MEET THE NOTABLE COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE LEADERS

BizTimes Milwaukee presents its inaugural showcase of Notable Commercial Real Estate Leaders, spotlighting significant leaders throughout the commercial real estate industry in southeastern Wisconsin.

METHODOLOGY: The honorees do not pay to be included. Their profiles were drawn from nomination materials. This list features only individuals for whom nominations were submitted and accepted after a review by our editorial team. To qualify for the list, nominees must be based in southeastern Wisconsin and must serve in a leadership role in their organization.

JAMES MEYER/SHUTTERSTOCK. COM ERIC SCHMIDT

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT

CG SCHMIDT

Eric Schmidt, senior vice president at Milwaukee-based construction firm CG Schmidt, has been in the family business for more than 30 years. In 2010, he established operations for CG Schmidt’s western regional office in Madison. Currently, he leads business development and daily operations for the firm. In the past 18 months, Schmidt had nearly $100 million in new client sales and has led redevelopment projects including Journal Square Lofts and the Milwaukee Athletic Club, both J. Jeffers & Co. redevelopment projects. Additionally, he is leading a multi-phased master plan of a prominent downtown Milwaukee senior living facility as well as the master plan for a confidential senior living community located near Madison. “Our success stems from an unwavering commitment to our mission: to create exceptional facilities that improve the lives of others,” said Rick Schmidt, president and chief executive officer. “Eric practices CG Schmidt’s mission and values every day. His dedication to our company, employees and clients are what truly make him a successful leader.”

Presents:

2022 SAVE THE DATE!

Thursday, January 27, 2022

Italian Community Center 7:00-7:30am - Registration & Networking 7:30-10:30am - Program & Breakout Sessions

Featured Speaker:

Michael Knetter Ph.D. University of Wisconsin Foundation

CONGRATULATIONS ERIC SCHMIDT

BIZTIMES NOTABLE COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE LEADER WINNER

JIM ROEMER

MANAGING DIRECTOR AND WISCONSIN GROUP MANAGER

CIBC BANK USA

Jim Roemer’s impact on the communities of southeastern Wisconsin extends beyond providing financing for many commercial real estate developments,

colleagues say. As a member of the Milwaukee Economic Development Corp.’s executive and loan committees since 2018, Roemer has helped accomplish the organization’s mission of retaining and creating jobs in the Milwaukee 7 region with a special emphasis on minority- and woman-owned businesses, according to Karen Case, president of CIBC U.S. Commercial Real Estate. “As vice president of the Wisconsin Real Estate Alumni Association, Jim was instrumental in creating a public-private partnership to recruit Dr. Mark Eppli to join the UW School of Business faculty and Graaskamp Center for Real Estate in August 2018,” Case said. In 2020, as WREAA president, Roemer led a team of people to create and raise $3 million in private capital for a real estate private equity fund that has become a focal point of the UW real estate program by involving master’s students in fund investing and management activities. PAT KRESSIN

VICE PRESIDENT

GRAEF

GRAEF vice president Pat Kressin has proven himself to be a leader, go-getter, advocate and mentor to younger staff over his 26-year tenure with the Milwaukee-based engineering and consulting firm, according to colleague Justyce Dixon. Kressin leads business development efforts nationwide and many of the firm’s landmark projects. He’s had a hand in several high-profile Milwaukee developments, including the Milwaukee Art Museum’s Cudahy Gardens, Bayshore Town Center, Potawatomi Hotel, Komatsu’s South Harbor campus, Drexel Town Square, Milwaukee Lakefront Gateway Plaza and the Northwestern Mutual Tower. “You will also find him coaching younger staff and serving as a sounding board to leadership,” said Dixon, corporate marketing and communications leader at GRAEF. Kressin is a member of many organizations and serves on several community boards, including American Society of Landscape Architects, U.S. Green Building Council, Wisconsin Green Building Alliance, International Council of Shopping Centers, Commercial Association of Realtors, Western Golf Association, NAIOP, Urban Land Institute, Westown Association Board, Elmbrook Humane Society, Evans Scholar Alumni Association and Milwaukee County Zoo, and he serves as a Village of Elm Grove trustee. DAVID KNIGHT

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT AND DIRECTOR OF CORPORATE REAL ESTATE

ASSOCIATED BANK

David Knight, senior vice president and director of corporate real estate for Associated Bank, is involved in all levels of corporate real estate transactions at the Green Bay-based bank holding company – even if a task is outside the scope of his job – to ensure it’s done successfully, colleagues say. He takes a creative approach to the bank’s real estate portfolio to generate development opportunities that mutually benefit the bank and its communities, according to Jennifer Kaminski, public relations manager at Associated Bank. Notably, Knight spearheaded the idea for Associated to buy and renovate the River Center, formerly the Milwaukee Center office tower in downtown Milwaukee, as a place for the company to plant a flag downtown, which is expected to be a catalytic project for the area and the RiverWalk. “David’s work on conversions of underutilized bank properties to redevelop new banking facilities for the community, plus additional community assets such as retail, apartment or co-location, has added value to many sites,” Kaminski said.

CIBC proudly congratulates Jim Roemer on being selected as an inaugural BizTimes 2021 Notable Commercial Real Estate Leader.

The CIBC logo is a registered trademark of CIBC, used under license. ©2021 CIBC Bank USA. Products and services offered by CIBC Bank USA. BizTimes 2021 Notable Commercial Real Estate Leader

Your leadership and enthusiastic support of the Commercial Real Estate community is noteworthy.

We’re proud of your successes in moving Milwaukee forward! Congratulations on this great accomplishment!

TOM IRGENS

EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT

IRGENS

Tom Irgens pursues important deals that will have a long-term impact on the local real estate landscape, with an approach that can be described as careful, cautious, optimistic and relentless, according colleague Steve Palec. The son of the firm’s founder, Mark Irgens, Tom Irgens is primarily responsible for two notable development projects, in particular: The Corridor, a 66-acre master-planned, mixed-use development in Brookfield; and the UWM Innovation Campus in Wauwatosa. He leads in a manner that is both “methodical and supportive of his team,” said Palec, chief marketing officer for Irgens. “He’s a smart, talented leader who will continue to grow and make his mark on commercial real estate in Wisconsin and beyond,” Palec said. Irgens is also active in the community, participating in the United Way and many real estate industry organizations. “He’s a busy new dad but also finds time to serve as a board member for Downtown BID #21 and as a trustee for the Milwaukee Rep,” Palec said. BRIAN PARRISH

PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

PARADIGM REAL ESTATE CORP.

Brian Parrish has managed to create positive change despite the challenges of the past 18 months, colleagues say. For one, he helped expand an educational program in Milwaukee while also transforming a historic building. Earlier this year, Tenor High School, part of Seeds of Health Inc., purchased a building in the former Milwaukee Journal Sentinel complex. For the past five years, Parrish led a site search for Seeds of Health to find a building physically and economically suitable for a school conversion. “Representing the buyer for this capstone project is the honor of my career, and I look forward to watching thousands of talented students graduate from this dynamic program in the heart of downtown Milwaukee,” Parrish said. In addition, he was recently elected for a three-year term as alderman of District 6 for the City of Mequon. Prior to the election, he served as an appointed alderman for two years and a plan commission member for eight years prior. JIM BARRY

PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

THE BARRY CO.

The past year and a half have presented unique challenges to the real estate industry, but colleagues say Jim Barry helped steer his company to continue to thrive as the firm moves into its second century. One notable transaction Barry, president and CEO of The Barry Co., helped put together over the past 18 months was the land assemblage for the future Milwaukee Public Museum. Working pro bono, Barry helped arrange the sale of three contiguous downtown properties and aligned all owners’ interests and terms of sale. Another substantial deal was a land sale in Franklin by the Archdiocese of Milwaukee to the Franklin School District. The COVID-19 pandemic hit during the listing period, but the Barry team sold the land to fit expanding needs within the Franklin School District and acquire necessary capital for the archdiocese. Barry is also involved in numerous philanthropic organizations in Milwaukee, including as president of the Milwaukee Club, a director of the Bradley Foundation and trustee of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee.

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JAKE GARRO

EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT AND CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

THE BOLDT CO.

Jake Garro, executive vice president and chief operating officer for The Boldt Co., has served as the principal in charge of more than $250 million of health care development projects and acquisitions since the beginning of 2020. Garro’s focus is on leading the teams that source and deliver the company’s development projects. “Jake’s personal leadership style is to put our people first, focus and then grow. Jake believes that building our team is the most sustainable path to an advantage,” said Leslie Wardwell, marketing manager for Boldt. “Being strategy-focused and knowing what jobs we are doing for the community we serve is paramount to Jake’s every day.” “To say Jake is obsessed with building our people, teams and adhering to our strategy would be an understatement,” Wardwell added. Garro serves on the board of directors for the Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame and is active with Ronald McDonald House Charities Eastern Wisconsin. Most recently he and his wife, Kailyn, served as chairs of the RMHC’s annual gala. JIM COPE

EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT

WALKER & DUNLOP

As executive vice president of Walker & Dunlop’s Capital Markets group, Jim Cope runs the dayto-day operations of its Capital Markets team in Milwaukee, Madison and Chicago. He has completed more than 600 transactions throughout his career with more than 100 capital sources, including more than 50 life insurance companies, and plays a role in the expansion of the Capital Markets group’s structured finance division. Cope is also responsible for increasing the group’s focus on financing affordable housing options and originating new opportunities for his team. He is a member of the MBA, the Wisconsin Real Estate Alumni Association, Young Presidents Organization and NAIOP. He also places a high value on giving back to his community as an active volunteer for Hebron House in Waukesha. Colleagues noted that he leads by example and is generous with his resources, making the time to help others, no matter how busy his schedule is. REBECCA MITICH

PARTNER

HUSCH BLACKWELL

Rebecca Mitich, a partner in the Milwaukee office for law firm Husch Blackwell, has been a recognized leader in commercial real estate for years. Her work over the past 18 months elevated her as the go-to expert for countless businesses and organizations across the state and nation, according to Husch Blackwell chief executive officer Paul Eberle. For example, Mitich represented Cobalt Partners in a multifaceted hotel financial transaction as part of a redevelopment project in West Allis. The project was funded through a complex mix of New Markets Tax Credits, Opportunity Zone financing and municipal involvement. “Prior to the (COVID-19) pandemic, the project was ready to close using conventional funding, but stalled during the pandemic as conventional lenders weren’t funding hotels. Rebecca helped resurrect the deal with NMTC,” Eberle said. She also represents FirstPathway Community Development in placing $55 million of NMTC allocation for projects in Wisconsin, Illinois and Indiana. “Her work has been essential in structuring the agreements, negotiating construction loan documents with the borrower, negotiating equity investment agreements, and ensuring that the structure of each transaction complies with state and federal NMTC laws,” Eberle said.

Relentless client focus.

At Husch Blackwell, we celebrate broad perspectives and believe the talent and knowledge of our people move our clients and communities forward. We proudly congratulate Rebecca Mitich on being named a BizTimes Media 2021 Notable Commercial Real Estate Leader.

Rebecca Mitich

Partner

huschblackwell.com

511 North Broadway, Milwaukee, WI 53202 414.273.2100

BAILEY COPELAND

DIRECTOR OF REAL ESTATE SERVICES

VJS DEVELOPMENT GROUP

Bailey Copeland exemplifies VJS Development Group’s motto – “Building with purpose. Changing Lives.” – both in and outside of work, colleagues say. As director of real estate services, Copeland has led many high-profile projects and has been instrumental in the company’s growth, according to Allie Jorgensen, VJS’s marketing coordinator. “At work, Bailey is incredibly skilled at development management, land assemblage, contract negotiation, leasing, portfolio management, budget preparation and construction project management,” Jorgensen said. “She is proficient in managing the entire real estate development process, from site identification and due diligence to construction through completion. She is involved in every step of the process and always has the client’s goals in mind.” Of particular note, Copeland was instrumental in securing land and properties for St. Augustine Preparatory Academy and the United Community Center Early Learning Academy, Jorgensen said. Copeland is also engaged in commercial real estate association NAIOP and the Real Estate Alliance for Charity. DAN NELSON, JR.

PRINCIPAL

EAST WISCONSIN AVENUE OWNERS ASSOCIATION LLC

Dan Nelson, Jr. is more than an advertising executive. He is also principal of East Wisconsin Avenue Owners Association LLC, the owner of the redeveloped 600 EAST building at 600 E. Wisconsin Ave. in downtown Milwaukee. He is also the proprietor of 600 EAST Cafe & Business Center, two first-floor retail occupants of the building, in addition to being president and chief executive officer of Nelson Schmidt Inc., a marketing communications agency that is headquartered in the same building. Over the past 15 years, 600 EAST has been transformed from a deteriorating Class C commercial building into a blend of retail and commercial spaces. In 2014, the building was rezoned to bring retail back to the east end of Wisconsin Avenue, with the introduction of 600 EAST Cafe & Business Center, and complete renovations to the historic Milwaukee Gas Light Co. building’s exterior facades. Now, a full renovation of the third floor to improve Nelson Schmidt’s top floor is nearing completion. Future enhancements will likely include a green roof to seasonally supply the cafe with fresh produce, and solar and wind repowering.

FOX RUN | WAUKESHA, WI

CONGRATULATIONS!

CONGRATULATIONS BAILEY COPELAND

NOTABLE COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE LEADER

NOTABLE MINORITY EXECUTIVES

ERIC SCHMIDT SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT CG SCHMIDT Eric Schmidt, senior vice president at Milwaukee-based construction firm CG Schmidt, has been in the family business for more than 30 years. In 2010, he established operations for CG Schmidt’s western regional office in Madison. Currently, he leads business development and daily operations for the firm. In the past 18 months, Schmidt had nearly $100 million in new client sales and has led redevelopment projects including Journal Square Lofts and the Milwaukee Athletic Club, both J. Jeffers & Co. redevelopment projects. Additionally, he is leading a multi-phased master plan of a prominent downtown Milwaukee senior living facility as well as the master plan for a confidential senior living community located near Madison. “Our success stems from an unwavering commitment to our mission: to create exceptional facilities that improve the lives of others,” said Rick Schmidt, president and chief executive officer. “Eric practices CG Schmidt’s mission and values every day. His dedication to our company, employees and clients are what truly make him a successful leader.”

NOTABLE COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE LEADERS | BIZTIMES MILWAUKEE : NOV 8, 2021

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9

Five decision factors for CEOs to thrive on disruption

THIS IS A TIME of accelerated disruption.

Over 80 years, the Industrial Revolution transformed economies through innovations in machinery. Over 18 years, the internet has changed how people interact, access information and shop.

And accelerating that change, it took just 18 months for COVID-19 to disrupt how we live and work.

A new reality is emerging from the impact of the pandemic. These disruptions are challenging CEOs of small and mid-size businesses to stay nimble and continually innovate. Leaders will continue to be challenged to make complex decisions very quickly, such as determining their new workforce model, how to best compete for talent, and addressing the rising cost of everything.

To help businesses prepare, the latest research from Vistage recommends that leaders consider the impact of these five factors:

1. How big to bet: Manage growth expectations

In Q2 2021, the Vistage CEO Confidence Index hit 108.8, the ninth highest level seen since the Index’s inception in 2003. By Q3 2021, however, the Index backed off to 97.1 as the rate of growth was decelerating.

The outlook for the year ahead is still strong among CEOs in Wisconsin, with 76% reporting expectations for increased revenues. That’s according to the Q3 2021 Vistage CEO Confidence Index survey that captured sentiment from over 1,620 CEOs nationally. However, headwinds such as inflation, supply, talent scarcity and the COVID-19 delta variant are threatening to dampen growth. The burning question for CEOs is how big to bet.

2. How to hybrid: The workforce model of the future

The great work-from-home experiment has revealed an important finding: Most people are productive at home, and many prefer remote working.

CEOs are now facing big policy decisions about the workplace model to offer long-term, whether that’s fully remote, in-person or a hybrid of the two. Just 25% of CEOs in Wisconsin plan to offer work-from-home options – either hybrid or fully remote – for some employees in their organization.

Making these policy decisions is complicated by the fact that certain aspects of work are better done in person while others are better done remotely. CEOs also need to carefully consider their employees’ preferences on remote versus in-person work.

3. How to connect to the connected customer: Sales and marketing alignment

Buyer behavior has changed. In the past 18 months, buyers have become more autonomous, digitally engaged and comfortable shopping without a salesperson. This puts pressure on organizations to radically change how they approach sales and marketing.

Businesses are increasing their investments to manage this pressure. Over a third (35%) of Wisconsin small and mid-size businesses surveyed have increased their marketing investments over pre-pandemic levels. Eighty-four percent of marketing investments are on digital marketing in particular.

4. How to manage the rising cost of everything: Managing supply and demand

Headlines everywhere talk about inflation. CEOs in Wisconsin reported increased costs from suppliers (78%), labor costs (82%) and raw materials (77%). Adding to this challenge, supply chain problems are getting worse. Businesses are facing shortages in raw materials, computer chips and shipping containers.

To absorb costs, businesses must increase their prices. This remains a fine balance between profitability, market forces and customer acceptance in place of lower-cost alternatives.

5. How to accelerate digital transformation: Effectively leveraging technology

Throughout the pandemic, companies that have fared the best are the ones farthest along on their digital transformation path. This correlation between technological advancement and business success is likely to grow stronger as our dependence on technology increases.

Currently, 70% of CEOs in Wisconsin are investing in technology to reduce the labor burden on their product or service, compared to 65% nationally.

Meanwhile, the threat of cyberattacks is growing. With so many employees working remotely on unsecured home networks, companies are more susceptible to hackers. Even if you’re among the 53% of Wisconsin CEOs with an up-to-date cybersecurity plan in place, your business is still at risk for an attack. n

JOE GALVIN

Joe Galvin is chief research officer for Vistage Worldwide and can be reached at research@vistage.com. For more reports and insights, or to connect with a Vistage chair, visit vistage.com/research-center.

BIZ PEOPLE Advertising Section: New Hires, Promotions, and Board Appointments

ARCHITECTURE

Kahler Slater welcomes

Wekeana Lassiter

Kahler Slater, an award-winning architecture, strategic advisory, interior design, and environmental branding firm, is pleased to announce the addition of Wekeana Lassiter. She brings over 10 years of experience to the firm’s Healthcare Team.

INSURANCE

John Whittemore

Joins Network Health as VP of Medicare and Individual Sales. Wisconsin-based health insurer Network Health announced today the addition of John Whittemore as vice president of Medicare and individual sales. Whittemore |brings more than 25 years of health insurance experience to Network Health.

FINANCIAL SERVICES

Andrea Bulen,

CFP®, Named Partner of Shakespeare Wealth Management, LLC. Shakespeare Wealth Management, a fiduciary, fee-only financial planning firm in Pewaukee, WI, announces the promotion of Andrea Bulen, CFP®, to Partner. She is an accomplished advisor with exceptional abilities in planning for high net-worth clients.

INTERIOR DESIGN

Creative welcomes Adam Molbeck as Account Executive

Creative Business Interiors brings on Adam Molbeck as Account Executive. Adam has held various positions within the commercial interiors industry, lending a unique perspective to his work in managing projects and client relations at Creative.

BANKING

Grunau names Sal Angelo as VP of Mechanical.

Sal Angelo is promoted to Vice President of Mechanical with Grunau Company. In this role, Sal will oversee all Mechanical operations and the Grunau Metals business. In addition, he will join the ranks of Grunau’s Executive Leadership Team. Sal has been with the Company for 21 years. He has built a great reputation among the many service and facility directors across the Milwaukee skyline. Grunau is excited for Sal’s expanded leadership and influence in the organization.

MANUFACTURING

Kapco Promotes Malek to Chief Operating Officer, Continuing Focus on Strategic Growth Kapco Metal Stamping has appointed Hani Malek as the company’s first Chief Operating Officer after a successful nineyear tenure as Vice President of Corporate Development. During his time with Kapco, Malek has been instrumental in driving Kapco’s growth through strategic planning, new business development, and culturebuilding. In his new role, he will continue to lead the organization forward as they invest in innovative manufacturing technology, including an Industry 4.0 roadmap that will position Kapco as a manufacturing leader in the Midwest.

Presents:

DECEMBER 10, 2021

Italian Community Center

7:00am - Registration | 7:30-10:00am - Breakfast & Program 7:45-8:45am - Panel Discussion, 8:45-9:15am - Awards Presentation, 9:20-10:00am - Breakout Sessions

Join us to celebrate local innovators and entrepreneurs in southeastern Wisconsin by attending the Innovation + Entrepreneurship Forum. Prior to the awards presentations, panelists and breakout sessions will discuss best practices for developing and sustaining a culture of innovation, ways to apply the characteristics of successful entrepreneurs to their own businesses and teams, and more.

Find out more at biztimes.com/ieforum

1 2

PANELISTS:

- Kyle Weatherly, CEO/Co-Founder, Frontdesk, Inc. (1) - Roy Dietsch, CEO, PartsBadger (2)

Sponsor: Supporting Sponsor: