, its in-depth industry analysis and its value-added events throughout the year.

At Park Bank, we work with countless companies similar to this year’s winners who share a vision for innovation and growth. We consider it a privilege to work alongside such business leaders, offering support and resources as they realize their own ideas for success. While the rapidity of change and technological innovation is redefining business opportunities, we believe a consistent approach and steady support is the best way to serve the companies that make our region remarkable. That’s why 2018 marks our 20th year as presenting sponsor and 103rd year in serving the business community.

AWARDS LUNCHEON

Presenting Sponsor

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

Enjoy the festivities! Be proud of your accomplishments. You’ve truly reached a memorable milestone.

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.

DAVE WERNER

DAN MEYER

President & CEO, Park Bank

Publisher and owner, BizTimes Media

Table of contents: 360 Degrees. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Abby Windows and Exteriors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Able Access Transportation LLC. . . . . . . . . . . . 46 AccuTrans Group. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 All Occasions Catering/Bubb’s BBQ. . . . . . . . . 47 Anderson Ashton Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Breckenridge Landscape Design, Construction & Maintenance LLC. . . . . . . . . 49 Business Development Pros LLC. . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Capri Senior Communities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Central Standard Craft Distillery. . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Clearwing Productions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Coates Electric. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 Connoils LLC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 Construction Management Associates Inc. .56 Creative Marketing Resources Inc. . . . . . . . . . 56 Crescendo Collective. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 Dynamic Solutions Worldwide LLC. . . . . . . . . . 58 Endpoint Solutions Corp. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

38 / BizTimes Milwaukee SEPTEMBER 17, 2018

Everything2go.com LLC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 Exhibit Systems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 First Choice Ingredients Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 Geneva Supply. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 Glenn Rieder Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63 Hurt Electric Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 InCheck. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 James Imaging Systems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65 JCP Construction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 Johnson & Sons Paving. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67 Kesslers Diamond Center Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67 KeyStone Staffing Group LLC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68 Kowal Investment Group LLC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69 Lange Bros. Woodwork Co. Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70 Lemberg. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 Moore Construction Services. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 Newport Network Solutions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73 PaveDrain LLC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74 Reich Tool & Design Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

Rocket Clicks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75 Scathain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76 SilentBoost Consulting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76 Stowell Associates. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77 Swarming Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78 TechCanary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78 Vizance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79 Wantable Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79 Warehouse-Lighting COM LLC. . . . . . . . . . . . . 80 Weather Tight Corp. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80 Wenthe-Davidson Engineering Co. . . . . . . . . . 81 Wisconsin International Academy Inc. . . . . . . 82 Z.T. Distribution Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82 Profiles compiled by: Alysha Schertz Photos by: Lila Aryan Photography John O’Hara Photography White Dog Photography - Paul Gaertner

Partnering For Growth Reinhart salutes the 2018 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 ⋅ DENVER ⋅ PHOENIX

AWARDS LUNCHEON

Gold Sponsors

C PA s

a n d

B u s i n e s s

A d v i s o r 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.

At Sitzberger & Company, S.C. we have always been inspired by the Future 50 Awards. As a Public Accounting firm, we work with emerging companies and young leaders every day. We know that the vibrant energy of our clients has formed our own company’s steady growth in size and offerings over the years.

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 the 2018 Future 50 winners! We are proud to be strategic partners with:

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

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.

»» Business Development Pros, LLC »» Construction Management Associates, Inc. »» First Choice Ingredients »» Wisconsin International Academy At Sitzberger & Company, 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. While our focus is on your business, you can also count on us for personal financial advice to help you establish a secure financial future.

Congratulations, Future 50 winners! Thank you for providing valuable learning and career opportunities for our students and graduates. This year, the Future 50 Awards have a special connection with UW-Parkside as we celebrate 50 years of transforming lives. I’m sure that our celebration theme “Bold Beginnings. Future Focus.” could also describe your businesses and the way in which you are focused on exciting and successful tomorrows. One reason our graduates are so well prepared is the growing number of internships offered by businesses throughout southeastern Wisconsin. The opportunity to work on tomorrow’s challenges today is a key element in our students being ready to contribute on day one!

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

Brookfield, WI 53045

40 / BizTimes Milwaukee SEPTEMBER 17, 2018

SitzbergerCPAs.com (262) 860-1724

Our graduating classes continue to grow and our alumni benefit from new academic and business initiatives that align with your talent needs. Together, that spells a partnership for success between Future 50 winners and the University of Wisconsin-Parkside. DEBBIE FORD, CHANCELLOR

University of Wisconsin-Parkside

FOCUSED ON YOUR FUTURE

Graduate study at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside is designed for working adults, as well as traditional students. Our graduate programs are flexible -- with face-to-face, evening, online, and blended course offerings, designed around you. The first step to a masterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s degree is yours. Get started today! Parkside offers masterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s degrees in: Applied Molecular Biology, MS Applied Professional Studies, MA Business Administration, MBA Clinical Mental Health Counseling, MS Computer and Information Systems, MS Health and Wellness Management, MS Sport Management, MS Sustainable Management, MS

uwp.edu/graduate

Wholesale Trade

Manufacturing

Finance/Real Estate/Insurance

Technology

MAJOR BUSINESS OF 2018 FUTURE 50 Other Services

Construction

APPROXIMATE ANNUAL REVENUE RANGE

COUNTY LOCATION

$1 - 2 million $2 - 5 million

$5 - 10 million

$10 - 25 million

$25 - 50 million

$50 + million

AWARDS LUNCHEON

A statistical look at the 2018 Future 50

APPROXIMATE CURRENT EMPLOYMENT 1-9

50 - 74

10 - 14

75 - 99

15-19

100-199

20 - 34

35 - 49

200 +

Washington Walworth Kenosha

COMBINED TOTAL EMPLOYMENT

Waukesha

Milwaukee

Ozaukee / Racine

COMBINED TOTAL REVENUE

2015

2016

2017

2018 (Projected)

2015

2,035 Employees

2,352 Employees

2,741 Employees

3,156 Employees

$474,474,499

16%

17%

15%

2016

2017

$609,923,730

$724,265,977

29%

Growth over previous year

19%

2018 (Projected) $927,247,988

28%

Increase over previous year

YEAR COMPANY WAS FOUNDED

YEARS HONORED AS A FUTURE 50 C0MPANY

Prior to 1986

1986 - 1991

1992 - 1997

1998 - 2003

42 / BizTimes Milwaukee SEPTEMBER 17, 2018

2004 - 2009

2010 - 2015

1st Time

2nd Time

3rd Time

PLANNERS | ARCHITECTS | BUILDERS Building Trust Since 1960

D N

O RI TE IN

N AN PL

Congratulations from your Design Experts!

AR C

With Offices in the Fox Cities, Madison, Milwaukee & Wausau

WWW.KELLERBUILDS.COM | 1.800.236.2534 |

360 Degrees MILWAUKEE INDUSTRY: Design/build FOUNDED: 2007 PROJECTED 2018 REVENUE: BUILDIT360.COM

$2.2 million

According to Milwaukee-based 360 Degrees, the community has really started to accept the fact that creative and unique interior environments are important in today’s competitive labor market. The company believes great design enhances a community and is finding more and more business owners who are looking to provide aesthetically pleasing environments for their workspaces. WHAT IS THE BIGGEST

1ST-YEAR WINNER

OBSTACLE TO YOUR COMPANY’S GROWTH?

The company provides custom unique solutions to both residential and commercial spaces. Custom setups range from furniture pieces to complete residential remodels to full commercial and hospitality build-outs.

“Managing rapid growth for a small company is a challenge, especially in today’s market, where finding quality employees that fit our team ethic can be difficult.”

360 Degrees recently opened a new office and shop at 6000 N. 60th St. in Milwaukee and has grown organically thus far. Its projects around the city “speak for themselves” and have garnered enough attention that people seek out their services.

BRIAN POLSTER AND ROB BINTER, OWNERS

The company continues to look for ways to improve, and is focused on adding key employees to its staff on both the design and build sides of the business. 360 Degrees continues to innovate, and has also considered launching a new custom furniture line.

Stamm Technologies Congratulates All Future 50 Award Winners!

/Bubbs BBQ

All Occasions Catering

Big Bend

INDUSTRY: Hospitality FOUNDED: 1929

PROJECTED 2017

Y E A R W I N N E R

to have other “We eventually want of Wisconsin. state locations inside the for more efficient This would allow and help keep our service to our clients to come.” years rates affordable for

REVENUE: $2.1 million

off-premise catering and Bubbs BBQ provide has been doing so for All Occasions Catering the company growth any occasion, and services for almost and owner of All Occasions,on, and Anderson, president to take decades. For Mark the company is able number of events is measured by the success. ensuring continued flexibility is key to tailgates, backyard in corporate events, All Occasions specializes southeastern Wisconsin. and weddings throughout graduations, galas buffets, hors including options, plethora of menu desserts. Its chefs provide a breakfast items and d’oeuvres, cold sandwiches, Bubbs BBQ, a its business to include expanded oak woodbarbecue, made in In 1996, the company serving smoked Texas unique catering division fueled BBQ pits. can also provide eventservices, the company and vendors. of the event venue In addition to catering to complete management planning services up continue Anderson plans to What’s new? services to grow All Occasions’ process the in staff is additional All Occasions and hire to its within the year. of building an addition

1 S T

What changes are coming?

We are proud to be the technology partner for two of the award winners!

- Matt Mitschke, business manager.

Mark Anderson

will increase the headquarters that by 75 percent. company’s space

Congratulations! from

the strategic partners

behind

g/Bubbs BBQ

All Occasions Caterin

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biztimes.com / 39

9/11/17 8:47 PM

27-53 SEP

39 18 Future 50.indd

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

1207 West Canal Street

stammtech.com (414) 263–4260 44 / BizTimes Milwaukee SEPTEMBER 17, 2018

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

Abby Windows and Exteriors MILWAUKEE

Home improvement FOUNDED: 2010 PROJECTED 2018 REVENUE: $2.5 million INDUSTRY:

ABBYWINDOWS.COM

Abby Windows has experienced exponential growth in terms of gross sales and lead generation, and is one of the few woman-owned home improvement companies. The company provides exterior remodeling, including windows, doors, siding, roofing, gutters, soffit/fascia and attic insulation. WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE

YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED? “The best advice I ever received is to always do the right thing. It applied to everything in life and I have applied it to my business. I feel if you take care of customers and keep them happy, it will come back tenfold.” - Abby Binder, owner.

1ST-YEAR WINNER

Abby Windows is headquartered in Milwaukee, and licensed in Wisconsin and Massachusetts. The team at Abby Windows is made up of home renovation specialists. They not only know the products, but also the installation process and are adept at problem solving. According to company owner Abby Binder, finding qualified employees is currently the biggest obstacle to growth, and Abby Windows recently began

recruiting employees from out of state. Binder plans to expand services to the Madison area in 2019 and is currently hiring new employees to assist in that growth. “Lenders are loosening up and people are borrowing money again,” Binder said. “It allows for more income brackets to do exterior remodeling, including more millenials.”

ABBY BINDER

THE HR GAME CHANGER IS HERE FULL-SERVICE HR | EMPLOYEE BENEFITS | HR SOFTWARE

Insperity has put down roots in Milwaukee, and our team is ready to redefine everything you thought you knew about HR outsourcing. insperity.com | 262.232.6341

biztimes.com / 45

Able Access Transportation LLC MILWAUKEE INDUSTRY: Transportation FOUNDED: 2001 PROJECTED 2018 REVENUE: $3.4 million ABLEACCESSTRANSPORTATION.COM MASTER METTLE WINNER

Able Access Transportation provides non-emergency medical transportation and paratransit services for individuals in the region. The company strives to enhance the lives and wellbeing of its customers by providing reliable transportation services for medical and non-medical appointments on an ongoing or same-day schedule. Each driver in the company’s fleet is equipped with a fully integrated GPS software system that provides complete real-time positioning. Drivers and dispatch staff monitor each trip and assure timeliness and route adherence.

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

“You may find obstacles in your path to achieve your goal. No matter what, find a way to keep going.”

Two years ago, the company - Annette Tipton, partner. expanded into new markets and now serves Milwaukee, Waukesha, Racine, Ozaukee and Washington counties. It also has the ability to travel statewide by appointment.

STEVEN AND ANNETTE TIPTON

Able Access has outgrown its existing facility on West Silver Spring Drive in Milwaukee, and is exploring options for a new location. The company attributes its success to working more closely with existing clients. Like most companies, Able Access has had difficulty finding qualified workers to help the company continue its growth trajectory, but it sees a lot of growth opportunity in the marketplace.

AccuTrans Group MILWAUKEE INDUSTRY: Transportation FOUNDED: 2008 PROJECTED 2018 REVENUE: ACCUTRANSGROUP.COM 2ND-YEAR WINNER

$2 million

Veteran-owned business AccuTrans Group provides premium chauffeur services for business and personal travelers. The Milwaukee company has recently added several new and unique vehicles to its fleet in order to better serve its clients. Since 1982, Accutrans has helped clients in the Milwaukee area and around the world get where they’re going safely and on time. AccuTrans Group, established in 2017 to better encompass the company’s brands, provides corporate transportation, convention and group services, airport services, as well as hourly services. WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE AccuTrans’ fleet includes executive sedans, SUVs, luxury vans, stretch limousines, and mini-coach and motor coach buses. In 2016, AccuTrans acquired Branko’s Limousine Service and grew the company’s fleet even further.

SCOTT SCHMOLLER, STEPHANIE EVANS, NICK LAWRENCE, MATTHEW CARROLL, MARK SUMNER AND LUKE SCHUMACHER

46 / BizTimes Milwaukee SEPTEMBER 17, 2018

YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED?

“If you accomplish your ultimate goal, you didn’t set the bar high enough.” - Matthew Carroll, president.

For AccuTrans, transportation is about moving people, not just passengers. Quality transportation options can make people’s lives frustration free. The company continues to look for new ways to reach and serve its customers.

All Occasions Catering/Bubb’s BBQ BIG BEND

Food & beverage FOUNDED: 1929 PROJECTED 2018 REVENUE: $2.7 million INDUSTRY:

BUBBS.COM

All Occasions Catering and Bubb’s BBQ is a full-service, off-premise catering company. The company services almost any occasion, including weddings, events, tailgates, backyard parties, galas and other corporate events and luncheons.

2ND-YEAR WINNER

The company recently completed an addition to its headquarters in Big Bend that increased its space by nearly 75 percent. All Occasions/Bubb’s continues WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE to add fresh talent and new ideas to its YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED? team.

“Be honest with yourself and treat others like how you would like to be treated.” - Mark Andersen, owner.

For Mark Andersen, president and owner, growth is a direct result of the company’s dedication to personal service, attention and detail.

All Occasions Catering can provide a wide variety of menu items for client events that includes traditional menu options as well as themed varieties, including buffet items, hors d’oeuvres, cold sandwiches, breakfast items and desserts. Bubb’s BBQ, a unique catering division of All Occasions formed in 1996, provides smoked Texas barbecue made in oak wood-fueled barbecue pits. Finding dedicated and committed staff is the company’s biggest challenge, but All Occasions plans to continue to grow with a focus on its corporate business clients.

ALL OCCASIONS CATERING/BUBB’S BBQ TEAM

Congratulations! from the strategic partner behind

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

Lauber Business Partners proudly congratulates our Future 50 Business Partners! We are proud to recognize all of this year’s Future 50 winners including our clients: • Coates Electric • Dynamic Solutions Worldwide LLC • EVERYTHING2GO.COM LLC • Exhibit Systems • Warehouse-Lighting COM LLC Lauber Business Partners – Providing Experienced Leadership In Times of Growth and Change

(414) 761-1000 • WSB ONLINE .COM

(414) 273-8060 – LAUBER-PARTNERS.COM 735 NORTH WATER STREET, MILWAUKEE, WI 53202

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Anderson Ashton Inc. NEW BERLIN INDUSTRY: Construction FOUNDED: 1959 PROJECTED 2018 REVENUE: ANDERSONASHTON.COM

$28 million

The construction industry has seen a recent increase in volume, and New Berlin-based Anderson Ashton Inc. is busier than ever. Anderson Ashton is a fullservice architecture and structural engineering firm that also provides project and construction management and general contracting services.

1ST-YEAR WINNER

Over the past few years, the company has transitioned to a new ownership group, adding Matthew Mehring to serve as president alongside Jim Filer. The change has created a fresh outlook on project and customer outreach, said Brian Fisher, business development manager. The addition of new talent is certainly an indicator of Anderson Ashton’s success and trajectory, but so are its gross annual sales and the need for a bigger location, Fisher said.

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

“Anderson Ashton sees a real opportunity to promote and educate local businesses on the idea of total cost of ownership.” - Brian Fisher, business development manager.

“With Foxconn no longer on the horizon, but actually moving into full development and construction mode, finding good people to fill important roles at Anderson Ashton during our current company growth has been a huge challenge,” he said. The company plans to add staff, and is searching for a larger office and shop to support its continued growth.

MATT MEHRING

Congratulations! from the strategic partners behind

ACCESS EVENT Welcome to Fiserv Forum

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2018 Platinum Sponsors:

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All of us at Schober Schober & Mitchell, S.C. congratulate Anderson Ashton! SCHOBER SCHOBER MITCHELL, S.C. (26 2) 78 5-1820 SCHOBERLAW.COM

/CA L E N D A R . H TM L 48 / BizTimes Milwaukee SEPTEMBER 17, 2018

Breckenridge Landscape Design, Construction & Maintenance LLC NEW BERLIN

Landscaping and construction FOUNDED: 2009 PROJECTED 2018 REVENUE: $5.2 million

INDUSTRY:

BRECKENRIDGELANDSCAPE.COM

New Berlin-based Breckenridge Landscape Design, Construction and Maintenance is committed to details and delivering the best possible customer experience. “When our clients know they can rely on us to deliver for them, they refer us to others,” said Eric Weishaar, president. Breckenridge provides landscape design, construction and maintenance WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE services for residential and commercial YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED? clients. The company specializes in the installation of large permeable paver “When you are going through projects. hell, just keep going.” While growth is steady, access to - Eric Weishaar, president. capital is a challenge, Weishaar said. “When banks renew credit lines yearly, they cannot keep up with fast-growth companies,” he said. “The construction boom in Wisconsin means that companies like ours are unable to finance our receivables properly, hindering our ability to grow.” Breckenridge expects to see a lot of opportunity from the Foxconn development, not just in the construction itself, but also in the other support businesses that will spring up around it. Breckenridge is looking at options to either consolidate its two facilities into one main office or move into a new, larger space to accommodate its growth.

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2ND-YEAR WINNER

ERIC WEISHAAR

Business Development Pros LLC MILWAUKEE INDUSTRY: Business development FOUNDED: 2010 PROJECTED 2018 REVENUE: Not disclosed BDPROS.COM 1ST-YEAR WINNER

THE BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT PROS TEAM

“Be thankful.” That’s the best piece of advice Marc Case, president of Milwaukee-based Business Development Pros LLC, has ever received. The company was formed in 2010 and provides business development services, including sales representation, sales process management, marketing, lead generation services, CRM consulting and setup. Obtaining the right clients is crucial to WHAT CHANGES ARE the success of any business, but it takes HAPPENING IN YOUR time, energy and the right sales team to make that happen. COMPANY? According to Case, the company’s “We are always learning. growth is driven by tracking and reporting Since we have a diverse client on new business development for its clients. base, we regularly research The company operates on a fee-forindustry trends. We analyze service structure, helping companies identify key areas where the expertise of how they might affect business BD Pros might be needed. development efforts for our Finding companies that understand clients. Based upon that that business development is an learning, we evolve our offerings investment is a challenge, Case said. to best serve client needs.” Despite that fact, Case expects - Marc Case, president continued growth for the company. Business Development Pros recently obtained new office space, has expanded its service offerings and has gone through a brand refresh. It also continues to add members to its team.

Congratulations! from the strategic partner behind

Business Development Pros LLC

SEE AWESOME STUFF LEARN HOW IT WORKS AND MAKE IT YOURSELF

Tom Kammerait and everyone at von Briesen congratulate Business Development Pros! VON BRIESEN & ROPE R , S .C.

At Wisconsin State Fair Park with Harvest Fair!

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50 / BizTimes Milwaukee SEPTEMBER 17, 2018

Capri Senior Communities WAUKESHA

Health care/senior living FOUNDED: 1991 PROJECTED 2018 REVENUE: $53.8 million INDUSTRY:

CAPRICOMMUNITIES.COM

Capri Senior Communities continues to grow. In 2017, the company completed the integration of three new communities into its portfolio: Harbor Campus, Northgate and Heritage Place. Each facility provides independent and assisted living services to its community, now under the Capri name. Capri is also in the planning phases for several new developments, including St. Rita Square in Milwaukee and Grace WHAT IS THE COMPANY’S Commons in Menomonee Falls. These BIGGEST OBSTACLE TO properties will offer state-of-the-art GROWTH? independent, assisted and memory care services. “The two biggest obstacles According to Stephanie Kucher, to our growth are the marketing coordinator for Capri Senior availability of people in the Communities, the company has grown labor market who share our with the help of talented leaders and mission … and the ability of employees committed to the residents our residents to afford the Capri serves. cost of their specialized care “We’ve grown alongside our strategic as they age.” partners and vendors who’ve assisted us in planning, building and operating our - Stephanie Kucher, communities,” she said. marketing coordinator. Capri continues to grow and adapt to meet the changing needs of its residents, including the conversion of apartment communities to offer more assisted living and health care services to residents wishing to age in their homes.

MASTER METTLE WINNER

THE CAPRI SENIOR COMMUNITIES TEAM

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR STRATEGIC PARTNERS • All Occasions Catering • Breckenridge Landscape Design Construction and Maintenance LLC • Capri Communities • Dynamic Solutions Worldwide LLC • Exhibit Systems Inc. • First Choice Ingredients

• • • • •

James Imaging Systems Inc. Newport Network Solutions Inc. PaveDrain LLC Reich Tool and Design Inc. Wenthe-Davidson Engineering Company

• Wisconsin International Academy

MyKnowledgeBroker.com | 800.566.7007 | The Knowledge Brokers

biztimes.com / 51

Central Standard Craft Distillery MILWAUKEE INDUSTRY: Manufacturing FOUNDED: 2014 PROJECTED 2018 REVENUE: $2 million THECENTRALSTANDARD.COM

In just four years, hand-crafted spirits company Central Standard Craft Distillery has experienced significant growth.

2ND-YEAR WINNER

“Our growth has been exponential due to our new products and the statewide expansion of our sales team,” said Pat McQuillan, co-founder. Central Standard currently manufactures bourbon whiskey, rye whiskey, Scotch Style Whiskey, Washington Rye, Wisconsin Rye Vodka and New American Gin. In 2018, it launched Door County Cherry Vodka and bourbon finished in California cabernet wine barrels. The products, according to McQuillan, have exceeded projections in the short time they’ve been on the market.

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

“Always bet on yourself.” - Pat McQuillan, co-founder.

Central Standard also launched an innovative product in 2018 called Hard2O, a zero-carb, zero-sugar drink made with distilled spirits and flavored with fruit. The growth has not been without its challenges. “There are a lot of good distilleries out there and we have to be able to keep our products at the front of buyers’ minds,” McQuillan said. “We work very hard to be active in the community so everyone knows that Central Standard is here to be their beverage of choice.”

PAT MCQUILLAN AND EVAN HUGHES

Congratulations! from the strategic partner behind

Central Standard Craft Distillery

BizTimes Salutes our Veterans

It has been awesome to see your growth. Excited for the future.

Veterans Day 2018

B I Z T I M E S M I LWA U K E E • S P E C I A L C O V E R A G E Honor our service members and recognize the companies that go above and beyond to support them by advertising your logo on the front cover of BizTimes Milwaukee or within the Special Report. Space reservation:

October 24, 2018

LEUDER FINANCIAL GR O UP O F NORT HWEST ERN MUTUAL

Publication date:

November 12, 2018

If your company actively recruits veterans, ask about the 3 exclusive cover wrap ad placements opportunities available.

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NICK WALLS, MANAGING DIRECTOR (26 2) 412-2724 • NICHOLASWALLS.NM.COM

Clearwing Productions MILWAUKEE INDUSTRY: Audiovisual FOUNDED: 1976 PROJECTED 2018 REVENUE: $50 million CLEARWING.COM

Milwaukee-based Clearwing Productions has been providing professional audio, video and lighting for live events, including concerts, tours, festivals, sporting and corporate events, and worship services, for more than 40 years.

2ND-YEAR WINNER

Consistent investments in new equipment have catapulted the company’s growth by ensuring its ability to offer the newest high-end products and services.

WHAT IS THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED?

“Lead by example and surround myself with people smarter than I am.”

The company recently opened a new location in Denver after acquiring a company there in 2017. Today, Clearwing serves markets in Wisconsin, Arizona and Colorado. The company sees a lot of opportunity in the new market and can provide services not previously available there.

“Our Systems Integration division, which handles permanent A/V installations in all kinds of venues, is opening up opportunities across the board and continues to grow exponentially in our Wisconsin and Arizona locations,” said Gregg Brunclik, president and chief executive officer. - Gregg Brunclik, president and CEO.

Brunclik also attributes the company’s success to his employees. “Their transfer of enthusiasm and the passion they carry is noticeable to our customers and greatly assists in repeat business,” he said.

BRYAN AND GREGG BRUNCLIK

ROGERS MEMORIAL H O S P I TA L F O U N D AT I O N PHONE: (262) 646-1646 WEB: rogershospitalfoundation.org

MEMORIAL HOSPITAL FOUNDATION

2018 GIVING GUIDE F E ATU R E D NONPROFI T

Rogers Memorial Hospital Foundation secures funding and provides financial support to advance treatment, education, advocacy and research on behalf of people with mental health or addiction challenges, their families and the communities we serve.

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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.

2018 GIVING GUIDE F E ATU R E D NONPROFI T

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Coates Electric WAUKESHA INDUSTRY: Electrical FOUNDED: 2009 PROJECTED 2018 REVENUE: COATESELEC.COM

Not disclosed

Implementation of new technology, ongoing training and empowerment of employees have driven the growth of Coates Electric since 2009.

MASTER METTLE WINNER

Service personnel at Coates are trained and certified through the Joint Apprenticeship Training program and are required to enroll in continuing education courses to learn about code updates, WHERE DO YOU SEE THE safety and technological advancements. Investment in its employees is the best way to ensure a company succeeds, according to Brody Coates, owner. Coates Electric is a fully licensed electrical contractor that serves customers throughout southeastern Wisconsin in the commercial, medical, institutional, residential and industrial sectors.

MOST OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUR COMPANY RIGHT NOW?

“Our employees. When you invest and grow your employees, your company succeeds. Employees realize their potential and bring fresh perspectives and new ideas, which presents the company with new opportunities.”

Finding qualified workers continues to be a struggle for Coates, as well as others in the industry, but the company - Brody Coates, owner. is committed to adapting to the changing needs of its customers in order to make sure they are providing the best possible services to clients.

BRODY COATES

PRESENTS:

2018

FINAL CALL FOR NOMINATIONS Nominate the people and for-profit organizations making a positive difference by donating their time, talent and treasure. Nominate the nonprofit organizations and executives making the region a better place to live, work and play. Self-nominations are encouraged! Winners will be recognized at the awards program on November 2nd.

PLATINUM SPONSOR:

Connoils LLC WAUKESHA

Nutritional ingredients FOUNDED: 2007 PROJECTED 2018 REVENUE: $18 million INDUSTRY:

CONNOILS.COM

Total sales is the most obvious indicator of Waukesha-based Connoils’ success. So far in 2018, Connoils’ sales have grown 62 percent from the same timeframe in 2017. Closing numbers for 2017 were 41 percent higher than closing numbers for 2016, and chief executive officer Stacy Peterson expects that growth to continue.

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

“Be nice to those you meet on the way up, because they are the same people you could meet on the way down.” - Stacy Peterson, chief executive officer.

1ST-YEAR WINNER

Connoils produces wholesale bulk ingredients and retail consumer packaged goods for the health and nutrition, sport, dietary, cosmetic, and human and pet food industries. Connoils also provides specialty education, farm-to-table fully traceable agricultural products, custom formulations, and turnkey packaging solutions for its customers.

In February, Connoils purchased 8 acres of land off of I-43 and Hwy 164 in Big Bend to make way for a 25,000-square-foot facility. There, it plans to use 100 percent green technology-produced ingredients and offer full traceability of those ingredients into consumer packaged goods. The company sees opportunities to assist in environmental improvement of soil and crop health using nutritional all-natural ingredients in the development of products, from soil to ready-to-use, bio-friendly ingredients.

STACY PETERSON

Congratulations! from the strategic partners behind

Connoils, LLC Congratulations to Connoils and all of the 2018 Future 50 Award winners! CITIZENS BANK (26 2) 36 3- 6 500 CITIZENBANK .COM

von Briesen & Roper congratulates the Connoils team on this well-deserved honor! VON BRIESEN & ROPER, S.C. TIM NETTESHEIM (26 2) 241-5600 VONBRIESEN.COM

Congratulations on your hard work and determination from the Williams Financial Team. WILLIAMS FINANCIAL LLC SHAUN WILLIAMS (26 2) 392-9808 INVESTWITHWILLIAMS.COM

biztimes.com / 55

Construction Management Associates Inc. MASTER METTLE WINNER

KENOSHA INDUSTRY: Construction FOUNDED: 1991 PROJECTED 2018 REVENUE: CMAOFWI.COM

$60 million

Kenosha-based Construction Management Associates Inc. is an experienced general contractor specializing in offering the complete package of solutions, including conception, design, layout, engineering and building. Since 1991, the company has carved a niche in the market constructing or renovating multi-family, hospitality, medical, assisted living and other commercial properties. Construction Management Associates is part of the Bear Real Estate Development Group, which owns and operates Bear Commercial, Bear Homes, Bear Capital, Bear Development and Bear Property Management. S.R. Mills is the president and a principal of Construction Management Associates, as well as Bear Development, Bear Commercial and Bear Homes. Each company plays a pivotal role in the acquisition, development and construction of commercial projects, residential communities, retail, office, industrial, multi-family residential and hotels, Mills said. According to Mills, CMA understands the importance of controlling costs throughout a project and uses a proven methodical process from the early stages of competitive bidding to the final closeout and release. The process helps maintain the initial budget while not sacrificing quality. S.R MILLS, JOHN REINHART AND JONAH HETLAND

Creative Marketing Resources Inc. MILWAUKEE INDUSTRY: Marketing/advertising FOUNDED: 1995 PROJECTED 2018 REVENUE: Not disclosed CMREDGE.COM 2ND-YEAR WINNER

BACK ROW: DAVID BOWLES, ANDREW KLAIN, KEVIN MICHAELS, LAUREN BANKS FRONT ROW: CHAJI YANG, LINDA BINKLEY, PAUL PATTERSON, JACQUELINE MOORE

56 / BizTimes Milwaukee SEPTEMBER 17, 2018

Milwaukee-based Creative Marketing Resources is Wisconsin’s largest minority-owned full-service marketing agency. Clients and customers have embraced a “total market” model thanks to the changing demographics of the American consumer. Since 1995, CMR has helped companies across the country execute award-winning campaigns that connect clients to a greater share of the WHERE DO YOU SEE THE total market by spanning cultural divides. MOST OPPORTUNITIES? According to David Bowles, vice “We think communications president of strategy and planning, the company’s growth is driven by its can help solve a lot of the employees. underlying (workforce gap) “We realize that our clients don’t problems, particularly as come to us because we’re the biggest, but it relates to connecting rather because we’re smarter and more employers and potential strategic than our competitors,” he said. workers.” Continued growth does not come - David Bowles, vice president, without its challenges. Today’s consumers strategy and planning. are a mix of every imaginable perspective, lifestyle and experience, Bowles said. “Companies need to know how to speak to all of them. Our total market model allows you to do that by bringing together a team of marketing experts that crosses every divide.” The company recently rolled out a new social media strategy and platform, Bowles said.

Crescendo Collective MILWAUKEE

Digital Marketing FOUNDED: 2014 PROJECTED 2018 REVENUE: $5 million INDUSTRY:

CRESCENDOCOLLECTIVE.COM

Its commitment to its clients, its partners and its services have been the driving force behind the growth at Milwaukee-based Crescendo Collective.

2ND-YEAR WINNER

The company offers a full suite of digital marketing services and web design and development solutions, including but not limited to CMS, CRM and e-commerce. Crescendo is focused on being on the cutting edge of technologies in order to best serve its clients and prospective WHAT CHANGES clients, said Mike Handal, vice president ARE COMING? of finance.

“We will continue to grow and make the changes necessary to facilitate that growth.” -Mike Handal, vice president of finance.

“We never want to be stagnant and assume that just because something worked once, it will work forever,” he said. The company recently opened its own offshore solution in the Philippines, which will allow it to better serve its worldwide client base, Handal said.

Handel sees opportunity in advanced digital marketing technologies that focus on personalization and targeting, but finding the right talent that understands the company and how it functions can sometimes be a challenge. “We have found that taking our time has paid off as we continue to build a very strong team,” he said.

BERNARD GOMEZ, FOUNDING PARTNER AND THOMAS DUFFEY, PARTNER.

Congratulations! from the strategic partners behind

Crescendo Collective Congratulations Crescendo Collective. We are proud to work alongside a company dedicated to success. CYGA NI A K P LA NNI NG I NC. KRIS FJELLMAN

GOOD FOR BUSINESS MCFI partners with businesses to employ people with disabilities to create an inclusive workplace. It’s simply good for business.

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414-937-2020 mcfi.net

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OUTREACH COMMUNITY H E A LT H C E N T E R S, I N C .

Congratulations! We are proud to be a partner in your success.

PHONE: (414) 374-2400 WEB: ochc-milw.org To ensure that men, women, and children in the Greater Milwaukee Area receive the quality healthcare, behavioral health, housing and supportive services they need to live at the highest possible level of self-sufficiency. Outreach Community Health Center will work to achieve this mission through advocacy, outreach, prevention, public awareness, collaborative relationships with other service providers and contracting for or providing a quality, cost-effective continuum of care.

N O RTH SHOR E BA NK (26 2) 797-3 3 49 NORTHSHOREBANK .COM/BUSINES S

2018 GIVING GUIDE F EATURED NONPROF I T

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biztimes.com / 57

Dynamic Solutions Worldwide LLC MILWAUKEE INDUSTRY: Manufacturing, wholesale retail FOUNDED: 2010 PROJECTED 2018 REVENUE: $30 million DYNATRAP.COM

Milwaukee-based Dynamic Solutions Worldwide has experienced so much growth in the past few years, it will likely need to move to a new location. The company manufacturers a line of insect traps, including its patented DynaTrap indoor and outdoor insect traps, the DynaZap extendable racket zappers and the DynaTrap Flylight plug-in traps.

2ND-YEAR WINNER

The trap mimics human beings to maximize attraction, using UV light and carbon dioxide to lure mosquitoes and other predatory insects into the trap. Once inside, the insects are vacuumed into the retaining cage, where they eventually die.

WHERE DO YOU SEE THE MOST OPPORTUNITY FOR YOUR COMPANY?

“There are more retailers and customers to acquire. We strive to make a difference in the lives of our consumers every day.”

Currently, DynaTrap is sold in the U.S., Canada, the Caribbean, Mexico, and Central and South America. The company - Darcy Johnson, director of finance. has also created new positions and expanded into a new facility in Mexico during 2018. Dynamic Solutions credits its success to its team of dedicated employees.

CEO JIM HUNTER AND PRESIDENT JUAN ROCHA

“Without our fabulous employees, we would not exist,” said Darcy Johnson, director of finance. “Their dedication to service, quality and innovation has molded us into the entrepreneurial company we are today.”

Congratulations! from the strategic partner behind

Dynamic Solutions Worldwide LLC

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58 / BizTimes Milwaukee SEPTEMBER 17, 2018

JOEL NETTESHEIM (26 2) 92 3-5150 • SVAACCOUNTANTS.COM

Endpoint Solutions Corp. FRANKLIN

Environmental engineering FOUNDED: 2008 PROJECTED 2018 REVENUE: $6 million

INDUSTRY:

ENDPOINTCORPORATION.COM

In 10 years in business, Franklin-based Endpoint Solutions has assisted nearly 550 individual clients with almost 3,000 environmental projects.

MASTER METTLE WINNER

The company provides traditional and specialized environmental and civil engineering services. According to president Robert Cigale, Endpoint’s growth is directly related to its employees.

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

“The true meaning of wealth is how much free time you have.”

“To be successful at Endpoint, (the team) must not only be technically sound, but also understand our unique culture,” he said.

Endpoint recently hired several professionals with strong manufacturing - Robert Cigale, president. and EHS experience in order to better assist clients. The company also has invested significant capital in mapping-grade and survey-grade GPS equipment to assist in on-site survey and layout tasks to better support specialized engineering design capabilities. Endpoint expects continued growth and always has its eye on new opportunities for the business. Cigale sees a lot of opportunities related to nurturing existing client relationships. “Grow as they grow, adding talented staff that have developed relationships with their own set of clients over the years,” he said.

KIRK KAPFHAMMER, ROBERT CIGALE, WADE WOLLERMANN AND MARK PENZKOVER

Excellence begins with a decision to be world-class. Our company goal is to help business leaders like you get access to different perspectives and resources to help inform and guide your decision-making. Running a business is hard work, but what if you could use the lessons of others to make your decisions easier? With Vistage, you’ll meet with other experienced leaders to discuss your challenges and opportunities confidentially. They’ll challenge, question, inspire and hold you accountable. You’ll do the same for them. Our formula has withstood the test of time for 60 years. Today, more than 22,000 executives across 20 countries rely on Vistage.

Learn more at vistage.com Vistage Worldwide, Inc. 18_261_6000

“With Vistage, I never felt isolated when making those gut-wrenching decisions.” Mercy Tolentino Steenwyk, CEO Vistage member since 2000

Everything2go.com LLC MILWAUKEE INDUSTRY: E-retailer FOUNDED: 2005 PROJECTED 2018 REVENUE: EVERYTHING2GO.COM 2ND-YEAR WINNER

$20 million

David Wierdsma, president of Everything2go.com, sought to build a network of online stores focused on specialty niche markets traditionally underserved by chain and catalog retailers. Everything2go.com is an employee-owned company that includes strategic outside shareholders. They have more than 30 years of experience in the direct marketing/shipping business, primarily in home, office, school, government and institutional furnishings. WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE According to Wierdsma, the company’s approach is to provide an easy-to-use online shopping experience and focus on superior customer service.

YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED?

“Keep variable costs variable and fixed costs at a minimum.”

A strong economy, coupled with - David Wierdsma, president. the popularity of online shopping, has spurred Everything2go.com’s continued growth. But the website’s commitment to outstanding customer service results in lasting repeat buyers, he added.

DAVID WIERDSMA

Wierdsma expects continued growth. The company is exploring the roll-out of a direct salesforce and the use of marketing channels beyond the Internet, including catalog mailing, email campaigns, social media presence and affiliate marketing programs.

Exhibit Systems BROOKFIELD INDUSTRY: Trade show and events marketing FOUNDED: 2007 PROJECTED 2018 REVENUE: 10 to 15 percent more than 2017 EXHIBITSYSTEMS.COM MASTER METTLE WINNER

Brookfield-based Exhibit Systems hasn’t slowed down. The company, founded in 2007, has grown 10 to 15 percent annually and recently expanded to include a full-service marketing division, Results Marketing. The new division will allow the company to offer clients the full breadth of marketing, said Mary Monday, vice president of marketing. “From print collateral to social media and marketing automation, we are a one-stop source for integrated marketing strategies,” she said. Exhibit Systems has a strong client base in the food and beverage industry. The company plans to build on that, but also reach into the health care and manufacturing verticals.

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

“Always live your life with integrity, and don’t be afraid to apologize if you’ve made a mistake.” - Mary Monday, vice president of marketing.

Another growth driver is the company’s commitment to its 360-degree guarantee, the process used to ensure complete client satisfaction. According to Monday, Exhibit has made new efforts to completely articulate the process. JIM MCCOMBE, JOHN SCHLOSSER, BRIAN MAGLIOCCO, KRISTIN ECKERT, DAVE JENTZ AND DICK MAGLIOCCO

60 / BizTimes Milwaukee SEPTEMBER 17, 2018

Exhibit Systems recently acquired a new warehouse facility to address its capacity needs for production and storage, but also sees a lot of opportunity for acquisitions and expansion throughout the state of Wisconsin and beyond.

First Choice Ingredients Inc. GERMANTOWN

Manufacturing FOUNDED: 1994 PROJECTED 2018 REVENUE: Not disclosed INDUSTRY:

FIRSTCHOICEINGREDIENTS.COM

Jim Pekar founded First Choice Ingredients in 1994 with a focus of creating exceptional dairy flavors. The company provides more than 300 stock offerings through its proprietary process in fermentation and culture technology, and is focused on producing natural flavors and ingredients delivered in a timely, costeffective and proven manner.

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

“Goals are accomplished through hard work, persistence and dedication. There are no shortcuts to anywhere worth going.” - Jim Pekar, owner.

1ST-YEAR WINNER

In 2016, First Choice acquired 83,000 square feet of manufacturing space in Menomonee Falls. The new plant more than doubled the company’s footprint and is its third large-scale production facility in Wisconsin. In addition to the production facilities, the space includes five new laboratories with pilot plant capabilities, which are critical to creating and scaling up new and innovative products for customers.

First Choice remains focused on expanding its organic and clean label product line. “Our growing library of organic and clean label dairy concentrates provide the perfect blend of meeting customer demand, as well as being a great economic alternative to raw cheeses,” Pekar said. The company also plans to expand its export capabilities and grow its sales outside of the United States.

JIM PEKAR, TOM ATKINSON AND ROGER MULLINS

Congratulations! from the strategic partner behind

Congratulations! from the strategic partners behind

Everything2Go.com, LLC

First Choice Ingredients, Inc.

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biztimes.com / 61

Geneva Supply DELAVAN INDUSTRY: Distribution, logistics and marketing FOUNDED: 2009 PROJECTED 2018 REVENUE: $75 million GENEVASUPPLY.COM

E-commerce fulfillment services provider Geneva Supply has experienced unprecedented growth thanks to its ability to grow and adapt to the changing practices of online shopping channels. The company is on track for more than $75 million in revenue in 2018, 54 percent more than 2017. According to leaders, Geneva Supply has generated consistent 50 percent year-over-year growth for the past eight years.

1ST-YEAR WINNER

The company credits its team’s adaptability, as well as its routine software modifications and content improvements, for the growth. Geneva recently opened its second warehouse location in Ladson, South Carolina and has plans to open a third warehouse, in Phoenix, Arizona.

WHAT CHANGES DO YOU PLAN TO MAKE?

“With e-commerce, the game is always changing and evolving, so our model is dependent on changing with it.” - Melissa DeBuck,

Expansion opportunities like these trade marketing manager. and others throughout the U.S., and potentially Europe, will allow Geneva to offer its clients two-day shipping. Additionally, the company has also launched a new digital marketing team, Geneva Services. The division offers manufacturers a variety of services, including representation, Amazon marketing, search engine optimization, conversion rate optimization, email marketing, lead generation and social media management. It also offers product photography and videography services.

JEFF PETERSON AND MARK BECKER, CO-FOUNDERS

GIVING GUIDE

Congratulations! from the strategic partner behind

Geneva Supply

2019 EDITION

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62 / BizTimes Milwaukee SEPTEMBER 17, 2018

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Glenn Rieder Inc. WEST ALLIS

Architectural millwork FOUNDED: 1946 PROJECTED 2018 REVENUE: $60 million INDUSTRY:

GLENNRIEDER.COM

Since 1946, West Allis-based Glenn Rieder has provided custom architectural millwork and specialized interiors for more than 2,000 projects throughout the United States. The company specializes in finishes for luxury hotels, casinos, restaurants, corporate offices, sports facilities and institutions. Notable clients include the RitzCarlton, Hyatt, Marriott, Bellagio, Beau WHAT IS THE BIGGEST Rivage, MGM Grand and Venetian. OBSTACLE TO YOUR Locally, it worked on the Northwestern COMPANY’S GROWTH? Mutual Life Insurance Co. tower and the Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse in “Identifying, recruiting downtown Milwaukee, and the Acuity and retaining a capable, corporate headquarters expansion in competent and professional Sheboygan. workforce at every level In 2018, the company opened its within the organization.” new $8 million, 120,000 square-footmanufacturing and office facility on a 12- Michael Floyd, chief executive officer. acre remediated brownfield site in West Allis. The new facility has allowed Glenn Rieder to increase production capacity and staff. The company also recently opened a 20,000-square-foot office and warehouse in San Diego. Glenn Rieder prides itself on its ability to offer clients a wide range of millwork and interior options that range from traditional architectural woodworking to highly specialized and elaborately themed environments.

1ST-YEAR WINNER

MICHAEL FLOYD AND JAMES CARAGHER

Architectural Millwork and Custom Interior Finishes

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Hurt Electric Inc. MENOMONEE FALLS INDUSTRY: Construction FOUNDED: 1996 PROJECTED 2018 REVENUE: HURTELECTRIC.COM MASTER METTLE WINNER

$8 million

A few big-name projects in downtown Milwaukee, including the Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Co. tower and the new Milwaukee Bucks arena, have helped drive growth at Menomonee Falls-based Hurt Electric Inc. Hurt Electric provides electrical construction services for the commercial, industrial, educational and institutional markets. The company hired six new electricians this year, as well as an office assistant, and continues to look for employees to add to its team. According to Henry Hurt, president and co-owner, the company’s base of young, smart electricians will help it not only maintain its current customers, but also secure new customers.

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

“Ask lots of questions. Make a plan, but prepare to be flexible. Hire people smarter than you, and delegate whenever possible.” - Henry Hurt, president.

“The Milwaukee area has a lot of customers who are looking to invest in their companies and properties,” he said. Hurt expects to continue to address the needs of the company’s current client base, and also expects to see several opportunities directly or indirectly related to the Foxconn Technology Group development. HENRY HURT

InCheck WAUWATOSA INDUSTRY: Information services, human resources FOUNDED: 2002 PROJECTED 2018 REVENUE: $5.5 million INCHECK.NET 1ST-YEAR WINNER

ADAM KIEHL, RACHEL THEISEN & ANDY GALLION

64 / BizTimes Milwaukee SEPTEMBER 17, 2018

Wauwatosa-based InCheck was built organically by recruiters that truly understand the hiring process. In six years, InCheck has continued to grow and adapt its services to meet the needs of its growing client list. The company recently became accredited by the National Association DO YOU PLAN TO MAKE of Professional Background Screeners ANY CHANGES TO YOUR as a nationally accredited background COMPANY? screening company. “We are implementing a InCheck provides a series of digital marketing strategy investigative services, instant data using a local partner, and products, verification and referencing services, and other technology solutions are continuing to hire and for clients. provide service based on InCheck is committed to InCheck’s core values.” understanding each client individually - Adam Kiehl, chief financial officer. and customizing solutions that work for each client. “As our industry continues to grow and regulations evolve, our clients rely on us to communicate best practices in a timely and consistent manner,” said Andy Gallion, chief executive officer. “We’ve built solid relationships with our clients that have led to many referrals.” Gallion credits the company’s success to its reputation with existing customers, as well as the knowledge and expertise of its employees.

James Imaging Systems BROOKFIELD

Office equipment FOUNDED: 1977 PROJECTED 2018 REVENUE: $20 million INDUSTRY:

JAMESIMAGING.COM

For more than 40 years, James Imaging Systems has provided document imaging and printing solutions to a wide variety of clients throughout the region. Strategic acquisitions, coupled with a good reputation and strong brand awareness, have contributed to the company’s success. In late 2017, James Imaging Systems acquired the Wisconsin-based operations DO YOU PLAN TO MAKE of Ross Imaging LLC of Illinois. Ross ANY CHANGES TO YOUR had two locations, in Sheboygan and COMPANY? Appleton, that are now wholly owned divisions of James Imaging Systems. “James Imaging Systems is going to continue with James Imaging was founded in 1977 as a copier sales and repair business, our acquisition strategy. In and now offers managed print services, addition, we are growing our document software and document managed print services and management solutions. It had about 75 copier-enabled software employees pre-acquisition, and added solutions divisions.” approximately 30 additional employees - Tom Tegeder, president. with the new locations. The company’s growth in recent years has been strategic, acquiring Waukesha-based Laser Tech Systems in 2013 and Union Grove-based Acme Office Equipment in 2017. James Imaging is woman-owned and the third-largest Toshiba dealer in the United States. It is in the process of doubling the size of its Brookfield headquarters.

1ST-YEAR WINNER

LOLA & TOM TEGEDER

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biztimes.com / 65

JCP Construction MILWAUKEE INDUSTRY: Construction FOUNDED: 2010 PROJECTED 2018 REVENUE: JCP-CONSTRUCTION.COM MASTER METTLE WINNER

CLIFTON PHELPS, JAMES PHELPS, JR. AND JALIN PHELPS

$14 million

For nearly a decade, JCP Construction has provided general contracting and construction management services for projects throughout the Milwaukee region. The team at JCP Construction has more than 40 years of experience in the construction industry. Jalin Phelps, vice president of field WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE operations, credits the staff for JCP’s YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED? continued growth. “Provide a superior product “Without them, we would not be able with the highest customer to continue to grow as a company and expand each year,” he said. service. To us, our superior product is the ability to build During its continued expansion, JCP plans to purchase more equipment to a rapport with those we better serve its clients, and also hopes to work with and those in the continue to add and train employees for community.” future growth. - Jalin Phelps, “JCP Construction strives to provide vice president of field operations. our clients with the best possible customer service. Each year, we endeavor to learn from our past projects and frequently take those lessons learned into future projects. We believe the personal touches we provide to our clients separate us from others in the construction industry,” Jalin said. JCP sees a lot of opportunity in projects occurring throughout Wisconsin, including health care, residential and Foxconn Technology Group’s development.

BUILT FOR

BETTER BUSINESS Congratulations to all Future 50 award winners, including Johnson and Sons. It is an honor to work with you.

J�� onstruc�on is proud to be named Future 50—Master Mettle Winner. Our mission, at J�� onstruc�on, is to provide excellent services in the construc�on industry that contribute to community growth and development. As we approach our ten year anniversary, we would like to thank all of our customers, suppliers, partners, and staﬀ. We could not have done this without you. 1849 N. MLK Drive, Suite 200, Milwaukee, WI 53212 | jcp-construction.com

66 / BizTimes Milwaukee SEPTEMBER 17, 2018

WisconsinBankandTrust.com

Johnson & Sons Paving LANNON

Commercial paving FOUNDED: 2014 PROJECTED 2018 REVENUE: $15 million INDUSTRY:

JOHNSONANDSONSPAVING.COM

Johnson & Sons Paving has grown quickly since opening in September 2014. The asphalt and concrete construction company has more than 50 employees.

1ST-YEAR WINNER

Johnson & Sons has experienced year-over-year revenue increases, recently received an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and also opened a new office in Madison.

WHAT CHANGES DO YOU HAVE PLANNED FOR THE COMPANY?

“We will continue to look at expanding into new markets to support our growth and will selectively consider strategic acquisitions.” - Jason Johnson, president and owner.

“Like most companies, we have a lean management team, so we’re focused on building the internal infrastructure we need to support our growth,” said Jason Johnson, president and owner. According to Johnson, the company has earned a reputation for quality work, on time and on budget. “That’s led to a lot of repeat business and referrals,” he said.

Like most companies in the industry, Johnson & Sons has dealt with the challenging labor shortage. There is a small group of qualified candidates, particularly for positions requiring specialized skills, Johnson said. The challenge puts a strain on hiring efforts and potential growth. Johnson plans to expand into new markets and consider strategic acquisitions, he said.

JOHNSON & SONS PAVING TEAM

Kesslers Diamond Center Inc. GERMANTOWN INDUSTRY: Retail jeweler FOUNDED: 1980 PROJECTED 2018 REVENUE: $35 million KESSLERSDIAMONDS.COM

For nearly 40 years, Kesslers Diamond Center has provided the region with one of the largest selections of diamond engagement rings and a variety of other custom jewelry options.

MASTER METTLE WINNER

Richard Kessler, chief executive officer, got his start in the jewelry business after purchasing a struggling jewelry store in Menomonee Falls. WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE

YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED?

“While in a meeting with Tony Robbins for guidance on how to be successful, he said, ‘That’s simple: serve the customer better than anyone.’”

Today, the company has seven locations in the region and is looking to add at least one new store in the next 12 months. Two locations added in 2015 have had a significant impact on the company’s growth and Kessler expects that trend to continue.

- Richard Kessler, chief executive officer.

“We are looking at another new location in Michigan and think that the strong development in Racine and Kenosha counties could provide several great opportunities for us, as well,” Kessler said. The company hired Joe Gehrke as president in 2017 to set in motion the beginning of the Kesslers succession plan. This year, John Hooyman was added as chief financial officer, completing the current leadership team trifecta.

RICHARD KESSLER AND JOE GEHRKE

biztimes.com / 67

KeyStone Staffing Group LLC MILWAUKEE INDUSTRY: Staffing FOUNDED: 2012 PROJECTED 2018 REVENUE: ITSKEYSTONE.COM

$8 million

KeyStone Staffing Group has experienced several years of unprecedented growth. The company, which currently specializes in workforce solutions and recruiting for industrial and clerical needs, will undergo a strategic rebranding and name change to KeyStone Employment Group in order to better reflect its growth in services.

MASTER METTLE WINNER

According to Bob Rowe, president of KeyStone, the company all too often fights the title and stigma in the industry of being a “temporary help company.” “While KeyStone is part of the staffing industry, our core focus is providing career seeking individuals with long-term employment at our many customers,” Rowe said. Rowe believes KeyStone’s model would also work well in the accounting sector and other professional industries. Later this year, KeyStone will move into a new, larger corporate headquarters at 3720 N. 124th St. in Wauwatosa.

WHAT FACTORS HAVE CONTRIBUTED TO YOUR GROWTH OVER THE PAST YEAR?

“In early 2017, KeyStone began implementing an Entrepreneurial Operating System. It has provided our company and employees a blueprint for culture, exceptions and metrics.” - Bob Rowe, president.

The company also opened a second location in Oak Creek in 2016, and has plans to open a third location in 2019.

THE KEYSTONE STAFFING GROUP TEAM

Presented By:

Congratulations! from the strategic partner behind

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Nomination Deadline: October 26, 2018

Recognize the people and organizations that are making a difference every day by providing superior health care in our region. Categories Include: Advancements in Health Care Behavioral Health Community Service Corporate Achievement in Health Care Executive Leadership

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68 / BizTimes Milwaukee SEPTEMBER 17, 2018

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Kowal Investment Group LLC WAUKESHA

Finance/retirement planning FOUNDED: 1984 PROJECTED 2018 REVENUE: $5.1 million

INDUSTRY:

THEKOWALWAY.COM

Kowal Investment Group is a family-owned financial advisory organization that works closely with business owners, retired individuals or those nearing retirement, providing a conservative and sensitive approach to investment management. The firm is focused on all areas of retirement, including estate planning, investments, WHERE DO YOU SEE THE retirement income, taxes related to MOST OPPORTUNITIES retirement and insurance. FOR YOUR COMPANY The company continues to grow, RIGHT NOW? having added three new team members “We will continue to help in 2018, and has expanded its reach in southeastern Wisconsin, as well as out of business owners, retired its office in Middleton. individuals or those nearing The company’s approach to retirement navigate the retirement, known as the Kowal Way, has ins and outs of retirement been refined over decades and always planning. …Our team’s focus puts clients first. is on helping them live the Kowal plans to advance its success retirement of their dreams.” through dedication to its customers, as well as enrichment of its own employees - Heather Krugler, new client development. through professional development opportunities, study groups, continuing education classes and regional conferences. “We want our employees to be the highest performing in our industry,” said Heather Krugler, new client development.

2ND-YEAR WINNER

THE KOWAL INVESTMENT GROUP TEAM

Congratulations! from the strategic partners behind

Kowal Investment Group, LLC Congratulations! Chortek wishes continued growth and success to the Kowal Investment Group! CHORTEK LLP MARK ALBRECHT (26 2) 52 2-82 27 • CHORTEK .COM

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Congratulations! WFA Staffing thanks you for the opportunity to support Kowal’s continued success. WFA STAFFING GROUP (414) 36 5-36 51 WFASTAFFING.COM

RESERVE YOUR BOOTH! MAY 30, 2019 CON TACT LINDA CRAW F O R D T O DAY ! (414) 336- 7112 | BIZTIME S.COM /BI ZEXP O 20 19 PRESENTED BY:

biztimes.com / 69

Lange Bros. Woodwork Co. Inc MILWAUKEE INDUSTRY: Millwork FOUNDED: 1932 PROJECTED 2018 REVENUE: LANGEBROS.COM

For nearly 100 years, Lange Bros. Woodwork Co. Inc. has provided historic woodworking skills and techniques practiced by German craftsmen to clients throughout southeastern Wisconsin. Technology and a growing economy have continued to spur the growth of the Milwaukee-based company even today. WHERE DO YOU SEE THE Lange Bros.’ architectural woodwork MOST OPPORTUNITY FOR can be seen in a variety of types of YOUR COMPANY? projects, including club, commercial, dining, education, entertainment, financial, “There is a very strong, furniture, government, health care, expanding economy in historic, hospitality, laboratory, law, office, southeast Wisconsin. The public, residential, restoration and retail. growth of other industries in In 1932, the Lange brothers, John and this area will create many Rudy, started the company. The craft has opportunities for us in the since been masterfully preserved and enhanced by current company owners coming years.” and the staff. - Lori Poull, president. Today, siblings Lori Poull, president, and Randy Lange, vice president, own and operate the company. Lange Bros. currently operates from two locations, one on West Douglas Avenue in Milwaukee and the other on Tower Line Road in Beecher. While no major changes are planned for Lange Bros., investments are being made on the company’s website in order to garner additional growth in the residential market.

2ND-YEAR WINNER

THE LANGE BROS. WOODWORK CO. TEAM

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Lemberg BROOKFIELD

Electrical contracting FOUNDED: 1928 PROJECTED 2018 REVENUE: $46 million INDUSTRY:

LEMBERGELECTRIC.COM

Brookfield-based Lemberg is a full-service electrical contracting firm founded in 1928, specializing in electrical construction, data communications, energy management, sign design and installation, and 24-hour electrical service.

WHAT HAS CONTRIBUTED TO YOUR GROWTH OVER THE PAST YEAR?

“Our growth has been planned for, and is a direct result of our diversification. The construction market in metro Milwaukee is very strong and will continue for the foreseeable future.” Dave Washebek, president and chief executive officer.

2ND-YEAR WINNER

The company is recognized as one of the largest employee-owned electrical contracting firms in the region. Diversification and the robust construction market in metro Milwaukee have continued to drive Lemberg’s growth, and company president and chief executive officer David Washebek is optimistic the trend will continue. However, success is not without its challenges. Like many skilled trades companies, Lemberg faces the constant struggle of the labor shortage, both in the field and in the office.

PATRICK ANTKOWSKI, TIMOTHY SCHEID AND DAVID WASHEBEK

RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE C H A R I T I E S® EASTERN WISCONSIN PHONE: (414) 475-5333 WEB: RMHCHOME.org Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Eastern Wisconsin, Inc. keeps families together while their children are receiving medical treatment at local hospitals.

2018 GIVING GUIDE F E ATU R E D NONPROFI T

Proud to be a Future 50! We share our success with our customers, our employees and our community. Thank you for being part of our 90-year history.

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

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We enrich communities by linking generations, uncovering capabilities and inspiring self-sufficiency. Our mission is fostering intergenerational connections to increase the self-sufficiency and well-being of children, families and older adults in our community. We remain committed to honoring older adults and recognizing the value that they bring to our community as employees, volunteers and caregivers.

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(262) 781-1500 lembergelectric.com/90-25-anniversary biztimes.com / 71

Moore Construction Services MENOMONEE FALLS INDUSTRY: Construction FOUNDED: 2007 PROJECTED 2018 REVENUE: MOORE-CS.COM 2ND-YEAR WINNER

$40 million

Moore Construction Services has expanded its customer base to include the multi-family and medical office markets, but the strength of the overall economy is also helping fuel growth in the company. “Our customers are growing and we are growing with them,” said Mike Moore, president. Moore Construction is a design/ builder, construction manager and general contractor primarily serving the commercial, educational and religious markets. In July, Moore Construction broke ground on a new 13,000-square-foot headquarters on the corner of Silver Spring Drive and Enterprise Avenue in Menomonee Falls. It will be almost double the size of Moore’s current headquarters and the 6.4-acre site will give the company more options for continued growth.

WHERE DO YOU SEE THE MOST OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUR COMPANY?

“Our opportunities across most sectors are strong, but the multi-family construction around or near the Foxconn site (is) currently very strong.” - Mike Moore, president.

“We needed a new building to support us and attract new talent,” Moore said. The company expects to move into the facility in early 2019. THE MOORE CONSTRUCTION SERVICES TEAM

Moore Construction expects to add two project superintendents to its team in the near future to accommodate growth, as well.

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72 / BizTimes Milwaukee SEPTEMBER 17, 2018

Newport Network Solutions MENOMONEE FALLS

Communications and security FOUNDED: 2008 PROJECTED 2018 REVENUE: Not disclosed

INDUSTRY:

NEWPORTNETWORKSOLUTIONS.COM

The boom in the construction industry, and the heightened security awareness in both the public and private sectors, has driven the need for more complex integrated solutions and invigorated the growth of Menomonee Falls-based Newport Network Solutions. Newport is a full-service communications contractor designing and implementing data, voice and fiber optic network infrastructure, including video surveillance and card access security systems. The family-oriented team at Newport WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE has a variety of network communications YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED? experience, and is focused on building relationships with current and future “Listen intently and clients to better understand their security ask questions to fully needs. understand the needs of Recently, Newport has completed the customer.” projects at several local school facilities, corporate campuses, and specialized lab - Jason Berthelsen, president. and medical facilities. “Our growth demands we continue to expand our team,” said Jason Berthelsen, president. In recent years, the company has expanded its product offerings and services to better meet the needs of its customers, said Berthelsen, who sees a lot of potential for more growth. “We see a great opportunity in developing our team members through crosstraining and leadership experiences,” he said.

MASTER METTLE WINNER

JASON AND ERIC BERTHELSEN

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PaveDrain LLC MILWAUKEE INDUSTRY: Manufacturing FOUNDED: 2008 PROJECTED 2018 REVENUE: PAVEDRAIN.COM 1ST-YEAR WINNER

DOUGLAS BUCH

$3.5 million

For years, Douglas Buch worked as a consultant for Erosion Control & Stormwater Solutions, so he knew the importance of infiltrating stormwater back into the ground. Buch came up with the idea for what WHERE DO YOU SEE THE would eventually become PaveDrain, a MOST OPPORTUNITIES permeable articulating concrete block FOR YOUR COMPANY? system that creates a performance pavement ideal for maximizing on-site “Northern markets, because stormwater capacity. of the pending (road) salt The pavement integrates its patented issue. Florida is also starting arched reservoir that allows for a more to grow because of the natural infiltration path, recharging local importance of getting water groundwater and reducing first-flush back into the ground as pollutants. opposed to letting it run off. ” It also allows for more installation flexibility than almost any paving product - Douglas Buch, president. on the market. PaveDrain is ADA compliant and manufactured in the U.S., Buch said. It is available in different colors, and can also be heated with cable ducts to melt snow or ice. Buch made the decision early on to locate his company at the Global Water Center in Milwaukee. “I like to refer to the Global Water Center as the ultimate place to connect the dots: people, products, projects,” Buch said.

Reich Tool & Design Inc. MENOMONEE FALLS INDUSTRY: Manufacturing FOUNDED: 1965 PROJECTED 2018 REVENUE: REICHTOOL.COM 2ND-YEAR WINNER

$12.5 million

Menomonee Falls-based Reich Tool & Design is a second-generation, family-owned business that supplies custom machined components, precision metal stamping dies and critical assemblies to Fortune 500 OEMs and mid-size companies throughout the U.S. and other countries. The company is recognized as an industry leader. Over the past few years, Reich has invested heavily in the latest technological machinery, software and support equipment to better meet the needs of its customers. The result has been continued exponential growth.

WHERE DO YOU SEE THE MOST OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUR COMPANY?

“Being a job shop environment, we are blessed with many different opportunities, but the aerospace and medical device industries are among the strongest.”

“(Reich) measures growth by how much more value our employees add to people,” said Fritz Reich, president. “That - Fritz Reich, president. includes our customers, suppliers and community. When performed with humility, the rest kind of falls in place.”

Hiring and training long-term skilled tradespeople is a challenge the company and others in the industry struggle with on a constant basis BRETT AND FRITZ REICH

74 / BizTimes Milwaukee SEPTEMBER 17, 2018

Still, Reich continues to invest in new technology, including 3-D printing and additive manufacturing, as well as increased automation.

Rocket Clicks MENOMONEE FALLS

Digital marketing and advertising FOUNDED: 2009 PROJECTED 2018 REVENUE: Not disclosed

INDUSTRY:

ROCKETCLICKS.COM

Rocket Clicks is in business to serve its clients, and according to president Tyler Dolph, the company’s growth is directly related to its clients’ growth and success.

2ND-YEAR WINNER

Rocket Clicks is a boutique agency that offers Pay Per Click and Search Engine Optimization solutions including: WHAT IS THE BIGGEST technical SEO, content strategy, brand OBSTACLE TO YOUR management, copywriting, social media COMPANY’S CONTINUED advertising, display advertising, mobile advertising and remarketing. GROWTH?

“Finding great talent continues to be our No. 1 obstacle in growing and scaling our agency. Our clients expect expert level performance and communication from our team.”

Dolph credits his 30-person team for the company’s continued success.

“Each of us brings unique skills and experiences to the table, and we have seen time and time again how the diverse experiences of our team members – both personal and professional – propel us forward and allow us to provide continuously groundbreaking work in an - Tyler Dolph, president. industry that can change drastically in the amount of time it takes to grab a cup of coffee,” Dolph said. Over the past year, Rocket Clicks has continued to create and refine its processes in order to enhance customers’ experience and performance. The company strives for transparency, consistency and integrity in the way it does business.

THE ROCKET CLICKS TEAM

Congratulations! from the strategic partner behind

Reich Tool & Design, Inc.

Rocket Clicks

David Roettgers and everyone at von Briesen congratulate Reich Tool & Design!

Congratulations! SVA is proud to be your Strategic Business Advisor.

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Scathain MILWAUKEE INDUSTRY: Manufacturing FOUNDED: 2008 PROJECTED 2018 REVENUE: SCATHAIN.COM MASTER METTLE WINNER

SCATHAIN TEAM

$3.2 million

Scathain is a Milwaukee-based design firm specializing in using old world techniques and a Midwestern work ethic to craft one-of-a-kind furnishings and functional accents for its customers. The company utilizes metal, glass and wood to produce functional furniture items, as well as decorative pieces and mirrors. WHAT IS THE BEST Word of mouth and Scathain’s ADVICE YOU’VE EVER reputation for quality have driven the RECEIVED? company’s success, resulting in more than 20 percent annual growth. “The prices of success (are) hard work, dedication The company is always working on creating new and exciting products. to the job at hand, and the According to owner John McWilliam, determination that whether slumped and textured glass products are we win or lose, we have quickly gaining popularity. applied the best of ourselves “We’ve also added CNC capabilities, to the task at hand.” an upholstery service and highly - John McWilliam, owner. developed finishing systems,” he said. Scathain also plans to implement a new ERP/CRM program to help manage its growth and has launched a new furniture line and one-of-a-kind glass products. “We are ever-changing, and it goes hand-in-hand with our growth,” McWilliam said. “We plan to integrate some new, bolder strategies to gain more exposure and add to our wonderful Scathain customer base.”

SilentBoost Consulting WAUKESHA INDUSTRY: Consulting FOUNDED: 2015 PROJECTED 2018 REVENUE: SILENTBOOST.COM 1ST-YEAR WINNER

JAMES EMLING

76 / BizTimes Milwaukee SEPTEMBER 17, 2018

$5 million

James Emling learned a lot as the first chief technology officer and president of Milwaukee-based software company Zywave. He sold that company in 2013 after taking it from $10 million to more than $100 million in revenue. “I realized that many of the challenges WHERE DO YOU SEE THE and opportunities we faced were similar MOST OPPORTUNITIES FOR to those that all enterprise software companies face as they look to make their YOUR COMPANY RIGHT NOW? next leap,” Emling said. “There’s no shortage of deal He founded SilentBoost Consulting activity occurring in the midin 2015 to provide technology companies market private equity space with a series of best-practice playbooks for technology companies, that offer analytical, process-centric guidance that increases revenue. and there’s no shortage of “The levers you have to pull to grow technology companies who sales, expand market share, streamline find themselves at one of those operations, beat the competition, optimize make-or-break inflection points.” professional services, build innovative - James Emling, products, grow margins and ultimately founder and chief executive officer. drive enterprise value are virtually the same,” he said. SilentBoost consultants work alongside company leaders to execute the playbook, often taking a spot on the board or placing an equity stake in the business. SilentBoost works closely with its private equity partners as they evaluate new investment opportunities.

Stowell Associates MILWAUKEE

Home care services FOUNDED: 1983 PROJECTED 2018 REVENUE: $6 million INDUSTRY:

CAREMANAGEDHOMECARE.COM

Since 1983, Stowell Associates in Milwaukee has provided integrated professional care management and home care for patients in the region. The company’s care managers, nurses and master-level social workers handle patient aging, care coordination with medical professionals and medication management to ensure patients have the ability to remain independent as long as WHERE DO YOU SEE THE possible. MOST OPPORTUNITY FOR Last December, Chip Measells, chief THE COMPANY? executive officer, led a group of investors who purchased the company from “In addition to our new founders Valerie Stefanich and Phyllis office in Waukesha, our Mensh Brostoff. goal is to expand to 10 new Since the purchase, the company has local markets within the hired several key personnel and is in the next 10 years.” process of updating its core technologies - Chris Damico, marketing director. and systems. Stowell also opened a new office in Waukesha and plans to hire 50 more caregivers in the near future. Stowell has a 74 percent caregiver retention and satisfaction rate, well above others in the industry, but the shortage of qualified caregivers is still a challenge. The company will launch a training program called Caregiver University this fall and has streamlined process and implemented caregiver appreciation programs to better attract and retain qualified caregivers.

2ND-YEAR WINNER

CHIP MEASELLS

Congratulations! from the strategic partner behind

Scathain

SilentBoost Consulting Group

Robert Teuber and everyone at von Briesen congratulate Scathain LLC on this honor!

Congratulations to SilentBoost Consulting Group on receiving this year’s Future 50 award!

VON B R I ESEN & R OP ER , S.C.

WINTRUST COMMERCIAL BANKING AT TOWN BANK

ROBERT TEUBER

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biztimes.com / 77

Swarming Technology MILWAUKEE INDUSTRY: Technology FOUNDED: 2011 PROJECTED 2018 REVENUE: SWARMINGTECH.COM MASTER METTLE WINNER

IAN BAXTER

$3.5 million

Industry partnerships and crucial talent acquisitions have driven the growth of Milwaukee-based Swarming Technology. Swarming Technology provides e-commerce and web application development, specializing in the development and support of solutions for the Magento e-commerce platform. WHAT IS THE BEST The company has invested heavily ADVICE YOU’VE EVER in building its team and in the processes and structure necessary to support RECEIVED? future growth. “It is a lot harder to Swarming sees continued opportunity accomplish your goals if you in the e-commerce market. as a leader and your team “People are shopping online more are not focused on a very and more every day,” said Ian Baxter, specific goal.” chief executive officer. “There is a growing demand in business-to-business - Ian Baxter, chief executive officer. e-commerce.” People expect the same experiences in business-to-business retail that they get when they are shopping at home, he said. “We feel that many Wisconsin manufacturing companies do not know why or how to enter the e-commerce space, but need to in order to stay with the industry trends,” Baxter said. Throughout the past year, Swarming Technologies has helped several manufacturing customers enter the space or improve their current offerings.

TechCanary MILWAUKEE INDUSTRY: Software technology FOUNDED: 2013 PROJECTED 2018 REVENUE: $7 million TECHCANARY.COM 2ND-YEAR WINNER

TechCanary’s insurance solutions manage the entire insurance sales and service process in a single environment for all lines of business, including property and casualty, life, annuity and employee benefits. In early 2018, TechCanary moved the company headquarters to 11,000 square feet of space at 1322 N. Eighth St., just north of Milwaukee’s Park East corridor.

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

The new headquarters location will also be close to the corporate apartment TechCanary leases at The Brewery complex for employees who work at offices in San Francisco, Jacksonville, Florida and Canada.

“Never stop innovating. Growing TechCanary into a leading insurance solution on Salesforce didn’t stop our innovation.”

- Reid Holzworth, founder and CEO. In the past year, TechCanary has more than doubled its employee count, added a number of features and functionality to its product line, and expanded into new markets, including Canada.

The company’s revenue has grown tenfold since its foundation in 2013, and company leaders expect that growth to continue.

REID HOLZWORTH

78 / BizTimes Milwaukee SEPTEMBER 17, 2018

Reid Holzworth, founder and chief executive officer, said there is significant opportunity in targeting independent insurance agencies still using legacy software. Customers aren’t aware there’s another option, he said.

Vizance HARTLAND INDUSTRY: Insurance FOUNDED: 1978 PROJECTED 2018 REVENUE: Not disclosed VIZANCE.COM

Vizance has been in business since 1978, but most of the company’s significant growth has occurred in the past 10 years. Vizance is a privately-held company that provides risk management, business insurance, employee benefits, personal insurance and financial service solutions to companies, families and individuals throughout Wisconsin. WHERE DO YOU SEE THE The company places a strong MOST OPPORTUNITY FOR emphasis on culture, which remains a YOUR COMPANY? focus even through its growth. “Vizance has been active with In March 2017, Vizance acquired agency acquisitions, and is wellValley Insurance Associates in Appleton and expanded its geographic footprint positioned to partner with other to the northeast part of the state, with insurance agencies that seek locations in Appleton, Oshkosh, Green positive workplace cultures, Bay and Kaukauna. organic growth and enhanced Vizance can design and implement a resources for clients.” full range of insurance, employee benefits, - Sarah Ocampo, director of operations. safety and risk management, claims management, wellness and financial service solutions that protect the financial security of businesses and families throughout the state. The company constantly evaluates its benefits and platforms for associate growth and development and even as it explores acquisition opportunities, places an emphasis on its associates and its company culture.

MASTER METTLE WINNER

JEFF CARDENAS AND DIMAS OCAMPO

Wantable Inc. MILWAUKEE INDUSTRY: Online retail FOUNDED: 2012 PROJECTED 2018 REVENUE: Not disclosed WANTABLE.COM

Jalem Getz, president and chief executive officer of Milwaukee-based Wantable Inc., credits the company’s more than 100 employees and its commitment to customer service for its growth. Wantable is an online fitness and WHAT IS THE BIGGEST fashion retailer that serves the individual tastes, needs and wants of each consumer. OBSTACLE TO YOUR According to Getz, it’s the “personal COMPANY’S GROWTH? touch” that’s the foundation of the “Managing the logistics of Wantable experience. a complex human- and Wantable finds products customers machine-driven enterprise. love and then gives them the freedom to try them on at home, before they We are much more than a purchase them. technology company; we Wantable recently opened a new are a shipping company, 70,000-square-foot distribution center a service company and a near General Mitchell International Airport. marketing company rolled In December, the company launched into one.” its “Stream” feature, along with a redesign - Jalem Getz, president and of its web platform. Stream uses a chief executive officer. proprietary algorithm to suggest new products to its customers based off their search history, purchases and preferences. “As we continue to grow, every couple of years we decide to rebuild the systems and this was a major overhaul,” Getz said.

1ST-YEAR WINNER

JALEM GETZ

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Warehouse-Lighting COM LLC NEW BERLIN INDUSTRY: Lighting manufacturing and distribution FOUNDED: 2008 PROJECTED 2018 REVENUE: $12 million to $14 million WAREHOUSE-LIGHTING.COM 1ST-YEAR WINNER

Warehouse-Lighting COM has been recognized as one of the nation’s fastestgrowing private companies, appearing on the Inc. 5000 list for the past two years. The company is a leader in high-quality, energy-efficient lighting fixtures and related products for industrial, commercial, architectural and residential applications. This year, Warehouse-Lighting has invested heavily in the expansion of its private-label brand, Warelight. “We assist customers across the country by analyzing lighting needs, providing lighting layouts, making recommendations, assisting with energy rebates and delivering quality products,” said Steve Phillips, general manager. The company is dedicated to customer service and credits its growth to repeat customers, referrals and supportive manufacturers around the country.

JAMES ABRAHAM, PRESIDENT.

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

“We are always tracking new technology to provide our customers with advanced and innovative solutions to their lighting needs.” - Steve Phillips, general manager.

According to Phillips, there is still an education gap in the marketplace about the financial benefits of LED. Warehouse-Lighting tackles the challenge through education. The company has created a lighting resource center on its website that provides educational information including a glossary, lighting facts, LED basics, energy-saving ideas, technology updates, lighting tips and rebate sources.

Weather Tight Corp. WEST ALLIS INDUSTRY: Remodeling FOUNDED: 1986 PROJECTED 2018 REVENUE: WEATHERTIGHTCORP.COM MASTER METTLE WINNER

$14.8 million

A boom in the construction and remodeling industry and investments in technology have fueled the growth of West Allis-based Weather Tight Corp. The company specializes in selling and installing products on the exterior of homes, including windows, siding, gutters, roofing and doors. Tod Colbert, president of Weather Tight, started the business in 1986, after the window company he was working for closed. Todd Schulz joined the company in 1990 and now serves as vice president and co-owner. Today, Weather Tight has more than 100 employees. It recently hired a new customer service manager and has found new ways to strengthen its customer service model.

WHAT IS THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED?

“The best advice I ever received came from my father, which was to ‘Never give up, no matter how hard it gets and no matter how much you want to quit.’” - Tod Colbert, president and owner.

“We are always looking to improve the customer experience and add to the products and services we offer,” Colbert said.

TODD SCHULZ AND TOD COLBERT

80 / BizTimes Milwaukee SEPTEMBER 17, 2018

Weather Tight expects to see continued growth within the company. Colbert and his team are currently exploring the possibility of adding a new decking product and will also expand its marketing efforts to garner an increased market share.

Wenthe-Davidson Engineering Co. NEW BERLIN

Manufacturing/steel fabricator FOUNDED: 1941 PROJECTED 2018 REVENUE: $36 million

INDUSTRY:

WENTHE-DAVIDSON.COM

Wenthe-Davidson Engineering credits the growth of the company to its ability to listen to customers and adapt its business to give them what they want. The metal fabricator specializes in the manufacturing of electric motor and generator housings, metal tubular products and emission systems for diesel trucks. For 30 years, Wenthe-Davidson has been a minority Employee Stock Ownership Plan and last year transitioned DO YOU PLAN TO MAKE to a 100 percent ESOP. ANY CHANGES TO Wenthe-Davidson has increased YOUR COMPANY? product lines throughout its customer base to better address their needs as they “We are constantly looking grow, said Frederick Anderson, president to be more efficient to and chief executive officer. provide value to our It has also begun to outsource some customers by delivering fabrication that was previously done more for less.” in-house in order to stay focused on its - Frederick Anderson, president and core niche. chief executive officer. Complacency is a challenge for almost any successful company, but Wenthe-Davidson remains committed to embracing change. “Success makes you lazy and comfortable with the status quo, which can quickly turn to failure,” Anderson said. “Creating an atmosphere that embraces change and pushes for innovation and efficiency is a great obstacle that you never overcome.”

2ND-YEAR WINNER

DOUG DIENBERG, KATIE MALONE, FREDERICK ANDERSON, JEFF GILMORE, MIKE KRUCK AND TIM KUCZYNSKI

Congratulations! from the strategic partner behind

Congratulations! from the strategic partners behind

Weather Tight

Wenthe-Davidson Engineering Co. Congratulations on your leadership and for being a strong supporter of our community.

Congratulations! We are proud to be a partner in your success.

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biztimes.com / 81

Wisconsin International Academy Inc. WAUWATOSA INDUSTRY: Education FOUNDED: 2012 PROJECTED 2018 REVENUE: ENGLISH.WIAEDU.ORG 2ND-YEAR WINNER

$10 million

Wisconsin International Academy provides a Total Care 2.0 program that enrolls international students at private and parochial high schools in the metro Milwaukee area to prepare them for admission to competitive colleges and universities in America and beyond. WIA works primarily with parents in China wishing to make a multi-year educational investment for their children WHAT’S NEW AT YOUR to attend high school and college in the United States. That investment COMPANY? helps students develop English fluency, “A student portfolio process navigate American education, learn was initiated during the 2017Western culture and prepare them for ’18 school year that includes college admission. WIA has seven partner high schools in the Milwaukee area that enrolled a combined 160 of its students during the 2016 school year. The company also employs more than 60 people at its headquarters in Wauwatosa.

THE WISCONSIN INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY TEAM

pre-planning, monitoring and progressive implementation of goals to add distinctions to college applications.” - Jian Sun, president.

The company is working diligently to respond to the ever-changing marketplace in China and is forming partnerships with international high schools in China. According to Jian Sun, president of WIA, the partnerships would provide American teachers for students in China, who would later complete a portion of their education through its Total Care 2.0 program.

Z.T. Distribution Inc. MILWAUKEE INDUSTRY: Grocery distribution FOUNDED: 1919 PROJECTED 2018 REVENUE: Not disclosed ZTDIST.COM MASTER METTLE WINNER

Milwaukee-based Z.T. Distribution Inc. began as Z.T. Wholesale in 1919. Started by Zigmunt Trojanowski and incorporated in 1965, the company has evolved from a wholesaler to a full-service, direct store distribution company serving more than 500 retail grocers throughout Wisconsin and Illinois. Z.T. has worked with national and regional brands including Woodman’s, Walmart, Sam’s Club, Sendik’s Food Markets, Festival Foods and Target WHAT FACTORS HAVE because of its size and distribution range. The company recently hired a business manager with more than 31 years of experience. President Scot Trojanowski expects the move to expand relationships with its vendors and assist with achieving goals presented by its retail partners.

CONTRIBUTED TO YOUR COMPANY’S GROWTH?

“We measure growth by the size of the product catalog that a retail partner allows us to take responsibility for.” - Scot Trojanowski, president.

“Growing with our current retail partners and continually working toward being a bigger part of their business drives us to stretch and adapt,” Trojanowski said.

CAROLYN AND SCOT TROJANOWSKI

82 / BizTimes Milwaukee SEPTEMBER 17, 2018

While transportation costs and the challenging labor market have created some hurdles for the company, Z.T. is evaluating new, larger locations for its Milwaukee operations. The company has outgrown its facility at 5441 S. Ninth St. in Milwaukee, he said.

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Strategies EVALUATION

in poor health.

Sustainability tests Evaluate the longevity of your business It’s often uncomfortable to talk about business failure. But it’s only half the picture. The other half is business success. They’re the yin and yang of doing business. Pro football teams review their prior weeks’ games to determine what worked and what didn’t. They repeat or enhance plays that worked. They discard or tweak plays that failed. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics tracks, by year, the number of business starts and the number of businesses that are still in existence – in essence, the “success rate.” Between the first and second year, about one in five businesses disappears. Around year five, about half of businesses are gone. Not all businesses disappear because someone has failed. Some are sold. Owners close their businesses for other reasons. Our focus should be on all tools and methods that help increase the success rate and reduce the failure rate. In this article, success and failure are captured in the phrase “business longevity.” Calculating it is similar to the way we predict the lifespan of three types of people: 1. Planned, deliberate people who are extraordinarily health-conscious and measure many aspects of their lives. 2. Happy-go-lucky people who let life evolve. Their motto is, “que sera, sera” (whatever will be, will be). 3. People who overindulge. They don’t control their eating or drinking habits. As a result, they’re overweight, out of shape and 84 / BizTimes Milwaukee SEPTEMBER 17, 2018

If we evaluate these three on their lifespan, which person has the highest chance of dying first? Some people have even begun to use health longevity specialists. These are physicians who focus on helping them extend the quantity and quality of life. In the business world, three types of businesses fit the same profile: 1. A planful organization makes and executes plans and measures the resulting success or failure. 2. A company goes from activity to activity depending on where the opportunity is most significant. It might also believe that generating sales will solve all the problems. 3. The third type of company isn’t planful and has no discipline when it comes to finances, employees, etc.

Z-score. It’s usually used to depict the likelihood of bankruptcy. However, I use it to measure the health of an organization the way a doctor uses a blood pressure analysis. Consider expanding the length of time for which you review your financial information. Current financial practices of comparing this year’s results to prior years are too shortsighted. If you looked at any two successive years for Sears, the story of its failure isn’t apparent. If you reviewed 10 years of the department store chain’s financial information, however, it’s plain to see how the company was declining. At a minimum, a company should understand its key financial metrics, including the Z-score and selected ratios, especially the current ratio, for a minimum of 10 years or the length of time the business has been in existence. Do you understand yours? n

Which of these three is most likely to experience financial difficulties and potentially fail?

HOW TO MEASURE YOUR BUSINESS LONGEVITY This leads us to the concept of business longevity, the practice of assessing where an organization is, determining where it would like to be, and then creating the action steps for the business to get there. This might sound similar to business planning, yet it’s much more expansive. The ideal assessment would include areas such as evaluating historical financial trends, an industry analysis and a competitor analysis. It would include environmental scanning using tools known as PESTLE, which measure the political, economic, social, technological, legal and environmental components that affect the business environment. Finally, it would include identifying strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) and a robust evaluation of future innovations and changes in society. One of my favorite tools is the Altman

JIM LINDELL Jim Lindell is a CPA, a chartered global management accountant and a certified speaking professional. He is president of Dousman-based Thorsten Consulting Group Inc. and chairs two groups for TEC/Vistage Wisconsin.

LEADERSHIP

Leading without a title No matter your role, seize opportunities to lead

“Taking initiative to drive results is about owning our future versus being a victim of circumstance”

— name

You don’t have the title or the authority, but you have ideas about how things could be better. Do you sit on the sidelines and wait until you are assigned a task, or do you identify what is within your control to make things better? During orientation in my first job after graduating college, my boss said, “It’s important for you to know that I don’t promote you; your peers do. When a senior leader comes to the market and rides with different people on the team, he will inevitably ask what it is like to work with you. If they say things like, ‘She’s first in line to help when I need an extra hand,’ or ‘She’s an avid learner – she’s always asking questions about how things work or what ideas I have for

how she can help the team,’ that helps. In other words, your reputation combined with your results gets you promoted. My job is to simply help you to be and do your best.” As I became more proficient in my position, he then took our conversation to the next level: “A title can give you authority, but true leadership is the ability to affect positive change, and anyone, at any level, can do that. What kind of leader do you want to be?” Having served in the Marines for 10 years, he taught me that there is temptation to surrender our power when we don’t have a title, but that is a mistake. Taking initiative to drive results is about owning our future versus being a victim of circumstance. Pablo Picasso said, “The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.” Leadership is about finding our gifts and sharing them with others so they find their gifts. Every day, we have the opportunity to create something special right where we are. We don’t need the big title or fancy office to influence outcomes, we simply need to have the right intention followed by the right action. Excellence is a mindset. When we strive to be and do our best, it influences how we talk to others, show up at meetings, respond to pressure and mobilize plans. The gift my first boss gave me was teaching me that I’m always in charge … of myself. Before I can lead others, I need to lead myself. I need to take ownership of what is within my control and make the best of every situation. During one of our “ride-withs” he told me a story about a young man who had risen through the ranks to become an executive with our company. He said, “I hired Gary. When he was promoted to his first management position, he called me to complain about feedback that his new boss had given him. Gary had delivered a presentation that he received from marketing that wasn’t quite right for this client. The result was predictable: the client was unimpressed, and Gary’s boss was disappointed. After the client meeting, Gary and his boss went to a restaurant to debrief. During the conversation, Gary got defen-

sive, blaming marketing for not giving him what he had asked for. He was still emotional when he called to tell me the story. My response surprised him. I asked, ‘If you didn’t like the presentation that marketing sent you, why didn’t you change it?’ Silence. More silence. Then came the insight: ‘I didn’t own it.’ From that point forward, Gary took ownership of what he could control and you can see where that mindset has landed him.” We always have choices. In any given situation, we can sit back and wait to be assigned a task, or we can offer suggestions and identify opportunities that are within our control and take action. Don’t miss your destiny. n

CHRISTINE M c MAHON Christine McMahon is a former sales executive for Nabisco, SlimFast and Procter & Gamble. She offers sales and leadership training, conference keynotes, and executive coaching. She can be reached at (844) 3692133 or ccm@christinemcmahon.com. biztimes.com / 85

Strategies COACHING

Morning habits of successful people Healthy ways to start your days Many people wake up with just enough time to make a cup of coffee, jump in the shower, grab a quick bite to eat, choose what to wear, plus the rest of the get-ready process – perhaps race the kids to school – then get to the office by 8 a.m. Over the past couple of months, as I’ve spent more time listening to podcasts, reading blogs and following a variety of influencers, the topic of habits keeps showing up. The consistent theme is related to a routine of self-care. Building a morning routine, as well as a nighttime routine, will contribute to your overall health, wellness, vitality and positivity. Don’t you want to show up to work each day at your best? As a leader of people, you contribute to the overall experience your employees have during their workday. You can’t contribute to their positivity if you are not taking care of yourself. Before taking a look at morning habits you may consider, I’ll take a moment to reflect on the wellbeing of the hundreds of leaders I have coached over the past three decades. Many of them have been busy, tired, disappointed in their ability to find time for their own self-care, pulled in too many directions, inclined to grab food that is not healthy, connected to multiple cups of coffee or cans of Diet Coke throughout their day and finding it difficult to fit in their desired workout time. Research has shown that what we do in the morning are the habits we are most likely 86 / BizTimes Milwaukee SEPTEMBER 17, 2018

to sustain over time. Our day has not yet been derailed. You may be familiar with the intent to start your day well…and then things just go south by the time the day ends. Before you know it, you’re at home on the couch watching mindless TV with a bag of chips in your hands (Yep, I’ve been there!). The better we pre-decide and plan, the more likely we are to remain healthy, vital and positive. Below are just a few ideas to get you started: Drink eight to 16 ounces of water before you head out the door: Put a glass of water on your nightstand. Drink it before you get out of bed to end your state of dehydration. Your cup of coffee can be your reward for chugging that water! Spend one to 10 minutes meditating each morning: We have 1,440 minutes in a day. Ten minutes of calmness comprises less than 1 percent of your day. This is an opportunity to just breathe for a moment, clear your head and find some peace. You might find it helpful to use an app like Calm to provide guidance. If 10 minutes is too difficult, start with one minute. Write in a journal. This may be as simple as writing down three things you are grateful for or six things you’re looking forward to in your day. Or perhaps you can write down three things about the day before that brought you some happiness. Move. Thirty minutes of exercise or movement every day could be your goal. Try a walk out your front door, stretching, yoga, a brisk run or a trip to the gym. Movement and fresh air will contribute to your positivity and energy. Plan your food for the day. Poor eating can lead to disappointment. Pre-decide what you’re going to do about the plate of cookies in the break room. It’s easy to react to the yummy things that cross our path. I know too many people who experience regret after they’ve mindlessly given in. Read. I came across an idea that feels easy. Grab a book off your nightstand or on your shelf, open it up and read two or three pages. That’s it. I would call that steady progress inspiration. In addition to this, a general rule of thumb for individuals striving for a successful life is to read

at last one book every 30 days. Listen to a podcast on your way to work. At the urging of a friend a few months ago, I decided to start listening to information that would inform me rather than simply entertain me. That exact day, I started listening to podcasts on my way to work. Thirty minutes round trip every day adds up. Combined with listening while walking, I estimate that I’ve listened and learned for more than 120 hours. This above list is just a microcosm of the options you have for your morning routine. If you don’t have a routine, are you interested in establishing one? If you are, I suggest you research the topic for a more comprehensive offering of ideas. Once you’ve created your list of morning habits, next you can tackle your nighttime routine! n

ALETA NORRIS Aleta Norris is a co-founding partner of Brookfield-based Living As A Leader, a leadership training, coaching and consulting firm. You may send questions to her at anorris@livingasaleader.com.

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BizConnections NONPROFIT E D U C AT I O N N O N P R O F I T S AWA R D E D $1 M I L L I O N TO I M P R O V E O U TC O M E S National education nonprofit StriveTogether will award $1 million over three years to a coalition of regional education organizations working to advance changes in state policy and use data to improve student outcomes. The Wisconsin Partnership, which includes Milwaukee Succeeds, Higher Expectations for Racine County, Achieve Brown County and Building our Future in Kenosha County, will receive $350,000 annually for the next three years. It’s part of StriveTogether’s national $20 million initiative aimed at shifting public policy and helping students

progress from kindergarten to postsecondary completion and finding a job. Milwaukee Succeeds, an education initiative that is embedded at the Greater Milwaukee Foundation, will lead the coalition’s effort to promote policy improvements related to early childhood education, with a focus on increasing grassroots participation in the policy process. HERC will spearhead another effort aimed at improving access to public data related to early childhood education, K-12 education and the state’s workforce. — Lauren Anderson

c alendar The Milwaukee Public Library Foundation will host the annual Benjamin Franklin Awards celebration at 5:30 p.m. on Oct. 11 at the Central Library, 814 W. Wisconsin Ave. The celebration will recognize local leaders who have made contributions to literacy and lifelong learning. Literacy advocates Jay and Madonna Williams will be awarded the 2018 Benjamin Franklin Award. Proceeds will support Milwaukee Public Library. More information is available at mpl.org/franklin. Autism Speaks will host its 10th annual Autism Speaks Walk on Oct. 7 at Wisconsin State Fair Park from 9 a.m. to noon. The funds raised at the annual event have supported sensory-friendly programming, water safety scholarships, camp scholarships and family support in Wisconsin. More information is available at autismspeaks.org.

D O N AT I O N R O U N D U P Sendik’s Food Markets donated $197,000 to Stars and Stripes Honor Flight Inc. | Hupy and Abraham S.C. president Michael Hupy donated $25,000 to the Milwaukee Bar Association to help accommodate the organization’s move to a larger location. | Lands’ End donated $20,000 to sponsor the restoration of the North Point Lighthouse’s South Ravine Trail on Milwaukee’s East Side. | The First Business Invitational for Charity recently awarded $12,000 to St. Marcus School, $5,000 to Sunbeam Kids, $3,000 to Waukesha County Community Dental Clinic and $2,000 to Cystic Fibrosis Foundation-Wisconsin Chapter. | The Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation donated an EMS training mannequin and a forcible entry door simulator valued at $20,000 to the North Shore Fire Department.

88 / BizTimes Milwaukee SEPTEMBER 17, 2018

nonprofit

SPOTLIGHT

M I LWA U K E E R E S C U E M I S S I O N Main campus – 830 N. 19th St., Milwaukee North campus – 1530 W. Center St., Milwaukee (414) 344-2211 | milmission.org Facebook: facebook.com/milmission | Twitter: @milmission

Year founded: 1893 Mission statement: In response to God’s grace through Christ, we compassionately serve men, women and children who are homeless, hungry or poor to help them become whole in body, mind and spirit for the glory of God. “... whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” - Matthew 25:40 Primary focus: Homeless shelter and meal distribution; school and community outreach programs. Other focuses: Community resource hub. Employees at this location: 186 Executive leadership: Patrick Vanderburgh, president of Milwaukee Rescue Mission Key donors: Thousands of individuals in the greater Milwaukee area, as well as generous businesses, churches and foundations. Board of directors: Michael Andalor, William Eisner, Richard Galling, Sherri Kasdorf, Carol Kuyers, Roosevelt McKinney, Warren Pierson, Mark Pietrowiak, Lasae Simpson, Karl Gengler, Phillip Hardacre, Robert Mitchell and Ervin Martens.

Is your organization actively seeking board members for the upcoming term? The Milwaukee Rescue Mission is seeking board members for consideration on an ongoing basis. Ways the business community can help your nonprofit: The Milwaukee Rescue Mission receives no government funding for its shelter programs and depends on support from friends from the community to serve the homeless and hurting in Milwaukee. Your gift will provide food, shelter and lifechanging care. There are a variety of ways to give: Make a monetary donation; purchase items through our gift catalogue; donate items of need; donate stock; consider corporate sponsorship; participate in corporate matching gift programs; remember MRM in your estate plan; make a donation in honor or memory of someone special; or contribute toward our Thrive capital campaign in the 53206 zip code at milmission.org/ thrive. Key fundraising events: Faces of Hope Annual Banquet in May; 18 Holes for the Homeless Golf Outing in September.

Wisconn Valley Venture Fund announcement

AROUND TOWN

Foxconn Technology Group, Advocate Aurora Health Inc., Johnson Controls International plc and Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Co. recently announced they have formed a $100 million corporate venture capital fund to invest in startup companies worldwide.

GEORGE OLIVER of Johnson Controls, JOHN SCHLIFSKE of Northwestern Mutual, NICK TURKAL of Advocate Aurora, GOV. SCOTT WALKER, TERRY GOU of Foxconn and TIM SHEEHY of the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce announced the fund together.

MARY HOOK of Advocate Aurora Health, ROBERT FIGUEROA of Tri City National Bank, RICHARD KELLAR of Advocate Aurora and TRACY WYMELENBERG of Advocate Aurora.

LAURA BRAY of Milwaukee Area Technical College, BILL MITCHELL of Foxconn and LISA REID of MATC.

KAREN HUNG and SCOTT HIPPENSTEEL of Silver Rock Consulting with KATHY HUST of Scanalytics.

KATHLEEN RINEHART of Cardinal Stritch University and TERESA ESSER of Silcon Pastures.

MARK ZACHAR of TEALS, TOM STILL of Wisconsin Technology Council, KATHLEEN GALLAGHER of Milwaukee Institute and BILL MITCHELL of Foxconn.

MARK HOGAN of Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. and JOE KIRGUES of gener8tor.

GREG KEENAN and CARRIE THOME of the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation with ERIC APFELBACH of Pegex. Photos by Molly Dill

eSports: More than fun and games

Digital marketing industry group 414Digital recently hosted an event, called “eSports: More than fun and games,” at 88Nine Radio Milwaukee in Milwaukee’s Walker’s Point neighborhood. 9.

KONG THAO of Best Buy, BRETT CLARKE of Furlong Industrial Systems and MARSHALL ZEMPLINSKI of Milwaukee Area Technical College.

10. DAVID MANSKE of Northwestern Mutual, JAMES O’HAGEN of Racine Unified School District and MICHAEL IRIZARRY of Northwestern Mutual. 11. MARTHA CARRIGAN of Big Shoes Network and KYLE HELLER of 88Nine Radio Milwaukee.

12. COLIN HAYES of the Milwaukee Bucks, DAVID FOCKEL of Stamm Technologies and ANDREW BUCK of the Milwaukee Bucks. 13. MIKE DAHLE of Almon Inc. and WILLIAM SANDERS of Sensible Solutions. 14. COREY BLIZZARD and JEFF HARDESTY, both of Red Bull, and MICHAEL HIONIS of Frosty Faustings. 15. MAE WOODS of Robert Morris University, ERICA CONWAY of C2 Graphics Productivity Solutions and JEN HINKLE of Astound Group.

16. TYRA EILAND of Bucks Gaming and CHAD WLECZYK of Abacus Architects. Photos by Maredithe Meyer biztimes.com / 89

BizConnections PERSONNEL FILE BANKING & FINANCE

COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE

MANUFACTURING

RESTAURANTS

First Business Bank, Brookfield

CBRE, Milwaukee CBRE, Milwaukee, has hired Kenzie Donovan Kiefer to its global multimarket corporate advisory and transaction team. Kiefer will provide transaction analysis and management for the team’s international portfolio of more than 15 million square feet in annual oversight. Prior to joining CBRE, Kiefer held a series of progressive business development roles, most recently as director of business operations at Regulatory Compliance Associates Inc.

The Industrial Controls Co. Inc., Sussex

Devon Seafood + Steak, Glendale

First Business Bank, Brookfield, has hired Tim Valentyn as senior vice president. He has more than 35 years of experience in Wisconsin business, including chief legal officer-general counsel at Fairway Independent Mortgage Corp., president and managing shareholder at Murphy Desmond S.C. and president of a manufacturing company.

BUSINESS SERVICES

ActionCOACH, Brookfield Todd Ruedt, a certified business coach, has launched ActionCOACH of Brookfield. It will provide coaching services to regional business owners. Ruedt has 12 years of ActionCOACH education/training and was named 2018 Coach of the Year at the Business Excellence Forum & Awards Conference for the Americas in San Diego in February.

BUSINESS SERVICES

Bloom Companies LLC, Milwaukee Bloom Companies LLC has hired Jacob Bondhus as project manager. Bondhus has 17 years of experience as a civil engineer. Since joining the Milwaukee office, he has worked on final contract document preparation for the I-94 7 Mile Road Interchange project in Racine County. He has also assisted in the final plan production for I-41 resurfacing in Waukesha County.

90 / BizTimes Milwaukee SEPTEMBER 17, 2018

EDUCATION

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee UW-Milwaukee has named David Pate chairman of its Helen Bader School of Social Welfare. The associate professor assumed chairman responsibilities on Aug. 1. Before working in higher education, Pate worked for 16 years as a social worker. He researches the stress levels of young, underemployed black men in lower-income neighborhoods, and the effects of lingering, unmitigated stress on them as fathers, earners and community members.

HOSPITALITY

The Marcus Corp., Milwaukee The Marcus Corp. has appointed Doug Neis executive vice president. He will also continue to serve as chief financial officer and treasurer.

The Industrial Controls Co. Inc. has promoted Nikki Christman to customer service manager. Christman has worked at ICC for seven years, starting as a receptionist and quickly moving into the role of engineering coordinator. As customer service manager, she’ll serve as the dedicated point of contact for customers, managing a streamlined, efficient line of communication.

PUBLIC RELATIONS

Reputation Partners, Wauwatosa Reputation Partners, Wauwatosa, has hired Anna Zeck as a senior vice president. She will be based in the company’s Milwaukee office. Prior to joining RP, Zeck was a vice president at Laughlin Constable. As a senior vice president, she oversees several of the firm’s key client relationships and manages teams in a number of areas, including media relations, influencer engagement, sponsorship management and issues/crisis response. In addition, she serves on RP’s senior management team and crisis response team.

Devon Seafood + Steak at Bayshore Town Center has hired Anthony Clark as its executive chef. In his new role, Clark will be in charge of kitchen operations and will help shape the menu at the restaurant. Clark began his career at the Linden Inn on Big Cedar Lake in West Bend before moving on to a variety of restaurants in the Milwaukee area, including the Old Courthouse Inn, Bravo Cucina Italiana, McCormack & Schmick’s Seafood & Steaks and Mason Street Grill.

TELECOMMUNICATIONS

General Communications Inc., Milwaukee General Communications Inc. has hired Mark Stanmeyer as operations manager at its Milwaukee location. He will lead a team of sales, service and installation professionals serving clients throughout Wisconsin. Stanmeyer served more than 25 years with the Milwaukee Police Department, rising through the ranks to become a captain assigned to the chief’s office.

Submit new hire and promotion announcements to: biztimes.com/personnel

SBA LOANS: JULY 2018 The U.S. Small Business Administration approved the following loan guarantees in July: JEFFERSON COUNTY

CS Ventures LLC, 204 S. Water St., Fort Atkinson, $111,500, First Citizens State Bank; Joe’s Handyman Service LLC, W7067 County Road V, Lake Mills, $15,000, Summit Credit Union; Joe’s Handyman Service LLC, W7067 County Road V, Lake Mills, $27,000, Summit CU; Station Ixonia LLC, W1168 American St., Ixonia, $2 million, First Bank Financial Centre; KENOSHA COUNTY

Studio 11 LLC, 11 Lance Drive, Twin Lakes, $150,000, Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiative Corp.; MILWAUKEE COUNTY

1341 Center St. Inc., 1341 W. Center St., Milwaukee, $300,000, Byline Bank;

Barleywine Media LLC, 1811 Glendale Ave., Milwaukee, $10,000, U.S. Bank N.A.; Buenavista Banquet Hall LLC, 7507 W. Oklahoma Ave., Milwaukee, $256,000, WBD Inc.; Cheers Wine and Spirits LLC, 8333 W. Morgan St., Milwaukee, $640,000, Byline Bank; Jacobs Injury Law S.C., 219 N. Milwaukee St., Milwaukee, $50,000, Associated Bank N.A.; Metropolitan Urology Group, 2600 N. Mayfair Road, Milwaukee, $250,000, Byline Bank; Motion Plus Bowling LLC, 3620 E. Carpenter Ave., Cudahy, $450,000, Waukesha State Bank; Nirman LLC, 4803 N. Green Bay Road, Milwaukee, $1.1 million, Byline Bank; Studio 21 Pom & Dance Academy Inc., 9160 Pennsylvania Ave., Oak Creek, $25,000, U.S. Bank; Studio 21 Pom & Dance Academy Inc., 9160 Pennsylvania Ave., Oak Creek, $668,400,

U.S. Bank; Vanish LLC, 7001 S. Howell Ave., Suite 700, Oak Creek, $110,000, Associated Bank; OZAUKEE COUNTY

MKE Catering LLC, 250 E. Wisconsin Ave., Suite 1, Milwaukee, $240,000, Byline Bank; VLBN Golden Millennium LLC, 3701 W. Sherbrooke Drive, Thiensville, $1.4 million, First Business Bank; RACINE COUNTY

Anderson Trailers LLC, 4249 E. Wind Lake Road, Union Grove, $40,000, Community State Bank; Naturally Nurtured LLC, 1430 Villa St., Racine, $125,000, Independence Bank; Skyline Landscape Design LLC, 1500 Main St., Union Grove, $19,000, Community State Bank; SHEBOYGAN COUNTY

Ananda Marketing LLC, 810 N. 14th St., Sheboygan,

$420,000, Wisconsin Bank & Trust; JAI Marketing LLC, 1710 Indiana Ave., Sheboygan, $100,000, Wisconsin Bank & Trust; Knosh Eatery and Catering LLC, 437 E. Mill St., Plymouth, $325,000, Commerce State Bank; WALWORTH COUNTY

BJ’s LaFayette Fuel Plaza Inc., I-43 & Hwy 11, Elkhorn, $125,000, First Bank Financial Centre; Gurkash Inc., 41 N. Lincoln St., Elkhorn, $285,000, Community State Bank; Punit Corp., Valentine, 313 Bauer Parkway, Delavan, $5 million, New Buffalo Savings Bank; WASHINGTON COUNTY

Big Guys Partnership, 5869, Franklin Drive, Hartford, $476,000, Byline Bank; HFR Electric Inc., 227 Weil Drive, Slinger, $125,000, First Bank Financial Centre;

West Bend Sausage Plus Inc., 1435 W. Washington St., West Bend, $184,000, Waukesha State Bank; WAUKESHA COUNTY

Competitor Awards & Engraving Inc., State Road 83 W315N7685, Hartland, $25,000, Landmark CU; CTD Real Estate LLC, 0 Lot 2, Janacek Road, Brookfield, $631,000, WBD Inc.; KDR Fitness LLC, 24350 W. Main St., Sussex, $530,000, First Business Bank;

Rachwal-Dickmann Holdings Inc. 401K Profit, 2235 S. 170th St., New Berlin, $293,000, WBD Inc.; Renaissance Senior Living LLC, 21903 West National Ave., New Berlin, $903,000, First Bank Financial Centre; S & J Laundries LLC, 2495 N. 124th St., Brookfield, $212,500, Waukesha State Bank; Xcel Manufacturing LLC, W226N781 Eastmound Drive, Waukesha, $200,000, Waukesha State Bank.

BANKING BEYOND EXPECTATIONS At First Business Bank, preserving the most value in your business in exchange for all your hard work is always on our minds — even before you ever consider selling it. That’s why we evaluate every angle when financing an acquisition or expansion. Our team’s experience gives clients an edge now and well into the future.

ANDREA WOLF VICE PRESIDENT, FIRST BUSINESS BANK

BUSINESS BANKING | PRIVATE WEALTH | SPECIALTY FINANCE Member FDIC

firstbusiness.com/banking biztimes.com / 91

BizConnections VOLUME 24, NUMBER 12 | SEP 17, 2018

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 | ads@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 MANAGING EDITOR Molly Dill molly.dill@biztimes.com REPORTER Lauren Anderson lauren.anderson@biztimes.com REPORTER Corrinne Hess corri.hess@biztimes.com REPORTER Maredithe Meyer maredithe.meyer@biztimes.com REPORTER Arthur Thomas arthur.thomas@biztimes.com

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Molly Lawrence molly.lawrence@biztimes.com ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE David Pinkus david.pinkus@biztimes.com ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Maggie Pinnt maggie.pinnt@biztimes.com ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Christie Ubl christie.ubl@biztimes.com INSIDE ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Amanda Bruening amanda.bruening@biztimes.com SALES INTERN Tess Romans tess.romans@biztimes.com

ADMINISTRATION ADMINISTRATIVE COORDINATOR Sue Herzog sue.herzog@biztimes.com

Home of High Life

PRODUCTION & DESIGN

This photo, taken circa 1920, shows a building at 3930 W. State St. in Milwaukee at the Miller Brewing Co. brewery. It is now the North Packaging Plant at MillerCoors’ Milwaukee brewery complex. The inscription reads: “Home of High Life.” — This photo is from the Milwaukee Public Museum’s Photo Archives collection.

DIRECTOR OF SALES Linda Crawford linda.crawford@biztimes.com

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Alex Schneider alex.schneider@biztimes.com

Independent & Locally Owned

ART DIRECTOR Shelly Tabor shelly.tabor@biztimes.com

— Founded 1995 —

COMMENTARY

DNC should pick MKE POLITICS ASIDE, it would be absolutely huge if Milwaukee was picked as the host city for the 2020 Democratic National Convention. Local officials working to land the event say it would attract 50,000 visitors that would fill hotel rooms and spend money here, generating an estimated local economic impact of $200 million. It would be one of the biggest events Milwaukee has ever hosted. The national and international media coverage of the DNC would help elevate Milwaukee’s status as a major league city. Milwaukee has shown it can host large events. Harley-Davidson Inc.’s 115th anniversary attracted about 150,000 riders to the region. The city’s biggest selling point is Fiserv Forum. The new downtown arena is state-of-theart and includes a massive Wi-Fi infrastructure, which is vital for a political party that wants delegates at its convention to send out as many messages as possible to spread the word. What are the chances that the DNC picks 92 / BizTimes Milwaukee SEPTEMBER 17, 2018

Milwaukee for the convention? Two other cities are being considered: Houston and Miami. If the Democratic National Committee favors the largest city, then its choice is going to be Houston. If the most glamorous and exciting city is preferred, then the choice will be Miami. But this is a political event. And for political reasons, Milwaukee makes the most sense. Just look at the map from the 2016 presidential election. Donald Trump won big in the Rust Belt and that led to his Electoral College victory. Trump won in Wisconsin, Michigan, Iowa, Indiana, Ohio and Pennsylvania. In 2012, all of those states, except for Indiana, went for Barack Obama. In 2008, they all went for Obama. Trump’s victory in Wisconsin was the first for a Republican presidential candidate since Ronald Reagan in 1984. Texas is a deep red state. Why would the Democrats want to hold their convention there? Florida, on the other hand, is an important swing state. But Florida is surrounded by red states. Milwaukee is within driving distance of numerous blue and swing states. Democrats desperately need to reconnect with the heartland of America and they need to show they are not the political party of the coastal elites. Holding their convention in

Milwaukee doesn’t completely change that narrative, but it would help. Milwaukee has never hosted a major political convention. Houston and Miami have. Milwaukee would be fresh. It would be different. Milwaukee has another big advantage: the weather! Milwaukee’s average high temperature in mid-July, when the DNC will be held in 2020, is 79. In Houston, it’s 91 and in Miami, it’s 85. Hurricane season begins in June, by the way. For all of these reasons, the DNC should pick MKE for its 2020 convention. If not, Milwaukee should try for the 2024 Republican National Convention. The city’s selling points would be the same. n

ANDREW WEILAND EDITOR

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